Lately, I feel like such a slacker. Perhaps I'm being way too hard on myself, but I have seriously let my writing slip. With the health scare, my new job and the move, I haven't worked on my manuscript. At all. I took a break from my critique group, and I really want to get back into it. I don't want to be that writer who starts a project and gets so far and then stops. I want to see my project to the end, even if it doesn't get published. It's one of my new year's resolutions, after all.
The tough part is finding time. I've been on overdrive with the new job, trying to learn everything and meet deadlines that hit right as I started. (It was a pretty sharp learning curve and still is, I'm not going to lie). And mentally I couldn't add more to my plate with the scare about my heart. And whenever I'm home my energy is spent on packing. But still, I want to find time. I need to find time.
It amazes me how others manage to juggle it and handle it all. My critique girls - they have jobs, they have kids, they have busy lives, and they manage to finish manuscripts. And do queries. I can't manage to even squeak out a few chapters in my rough draft. And I don't have children demanding of my time. Man, I feel like a slacker.
Perhaps I'm being too hard on myself, but what can I say? I am my biggest critic. But to all of my writer friends out there...how do you manage? What's the key to finding that time and making it work? Because I could use all the help I can get!
I don't think you're a slacker!!
ReplyDeleteI don't have time for everything. If I blog, that means I'm not studying German or cleaning the house. If I'm cleaning the house, it means that I'm not blogging... And I don't let that happens too frequently. Now you can imagine what my house looks like. A total mess.
I'm THE SLACKER.
You've got a lot on your plate now. Don't beat yourself up about it. You don't need to overstress, which could then cause more problems. Maybe think of a nice spot in your new house that will help inspire you to write and look forward to that, knowing you'll be able to dive back in once the dust has settled.
ReplyDeleteYou and I both, Alaina... I also feel like such a slacker in our group, and I really want to finish this manuscript and move to a new phase with it, but I just can't find the time and energy. I think the exact same thing: how come I'm such a slacker and I don't even have children yet? What will it be like when I do? And will I ever finish this thing? Argh!
ReplyDelete(Oh, and I totally blame Julie and her super writer powers! lol)
No worries. Wait until you're in the new house and everything is unpacked and if you still don't get back to the novel, then you can call yourself a slacker. :-)
ReplyDeleteGirl, I feel like I never get anything accomplished because I'm always so behind on everything. Just start making yourself a list or set up some rules for yourself, like taking 30 minutes every day just for your writing. It doesn't always work for me, but it helps.
ReplyDeleteFYI - Julie is super human.
ReplyDeleteYou're anything BUT a slacker!! Hang in there lady!!!
ReplyDeleteOh you are not a slacker. You do so much, it's inspiring. Remember not to expect too much, make little goals, instead of one big one. It's less daunting that way. You're doing great though!
ReplyDelete