avatarDon Martin, real-life writer

Summary

The author reflects on the potential misinterpretation of their previous story, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one cerebral task at a time for optimal performance, akin to not juggling multiple high school relationships.

Abstract

In the provided content, the author addresses the concern that their last story may have inadvertently portrayed them as incapable of multitasking. They clarify that while they can engage in complex activities like playing the guitar and horse riding simultaneously, they believe that certain intellectual tasks, such as writing, require undivided attention. The author uses the analogy of a high school relationship to illustrate the value of concentrating on a single endeavor. They also share their personal experience with writing tools, such as voice recording and typing, to underscore that while tools can aid the process, one must remain attentive to avoid errors. The author invites readers to subscribe for updates, offers a free PDF sample of their writing, and encourages joining Medium for full access to their stories and support for the writing community.

Opinions

  • The author believes that important tasks, especially writing, are best performed with full concentration and without distraction.
  • Multitasking, while possible in some scenarios, can lead to subpar performance in cerebral activities.
  • Using tools like voice recorders or voice typing features is not considered cheating, but one must still be vigilant to maintain quality.
  • The author suggests that readers should focus on one task at a time, likening the approach to having a single high school girlfriend to avoid complications.
  • They advocate for a dedicated approach to writing, akin to a juggler focusing on their performance without distraction.
  • The author values the act of writing and encourages readers to engage with their work by subscribing and joining Medium, implying a commitment to quality content and support for fellow writers.

Did I Give Writers a Bad Name?

Quite unintentionally

Photo by Karina Miranda on Unsplash

In my last story, I may have unintentionally given readers the impression that I am unable to walk and chew gum at the same time.

The fact is that I regularly play my guitar and sing while I am riding on my horse at my Writer Squeezin’s ranch, so you see that is definitely not the case.

But the fact I was trying to bring out was, that important stuff is best done alone. Privately. It's not that you just can't do two things at once. You just can't always do them well.

It’s a lot like having a high school girlfriend.

Better to just have one.

Jugglers belong in the circus, not in high school drama beat-down court.

Writing is a very cerebral activity. Cerebral activities often involve the brain, but not in an automatic way, such as breathing or gagging. It involves paying attention.

Your degree of attention can vary some. At times I use the voice recorder app on my phone. Often I use the voice typing feature on my computer.

Being a reformed bean-counter, I have to tell you I can use a 10-key adding machine pretty well without looking at it, but I can't type very well at all. When I do type, sometimes I race with the screensaver to finish a sentence.

Point is, using tools is not cheating. You still have to watch what you are doing so as not to drive into a journalistic ditch. All I was saying was to 1)watch the road and 2)only drive in one lane at a time.

Offsite link

Incidentally, if you’re smart, you will let me warn you every time I publish a story, by getting on THIS LIST. If you want to read even more stories, and support the movement, be sure to join on HERE. Get a FREE chaotic sample of me writing about me writing in PDF form by CLICKING HERE. Anyone sick of clicking, CLICK HERE.

FREE! Now available! MARTIN WRITING on MARTIN WRITING — Small volume of a handful of stories on Deep Thought, Humor, Profundity, Essays, and Journalistic Instruction in read-anywhere PDF format! CLICK HERE! (Offsite links)

Writing
Humor
Life Lessons
Illumination
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