Time Management

After writing my previous column on why writers don’t…well…write, I was struck by those who said that “real life got in the way” or “real life was a problem” or that they just didn’t have time, what with everything real life was throwing at them.

My answer to them in that column was to acknowledge that if they were writers, then writing IS their real life, and that they need to impress this fact upon others so that everyone will let them have time to write.

I know it isn’t easy. But it is possible.  Back in January, I wrote a column about “Writing a Novel in Three Minutes a Day.”  In it, I shared how writing anything requires the discipline to keep at it, one sentence at a time.  Somehow.   If it matters, you’ll find time.

But I’m So Busy!

This past month has been busy. I have had a psychiatrist appointment for my younger son.  There was a meeting with his educational team on a different day as well as the usual back-to-school stuff for both children.  I’ve bought a new car, handled insurance issues, and had a hard time finding the local bank.  I drive my younger son back and forth to school, spending a full hour behind the steering wheel on his account every day as well.  Additionally, I cook a full dinner at home at least twelve days out of every fourteen.  And, of course, I do the laundry and clean the house.  Today, I’m baking chocolate chip cookies. From scratch.

I’m a work-at-home mom and someone has to do it!

I also edit, working with multiple authors — at least three in any given week.

And… I write.  This month, I have only written about 21,000 words for one particular story under my thumb.  I am writing this column as well as another for a different website.  I’ve also shot out a short story. So I imagine my September word count total will be about 30,000 words or thereabouts.  I am only averaging 1,000 words a day. When I’m focused, I shoot for 3,000 words a day.

But I figure any gain is a gain, and I see this as a positive.

Self-Discipline Does Not Come Easily

I did not go into Sandi’s Litany of the Day to Day just to congratulate myself. Really! (When I worried about it on twitter, one of my tweeting friends, evieeden, said I’m not a braggart, really.  She also said I could write that down. So I have.) I did it because I know I have a busy day, but not nearly as busy as some of you have.

Still, discipline is essential.  I set up priorities for everything I need to do on my computer.  Time when I volunteer on the Emergency Beta Desk is on my Task List on Gmail.  Chapter from Author #1 has a due date, as do the chapters from #2 and #3.  I have my own chapter deadlines listed as well.  This column has a “due date” on my list as does the next one that I need to have completed by Monday for the other site.

I can’t do all of this by just wishing for it to happen.  Looking at the huge list of things that I am responsible for can get overwhelming.  Because all of those people in the preceding paragraph? They’re depending upon me.

So are my guys.  One spouse and two sons have priorities every day.  Without structure, my house would be in shambles, my authors neglected, and those chocolate chip cookies would be there courtesy of Chips Ahoy!, not my hands.

Like I said, though, it doesn’t happen by complaining I don’t have time.  Or by saying I have too much to do, so I can’t get started on any of it.

Kicking Yourself and Then Being Kind

When I mentor an author, I am not particularly nice.  I don’t coddle them and tell them it’s all going to be okay, and that their excuses are all perfectly viable reasons not to be writing.  I’m not a softie.  When they tell me they’re having a problem getting to work, I tell them that if they’re writing, and this is what they want to do, then they have to make it a priority or allow themselves to take a step back and say it’s a hobby for now.

And that, truly, is just fine.  Having a hobby is great. Writing as a hobby is terrific. It’s creative, keeps your mind spry, and allows you to daydream to some purpose.

So yes, you need to make writing a priority. But you also need to cut yourself some slack.  Remember, you only have one pair of hands, one brain, one set of eyes. You can multitask, yes, but still, your corporal being can only be in one place at a time.  If you’re keeping a to-do list somewhere?  Remember that. Focus just on the Number One Thing if you can, until it is done. Then on to the next.  Or, if you have the luxury of doing more than one thing at a time (laundry can be washing while you’re writing, for example. I love doing laundry!) make sure to mark off what is in progress and completed.  This will give you positive reinforcement for your day.

It is also a great idea to schedule time off. And, if you have been faithful to getting the necessary items done on your agenda, then you can often reward yourself with a movie or a book or a manicure or a trip to enjoy your favorite treat.

Wishing doesn’t make it so.  Only moving does.  Do the laundry and write a few hundred words.  Cuddle with the kids and, when they’re napping or playing or off to school, take time to free the words in your mind.  Sweep and dust and think about your stories at the same time.

I am not Wonder Woman. I’m just a chick who has a set number of hours in the day, just like everyone.  At the end of the day, I can only hope I made progress on my projects as well as making a few dozen cookies. With discipline, it can happen.