Thursday, January 3, 2013

Finding Time


So dear Readers, how do you find time to do what you love?  What makes you sing inside, what puts a swing in your step, what puts the “ape” in your apricot? 

As some of you know, my New Year’s Resolution stems from a singular definition of the word itself: the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones. Thought I’d keep it simple this year.  Simple is good. I can DO simple—right?  I figured it would help me take a tremendous task like reaching my dream of becoming a published author, (previously referred to in my blogs as “swallowing a rope”) and break it down into small, manageable bits and pieces.  My simple, aging brain can handle that, right?

I think I harbor what must be a rather skewed view of the rest of the world. I envision all of you writers (insert soap makers, musicians, knitters, sewers, etc.) sitting happily engrossed in your craft, a cup of tea at your side, nary a care in the world—in fact you have all the time in the world, right?  It must be only me that can never get to the computer because I have a sink full of dishes, a job that eats up my time, a feisty toddler who can't leave me alone for a blessed minute and a pre-teen in need of a scintillating homeschool lesson.  (Oh—and my husband, did I forget about him again?)   Man—how did I end up such a martyr?  Yoiks!

So today, in the spirit of my resolution, I decided to “simply” Google “finding time to write”, and what an education I received.  I am not alone!  You are out there, dealing with bills, garbage, family, phone-calls, dirty-diapers, fighting children that terrorize you whilst you try to hammer out a few elegantly placed words, all speelled correktly. (There I go again—blaming my lame typing on my children.)

When I read Kristen Jett’s blog at YA Stands (about finding time to write) it really put it into perspective again.  Keep it simple.  Break it down. Breathe.  Quit thinking the world is against you (just your children), and shut up and write already.  Baby steps…Baby Steps….

So Readers, when do you make time for your special something?  Do you stalk your novel in the middle of the night when everyone else is fast asleep?  Do you sit in your car while your kid is at piano lessons and write the next great song? Do you outline your next chapter while you are supposed to be in Biology class?  I would love to hear from you.

 

10 comments:

  1. I find time to write whenever I can. There are some days when I just don't want to write though and I have the time. It reminds me of that song, "If I could put time in a bottle..."

    I would totally do that. I'd love to put time in a bottle for days when I'm not using it effectively and then break it out on a rainy day when there isn't enough time.

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  2. What a nice thought. Let's raise a glass to it. Thanks for the comment Michael.

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  3. My daughter told me recently of someone (a published writer) to made sure she wrote for at least fifteen minutes a day. Many of those little chunks ended up becoming big chunks. It's my plan for this year. I can do that! I am going to schedule (yes, actually schedule!) fifteen minutes every weekday and make sure that happens. We will see how it goes. Nice to find your blog. I'm your latest follower and subscriber.

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  4. What great advice. For myself, I always think the stars need to align just right: the toddler to be napping, a cup of tea, total quiet, etc.-- in other words, the perfect space and time in which to write, but honestly, there are days, like today, where that just isn't going to happen. But I scribble in my notebook, writing down bits of dialogue and ideas, or give myself fifteen (!) minutes and slowly, it grows. Thanks for the comments and for following, Rosie! (Warm glow eminating...)

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  5. When I am in writing mode, I just make the time. I've made the decision and then I follow with the commitment. Of course, I don't write all of the time. I'm also a musician and that does require daily devotion.

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    1. "Devotion". A very good word to use. It is much like other daily practices. Thanks for the comment Alex, and as soon as I can figure out how to put a badge on this blog for your "Insecure Writers" group--I'll do it! Looking forward to it, though I wonder, "Will they like me?" ha.

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  6. My problem is the multitude of creative outlets I have. Yes, I would like to finish writing a book/manuscript, but I also like to scrapbook, knit and read. Of course this is in addtion to the necessities in life that are things we have to do (housework) and hopefully want to do (spend time with family.) There is never enough time, but I'm sure if you want it bad enough you will find it in the day (or week or month or year or decade LOL!) somewhere.

    Happy to find your blog.

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    1. It's so hard too, with all the Mommy guilt involved around filling one's own cup (so one doesn't turn into "Monster Mommy"), and trying to keep a balance between it all. It's a struggle to juggle. Hey--I'm a poet! Thanks for the comments and following my blog. I look forward to reading more of yours in the future.

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  7. Great post Jill. I loved the idea that striving to become a writer feels like swallowing a rope. It does just keep on going.
    I don't have a husband or children, but I do feel guilty when I write if there are more real life things that I should be doing. These days though I'm better practised at stamping that feeling into dust for the time it take sme to meet my daily word count. Hang in there.
    Debbie@the wicked queen's mirror

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  8. Debbie, Many thanks for that awesome image! (stamping...dust etc.) Now get back to work on that novel! P.S. By the way--what is your daily word count and where can I get one?
    ~Just Jill

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