The Columnist Manifesto

I got a substantial extension on a big writing project the other day. I had been feeling a lot of pressure from the impending deadline, so it’s a big relief. Too big. I’m reminded of a series of Peanuts cartoon strips in which Charlie Brown is paralyzed by the pressure of having to write a book report for school. He procrastinates, of course, and for several days agonizes out loud. It’s due Friday, and by Thursday, he’s miserable. He shows up for school on Friday and – lo and behold – the teacher is absent that day. Everyone can turn in their book reports on Monday!

After school, Charlie Brown and Linus have a conversation that goes something like this:

LINUS: Well, now you can work on your book report without feeling all that pressure, right Charlie Brown?

CHARLIE BROWN: Book report? That’s not due til Monday. Let’s go out and play!

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