This weekend I managed to squeak out a whopping 20 minutes of writing time to devote to my paranormal. I'm happy to say I accomplished a page and a half in that amount of time, but still, my word counter is barely climbing.
So what's a girl to do? Prioritize? I've tried. Skip out on important things? I have. Cuss up a storm? Many times over the past few weeks.
Others must feel like this sometimes? Our lives get so incredibly busy that it all starts to run together. Everyone and everything needs our attention. If we say no, the world may crumble. At least that's how I feel about it. I'm not saying I'm a superhero or miracle worker, but darn it, I'm close!
So today, after I mark off the one hundred things on my to do list, I'm gonna put out the 'writer at work' sign and then cross my fingers that I'll get just a little time for me. A little time to write. My characters miss me. They want their story told and no one can do that except me.
What do you do when 'life' gets in the way? I'll take any and all suggestions!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Posts
15 comments:
Often, Elle, life gets in the way and at my age I figure I may not have lots of years left to wait until tomorrow. :-)
I do force myself to do some writing at least 5 days a week. But then I'm no longer working another job. When I was teaching, I wrote in the summers and on vacations and made myself follow the same rule then.
But it's very hard if family disasters occur. However, often the way I reduce my stress is to write, even if it's only one page.
Mary Jo
I get to the point where I absolutely need "me" time. I've learned that my friends will still love me if I skip on an evening out and that laundry and house cleaning will hold one more day. I hibernate at home with the dogs and do whatever I darned well please. These days on a weekend if the weather's nice, that includes taking out the boat.
When I was under serious deadline, I learned to set my alarm for an hour earlier to write before work. I hate getting up early but it was necessary and the book got finished.
Mary Jo,
You are so right. Writing is a stress reliever even though it creates its own stress at times. I'll deal with character stress over "real" stress any day of the week!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Mary,
One of these days I will get down there to share in that "me" time on the boat.
I use to get up an hour early as well. Thanks for reminding me. I'll definitely get back into that habit.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Elle,
Have you tried making a written schedule? You could include your family in the process to make sure everyone gets the time they want/need, including you. Then make sure it is prominently displayed somewhere so everyone knows what is supposed to happen when, like when Mom is supposed to have her uninterrupted writing time.
Hugs, sweetie! Sometimes you just have to eke out a few words here and there as you can. They WILL add up. I promise.
I feel your pain, Barb/Elle. Time management has been a major bugaboo for me for the last three years. My daily issues are different from yours, but it's a the same daily challenge to find enough time in the day to devote to my writing. In order to meet deadlines, I've essentially given up a social life and TV. My houskeeping is splotchy at best. And I rarely cook. All I can say is, I'm lucky to have such an understanding husband!
In order to dodge frustration, if you can't squeeze in even a few minutes of writing at your laptop, carry along a notepad and try to jot down thoughts about your characters or upcoming scenes. It's an outlet for you creative energy... productive too!
SIS Beth
Hi Barb
I think we all feel overwhelmed with daily life from time to time. I think everyone should have at least one day a week that is just for them. Pick a day, put out the do not disturb sign, and write away.
Chris,
A schedule is a good idea. Unfortunately, I'll need to consult with my job too. The one that pays the bills is more demanding than ever, But I won't complain too much about that seeing as I'm fortunate to have a good one.
I'll make my daughter draw up my schedule in bright and bold colors. That way it'll get everyones attention.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Tori,
You're right. It all adds up. I shall keep plugging away! Thank you for your encouraging words!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Beth,
My housekeeping is also splotchy. Sometimes I look around and cringe. My plan is to find a happy medium. Wish me luck! Right now just seems to be an especially busy time full of very important things. I'm not really complaining. Okay, maybe a tad. I just need a few more hours in the day!!! That way I can fit in EVERYTHING!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
BJ,
I'm gonna try that. I'll let you know how it works out.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Barb,
I feel your pain...my life is a crazy, hectic blur lately. I haven't even read a book, forget about writing, in months. It doesn't seem like my life used to be so busy. Hopefully, you'll find some time for yourself, and hopefully, you had time to get some writing done today! Hang in there!
SIS Bren
Bren,
I'm hangin'! I think I need a vacation. Got room at your house? Maybe we could switch homes for a week. You want your next vacation to be in Wisconsin, right?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Dahling Elle, we have to balance it all. Juggle the events in our lives with the people that we love. It's not easy. Sometimes it leaves us feeling like underwear that's lost its elastic - just plain saggy and uncomfortable. But, hey, we're strong women! Can I get a witness?
Okay, I needed that pep talk as much as you did!
And, for what its worth, I think you're coming along beautifully on your WIP!
Post a Comment