I used to be one of the lucky ones. I had a writing routine where I could sit down at the same time every day to write and edit and do all the things that writers are supposed to do. Then, along came that terrible nemesis to routine and messed everything up for me. You know the one. It’s called change.
Yup, once again, my life is undergoing change and my muse is not very happy. It all began with a three week writing hiatus while on holidays. Then I started a new job with all the upheaval that comes with it and my kids are going back to school and… Well, suffice it to say, there are many new things going on.
Still, I’m coping and I expect that within days I’ll be writing up a storm once again. It’s just frustrating right now to have stories to tell and no apparent time to tell them. I also have a novel to finish revising with the same problem as my writing faces.
It’s not the first time I’ve had this problem nor will it be the last. I’ll do what I’ve always done which is write anyway, even when I’m tired or sick (which is another problem right now). The routine or schedule or whatever will sort itself out.
What is most annoying though is my networking time is also suffering. I miss all my online friends and with the reduction in available time, I’m neglecting them terribly. I hope they will all forgive me. 🙂
How do you deal with changes to your life in your writing?
Personal Update
Only two more episodes (I think) of GalaxyBillies left. I say, “I think”, because stories can sometimes go in unexpected directions.
I’m back to editing my YA Novel. I’m really behind the schedule I set myself. I had hoped to be finished by now, but I’m only at chapter 11 of 24. I blame two things for this: (1) I ran into a major hurdle in chapter 10 which I couldn’t seem to work my way out of and, (2) I Â was on holidays for 3 weeks and barely did any writing at all.
That’s it for me. I hope you all have a great week.
Believe it or not, this post is inspiring. Though you talk of frustrations and a lack of time for things and that you’re not as far as you would like to be in your writing, you’re pushing through. Way to go Mike, keep that trail rolling down the tracks. You’ll get to your destination, because you keep chugging along. Ok, sorry – I’m done with the cheesy analogy now 🙂 Seriously, hope you get back in your swing, and I’m excited to see what happens with Galaxy Billies, and hear of your reports of what putting it on Podiobooks.com does to the listener numbers. Have a great labor day weekend. I won’t be at Dragon Con, but I’ll be camping with family, who have lots of 4 wheelers, so I’ll be alright. 🙂
Thanks Dan. The biggest challenge I face (and a lot of other writers too, I suppose) is to ignore the hiccups and keep moving forward. What helps me is the fact that I have a number of very solid goals to work towards. That and a great audience who keeps giving me great encouragement (like you, for example). I don’t want to let any of you down so I work extra hard to hit my deadlines.
Honestly? I still haven’t sat down to write. I don’t know if it’s because I’m scared of failure, or if I’m not as disciplined as you or IronKite, or if it’s because I’m too distracted and have that ‘ooh shiny syndrome’ that’s disguised as ADHD.
I deal with it by taking it one day at a time, and trying to find time to make time to do it. Which never happens, as I’m a procrastinator. Eventually, it’ll happen and I’ve got to be content with that.
Otherwise, I’d go absolutely stark raving mad. 🙂
I hope to make a few of the meets (well, one anyway) this year. I’m glad to hear you have the idea ready to go. I’m looking forward to another successful year.
Keep in mind that by writing, you are practicing and (hopefully) getting better. I’m not sure what failure is except to not try at all. Only you know what your goals are; just keep them reasonable and achievable.
Keep trying. That’s the only way you will succeed.