Here we go again with Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge. #MFRWauthor
Week 36: Managing my Writing Time
You want to know how I manage my writing time, huh? I think it manages me.
I’ve been writing full-time for six years. My writing time is my own. Each morning I turn on my iPad, accompanied by a cup of coffee, and check social media, email, and my blog to take care of comments, email, and messages. By the time I’m finished, I need to eat then get ready if I have to be somewhere. If I have somewhere to go, writing happens later in the day.
I manage my writing time much better by beginning after the above-mentioned wake-up routine with iPad and coffee. Otherwise, if I turn on my laptop and continue with social media, etc., I am distracted and time gets away from me. By writing first, I am more productive. Later, I can do more of the non-writing related work.
Sure, at times I take mornings off (like today) for doing my own personal paperwork, paying bills or scheduling marketing. After hours and days of writing, many things tend to be ignored—shopping, cleaning house, trying to exercise, and all that kind of stuff. Whether I write first thing in the morning or not, I still write again during the day. Some sessions are short. Others are long.
However, there are days when I don’t write, and sometimes two or three days in a row go by, depending on what else is going on. This happens, mostly, and especially, after sending a book to my editor. I don’t know what to do with myself. I miss the book and characters. I have to take a few deep breaths and some days off. By this point, the next book has already been started, and there are new characters to fall in love with while my editor polishes the others.
It’s rare to write in the evening anymore, but I’ve been known to get back up after going to bed to write notes either into my iPad or phone. I use the Google Keep App now for notes. It syncs with all my devices. When I can’t sleep, the laptop comes out.
Admittedly, there are some negatives. Spending time writing like this justifies being an introvert and not socializing. Dust gets thick before cleaning occurs. Cupboards and the refrigerator can get bare. Friends and family worry because I, you, we stay home so much. Health gets neglected. I looked forward to writing full-time all my life. It’s like I’m making up for lost time now by keeping my butt-in-the-chair.
Remember, folks, this is a blog hop for authors at Marketing for Romance Writers Blog. Please visit the author blogs if the notion strikes you. Are you curious about how other authors manage their writing time? 😊
Side Note: My heart is sad for all the devastation happening in our world right now, including the earthquake in Mexico. Hurricanes, floods, and fire are taking a large toll in my country. I’m still praying for you Texas, and now my prayers are extended to those in Florida, and to all of you living in fear of what comes next. I know of three people who are staying. Bless you all and good luck. Please get in a safe place. After seeing the devastation in Texas, don’t push your luck.
Do you know you can donate to many charities via PayPal, including the American Red Cross? Hurricane Harvey is one of them. Why not check it out? PayPal makes it easy with only a couple clicks. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with PayPal or Red Cross. Please, be safe.
Thanks for reading.
Photo credits: Pixabay and Dreamstime
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel 
12 thoughts on “#AmWriting Does Writing Manage Me? #MFRWauthor”
Cathy Brockman
Great post. It’s good you can stick to writing and avoid social media . I vow someday to find a way myself. My prayers go out to all in devastated areas too.
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Thank you. It isn’t easy, Cathy. I’m constantly checking throughout the day for messages, and do spend time with email, which is always open, but I don’t spend lots of time on it until I need a break. Then I go hog wild. 🙂
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Meka James
Sounds like you have a pretty solid routine going. I need to get some discipline started, but so far nothing. Taking a few days off can help recharge. Every job gives off days so no reason why writing isn’t the same.
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
It took a long time to get into a routine, Meka. A long time, and I battled a lot of personal junk that went on about the same time I began writing full-time. It started as a distraction from life, and turned into a habit. Once it became a habit, it got easier. I’d like to take more days off, and this is what I need to work on. You’re right about how it’s important to take breaks to recharge. Thanks for that reminder. 🙂
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Ed Hoornaert
I’m impressed by your dedication and willpower. You put me to shame!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Thanks. It’s called survival, Ed. 😀 It pays off when the bills are due. When you have a family it’s different. I haven’t always been this dedicated But, yeah, the key is survival, but I love my job. 💕 Thanks for stopping by.
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D. Wallace Peach
I’m a morning writer too, Mary. The day seems to grow distractions like weeds and in the morning they’re still small and unobtrusive. Enjoy your writing time while your heart goes out to the tragedies happening everywhere. ❤
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Hi, Diana. I used to be a late night writer because it was the only time I could. It’s different when you’re young and can get by with a few hours sleep. 🙂 You’re right about the day “growing” distractions. I love that! I found out an hour ago that my sister-in-law is in Jacksonville, FL. WTH! Her vacation is in the wrong direction.
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D. Wallace Peach
Oh no. That’s where my aunt, uncle, and cousins all live. It’s a scary storm! I’m hopeful that it will run out of steam a little by the time it gets there. 😦
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Yes, Irma is huge! News is talking about the storm surge now for Tampa. Prayers to your family. It looks like it is shifting to the west side of the state for now but is so big it covers so much. It’s awful scary!
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Teagan R. Geneviene
Thanks for this mindful post, Mary. The way you manage your writing is impressive. Hugs!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
It works for me, Teagan. I think I’m a little obsessed about it. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. Thanks for commenting.
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