Fitting Writing Into Life
I’m not that much different from everyone else in that I have a lot on my plate. I love writing and have so much excitement towards it that I tend to get frustrated when I can’t devote the time I want to it. So I find myself getting creative with my time.
The next six weeks at my day job is going to be insane. There is also the possibility that the insanity will continue on well into the summer. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me as I like to be busy. But I’m scared it is going to eat into my writing time. I have so many stories in my head right now that I need to get out and onto paper it’s driving me nuts. I try to write on my lunch break, but that half hour is slowly starting to disappear. Once the sun starts coming up sooner I’ll be able to get up earlier and write then. I just can’t seem to do it when it’s dark. 
Nighttime is hard as I want to spend time with my family.
I find myself giving up other things I enjoy to make time for my writing. I don’t mind for the most part. I want to make writing my primary career someday. So all these little sacrifices will be worth it in the end.
So, my question is how do you guys fit in the me time in your life? Be it writing, reading, painting, or any other hobby or passion.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:07 am
One of the things i gave up entirely was television. It gives me reading time, painting time and when we want to watch a family movie we rent something or go out to the theater. I also get up REALLY early in the morning so i can squeeze in a little me time before my day starts - which starts pretty dang early as it is.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I gave up all my old hobbies: scrapbooking, cross-stitch, stained glass. Either I stay up an extra hour at night, or I get up an extra hour in the morning. And then I try to make use of even 10-15 minute chunks for brainstorming, preparing the next scene, jotting notes, etc. It does add up, but I have to be ultra-organized to keep track of where I am, what I can work on, etc. My job is always crazy, and I try to use my lunches for workouts, so I hear you. It’s hard to fit writing in, even when it’s a major priority!
February 27th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Well, I don’t have a family yet. So, I have a lot of “me time.”
Sometimes too much.
February 27th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Good post topic!
I do things in shifts. Right now, while I’m doing edits for Destiny by Design, I’ve put my WIPs aside and am using free time to catch up on magazines (I devour every issue of Writer’s Digest), and add a few more books to the 50 Book Challenge. Next week, it’ll be back to no t.v., no books, all writing.
I just can’t do it all at once! Of course, all of it is secondary to the kids!! And though I’m impatient to get the stories out of my head (I have quite a few rumbling around in there), I know my time will come. Someday, too soon, my youngest will be in school and I don’t want to have any regrets about not spending enough time with him.
And the kicker about being a stay-at-home is that I don’t even get lunch breaks to sneak some writing time in!
In the meantime, it all gives new meaning to multi-tasking.
February 27th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I think it is great that you are so devoted to your writing and, as you said, I’m sure the sacrifices will be worth it in the end.
February 27th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
It’s nice to know that I’m not alone out there LOL. I don’t mind giving up TV, and I hate to at the same time. I need some down time to just turn my mind off and let myself be entertained. Plus, I still need my favourite hotties to drool over.
February 27th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I’ve given up Tv - except for my favourites, which is still actually a lot considering I was able to make a list of 13!
As for making other time - I haven’t seen my friends in a very long time. Sad, but true. If they want to see me they can come over and keep themselves busy while I edit in the background.
February 27th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I gave up T.V.
I used to love to do scrapbooks and I have no time, because you’re right in the evenings it’s family time. I spend about an hour in the evening writing, usually in bed. (Thank goodness for lap tops). I also do some on the weekend, but my trips to the gym have been eaten away.
Time just flies by right now, it’s insane.