I think, as writers, we often wonder if we ever accomplish enough on a daily basis. One glimpse at our desks reveals the awful truth: no.
Character sketches, sticky notes, expense receipts, resource books, and stacks of other various papers and projects taunt us with, “You could have done more!”
And then there is the actual thing that we’re supposed to be (want to be) doing. Writing.
When holidays roll around, we’re sometimes torn. Do we spend the time with family? Do we carve out a few hours for our WIP? Do we steal a few moments for ourselves? Or, since this is Labor Day, do we have a few household/outdoor projects we need to tend to?
There are many people who are geared to be work machines. Writers are particularly prone to this, because as I’ve said before, our minds rarely turn off. If we love our craft, we eat, sleep, and breathe words. And if we’re novelists, we’re constantly plotting our next scene. We love what we do (or we should), and sometimes, when sudden inspiration strikes, it’s difficult to wrap our minds around anything else but our stories and characters.
Because we want to do it all from A to Z, we have to make a conscious effort to compartmentalize during holidays and special times.
What works best for one obviously won’t work for another. As for me, my most creative spurts tend to hit early in the morning. During normal weekdays, I write for a while, network, tend to some office chores, and write some more. Later in the afternoon, I usually focus on household tasks. (Unfortunately, laundry doesn’t hop in the washer unassisted and evening meals don’t prepare themselves. Samantha always made it look so easy, didn’t she?)
Today, I’m still doing my writerly thing (early) before anyone else is up. I’ll do a bit of record-keeping, and perhaps, write again later.
Family time will beckon soon…and so will the gorgeous sunshine that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with today. That’s where my focus will be.
Happy Labor Day and Many Blessings!
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What are you doing today? Is it all work and no play?
Comments 12
Great blog.
It’s so true- as writers, we can’t see our works in progress except for the inside of our mind. We don’t create something “tangible” that we can go running around showing people. We create words and words take a time to read and digest.
BUT, since we are writers, there is never a moment that goes by where we aren’t writing, where words aren’t circling around our brains or anecdotes are penning themselves in the interior or our souls.
SO, we really are never not working. Writers are write-a-work-aholics.
Awesome post, thanks so much for writing it.
Author
It is sometimes difficult to compartmentalize, “AG”, so I’ve found it handy to carry around a small notepad as I go about other non-writerly things throughout my day. When inspiration strikes and I’m not at my keyboard, I can always refer back to my notes. My WIP is the second book in my series, so I actually do have a very real reminder that I must stay on task, but in a responsible kind of way.
Thanks for your insights. Blessings in your writing endeavors!
Kids have been home all weekend. They’re leaving later today.
The weather turned extremely cool. Winds are out of the north and it’s in the 60’s. Summer left fast. It’s gone. I plan to have a lazy day- hanging with the kids and watching some movies. I don’t have to work tomorrow…Yay!
Enjoy your day.
Author
Loree, we woke up today to the 50’s so it was cool here, as well. (It’s a far cry from Friday when the temperature was 101!)
It’s wonderful that you’ve been able to spend time with family! Hanging out with our loved ones and enjoying a movie fest–doesn’t get much better!
Super lazy day–not even cooking today! (Leftover lasagna from the weekend–yum!) Doing some writerly things, but not too hard ; )
Author
Ahhh, a day off from the kitchen. Works for me, Sarah!
Hubby went to work today so he can leave early for an out-of-town funeral tomorrow. I had lunch with a friend, and shopped for a baby gift while out, now doing a load of laundry. I feel like I’m goofing off. 🙂
Author
Yay for you, Patti! Goofing off is good for the soul every now and then.
Today I’ve been cooking, baking, and ran a couple errands (to the bookstore, yipeee!). Hubby’s outside working in the heat, poor guy. It’s breezy today but still in the mid-90s (til late October).
I sure wish I was a early bird, but I don’t care for worms anyway. 🙂 I guess I’m more of a night owl. 🙂 I have a blog post that’s been brewing for a couple days, based on my Sunday school lesson yesterday. Can’t wait to get it down on paper (ie, computer screen).
Hope you’re having a blessed Labor Day!
Author
Yes, it’s been a great day, Kerry! And I hope you baked a pecan pie with a side of vanilla ice cream.
Oh, I so understand the struggle you portrayed! Yesterday I didn’t write (My hubby just got back from a two-week trip overseas). But I did do some writing-related work…reading! 🙂
Author
I did write a bit, Sarah, and also did some reading, which didn’t seem like work.