When we went over our P 2 writing earlier today, I realized two important things: One, I have a general tendency to overstate my point and include too much information when writing a first draft; Second, I fear that even the most aggressive editing and cutting will not whittle my process booklet down to a manageable size for presentation next week.
I know my peer reviewers, Emily K. and Michelle C., will not agree. They think it can be done, and I appreciate the encouragement more than I can say, but I'm just not sure it's enough. The topic is (was) self-releasing your own music, and that's a fascinating subject I could go on and on about. In my draft, I did in fact go on and on (so much so, I had only time to make a dummy out of 3 folded blank sheets of paper before passing out at 4:30 AM). Clearly, I've bitten off more than I can chew
There are few things that make me feel worse than turning in shoddy or half-finished work. We're all very busy, working adults, and we also happen to have a ton of work in this class (this week especially), so I hope some of you will empathize with my decision to strap on my parachute and bail out of this idea, ASAP.
2. THE SOLUTION?
My original idea was to create an amusing how-to with single-sentence steps and simple illustrations. As I walked by Meredith's adorable "How to Go Sledding" booklet earlier today, I began to realize the gravity of my error. In my longing for something less complicated that will also be fun to illustrate, I have come up with with the following proposal:
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How to Administer Ear Drops or Ointment to a Resisting Cat
- PLAN YOUR TIMING: Cats are easier to handle when they're sleepy. Wait to make your move until your kitty is napping or just waking up.
- PREPARE YOUR TOOLS: Find a pair of thick gloves (not mittens) and a towel you don't care about. If you have pheromone spray, apply some onto the towel. Unscrew the dropper/lid from the medicine and place the bottle or tube in your pocket. Put on your gloves. Do these things outside of your cat's line-of-sight.
- PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND CONFIDENCE: Even a sleeping cat knows when you're nervous. Channel your inner ninja and act silently, quickly, and deliberately. Remember, the element of surprise is key. If your cat gets wind of your plan, all hope is lost.
- EMPLOY THE REAR-FACING "BURRITO KITTY " METHOD: Grip the long edge of the towel with your hands about foot apart, and approach your (ideally) oblivious cat from the rear. Quickly place and wrap the towel around your cat so that only her head is exposed, and simultaneously kneel behind her so that she can't wiggle her way out backwards.
- IF YOUR CAT FLEES, MAKE CHASE. Continue chasing your cat until you have successfully completed step 4.
- BE GENTLE. Hold your cat steady and speak to her in a low, calm voice. She may loudly vocalize her opinion about the situation, but that's normal. Tell her everything is going to be okay and continue.
- ADMINISTER THE MEDICINE: Make sure your cat is firmly swaddled with no stray paws on the loose. Carefully retrieve the medicine from your pocket with one hand while keeping a secure hold on your burrito kitty with your other hand. Apply fluid or ointment as directed by your veterinarian.
- RELEASE YOUR BURRITO KITTY: Now that it's all over, you can free your furious feline and let her run and hide in the closet. Be aware that she will probably shake her head a lot and send medicated ointment flying everywhere as she beats her hasty retreat.
- END ON A POSITIVE NOTE: Clean up the ointment mess, and then coax your kitty out of hiding with some catnip or another favorite treat. Have a snuggle, and ask her to forgive and forget. This step is important because you're probably going to have to repeat this procedure twice a day for the next 2 weeks.
That's it for now. Any feedback on the concept and execution (images excluded) is needed and appreciated!
I would say that it's better to go the less stressful route. And you have all the process steps down for how to care for your cat. Switch your idea to a less grand scheme (cat care) and follow through.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah. I like what you have going here with the cat. It's simple, clear and entertaining to read. I like how you have the main idea in all caps then you go into more detail. This is a great idea and if it makes your life easier, do it! These steps lend themselves to some great visuals. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love your blog header! Very cool...or should I say, groovy :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sticking with my original "YOU CAN DO IT!" BUT perhaps your time frame is not ideal. I like your idea with the cat. Having done that myself, I think that would be a VERY useful how to. Good luck with either route you take!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I am weighing in late--for what it's worth now, I love the cat idea and think it is more manageable for a small booklet. Your original idea is complex enough to warrent a book. I think your content is sequential and your writing concise and humerous. Go with your gut!
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