by Heidi Schulz | Nov 19, 2011 | For My Readers, For Writers, Word
It is barely July and this summer has already exhausted me. There have been three (count them, three!) trips out of town. Each has required a three to five hour drive to arrive at the desired location and another three to five hours to get home.
Seems like there should be sun in that photo, doesn’t it? Tell me about it.
Now that it’s July, perhaps the rain will let up for a few months.
We have gone to the zoo, the movies, the beach, the rodeo. My daughter has participated in 4H events – including walking a three-mile parade route, gone horseback riding, and joined the summer swim team. Hello daily practices. At 8:00 am.
I have planned and begun executing a series of free community classes on how to make grocery store staples like
chicken stock or
homemade yogurt.
We celebrated my husband’s 39th birthday.
We put in half a house worth of hardwood flooring (and have another half to go).
We started up a mother/daughter summer book club.
What does any of this have to do with writing?
Absolutely nothing – which is only slightly less than I am getting done.
I was bemoaning my lack of productivity to my husband the other day.
I asked him, “What would you say to one of your business partners if they were in the same situation? How would you coach them? Coach me!” (Which really meant: give me some magic beans and fix this problem, please.)
His reply surprised me for a moment. “I would tell her to figure it out.” Then he looked me in the eye and said, “Heidi, figure it out. If it’s important to you, you’ll make it work.“
Too simple? Maybe. But he’s right. If writing is important to me, I’ll figure it out. I may need to cut back on other activities, get up earlier, enlist help when needed, and make sure that I eat well and exercise so I have the physical and mental energy I need.
I’d like to say that I put all of those things in practice immediately and I am now cranking out pages, but that’s not exactly the case. It is taking me some time, but I am working on it.
Writing is important. I’m figuring it out.
How do you balance your writing with those extra busy periods at home? Have you figured it out?
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by Heidi Schulz | Nov 19, 2011 | For My Readers, For Writers, Word
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| Writer’s Stop, Hollywood Studios, Disney World – photo credit |
From as far back as I can remember, I have liked writing. Journal entries, blog posts, stories, and even the occasional ridiculous haiku – I’ve enjoyed them all. However, it wasn’t until the planets lined up just right, until I found the right story at the right time, that I begun to take myself, and my writing, seriously.
It probably goes without saying that, as a result, my writing has changed dramatically. I now pay far more attention to plot, pacing, theme, and character development than when I was just writing for my own amusement.
I’ve noticed recently some other ways that taking my writing seriously has changed the way I do things. Here are just a few examples:
The Way I Read
Ever since Dick drew a smiley face the bandage adorning Sally’s skinned knee, I have loved reading. I rarely go a day without the feel of pages (or my kindle) on my fingertips. I read everything that interests me, and I am interested in a wide range of things. Fiction, non-fiction, histories, fairy-tales, cookbooks, science-fiction, classics…you name it. Just take a look at my Goodreads profile and see.
Lately, I’ve found myself paying attention to what I’m reading in a whole new way. If I feel something, positive or negative, I ask myself why. I try to discover what the author did to make me feel nervous, proud, excited, moved; or conversely, annoyed, bored, or irritated.
The negative emotions may teach me even more than the positive. Where I used to merely close a book I did not connect with and move on to something else, now I read on to dissect those problem areas (too much dialogue or description, character acting out-of-character, a plot that is disjointed or has gaping holes). Seeing such mistakes in other works also illuminates them in my own, where I can attempt to fix them.
The Way I Watch TV
Until recently, I didn’t think much about the writers of my favorite TV shows and movies. Now, just like with my reading, I pay attention. I think about how someone created what I am watching, starting with words on a page. I pay attention to pacing, dialogue, suspense and humor. I try to glean what I can about how to use these tools sucessfully.
I feel as though in a way, I have been able to catch a glimpse of the man behind the curtain. He is teaching me things I had never considered before.
The Way I Shop
I love books, but I don’t love gratuitous spending. Historically, I’ve been pretty selective about what I buy, choosing instead to utilize the library.
I love the library.
When I did find a book worthy of purchase, I generally looked for it used in good condition.
I still feel that these are sound practices, but I’ve relaxed them a little. Now when I read a library book that I really enjoy, I think about the hours of effort the author put into it. If it is something that I am likely to read again, or something that I would like to share with my daughter, I often buy a copy from my favorite local bookstore.
A new copy. Full price.
I am also more likely to purchase and download indie titles, particularly if I am familiar with the author. I like the idea of authors receiving a royalty off my purchase. I want to use my money to support good writers and local booksellers as much as I possibly can.
The Way I Use the Internet
I
have been blogging fairly regularly for years, but my output
has tapered off dramatically in the past several months. Instead of
daily posts, I’m aiming for weekly (and don’t always get that much
accomplished). I love my blog and my readers, but the fact of the matter is, my writing time is limited; I’m choosing to spend most of it with my current work in progress.
Conversely, some of my social media time has increased, or at least shifted a bit. I rarely browse through Pinterest anymore but I spend a lot more time on twitter – connecting with other writers, publishers, editors, and agents. I have
gained a lot of industry knowledge through this source, especially on #askeditor, #askpub, and #askagent tweet streams.
The Way I Spend My Time
Time is precious. I try to give the largest and best part of my day to my family. I reserve a good chunk for spiritual study. I *try* to exercise regularly. I have daily writing goals. Keeping my most special friends close is important. Beyond that, some things have had to give way. I haven’t done much baking, crafting, or sewing lately. In fact, I haven’t done much laundry lately either.
Note to self: You’d better remedy that situation ASAP.
I have learned that I can’t do all the things, all the time, but I’d better make sure I do the most important.
Sometimes that means asking my family for help or uninterrupted time at my laptop. Other times it means closing my laptop completely and giving full attention where it is needed most.
It’s a balancing act, but I feel that with flexibility, good humor, and a willingness to change, I’ll be able to manage just fine.
How has taking your writing seriously changed you? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.
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