If there's one thing that I have learned in my short career as a writer is that it is EXTREMELY easy to get overextended. Marketing, rough drafts, editing, formatting, publishing, interviews, book reviews, blog posts and so on. I could literally spend 24 hours a day trying to get everything done and it still wouldn't be enough. So at what point do you say enough is enough?
I read an article not long ago by a blogger/author Joe Konrath that spoke of putting immense importance on getting your books on a much shelf space as you can. Until then, don't sweat the promoting. Just write.
I like his theory. Of course he's got YEARS on me and about 40 novels as well...so he has the time to blog. Me? Right now I should be writing on my book, or answering my overflowing in-box, or posting interviews, or doing book reviews...but instead I sit here, rambling because my mind is burnt out!
I've been working hot and heavy on my upcoming book, Immortal Rose, and it's coming along so well...if I only had more hours in the day! But...I can't write, market, blog, etc all the time. My brain needs a break at times.
So, I'm going to shut down my lap top and turn on the Cardinals game and cheer them on to a victory. Go Cards! (I'm not actually a baseball fan but since I live near them...)
What do you do to relax when you're overextended?
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Do you ever find that there are times when you simply write too often? I have. Some days all I can think about it getting through the day so I can put my thoughts down on a word document. But others, I don't even want to look at my laptop! Creativity is fickle like that!
Sometimes we just need to step back and take a breather. That's exactly what I did over the weekend. I finished my homework for my writer's group that will be meeting on Monday but I got very little else accomplished. I will share my homework assignment next week since I don't want to spoil it for some of the members who take a peek at my blog from time to time!
So when you start to feel overwhelmed, bogged down by words or a have muddled mind take a step back and do something completely different. For me that typically means grabbing a new book from the library. I know...you're probably thinking that it's still too similar but for me reading is relaxing! Do whatever makes you happy and when the time is right you will come back to your homework, short story or novel with renewed vigor.
Happy writing!
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Thousands of people across the country share the same dream...taking that leap from writer to author. It's a grand goal...but not one that can simply be achieved through a pretty smile or directionless purpose. To become the author that you long to be you have to set goals, milestones that you can mark along the way.
I look at the journey of a writer much like an overweight person that is desperate to shed those unsightly pounds. They strive so hard for their main goal that they completely overlook the journey. Or they get so overwhelmed by the 100lbs that they need to lose that they forget to celebrate the 2lbs they lost this week.
It's all about perspective. Are you looking at the big picture or are you dissecting it into small, attainable goals? Either way you can reach the prize but taking the small baby steps will make the journey much more relaxed and enjoyable!
So you have had an epiphany and you're sure that you've got the next best selling idea. What next? Well logic tells you that you can't simply sit down and write the book. It takes planning, detail and a lot of blood, sweat and tears before you complete your manuscript. For some that might mean only a couple months invested...others a lifetime.
You're goal may be to have your newly published book in your hands, the smooth glossy cover sliding like silk under your fingertips as you lovingly caress your masterpiece...but there are many steps between an idea and a finished product.
So...words for the wise (and it's only because I've been there too!) set a small goal for tomorrow. Maybe it's sketch out one scene or create a full 3-D view of one character that goes beyond the general hair and eye color. Create mannerisms that will endear your character to your readers.
Or perhaps you need to work towards finishing three paragraphs by the end of the day. If you're adventuresome try for an entire chapter. Whatever your goal might be, make sure it is realistic. Plan out your day, set aside "me time" to write and work towards that goal.
If we writers don't schedule in our writing time it's easy for it to simply disappear like vapor in the wind. Set your mind to it and do it. Be your own champion. Believe that no matter how many doubts might be tumbling around in that brain of yours that you are worth taking the time to invest in yourself!
My personal goal for tomorrow: return to a manuscript that I began a couple weeks ago and write another two chapters.
What's your goal?
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This is an area that I greatly struggle with. Some people that I speak to enjoy writing and do so as a once in a while hobby. But for me it's a need, an addiction akin to the likes of some of the best drugs on the market. I've always been like that...whether reading or writing. I live to create a new world in my mind. But reality tells us that life must go on.
So how do we gain perspective in our lives? How do we set goals that enable us to achieve everything necessary to keep our lives in order? Set mini goals.
For me, as a housewife and stay at home mom, my "job" is to take care of the house and be with my son. I can't do that too well when I'm focused on a computer screen all day long. So how do I manage to make it all work? Well, to be perfectly honest, some days are worse than others. I do have a tendency to push aside necessary chores in order to get that last bit of inspiration typed out. It's a flaw...sigh...but something I am working on.
My goal for each day is to try to have my house at least look respectable in case visitors were to drop in unannounced. No it's not always to my husbands standards, which I know is an area that I need work on, but I do my best. So I set aside strict times in which I can write. When my son's at school or in the evenings when my family has gone to bed. I set aside "me" time for writing. That way my life can proceed as planned and everyone wins.
So how about you? How do you fit it all in to your busy day?
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