Priorities. How do you make sure you get the most important things done in a day?The IWSG question this month got me thinking--and not just about writing. The question is:
How do you find the time to write in your busy day?
I read this excellent article that wasn't even about the same subject. The primary idea behind the article was how we become products of our environment. The way it struck me, I started thinking about my surroundings. What things am I exposed to just because they're happening, and which elements do I try to control? Am I giving things passive permission to my brain--like a TV show, a radio song, or a debate because someone else is engaging in them around me? (Or because I didn't bother to silence those distractions?)
We all take the path of least resistance, but that doesn't mean we have to take whatever is put in front of us. We can create our own "path of least resistance" to our ultimate goals. It will take some work to shape the path, but once it's there, it's there.
So for me, writing in the day isn't a question of FINDING TIME, it's a question of MAKING TIME. And with 4 kids (1 a toddler and two full time home schooling students), I MAKE TIME. (Is it any wonder I write about time manipulation? LOL.)
What is hindering your productive time?
BTW, next week is my COVER REVEAL for TIMELESS (3rd book in my Maiden of Time series). Are you as excited as I am? (You know it's going to be epic.)
Two weeks ago, Mark Noce shared two truths and one lie with us. Anyone who guessed the lie correctly was entered to win a PRINT copy of BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
The game:
1. I once ate a package of plastic C4, thinking it was chocolate (it was nighttime people).
2. I take a car, two trains, and walk a mile-and-a-half in order to get to work each day.
3. I may actually be related to the second-most-prolific man in history (King Niall of Ireland).
The lie: #1. As fun a story as that would be, it's a total fib.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Congrats, Quanie!
And now, how about ANOTHER truly great book up for grabs? (And yes, I read and reviewed this one. It is excellent.)
He came looking for a ghost. Instead, he found a girl.
Tucker Boone is a war-hardened Marine on a ghost hunt. Fresh out of the corps, Tucker learns he has a missing half-sister, Maddy. The only clue to her whereabouts is a cryptic note…I’ve gone Mad, Mags. Tucker agrees to search for her and heads to Ocracoke, North Carolina where a ghost named Mad Mags is said to haunt the ancient graveyards dotting the island.
The note doesn’t bring him any closer to finding Maddy, but it does offer him a diversion to the doldrums of civilian life—his new island neighbor, Josie McCoy. Tucker is drawn to her quiet spirit. There’s something special about Josie…a connection he can’t quite explain.
By summer’s end, he’s mixed up in deception, murder, and the love of a lifetime. Logic tells him to head home and forget the truths he found on the island. But can he walk away? Josie offers him more than love; she offers him hope. When the clues pile up and it looks like she can never be the girl for him, he has to make a choice—play it safe and break her heart, or risk everything for a chance at being swept away.
Ready to meet the author?
Elizabeth Seckman is a wife, a football mom, and a believer in dreams. She is a multi-published author and the best-seller on her street. There may not be any other writers on her street, but that doesn’t matter. She still outsells them all.
She doesn't have a favorite cheese, but loves them all equally, even with jam. And she would eat cheese anywhere, be it land, sea, or cheesy air. Hold the questions, but never the cheese. That you pile on as high as you please!
Elizabeth gave me two lies and one truth to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out either lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of SWEPT AWAY. (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, September 13 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on September 14, 8 a.m. EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE
2. When I was a little girl, my sisters tried to turn me into a beauty pageant queen, but I'd never walk on a stage.
3. The first time I took my driver's test, I backed into a police officer (barely bumped her...no harm done!) and failed the test.
Oh, and it's not too late to sign up for the cover reveal of TIMELESS. (But almost.)
So sleuths, which is the lie? Do you love romance stories? What is your great distraction?
That's exactly it - we make the time.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I'd say the second one is the lie, because I can see you doing the other two things.
Yup!
DeleteWell, heck I'm gonna go for number 3 because I haven't got a clue!
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal, I agree - if you don't grab the time for yourself it won't come looking for you!
Too true.
DeleteFraming it as making time instead of finding time is a really good way to look at it.
ReplyDeleteI think #1 is Elizabeth's lie. Or maybe it's the fact that she eats cheese with jam :-)
It's the ONLY way to look at it. =) Because it's true.
DeleteIt's true about taking the path of least resistance, but anyone with a mission to succeed knows it rarely takes you where you need to be.
ReplyDeleteSome people get lucky, but most of us have to hack our own road.
Indeed. The hacking gets exhausting--thus the importance of creating our own easy path to success, eh?
DeleteI'd probably been seen as a lazy writer, but I still manage to get things written.
ReplyDeleteI'll go with #2 as the lie just so all numbers are represented! :D
Hey, as long as you're making progress.
DeleteYou're awesome for making the time. I only have one kiddo, and it's difficult to get anything done when he's at home. Ooh, I do love romance, and Elizabeth is a fantastic writer. I'm guessing #3 is the lie.
ReplyDeleteHey, you get more done than I do, so here's to us!
DeleteI found I was letting a lot of stuff into my brain that didn't need to be there, that was depressing and distracting. One thing I do now is look at the news less often and that helps. :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I'm right there with you. The only feels I need are the ones I want there.
DeleteI do try to make time whenever I can, but every once in a while I'll just be sitting in front of the TV or on my phone doing something, and even though I know I should be writing, I kind of let it slide. That's totally my fault and I should know better, but sometimes I'm just lazy.
ReplyDeleteLOL. But sometimes we need to just decompress too, and that's totally okay.
DeleteCongrats to Quanie. I'm listening to the audiobook of Mark's book right now and loving it.
ReplyDeleteRIGHT?! How could you not?
DeleteMaking time is exactly right! There are any number of things that can eat a hole in a person's day. I'm in awe of your time management skills though! Born out of necessity I'm sure. :) I'm finally admitting that I may just need to write in the morning. There are too many distractions in the evening.
ReplyDeleteOoh, #3! That would be hilarious. I failed my first driving test - I drove a bit on the wrong side of the road - scared my instructor half to death. LOL! I would have failed anyway though, I'm sure.
Total necessity. You should have seen me ten years ago. LOL.
DeleteLately, for me, it's been less about making time and more about not needing to sleep. I am just exhausted after work and am pretty sure my battery needs a recharge before I can think about much else. Now where's that power outlet...? :)
ReplyDeleteRight!? I do the insomnia thing regularly, so I get it. The exhaustion definitely makes it a challenge.
DeleteGood luck with the cover reveal!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how when we have so much to do we manage to get it all done. I have too much time on my hands some days and still write first thing in the morning. I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
We get in this SUPER productive mode where every second MUST be used for something...which has it's reverse downfall. How do we slow down when needed?
DeleteLove Mark's book, and Elizabeth's sounds awesome! I think her lie is #2.
ReplyDeleteSeconded!
DeleteVery inspiring post! I need to take a look at my environment that way. I'm going to say #1 is the lie. Already signed up for the cover reveal. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteIWSG Co-host at http://lorilmaclaughlin.com
That's because you rock! Thank you to the moon and back.
DeleteHi Crystal ... fun - but #1 rather put me off! So I'd like to eliminate it ...
ReplyDeleteWe need to make time .. we make it for other things - so writing gets put in the mix .. cheers Hilary
Totally agreed.
DeleteIf it's a burning desire, we make the time.
ReplyDeleteMy guess - #1.
That's definitely the way it works.
DeleteCongrats, Elizabeth! Your story looks awesome. ^_^
ReplyDeleteCrystal, it's definitely a case of MAKING time. I'm so glad you've managed to do that even with the kids and life there to distract you.
Also, I suspect #2 is the lie.
DeleteI hinder my productive time. I'm terrible at time management.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to guess that #1 is the lie.
LOL. Well, at least you know it.
DeleteWith kids and a family, you have to make the time. I think mass chaos actually helps with our creativity. It forces us to work in spurts. Taking constant breaks helps work out those plot holes in our writing!
ReplyDeleteYou know what, I agree. I've had both and it really does help.
DeleteGreat post, Crystal. We make time. We'll never find it. Life is a bunch of distractions. We can only do what we can do. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteThat's an interesting way to look at it. What is around me hindering my creativity? Probably that evil place that keeps my paycheck. lol. I must work.
ReplyDeleteThe lie is #2.
Looks like a great story. Thanks for sharing it!
LOL! That evil, evil place.
DeleteOh for the ability to manipulate time! "Best-seller on her street." Love that, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteI'll guess #2. I think her sister succeeded - Elizabeth is gorgeous :)
Right? Who doesn't want to freeze time for a couple hours every now and again?
DeleteThanks for having me over, Crystal! I messed that up, didn't I? Well, if it helps...there is only one of those that is a total lie. One happened to me and the other happened to my mother, so people.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Nope. It's fun to mix it up a little on occasion. At least then we know who is paying attention.
DeleteWe all need time turners, eh? I could use about 4 extra hours in a day, two of them to make up for not currently sleeping enough, the other two to write.
ReplyDeletePLEASE! And while we're at it, I want an endless supply of cheese. Gourmet cheese. =)
DeleteI agree with the comment on time. We're all given the same number of hours each day, but we each choose to spend them in different ways.
ReplyDeleteI think Elizabeth threw up in the elevator and wouldn't walk on stage so she didn't hit the policewoman. Of course, I'm never right.
The point is CHOOSING how we spend them rather than letting them be frittered away, eh?
DeleteDo you have a time turner somewhere? But yeah, we make time. I'm an insomniac, so sometimes that's helpful. And I don't really watch TV.
ReplyDeleteI think #2 is the lie. Numbers one and three are just all too real.
I hear you on the insomnia. But that's dangerous too because you could totally get trapped in a bad pattern. I have. It's SOOOOO hard to break.
DeleteIt's a real challenge to find time int he day for reading and writing. That's why I use public transit for work...I need the time to get my stuff done:)
ReplyDeleteRIGHT?! I think that's a smart way to do it.
DeleteI think most of our distractions are self-made. My husband likes to turn on the TV first thing in the morning, and leave it on all day long. Drives me nuts. To me, that is a distraction with a capital D. Every once in a while, he says I can change the channel to whatever I want, and I put on a channel that plays soft classical music or turn the annoying TV off altogether. (After all these years, he's finally getting the message...)
ReplyDeleteWoo HOO! For once, I finally guessed the fib. (I'm reeeeeally glad he didn't eat C-4. That could have had an explosive reaction in his GI tract.)
I LOVED Elizabeth's book, but you don't have to enter me into the drawing. Let somebody new get to enjoy it. I think her #1 is the fib, though. An elevator at college? All we had were tons of steps... you know, back in the Dark Ages. :)
THE TV! I have an audio hypersensitivity, so when any kind of music or TV is on in the background, my knuckles tend to go white. My poor husband has had to succumb to a quieter way of living. Good thing he's at work all day!
DeleteThat's why I haven't been getting anywhere in the past few months; I've been waiting to get time to write, rather than making the time. I'm determined to manage my time better, and make time to write!
ReplyDeleteThere you go. You've got this thing.
DeleteI've come to the conclusion that I'm just lazy. I am one of the lucky few who has ample time to write, read, do pretty much what I'd like. Most often, I waste that time. I tend to write more in the fall than the rest of the year. Maybe it is guilt for all the wasted summer hours.
ReplyDeleteLOL! The guilt... That's awesome. I had a season that was like that. I spent most my extra time cleaning.
DeleteMaking time. Making priorities. Gah! *runs away and hides from responsibilities*. My guess is number three is the lie.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I want to run with you.
DeleteIt's writers like you who encourage me most! Young kids and teaching at home--that's a huge amount of work that many people would use as an excuse to not pursue writing at all. But you do it anyway! You have no idea how much this inspires me. I give so much credit to parents who write. It also sets a great example for your kids.
ReplyDeleteHere's my September IWSG post - my secret tool for finding writing time
As long as those kids don't fail school... ;) Thanks for the kind words. It's crazy, but good.
DeleteI know I don't have the patience to home school my kids, so kudos to you for that!
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't have an excuse for not getting any writing done given my situation, but I don't force myself to make it a priority. I am my own worst enemy.
Happy cover reveal!
And you have the power to change that. You've totally got this.
DeleteSometimes to make time, you have to find it. ;) We should all make time. :)
ReplyDeleteMost times.
DeleteHi Crystal
ReplyDeleteI forgot we had a topic to write about. As far as finding time, when my children were little it was nap time when I wrote. Other mother's cleaned house. Haha! Now, in a one bedroom apartment it can be a real challenge if there are lots of people around as there were during the summer. Now one daughter is living with us and the other is moving in. Oh yes, we are in the process of finding a bigger place.
For Elizabeth Seckman's challenge it's number 3.
Cheers...cheese for lunch.
Nancy
Oh boy, Nancy. I think I'd be finding a coffee shop, eh?
DeleteEvery summer I have to make time to write. It's tough when my daughter is home, and she's great about letting me work. I just love being with her and feel guilty when I have to commit to hours at a time at my computer when I know she's right there.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, I know that guilt.
DeleteI love Elizabeth truths and lie! I'm going to guess #3.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Elizabeth, Mark, and you!!!
I know what you mean about making time - I've been in the home-school trenches for a while. But you are doing an amazing job - you totally impress me by your writing and your homeschooling and everything! (I pretty much stopped writing until my kids were 7 and 9).
Well since I only have 1 below the 9 mark, it's doable. =)
DeleteVery well said and completely agreed. It's easy to say "I don't have time" when you don't MAKE that time. When you spend an hour, two hours watching TV, or playing around on the Internet every day, then you do have the time, you just need to better spend it writing.
ReplyDeleteThat's actually why I don't subscribe to a TV service anymore. Willpower... I has none.
Yup. The only things we watch are things we seek after. It's totally the way to go.
DeleteI find time by not having time for anything else but my writing work :) Bestsellers cannot translate themselves!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's another good way to do it.
DeleteCongrats to Quanie for winning! There's always time to be found to do something important, but how important is it really? And who's to say finding time to enjoy life isn't even more important?
ReplyDeleteAgreed. In fact, I found myself telling several people to enjoy time off or away from the computer today. We need it to recharge.
DeleteThe Queen Of Time Manipulation - that's your new title!
ReplyDelete(Though I'm sure you don't mind being on the receiving end of the manipulation, especially when a certain toddler does all those cute things that toddlers do...)
Happy IWSG Day, Crystal!
I'll take it! I was watching my toddler this morning and wishing I could just take the whole moment and share it online. Video just doesn't do her justice.
DeleteI raise my hat to you for finding time amongst all the things you do in a day. Congrats to Elizabeth on her book.
ReplyDeleteI raise my hat right back.
DeleteI am pretty good at not watching TV or Netflix when I feel full in my head or don't want any mindless entertainment. I'd rather read a book or have a discussion with my husband instead. What gets me, is the social media stuff: Facebook and blogs. So much time is being put in there (if I let those things happen) to afterwards regret some of it! In general - except when it comes to focusing on writing my memoir - my time management is all right, though. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know! Facebook especially. I put limits on it. There are certain times of the day/week that are blocked out for social media. Not that I always adhere to the schedule...
DeleteYou go. Full plate and get that writing in too. I am working on staying focused and building structure into my habits.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
You go. Full plate and get that writing in too. I am working on staying focused and building structure into my habits.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Habits are important things!
DeleteYes, it's true we make the time if we want to do something. Mine is squeezing in the work I need to do on my blog with my heavy writing schedule for my job.
ReplyDeleteAnd you do a ton of work on that blog. Don't think I didn't notice! You're epic, Natalie.
DeleteYeah, I had to realize I had the time, but I had to make it a time to write instead of doing whatever.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Elizabeth! I'll guess #2 as the lie.
Opening our eyes is the tricky part, eh?
DeleteI think one thing that takes up too much time, other than work and personal responsibilities, is watching TV reruns, which I often do at the end of a workday to unwind. The problem is I'll tell myself that I'll only watch for thirty minutes, but sometimes an hour will go by...
ReplyDeleteDangerous things, those reruns. That's why we never hooked up our TV.
DeleteI worked 24 of the weekend's 48, and I still managed to write a few paragraphs each day. Like you say: we don't find time; we MAKE time. :-)
ReplyDeleteYeah! Totally.
DeleteThere are so many distractions in the road called life, and so many different paths we can take to achieve our ultimate goals. I relate very much to the message of the George Harrison song "Any Road" (from his posthumous final album), particularly the line, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."
ReplyDeleteI think the lie is #1.
Yup. True success is about knowing our direction and taking a path right to it.
DeleteYour cover is going to rock, Crystal! I believe, for the most part, time is what we make of it. If we truly want something to happen, we have to carve out time for it happen, then work, work, work. It's not just going to fall in our lap. You're right - we can become products of our environments.
ReplyDeleteElsie
co-host IWSG
And many people do--and then feel powerless to change. (Thanks, Elsie! I can't wait!)
DeleteCan't wait to see the cover!
ReplyDeleteLife is so busy, it's all about prioritizing and moving forward!! You do very well with both! :)
Thanks a ton! I'm so stoked to share with everyone.
DeleteSwept Away is on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI'm saying #2 is the lie.
Awesome. It's definitely a good one.
DeleteWe have to make time indeed. Time has no master (well there's God...but we're not him) and will slip by if we don't prioritize what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteOh and I just signed up for the cover reveal but for some reason I couldn't put in the date. So I'm just letting you know that my Queendsheena blog will be able to post your over Monday September 12. All other details went through in the sign up.
ReplyDeleteOh! Sweet. The email already sent, but I'll get the date in there. You rock!
DeleteIt's hard to make time for your writing when often the world around you instills guilt whenever you're not doing something else! I totally believe that you are the product of your surroundings. Or the theory I call "I would rather be doing...." At work I always want to write because writing is the more enticing prospect. At home I have TV and the garden and the internet to compete with my writing. Must work on this!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Tell that garden no! That's some pretty steep competition.
DeleteYou're so right, Crystal! "Making time" not "finding time."
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be the predominant phrase I'm running across today.
DeleteHi, Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI need to do the same .... just MAKE IT! I can make anything else.... So why not time. Right?
The lie.... hmmmm... I'd say #3 ...
Totally. If only it was as easy as paper mache, eh?
DeleteThere have been times where I have to make time to write. It happens to us all.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover for Between the Fires and Swept Away.
I think 3 is the lie.
It's true, but it ALWAYS for me, don't know about you. I keep telling myself it will get easier. Not sure when. One day?
DeleteI AM excited about the cover reveal (it's gorgeous, btw).
ReplyDeleteYes, you certainly do have to make time for writing - I'm sure most people in your position would just think there's no way.
Let's see...I'm gonna go with #3 as Elizabeth's lie. Though it's hilarious if it's true.
Thanks, Nicki. I suppose if I hadn't been writing for so long, it would seem pretty impossible. Life is about where we build our priorities, eh?
DeleteCrystal when I read what you have going on in your life... I know it is true, that you need to make time... there are way too many distractions that can get in our way. I gave up watching TV for 5 months one time, I am thinking that is exactly what I need to do again... it is just a time waster... xox
ReplyDeleteIt really is. When I was a teenager, I gave it up for a whole year, and what an amazing year! It was seriously one of the best of my life.
DeleteDefinitely can work for or against us. Here, take some cheese. Its awesome for mind harnessing.
ReplyDeleteI believe Elizabeth backed into a policewoman. Too funny not to be true. Making time means giving up something else for me. It's a challenge.
ReplyDeleteAlways! If only time came in infinite quantities.
DeleteI need to be better at making time to write, but sometimes even when I have the time I have zero energy to think straight enough to make words work.
ReplyDeleteI hear you! Brainpower is always an issue.
DeleteI agree with Alex. I think the second one is a lie, but that's because I really wouldn't do that one either. Lol Your answer is spot on. We have to "manipulate" time sometimes. Have a great rest of your week Crystal.
ReplyDelete=) See, it's a real thing.
DeleteMaking the time makes the difference. I've had to 'make time' for a lot of things lately. Hey, I signed up for the reveal didn't I? I can't remember? Eeek. Everything is so crazy...
ReplyDeleteTis the season. =) You never appreciate losing your head in the details as much as you do doing book release season, eh? Seriously. I could keep track of EVERYTHING...until my first book came out.
DeleteYou absolutely have to MAKE time to write with four youngsters in the house! Plus, you home school. And, look at the success you have! You're inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMary at Play off the Page
As are you! Mrs. Piano Teacher who writes Plays and participates in Workshops AND rides a Harley!
DeleteIt's always about making time. You won't get what's important done otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI think number 2 is the lie. Great looking book, Elizabeth!
I'll second that!
DeleteTotally agree. It's not finding time, it's choosing to make time for what we want to do.
ReplyDeleteIn whatever way necessary. =)
DeleteYou can find the time if you've got the motivation.
ReplyDeleteYou mean that group of readers who email and message me on a regular basis? Yeah. That's motivation.
DeleteAh distractions. I'm too focused to be distracted, but I'm focused on too many things. I think. Ah well.
ReplyDeleteLie. I'm going to guess #1, but we all know how well I've been doing on these guesses.
LOL! I totally get that. I echo that sentiment.
DeleteI love how Elizabeth says she's the best selling author on her street. Too funny! I'm going to guess #1 as well, although they all sound very truthful to me--a sign that she's a good writer.
ReplyDeleteGood points about being mindful about making writing a priority.
I know! She has such an awesome sense of humor.
DeleteI'm going with #2 as the lie. I don't typically read romances, but if Elizabeth wrote it, I know it's a good one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Crystal.
LOL. Yes, it is.
DeleteGreat post! It's all too easy to passively accept what happens to you. By writing and indie publishing, I feel I can do something to take charge of my life.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. You get to be the active protagonist of your own story. =)
DeleteWe have to make the time because we always end up making the time for all the things we do. When it's a high enough priority, you have no choice. Great point to make. :)
ReplyDeleteWe just don't look at it as "making time" most of the time.
DeleteOhh, looking forward to the cover release. Congratulations to Mark!
ReplyDeleteYippee! Me too. Only a couple days left...
DeleteGreat post. I really like your approach to making time, Crystal. Love your positivity. It always inspires and motivates me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Nicola.
DeleteCrystal, excellent ending. We make time. I also like you bringing in the path of least resistance. I had to smile.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for the launch. I'm setting it up today on twitter and on my book review blogs.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Thanks a ton, Pat! You're the best.
DeleteMaking time is definitely the key. You have obviously done a good job with that. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteSome days. Some days not. We're all off and on, eh?
DeleteI can't believe how many comments you have. That alone would take me hours to answer!
ReplyDeleteAnyway--a thought for you as a homeschooling mom: Have your children write and publish an ebook. I have a lesson plan on that I can send you (for free, of course), but it's pretty straightforward as an approach to teaching writing skills as well as collaboration and publishing.
I'm looking forward to your blog hope, Crystal!
Thanks, Jacqui! I like that idea...but I kind of shy away from it, knowing what I do about the publishing industry. Still, yes, send me the plan. I'll throw the idea at my 11 year old and see what she thinks.
DeleteAgreed, it's about making the time. Looking forward to the cover reveal.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Holly. Me too.
DeleteHi Crystal, I agree with you 100%! It is not about finding time, it is about making time! Thank you so much for sharing, and thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog, I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal, I agree with you 100%! It is not about finding time, it is about making time! Thank you so much for sharing, and thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog, I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteKindness is contagious, eh? We all deserve/need a little more. Here's to being happy and epic!
DeleteI'm the queen of allowing myself to get distracted. I need to get better on silencing those and taking responsibility for the fact that I do have to make time for what I want to do. Good reminder!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am going to vote #2 as the lie for Elizabeth. Love her cover!
I think we're all guilty of that more than we want to admit. :)
DeleteHoly carp! did I ever need this post today. You see I'm desperately trying to reenter the blogging (and writing) world, but am having a terrible time of it. I fully intended to put up a post for the IWSG, but didn't make it. In an effort to find some inspiration and motivation I decided to hope around a visit some old friends. W-O-W did I ever find it here.
ReplyDeleteI am so guilty of being easily distracted and especially distracted away from my stories and the things I really want - self-destructive? not sure, but maybe. I really need to turn everything off and tune out the world to get what is most important to me done. Thank you so much for helping me see that. Look for me next month. I do plan to be back.
Yay! You go! And here, take some cheese to fuel your engine!
DeleteI think 2 is the lie. Congrats to Quanie.
ReplyDeleteI make the time to write. I can't stand it when non-writers tell me they would write if they had the time, as if writers really have spare time.
I know, right? Actually, they usually look at me (and my kids) and ask how I find the time.
DeleteCongratulations to the winner. I too make time to do what I enjoy doing. Have a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteAnd there's the key to happiness, eh? Taking control and putting emphasis on priorities.
DeleteI'm going to say 2 is the lie, because I want 3 to be true. :p
ReplyDeleteMy biggest battle is chronic fatigue. I get so tired that I can't make myself do anything. Sometimes I overcome it, and sometimes I don't. I go through periods where I'm super productive, and I figure that's just the way it has to be.
I completely understand. Around 24/7 allergies, I'm constantly fighting fatigue. We really do just have to celebrate our successes and let the rest roll free.
DeleteWise words, Crystal ~ You do have to MAKE time, because time is one thing you rarely find! One thing that helps me follow a path of less resistance is to have my writing space cleared and ready to go with all I need. When I finish a writing session, I tidy it all up and leave a note about where to pick up at the next session. I feel about chocolate the way you feel about cheese! LOL
ReplyDeleteNice! I work well in a mess--my creative bubble, but I can see where messes could drive a body insane. (You totally need to read my chocolate vs cheese article.)
DeleteWith homeschooling and four kids, you are amazing to still be able to make time to write! In today's world it is very easy to be distracted from your goals.
ReplyDeleteThere are always sacrifices, eh?
DeleteWoot woot! Glad to have a winner for Between Two Fires:) Also even though the C4 thing didn't happen to me, it did happen to someone else...and they lived to tell the tale:)
ReplyDeleteThat's the important part--that they lived. It was such a blast having you, Mark.
DeleteDefinitely agree with the "make time" vs "find time" argument. You can always find/make time for anything that's important to you.
ReplyDeleteIt's true. We just get so caught up in the rush of things, eh?
DeleteI think you are fantastic. You do so much, Crystal. Making time, no matter what comes up, is definitely a great strategy.
ReplyDeleteAw! Thanks. I think you're fantastic too.
DeleteYou have one exciting blog lady. I know your books must be great.
ReplyDeleteMaking time is the only way to go. Nothing happens otherwise.
Thanks, Ann! It's great to see you here.
DeleteI'm late to the party as usual! With 4 children I give you credit for finding any time for yourself. I had 5 and I didn't or couldn't start my writing career until they were virtually grown.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your release!!!
I think the issue for me was how early I got a literary agent. It made me hungry. Truthfully, it wouldn't have hurt to wait another 5 or ten years to enter the realm of the published, but now that I'm there...
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the cover.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing #1 is the lie, just because #3 sounds too real.
I'm looking forward to you seeing the cover too. :D
DeleteI love your idea of purposely pursuing a less distracted path. For me, it means logging off the internet.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing #2 is the lie.
Yvonne V
It's so easy to get ducked in, eh?
DeleteThe "best seller on her street" line totally made me giggle. Very clever!
ReplyDeleteIsn't she a riot?
DeleteI'm amazed you find time to write, or even have the energy with 4 kids. I only have 2 kids and a job and I struggle!
ReplyDeleteHaving kids is like building muscles. You have one at a time and adjust to the insanity with each before adding another.
DeleteI'm also impressed with all that you do while raising four kids and homeschooling! I can't believe I'm comment # 194! Congrats on your upcoming release!
ReplyDeleteJulie
This is actually a slow period of life, compared to three years ago. Kids become more and less demanding depending on the syage, eh?
DeleteI think the lie is #3. Excited to see Elizabeth here! Wishing her all the best.
ReplyDeleteAs for my writing obstacle- it is my day job. I am often so exhausted at the end of the day that it is hard to do anything- even chores. I don't write every day- but I do try to write whenever I can. :)
~Jess
I'm amazed and in awe of the fact you find time to write! Dedication for you.
ReplyDeleteWow. 4 kids and homeschooled. Hats off to you for making teh itme to write, you're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Making time and actually taking time out for doing some stuff is always hard.
ReplyDelete