Most writers with day jobs or any other responsibilities can relate to the issue of time.
If you can fight off procrastination, fear of the blank page, and other phobias, time is really something that is in limited supply.
One of my goals this year is to accept the limited time that I do have. And not feel bad about something that I can’t change at this point in my life.
Slow and steady like tortoise instead of fast and speedy like the hare.
It will be slow going on this novel this year with my limited time. However, like the tortoise, I’m going to take it as a good thing — to really understand what this book is about, the characters, the plot, and the ever cloudy ending. To take my time and get it right.
Like the tortoise that wins the race, I believe the writer who makes the most of their limited time will end up with a finished novel.
I post about the craft and how I balance writing with a day job. Other topics include books, authors, conferences, and diversity related to literature for kids and teens.
Caroline Starr Rose
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:43 am
Great attitude! In this world of instant gratification, it is sometimes difficult to forge another path. I wish you all the best.
Laura Pauling
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:03 am
Slow and steady is not a bad thing. It’s the finished product that matters!
Karen
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
Thanks Caroline and Laura.
Acceptance of my slow pace is the first step. I need to put my blinders on and not compare myself to others who seem to crank out their stuff so fast!
Anna
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
Karen, I completely understand the pressure to want to race your way through a manuscript. I have to fight it quite a bit. But it sounds like your approach is the smart and realistic way to go. It might take you longer, but the book will be better for it. Good luck!
jeannine
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Great reminder Karen. Work when you can and don’t beat yourself up when you can’t.
Karen
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Thanks Anna and Jeannine.
Right now, I’ll be working 10-12 hour days until our software release on April 1.
Morning writing will help me in little steps. But any words I get on the page will be progress.
Jemi Fraser
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I’m completely with you. Time is such a wonderful luxury. I try to enjoy what I get and use it wisely
Most of the time anyway!