Warren Ellis talking about how he works is fascinating to me.

The concern in writing about work, writing this sort of thing — and I’ve been trying to hit this note in the newsletter — is that it presents like This Is The Only Way To Do Things, Join 1000mphClub Or Die. It becomes part of the Hustle Porn narrative.

I can only do these things by cutting things off and throwing things overboard and dropping out of the world. You, reader, do not have to do it like me. There are more ways of doing art and work than there are flowers under the sun. Pick the one that works for you. Live well and make great things in the method that suits you best. You don’t have to ruin yourself trying to fit into the stated processes of idiots like me who write on the internet to break up their days.

Glad we had this talk. 

I have a thing for looking at routines, set ups, applications, and more from people I admire and then wanting to imitate what they use in a vain attempt at finding a magic potion of productivity and inspiration.

It hasn’t really worked out.

For example, more than a few internet entrepreneurs have raved about the writing application Ulysses. I have a subscription. In fits and starts, I’ve attempted to start using it for my writing. Nothing has stuck.

One thing I haven’t done is basically go all in and fold all the writing I have ever done in various places and locations into Ulysses and just use it exclusively. Basically, force myself into the ecosystem so I start to see the “benefits.” I’ve been reluctant to do that.

Using the app Bear is another good example. I should want to use this incredible note keeping app, but it doesn’t spark joy (apologies Marie Kondo). The to-do app Things 3 is all the rage and I just haven’t turned the corner to start really using it.

From writing, to notes to productivity, I can’t find the right mix. I’m certainly not going to kill myself like Mr. Ellis is always on the edge of doing to himself, but I’d like to find the right set of tools and routines to make me better, more productive, more creative.

Maybe I just need to just quit looking to others as inspiration and find the methods and materials that work best and then go from there. Let the hustle come to me, so to speak. I think I’ll take the next couple of days to think on that.