Let’s talk about Focus.

I like Webster’s definitions:

Focus (noun)

a : adjustment (as of the eye or an eyepiece) for distinct vision

b : the position in which something must be placed (as in relation to a camera lens) for clearness of image or clarity of mental perception

: a central point: as

a : a center of activity or attraction or one drawing the greatest attention and interest

Focus (verb)

1a : to bring (as light rays) to a focus : concentrate

3 : to adjust the focus of (as the eye or a lens)

intransitive verb

1: to come to a focus : converge

2: to adjust one’s eye or a camera to a certain range

<newborn babies cannot focus for several months>

3: to concentrate attention or effort <she was already focusing on her next role>

I love it that focus is both a noun and a verb. We need to understand both the essence of focus and the actions that build or hinder it. Take a look at Webster’s definitions again. What particular words or phrases jump out at you?

Here are the words and phrases that caught my attention…my focus:

For distinct vision

Clearness…or clarity

Central point

Drawing the greatest attention and interest

To adjust

In two weeks I’ll share with you how I think those things relate to writing, both the act of writing and the career. (Next week my blog will focus on the Mount Hermon Writer’s Conference, where both Steve Laube and I will be this week!) But first, I want to hear your thoughts. As you ponder the ideas and phrases above, how do you think they relate to what you’re doing as a writer?

Can’t wait to hear what you think!