Tolkien's Birthday Toast, and Insecure Writer's Procrastination

Welcome to the first Insecure Writer's Support Group of the new year!

Today, I've got two items for insecure writers - like myself.

The first is a toast, to an accomplished author, linguist, subcreator, and so much more.

A toast, to The Professor!


The toast works like this: "On the 3rd January 1892, J. R. R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. To celebrate this event, on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author at 21:00 (9 pm) your local time.

The toast is "The Professor".

For those unfamiliar with British toast-drinking ceremonies: To make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words 'The Professor' before taking a sip (or swig, if that's more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink."

You can join in by filling out the entry form. I'll be having a wee dram of Lagavulin.

My second feature is... writers' procrastination tools! Sure, why not? Before we all set our goals for the year ahead, we can take a short break. There are a lot of procrastination opportunities nowadays, especially online...

I've got ten boards on my Pinterest so far. I do try to keep it mostly writing and reading related, but cats will creep in...

Of course, I never started out trying to make my tumblr writing-related. Though I do post character images and inspiration, a lot of the time there are Neil Gaiman and Doctor Who images on there. Or images from vacations. How can one resist?
also Oreos...

Twitter has been lots more fun than I expected! I thought, at first, that it would be a major time waster, which is why I avoided it for so long. Then I friend gave me her old iPod (my first apple product!) and the first thing I did was join Twitter. I must say, it's a lot easier to keep track of it on a separate, dedicated device, without having to check in on the computer. And authors will reply to you!

This has left less time for Facebook, but I'm happy to say I haven't played that ridiculous farm game since last summer. I'll play Scrabble with you, though, if you like!

Which ones are your favourite online procrastination tools?
Or have you already started on your writing and reading goals?

Comments

Matthew MacNish said…
I'm going to have to pick up some Scotch for this toast. Probably some Glenlivet Nadurra.
I've tried to keep my distractions to just blogging, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Sarah McCabe said…
The Lord of the Rings Online.

I've tried to leave it, to not let it interfere with my writing, I've even announced I was leaving it and taken long breaks. But I always get drawn back in. I have a bad habit of getting caught up in music and role playing activities there. But at the same time, the LOTRO community has been the main thing that has encouraged me to explore my creativity over the past few years. I can never decide if being involved there is good or bad for me. :)
Unknown said…
For me, my biggest procrastination is TV. I love to watch mystery shows and football. Going to cut back on that this year.
S.P. Bowers said…
Happy Birthday Tolkien!

You can never have too many oreos.

Since Christmas was ALL distractions and no writing I'm trying to be very good and focused. We'll see how long it lasts.
So many people are talking about Tolkien these days. It's not enough to just say he was a great writer and that he handed his family a billion dollar empire. They gotta point out all the lil things too.
M Pax said…
I just toasted with some green tea. Professor!

I'm on Pinterest and it is fun. I got better at FB recently. Finally. And I love Twitter. If I'm not careful, they can consume my mornings.
I spend an insane amount of time on Facebook and Pinterest, so I haven't even dared to open a twitter!
Unknown said…
Ahh, Tolkien. The man. The mithril.

Welcome to Twitter, too! Twitter itself a procrastination tool, so watch out :)

Jamie
Jack said…
Happy Birthday to Tolkien, one of the best writers in history!
Tonja said…
I am procrastinating right now, as a matter of fact. I am so glad I read this now. Just 2.5 hours until the toast. :)
Unknown said…
Ah, procrastination. The worst is procrastination that can be disguised as productivity (as in, "I need to tweet/facebook/whatever so I can connect with readers").

My drugs of choice are Twitter, Facebook, and blogging. Let's not forget solitaire though... :)
KM Nalle said…
Happy Birthday, Tolkien.

My biggest procrastination tool is Netflix or Amazon Prime Streaming. I get caught up in TV shows I've never seen (Party of Five, Alias, Falling Skies). It's so easy when you can watch without commercials and just move from one episode to the next without waiting.
Hi Deniz - missed it this year .. my cup of coffee cheers on the 4th will be default need to do!

Happy 2013 - cheers Hilary
nutschell said…
I'm defnititely trying to avoid Online procrastination tools. Last year, I was into playing trivia games on Facebook. Happy to say that only lasted 2 weeks. :)

Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Ciara said…
I need to cut down on distractions. I'm trying to only focus on blogging, twitter, FB, and Goodreads, but it is tough.
Deniz Bevan said…
Love The Glenlivet, Matthew!

Good idea, Alex. Can't say no to Twitter, it's been so much fun!

Oh, you're right, Sarah - DH plays that often!

Ooh, I love mysteries too, Clarissa!

I'm trying, Sara - it's hard, when the internet is right there...

You're right, Michael. I think I'll reread Leaf by Niggle and talk about that next time.

Ooh, Pinterest, yes! You're right M.

I've only been on for two months so far, Georgina and Jamie. We'll see if I can keep it up...

Thanks for toasting with me, Jack and Tonja!

Exactly, Lara - I mean, I was just Googling hereditary peerages. That's research...

You're right, Kari - I keep watching old Doctor Who episodes...

Happy new year, Hilary!

Me too, nutschell, I'm really glad I stopped playing Farmville.

It is, Ciara. Having a schedule helped me with blogging, but now with Twitter...
Anonymous said…
I love Tumblr and Pinterest. Tumblr has such lovely pictures and Pinterest is a great way to organize my favorite things.
Deniz Bevan said…
I agree, Medeia!