As an author who also works full time at a day job, it can be challenging to fit everything I want to do into my writing schedule. I see various calls for submission and contests, a way of getting me in with a NY publisher and I want to jump on them all. The end result is me getting so focused on my writing I’m forgetting to come up for air. A lot of this came as a result of the Brava contest. I want to get something written and entered so badly I’m freaking myself into writer’s block.
So, I’ve decided to take a step back, take a deep breath, and relax. I’ve come to the realization that I’ve been putting too much pressure on myself. I want to be able to make writing a full time job, but that takes time. And we all know the limits of my patience…okay maybe not. But you’ll have to trust me on this one, I’m impatient.
So far this year I’ve written two novels (70k + words), a Quickie (15k), co-authored a novel (25k for my half), and started four more novels having written three chapters for each. When I sit back and look at what I’ve accomplished I’m impressed with myself. But there’s that little voice in the back of my head nattering away saying I should be doing more.
*takes the nattering little voice and squishes it*
I’m here to say I’m only going to write stories this summer that I want to write. If I happen to get the Brava one done, then great. If I don’t, well I’ll have a few other stories done that I’ve been itching to write.
There, now I feel better. 
(Note: Removed the stupid e at the end of breath. *sigh*)
And writing will probably come easier if you’re not feeling stressed about it!
Amen Christine!!! God, I’m going to go add you to my blog roll as soon as I finish this comment. You are like my soul sister. I’ve got three kids (3, 8, and 12) and still I kick my own mental ass when I don’t create the output of a full time writer. The drive is good, but the drive can also be a wicked beasty that steals the fun from the job.
I”m finishing up my latest WIP and then taking the summer off as well. Even though I have a partial someone I REALLY want to work with wants to see finished, I’m not going to do it. Because that book isn’t exciting me right now and I need to get back to the reason I wanted to do this job in the first place, the fun.
hugs,
anna j evans
Go with your gut, Christine. It’s always right.
I went through a similar ‘aha moment’ recently when I decided to NOT sit in front of a computer for the entirety of Sweetness & Light’s childhoods. As much as I want to write write and write some more, I’ve had to shush the voices in my head a bit so I could hear my kids over them. And though I’d rather have the laptop open (most days, anyway), they need me on the floor building Lego castles more then they need a mom saying “Mommy’s on the NYTimes best seller list, AGAIN!”. (welcome to my fantasy;D )
So I applaud your choice to take a step back, let your creativity find a balance and write what moves you. The contests and the NY publishers will be there tomorrow
BRAVO!!
We all want to write more, live more, and enjoy more. But yes, we do need to keep everything on a balance. I have trouble doing so myself, but when I’m not balanced I am really unhappy. Plus if I don’t spend time with my family like I should, I could just sit in the computer and stare at it - no fresh ideas popping.
Relaxing will do you good! PLUS you have amazing, amazing talent and are amazingly prolific so you should feel SUPER proud at what you have accomplished this year!!!! Cheers to you sweetie. =)
And DITTO on the Brava. I wanted to enter the contest too but I have NO idea for the story yet. If it doesn’t come, it doesn’t come. If something good blooms, ahh, well then we’re talking . . . So far; NADA. LOL!
Christine, I need a nap after reading all the things you’ve accomplished so far this year. I’m kicking my own ass to get some good writing in before the kids are out of school for the summer.
Balance is such a hard act to get right.
I’m very patient and I don’t do well when hurried, so I don’t have those moments really. I’m actually working on being more methodical. Believe it or not, blogging has actually made me more disciplined as a writer because it forces me to sit at the computer. I’m more of a notebook gal, so I have to force myself to transfer everything into bits and bytes.
I feel the same way as well Christine. It’s all I can do some times to stop myself from entering contests. I’m the same as you, I want a full time career as a writer, I want it so bad, and I HATE waiting, but ya, you’ve accomplished alot this year! Good job!
Sounds like you’re doing awesome to me!
I always stress myself out over prepping for a contest too, and then I think how much I could accomplish if I’d just written instead of doing all that contest prep work.
I think you’re making the right decision.
You have done great work to accomplish what you have Christine, you may not be doing it full time but it sounds like you have very little spare time in between writing, work and family. You deserve your success you’ve had to date and by stepping back and re-evaluating your lifestyle I know it won’t be long before you will go to work in your pj’s! I agree with Alyssa - step back and enjoy what you do.
Wow, that’s fabulous — two 70K novels so far this year. You are my inspiration!