Where Does the Time Go?

As of last week I found myself with a lot more time to spend writing (see unemployed) but for some odd reason I’m not getting much more done. Perhaps its because I’m pulling all those fringe projects out to work on too. It could also be because I’m doing a few things around the house that have needed doing.

Too many possible excuses.

I think anyone will agree, the more time you seem to have free the more things you find to fill it. For example, I have my podcasts (2) one of which requires significant writing for, short stories to write, editing of existing stories to do, promos to write and cut, book reviews to write and record and Critter critiques to provide.

Am I missing anything? Without doubt. Oh yeah, I did. It’s called find a job. 😉

Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I love having some time to devote to writing. In a week I’ll be finished with Cubs and Scouts which means I’ll have seven nights a week for family and writing. Since I expect to be back to work quickly I won’t include the days too.

But that brings me to the point of this meandering mess of a post. Where does the time go? As a creative type (I think I can honestly consider myself to be one of those) I have no shortage of ideas and things I wish to try/do. This is where the whole concept of priorities must come in.

Simply put, I’ve got to decide what is most important on a given day and do those things in the order of importance. Sounds pretty simple in theory, but there are so many other things to consider. For example, the priority 10 item may only be a five minute thing while the priority 1 item is several hours of work. Should I do the priority 10 thing first?

The other problem I find is if I only set myself part of the task and plan to do more the next day, I often don’t stop with the assigned task. I keep plugging forward at the expense of other items.

I suppose I could refuse to do anything new until all the current work is done but that isn’t the way I roll. I would hate to suddenly find myself without anything to do.

So what’s the solution? I think I need to be more diligent about the priorities. Stick to what I have on the list and try not to stray too far off. We’ll see how it goes.

Personal Update

Waiting on pins and needles to hear back from a couple publishers about a couple submissions. I’m also trying to pull together a good story idea for the next Absolute Xpress Flash Fiction Challenge (http://absolute-x-press.com/flash-fiction-challenge/). That challenge is up the end of this month so time is running out.

I’ve also been approached about putting Get Published up on an Internet Radio Station. I think I will give it a try to see how much (or how little) it will improve my show’s numbers.

I’m also working on a couple little projects with some friends. Lots on the go.