Look, editing is hard. Writing is hard. Thinking about writing is hard. So instead of being a productive, disciplined author, I’ve honed my skills in the fine art of creative avoidance. Here are ten things I’ve done recently that, while deeply unhelpful to my manuscript, have somehow felt very urgent at the time.

1. Reorganised My Bookshelf by Colour, Then by Vibe

Because nothing screams “I’m a serious writer” like spending an hour deciding if that one dark fantasy belongs in “moody gothic” or “brooding but make it pretty.”

2. Took a Buzzfeed Quiz to Find Out What Kind of Bread I Am

I’m a sourdough. Apparently, I’m “complex, expensive, but worth the effort.” So at least someone thinks I’m worth editing.

3. Googled “Can You Die from Too Much Editing?”

Answer: Not yet, but emotionally? Yes.

4. Had a Sudden, Overwhelming Need to Clean the Skirting Boards

Can’t write surrounded by dust. What am I, a monster?

5. Created a Pinterest Board Called ‘Aesthetic Writing Goals’

Spent three hours pinning photos of foggy forests, antique typewriters, and women in oversized jumpers holding mugs. Wrote zero words.

6. Rewatched Father Ted “for research.”
And by research, I mean comfort.
And by comfort, I mean procrastination with a side of denial.
The isolation of Craggy Island is basically like being exiled to a remote Anglo-Saxon monastery. Except with more tea and heretical cows.

7. Read 37 One-Star Reviews of Books I Love to Fuel My Imposter Syndrome

Because obviously, what I needed was less confidence and more existential dread.

8. Convinced Myself I Needed a New Notebook to Feel Inspired

Then spent an embarrassing amount of time on Etsy choosing “the one.” Still haven’t written in it. It’s too pretty.

9. Decided Now Was the Time to Finally Learn How to Make Sourdough

Full circle from the bread quiz. Have I become the bread? Possibly.

10. Wrote This Blog Post

Look at me, being productive. Not on my book, but still. Small wins.

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What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done to avoid work? Asking for a friend (who is also me).

BONUS ROUND: Procrastination Level – Fae Royalty

After writing this list, did I finally open my manuscript?
No. Instead, I made a reel giving Throne of Glass characters ridiculous nicknames because clearly, that was urgent.

If you’ve ever wondered what Dorian would be called if he fully leaned into his “I’ll bleed whatever colour you tell me to” energy, or if Rowan’s true name is actually “Buzzkill Birdman,” you’re in for a treat.

▶️ Check out the reel on Instagram for maximum chaos and questionable creativity.

Now, seriously… I should get back to editing.
(Or start reorganising my email inbox. You know. For productivity.)