Sometimes, We Must Multitask, Juggle, and Pivot Quickly

If there’s anything I’ve learned in the last decade, it’s that nothing stays the same. Multitasking for authors is, indeed, a way of life—even (especially) during a pandemic.

We may not like it at times, and we may rail against it. Sometimes, it will be necessary to carve out much-needed downtime in between books. But after our very first book baby is released, we must learn to multitask, juggle, and pivot quickly in the writing world.

Remaining stationary is no longer an option.

Often, we’re marketing one book, editing the next, and writing another. Quite possibly, we’re pitching additional projects and availing ourselves to new opportunities. Oh, happy day!

I say that with utmost appreciation. To have a job in today’s dynamic, that we truly enjoy, is a blessing.

Now, if you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be caught up in this multitasking, juggling act, I may have balked.

Newer authors rarely fathom the multiple tasks that publishing entails.

We might glean insights from other authors. We might have an idea how time-intensive the process is. We might even expect it. To a degree. (Click-to-Tweet)

The reality is until we’re actually knee-deep in the publishing waters, we can’t fully grasp the endless hours of writing, editing, and marketing that a successful writing career demands.

I believe I was better prepared for this than some.

Because I’d spent a significant number of years researching and working my plan prior to my contract offer, I realized the writing path was not a walk in the park.

I knew I wanted to share my stories, make a career of that, and pursue my lifelong passion of writing books. I prepped myself for the long haul. (Click-to-Tweet)

Now that Her Hope Discovered (book one in my Welcome to Ruby series) released over a year-and-a-half ago, and book two His Love Revealed (release date November 2020) is in proofreaders’ hands, I’m currently writing Her Faith Restored and working toward deadline.

I’m also juggling additional projects and, if need be, preparing to pivot quickly.

Like many authors, I have several irons in the fire, and time management is key if I’m to strike a semblance of balance between my writing life and personal life.

Sometimes, it’s a slippery slope because I don’t work regular hours.

Again—this is a blessing.

While some folks crave a regular schedule and uniformity, many writers (me, included) often work odd hours under even odder circumstances—say, during a pandemic, for instance. (Click-to-Tweet)

Since writing is primarily a solitary career, writers are used to solitude. Social distancing isn’t usually a problem. Unless…we go months on end in that mode. Then, naturally, we may long for that human connection.

In my case, I miss lunch dates with friends, writers meetings, and trips to the library. I miss Starbucks at the mall and our local Panera. I miss simple outings that the four walls of my home office doesn’t afford.

And yet, that word. Blessing.

While so much has shifted this season, I’m grateful I have work because work is no slight thing.

I’m grateful that my family remains well, despite rampant sickness.

I’m grateful, too, that regardless of this crazy, COVID, mixed-up world, multitasking, juggling, and pivoting aren’t unfamiliar. It’s what I know.

Today if you’re feeling a bit like the proverbial weed tossed in the wind, I’d encourage you to find a ray of sunshine—that one precious thing—that spirits you away to your happy place and provides some measure of continuity and control. (Click-to-Tweet) 

Maybe that’s cooking a new dish, trying a new hobby, or building something.

Maybe it’s reading a great book or maybe it’s writing one!

When we immerse ourselves in something we enjoy, pivoting when the unknown comes doesn’t seem as scary.

Here’s to the adventure! *clink*

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Multitasking, juggling, and pivoting quickly aren’t as scary when we immerse ourselves in things we enjoy. Tips to encourage you!

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Where/what are your happy places?

What new things have you tried during this unprecedented season?

What are your best tips for multitasking and juggling?

 

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Much Love and Many Blessings,