So where do we draw the line?
Knowing when to say yes and when to say no has always been a problem for me, but as my career changes, I’m seeing the need to be more organized with my time and more decisive in what I can and cannot do. But how?
The hard part is saying no to things that are good and striking a balance between work and doing the good things. I don’t have to conquer the world, right?
Published and unpublished writers alike have goals they want to meet, and deadlines, either self-imposed or otherwise, still require time and commitment.
So does anyone else have this problem? Writer or not, there is always plenty to do. And if you work from your home, how do you convince people that you really don’t have tons of time on your hands for whatever, but that you really do have work to do?
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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
10 Comments:
For me, since my kids are grown and out on their own, the biggest "time eater" isn't errands, but email. :) So I'm learning to turn it off after a quick check for any contracts :o) or important stuff. Then after a few hours of hard work, I'm "allowed" to check it again. Your guess is as good as mine if this will last. LOL
Good Topic Di! I'm not sure where that line is... I just know I try to locate it everyday and pray I hit the balance beam just right.
That is one of my biggest things!! I would love to write, again.. but working full time, doing ministry full time, 2 kids and 1 husband.. I feel like I don't have any time left to breathe....
I hear you, Ane. Don't even get me started about how bad I am with the e-mail thing. But it's, oh, so fun! :-) Today has been crazy. Gone all day--had to get my hair done. Yes, it's that bad, that's why it took all day. LOL!
I did manage to squeeze in some study of Jim Bell's book on Plot & Structure. AWESOME book!!
Oh Ane, you said it. I don't even have time to write this comment but somehow I'm squeezing it in. And Diann, I didn't write today either :-( I did, however, drive the carpool, take one child to the dr., pick up one child early, shopp for the fam...anyway, I can relate!
Diann...you're bringing me down, sister! I've had this idea that when my son is grown I'm going to be just overflowing with free time. (what with no homework to check and all) I'm planning to put out at least a dozen books a year. LOL. Are you telling me this isn't so??? ;)
Sabrina, to answer your question: Um, yes, that's what I'm telling you--well, unless you live on a deserted island somewhere, then it could happen. ;-)
Oh, I'm totally with you, Diann. I have a hard time saying no--I mean, I'm coordinating the Genesis! How much more can that scream that I'm a "can't say no" kind of person???
One thing I still struggle with, but that I'd like to implement, is the rule to DO IT FIRST. Everyone says that's a key to better organization and priorities. So even if I have tons to do that day, I should do the most important stuff first--namely, Bible reading and writing, right? Do I do this? Well, I think about it. That doesn't really count, does it?
One of these days I'll be better about getting these things done first.
Camy
See, I have NO problem saying NO! LOL
Yes,the balance is frustrating. But, like you, I have to remind myself it's OK to take time to live life.
Writing is so all consuming. It's not like a job where you go in at a certain time and leave at a certain time, and if a few x,y,z tasks don't get done, it's okay.
Or, if you don't work that day, business goes on, people cover for you.
No one to cover for you while writing a novel. :)
But these "non productive" days count. A lot.
Rachel
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