I fully intended to blog about something other than nothing today, but we had a storm last night and the lights kept dimming so I shut down my computer (I usually write my blogs in advance and schedule them to appear on a designated day). Also, my father had knee replacement surgery yesterday. Lots of hospital visits are on the schedule until he gets out. Can’t have him expiring of boredom.
I had an incredibly busy August. I thought I’d be deep into revisions on my cindypk ST by now, but I consider myself lucky that I’m finding time to brainstorm those revisions. Making excellent headway, too! However, the last two weeks in particular have offered up one big life circumstance after another, some bad, some not as bad. And here I thought that by not attending the RWA National conference this year, I’d have way more writing time. Now I’m beginning to realize that August is pretty much a write-off in that area in the same way December is. If I plan not to have much writing time in both those months, things motor along okay. If I don’t allow myself enough leeway, if I plan to actually write a lot during those times, I get frantic. Because it doesn’t happen. I need to remember to work my deadlines around August and December so I can enjoy one of those things I’ve heard referred to as “A Life.”
The problem with being a writer is it’s a never-ending job. There’s always something to do. If you’re not actually writing, you’re plotting or brainstorming or promoting or working on your website. Like any small business, I suppose. It calls to you when you’re making dinner, when you’re supposed to be doing housework or relaxing in front of the TV. I don’t know the true meaning of weekends. If I’m deep in writing a book, to me the weekends are for catching up on the biz of writing. Not that I’m complaining. I love what I do. But it’s definitely not a nine-to-five lifestyle, and I think sometimes we writers are bad at recognizing that. We can’t work 14 hours a day and expect not to get burnt out. We aren’t super human. We need to learn to schedule breaks…or sorta breaks. If that means August and December are write-offs for getting much accomplished, then so be it.
Well, whaddyaknow? I think I just blogged about something.
I’ve been taking December off since the year I started writing. There’s no way I can get anything done with all the home/life stuff on my to-do list then. Plus, it’s nice to relax and enjoy the holiday season!
Glad your dad came through the surgery ok 🙂 Hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Life certainly does have a way of interfering, but our characters don’t always want to hear about it. Mine come to me in the weirdest ways – they’re now insisting I plot late at night, then remember things till the next morning. Very annoying, but at least they’re talking to me.
Good luck with those revisions!!
I’m determined to learn that lesson this year. Last year I half learned the lesson, but not all the way.
LOL, Teresa. Yes, you have to catch them when you can!
Life does get in the way. I’m starting a new book, and the ideas keep coming, whether I’m walking the dog, driving to the post office, in bed, ready to sleep, and have to jump up and write something down before I forget it.
Edie, you’re making me jealous.