It's October already! Where has this year gone?
It's also the first Wednesday of the month which means its time for Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group.
Come join us. We post the first Wednesday of the month. The purpose is to let out our fears and frustrations without feeling silly. And of course to help others through their insecurities. Here's what Alex says about it:
To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Lately I've been feeling swamped, buried beneath a pile so big I have to claw my way out for air. I know this topic comes up a lot, but is it possible to ever stop feeling overwhelmed by all the things we need to do?
At least this year I've made specific times for writing. Early in the morning is my only chance. I have to wake up before 6:00. If I can roll out of bed by 5:30, then I get about an hour and a half to write before getting everyone ready.
The rest of my day is filled with homeschooling, going to work and feeding my family. (I actually enjoy all of these things too.)
I'm not trying to complain but...
Will I ever finish the first round of edits for my novel?
I just wish I could enter a time warp and have like 3 more hours a day of uninterrupted time to write.
Has anyone figured it out? Please share your secrets. And don't forget to go read all the other posts here.
Kathy :)
It's also the first Wednesday of the month which means its time for Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group.
Come join us. We post the first Wednesday of the month. The purpose is to let out our fears and frustrations without feeling silly. And of course to help others through their insecurities. Here's what Alex says about it:
To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Lately I've been feeling swamped, buried beneath a pile so big I have to claw my way out for air. I know this topic comes up a lot, but is it possible to ever stop feeling overwhelmed by all the things we need to do?
At least this year I've made specific times for writing. Early in the morning is my only chance. I have to wake up before 6:00. If I can roll out of bed by 5:30, then I get about an hour and a half to write before getting everyone ready.
The rest of my day is filled with homeschooling, going to work and feeding my family. (I actually enjoy all of these things too.)
I'm not trying to complain but...
Will I ever finish the first round of edits for my novel?
I just wish I could enter a time warp and have like 3 more hours a day of uninterrupted time to write.
Has anyone figured it out? Please share your secrets. And don't forget to go read all the other posts here.
Kathy :)
Clones. You need some clones!
ReplyDeleteIt's not a race. I know we want it done yesterday, but there's no pressure to finish right away. An hour and a half each day is a good pace.
You will finish!!!
90mins a day is a good amount of time. We all have other things we need to do and juggling it all can be so tough!
ReplyDeleteI'm a brand new mum and I'm learning to type quckly one handed while I hold my son with the other!
Alex- I would love some clones!
ReplyDeleteAngelina- Oh you guys are so right! I should just settle down and not worry about it so much. Thanks for the encouragement. And congrats on your wee little one! :)
There's the elephant method of getting stuff done. Part of the reason that everything seems so monumental is that you're looking at the whole elephant. Someone said you have to eat the whole thing. And when you look at it, it's huge and scary to consider, because, let's face it, eating a whole elephant is impossible, right?
ReplyDeleteNope, you just have to cut it up into smaller bites. Bit by bit, take a piece of your revision and get through it. Page by page. It's how everyone writes, but when you see the whole manuscript staring at you, it looks like an elephant.
The problem is that if you got used to three more hours a day it would just get filled up with the same stuff...
ReplyDeleteI don't think more time is the answer. I don't know what is.
Lauren
Lauren-ritz.blogspot.com
I soooooo get this. It's so tough. With my first novel, I sacrificed sleep and wrote from 3-6 am six days a week. No lie. With my second, I stayed up til 2 every night, and with my latest? I just write all day whenever I can, lol... the sleep sacrifice thing does work, but it's HARD. And it only works until you have a huge emotional breakdown, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI am proud of you for having a set writing time! I wish I did. In fact, you have inspired me. Maybe, a set writing time will be one of my new goals.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to figure it out. I'm a bit overwhelmed as well by all the things involved in getting a book out there. I was just telling a friend earlier today about how much work I have put into building a reader base from the ground up. I couldn't have done it without the support of friends, family and fellow authors. While it may be overwhelming and time consuming, it is worth it! And if I ever hear the secret to finding more time, I'll be sure to pass it on!
ReplyDeleteYou can only do what you can - and an hour and a half first thing is great going! I have heard that those who have all day to write actually find it harder to get down to it. There's something to be said for having a short time in which to focus. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteRena- I definitely feel like I have an elephant in front of me.
ReplyDeleteLauren- I would fill up 3 extra hours and you're right I'd still have too much to do.
Morgan- I guess I just need more coffee!
Beth- I'm glad I inspired you. I hope you find a time that works.
Mel- I couldn't do it with out friends or family either.
Nick- Thanks for the encouragement.
I don't think there is ever enough time, unless your a hermit living in a cave, and even then just surviving would take most of your time. You have a plate full. Take a deep breath, you'll get there.
ReplyDelete