A benefit and a drawback of writing and editing and blogging at home is the tendency — my tendency — to fall prey to The Pajama Syndrome. TPS is common among writers, both aspiring and published, although with the advent of Skype, TPS rates have decreased somewhat with book club authors, from what I’ve heard. It’s easy to cozy up with the laptop and write, plaid flannel pants with a thread of silver sparkle make an excellent base for a lap desk. The quiet I need to write well — oh hell — to even write poorly — seems more likely with morning hair, even if it’s noon.
Or so I thought.
While much of my writing has been done while donning slippers and drinking coffee (pumpkin spice today, it’s finally Fall) sometimes the tranquil nature of stretchy clothes is counterproductive. Sometimes I want to look the part of the professional even if no one is going to see me. Granted, I can pretend I’m all spiffed up if I’m on the phone with a client, but it’s sort of like false advertising. To myself. I know the clients don’t care if I read and edit their work at 5am in a Snuggie (after all, it IS a leopard print Snuggie) but sometimes, I care. And sometimes it’s better to talk the talk AND walk the walk. Even if I’m walking alone.
Back in September when I was scheduled to appear on Annmarie Lockhart’s Fifteen Minutes of Poetry on BlogTalk Radio, not to talk about poetry, but to talk about fiction, I decided it was time to look the part. I blew dry my hair, put on jeans and a tee (I have my limits) and even *GASP* a pair of — wait for it — shoes! What I liked most of all that when I looked in the mirror I thought that I could actually be talking to someone in person, face to face, IRL, and saying the same things the same way. I didn’t expect that to happen — and because I have dogs I did cordon myself off in my bedroom to be on the show. And when I was on Curtis Sliwa’s radio show in 2009, I stood in the bathroom. There are just a few things even a coiffed do and a glossy lip can’t cure. My annoying rambunctious dogs are two of them.
I think I could have pulled off the interview even in my pj’s — because it was fun talking to Annmarie — and because I am always willing and eager to talk about writing craft and my own work to other writers and I’m thinking I’m more likely to be believable to myself when I look in the mirror and see the professional me. It’s a good reminder that while lovely prose and snappy dialogue are not predicated on the fashion-sense of the author, those of us who work alone – at home – can also use the confidence a good hair day imbues.
So, how do you know when you’re too deep in TPS? Perhaps when your sixteen year old daughter gets in the car after school and asks, “Why are you so dressed up?” The fact that you happen to be wearing jeans and black long-sleeved T-shirt is not lost on you. You ask, “Why do you say I’m dressed up?” And she says, “You’re wearing a necklace.”
Indeed, I was.
Another member of the pajama brigade, here. Although recently, sweaty yoga attire seems to be my ensemble of choice. I either go walking or go to yoga in the am and then am sweaty and not fit for beast or man to be around for hours. Sometimes I make it to the shower by 2 pm, say, if I have to go to the grocery store, the post office, Office Depot, etc. And the daughter comment? My 16-year old has uttered those exact words…more than once…when I’ve been properly dressed for a human encounter. But, after all these years, I still believe it’s the only way to fly (and write)!
TPS! That was hilarious! I am glad to know that it’s not just me. Because I have a day job and have to get dressed “up” five days a week, I long to spend the weekends in my pj’s at my computer. Now that totally makes sense to me. It does feel nice to have the contrast, sometimes, too. Just to know that we can dress like a professional, but also be happy in sweats is a good thing. At least we’re not high maintanence!
A fun read, and I do like your wardrobe. I was watching a friend in the army once when he phoned a superior officer about something. Right before my eyes in my messy single-girls apartment, Bill scrambled to attention and–as God is my witness–saluted. He was already in uniform, but the salute while holding the receiver in his left hand is a cherished memory.
TPS or SPS (sweat pants) — YES!! I have to say I’m that bad or worse…. although I do get dressed first thing every morning, it’s always in sweats and a fleece. I now have slippers with real soles now and they are a little too comfy…. sometimes I forget I have them on and get all the way out to the car on my way to the grocery store and need to turn around to put my crocs on (I know, big improvement over slippers, right?). I think TPS is standard writer wear (isn’t it?).
I have a rule: No pajamas until after 6:00 p.m. However, the time I shed them in the a.m. has no rules. Pretty much sets the standard of my life. 🙂
I had to laugh when I read this great post! I was interviewed on various radio shows when my memoir was published, and one of them was a call-in animal show. My memoir is about growing up as the daughter of a gerbil farmer (yes, you read that right), so of course I expected pet questions. What I did NOT expect was a call-in from a guy whose gerbil seemed to be dying–and he tried to perform CPR on his dear rodent! As I listened, I had to keep saying to myself, “Do not snort on NPR. Do not snort on NPR.”
I once posted a pic (and it’s in the “collage” of pics on my blog page) showing my “author glamour shot” — and I think some people may have thought I looked like that as a joke or to prove a point about how, um, relaxed I was at home writing *laugh* – it’s a shameful pic, really — I should be ashamed *laughing* … For events, I do dress professionally, and for skyping, and like you, for the radio I try to put on something not so “shabby” (though I still am without shoes usually!).
😀
On my writing days, I try to be vigilant about changing out of my pjs into my “uniform” as my husband calls it (fleece pants and t-shirt with a fleece hoody.) Wearing pjs for 24 hrs straight makes me feel like I’m a fashion model for a palliative care line.
Scenes from a writer’s bedroom:
“OH NO!” I said laying down on the bed to zip my pants, “Writing makes me fat!”
“We’ll cut bigger doors.” He said with love in his eyes.
“I’m going to straighten my hair and put on some makeup.” I said waddled walking to the bathroom.
A twinge of panic shot from his eyes, “Is it our anniversary?”
Pajamas Rule! But I have to say that although most days I’m lounging around at the writing desk with the pj’s on, I do get dressed a couple days a week. Dressed = jeans and a t-shirt or sweats and a t-shirt. lol
Funny post and so true. I’m going to have shower and get dressed to see if that helps me writer better/more today. Thanks Amy.
I am in such EXCELLENT company!! 🙂
Amy
If I had my way, I’d be in overalls, or flannel jammas everyday. As long as someone brings the groceries in and keeps the heat on i’m good…. just writing.
Okay, you have inspired me to change out of my fleece robe, finally. But I will have to work up to the jewelry… Thanks for another great post!
LIPSTICK…every time i put lipstick on my kids start clamoring, “Where are you going?!?” Your post is far too identifiable, amy…thanks for the giggle!