The Outlaw Method

For those who don't know, I made a goal to make weekly reflections on finding the balance between working full time and finding time for our creative endeavors. It's a balance I still haven't quite found, but like all of my writing, my primary audience is generally myself.

But this week, I was thinking about why when I originally started these reflections, I called them Reflections from the Writers Roost. It's a play on words for Robbers Roost, the hideout for Butch Cassidy and other outlaws of the old west. Because honestly, sometimes making sure I take time to create feels like an act of rebellion - especially in a world where when we're not working, we're usually consuming content.

Again, I struggle to find the balance. Yesterday, when I finished working, I played video games all evening. I was the perfect little worker/consumer. And as much as I love TV and video games, and fully intend to continue participating in that content - I don't want to just be a consumer in my downtime.

And that's it. That's the reason. Creativity is its own reward, but when all I want to do after a long day of work is veg and play Baldur's Gate 3, I can sometimes trick my brain into fighting that complacency by pretending I'm a rebel for doing so. An outlaw for the sake of art.

Is it dumb? Yeah, but so is most of the stuff I write. I love dumb stuff. But that little extra bit of dopamine cosplaying outlaw helps me to feel extra good about making time for my art.

So welcome to the Roost. It's more a state of mind than a place. But it's a hideaway from the law, where you can work on your art in peace.