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
