by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
As a child and as a parent, I have always been fond of the PBS preschool show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Mr. Rogers was a gentle soul who helped kids learn how to handle their emotions, explore the often confusing world around them, and use their imaginations.
I often think about the show, which had a huge impact on me (such a quiet show to have such an influence). Here are three ways I think it’s helped me with my writing life:
A Reliance on Transitions
Mr. Rogers was a big believer in using transitions to segue into an activity. For him, it was putting on a cardigan and a pair of tennis shoes as the TV show started and having a trolley transport children to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe segment.
For me, it does make life easier to have regular transitions into my very own Neighborhood of Make-Believe segment each writing day. :) It helps set the stage for sitting down and falling right back into my story again. The transition, for me, is just as simple as Mr. Rogers’ transition was…I come downstairs in the morning, let the dog out, get the newspaper, feed the dog, feed the cats, pour myself some coffee (decaf, sadly, these days), and sit down with my story. It sets the scene. And the writing comes a lot more effortlessly.
A Focus on Routine
As a huge fan of routine myself, I always noted Mr. Rogers’ show was full of them. You always knew what to expect with the show and with him, whether it was meeting a “neighbor” (sometimes a cook or an artist or a dancer), a musical segment, a puppet segment, or just watching Mr. Rogers feed his goldfish.
It’s the same for me. I know I’ll be writing first thing every day and the expectation means it’s not a struggle. It’s just as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth, eating breakfast, or any number of daily tasks. The very predictability of it means I’m more productive. It ties in, also, to the transition element above.
Taking Time to Slow Down, Think About Your Feelings
Mr. Rogers was a big one for recognizing what you’re feeling and better channeling it. But especially of being in tune with yourself and your feelings.
This is a big one for me because I’m an impatient, hurried, restless person by nature..not as introspective. Pretty much 180 degrees opposite from Mr. Rogers. I’ve tried, especially in more recent years, to be more attuned to what I’m thinking and feeling.
How can this help with our writing? Mainly this: a block isn’t just a block. It’s telling you something. If you’re feeling resistance in moving forward with your story, there’s likely a reason for it. Realizing where that block/resistance is coming from can be key in solving the issue. Is it a problem with the story? Something doesn’t work? Should you skip forward to a different scene? Are you feeling too harried from interruptions at home and need to move to another location?
It goes beyond that, of course, into other aspects of our writing life. Is our body telling us we need to stretch or move around more? Do we need to de-stress by listening to music or doing another relaxing activity? Like I said, this is a lesson I’m still struggling to learn.
Were you a fan of Mr. Rogers or another television show that influenced you early in life? What do you find inspirational today?
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Sure, I watched it as a kid. Those were things that we can apply to our writing life.
And now that you mention it, Mr. Rogers was a very quiet show. But still captivating.
Sooo quiet, especially compared to Sesame Street (another favorite at the time). But I was always mesmerized (and I wasn’t a quiet kid).
Oh, I remember that show, Elizabeth. And I always loved Fred Rogers’ way of talking to children. He always treated them with respect, even as he talked to them in terms they could understand. That takes skill! I never thought about it all from the writer’s perspective, but I see your point. Thanks for the ‘food for thought.’
So true…he never spoke down to them. Hope you have a great week, Margot!
I never watched his show but admire Mr. Rogers. I need to work on my routine.
It can take a while to establish a good routine, for sure.
We had Mr. Dressup here in Canada as well as Mr. Rogers. They had that simple, genuine caring down pat!
I agree with those simple traditions – for me it’s Chai tea and music on – then my brain is ready to write :)
I love Chai tea!
Such a calming rhythm to his routines. I too tend to be a bit restless. You put into words the effect Mr. Rogers created with routine and focus!
It was very calming…soothing, almost. Good luck with your restlessness…it’s a daily struggle for me!
There was something magical about that trolley. I loved it! Those are great reminders to pay attention to the simple things.
Loved that trolley! And Picture Picture. :)
Love Mr. Rogers. Looking forward to the movie about him starring Tom Hanks. Great advice. I need to build a routine around my writing. Thanks!
I’m looking forward to that movie, too!