Juggling and prioritizing writing
It’s currently after midnight on a beautiful Friday night and I’m finishing up some edits before “lights out”.
Something I struggled with a lot, maybe still struggle with sometimes, is prioritizing writing/editing my manuscripts on a day to day. Now, I know everyone lives a different life and no two lives are the same. I’m a stay at home mom on maternity leave so my first and foremost priority is my growing baby. That being said, my baby is under one which means on an average day she naps twice. If the house is decently clean and I feel comfortable enough to sit down with a cup of coffee during her morning nap, then fantastic but that is not always the case.
The average new writer is still working a full-time job to make ends meat and be able to afford things like groceries and bills. So writing for you is either before or after work, if you still have enough energy and the day didn’t suck it all out of you.
I find that planning my day the night beforehand works very well for my writing needs and it may or may not work for your own schedule. I’m also a very strong believer in listening to your body. There are periods where I don’t write or look at my manuscripts for days because the world around me with my baby and my home are too busy and that is OK. If I’m not able to fully concentrate on my writing, I won’t produce the best that I know I can.
From what I see online from writers, new writers especially and folks who are trying to finish their manuscripts to publish, they are so focused on writing a specific number of words a day and if they don't, they think their failing. I’m here to say that’s definitely not the case! The ‘rule’ for “writing a certain amount of words a day is not a “one type fits all” because every brain and body is different.
That being said, and trying not to contradict myself above, that doesn’t mean stop pushing yourself and your goals. The hard part is knowing when your pushing too hard. A great manuscript, one that will become a bestseller and people on the street will chat about at their local coffee and bookstores, will not come from a sleep deprived, stressed, over-worked mind. It will come from a mind that is at peace and focused, and most of all, relaxed.
On that note, this is Violet M. Bauer, signing off for the night.
Something I struggled with a lot, maybe still struggle with sometimes, is prioritizing writing/editing my manuscripts on a day to day. Now, I know everyone lives a different life and no two lives are the same. I’m a stay at home mom on maternity leave so my first and foremost priority is my growing baby. That being said, my baby is under one which means on an average day she naps twice. If the house is decently clean and I feel comfortable enough to sit down with a cup of coffee during her morning nap, then fantastic but that is not always the case.
The average new writer is still working a full-time job to make ends meat and be able to afford things like groceries and bills. So writing for you is either before or after work, if you still have enough energy and the day didn’t suck it all out of you.
I find that planning my day the night beforehand works very well for my writing needs and it may or may not work for your own schedule. I’m also a very strong believer in listening to your body. There are periods where I don’t write or look at my manuscripts for days because the world around me with my baby and my home are too busy and that is OK. If I’m not able to fully concentrate on my writing, I won’t produce the best that I know I can.
From what I see online from writers, new writers especially and folks who are trying to finish their manuscripts to publish, they are so focused on writing a specific number of words a day and if they don't, they think their failing. I’m here to say that’s definitely not the case! The ‘rule’ for “writing a certain amount of words a day is not a “one type fits all” because every brain and body is different.
That being said, and trying not to contradict myself above, that doesn’t mean stop pushing yourself and your goals. The hard part is knowing when your pushing too hard. A great manuscript, one that will become a bestseller and people on the street will chat about at their local coffee and bookstores, will not come from a sleep deprived, stressed, over-worked mind. It will come from a mind that is at peace and focused, and most of all, relaxed.
On that note, this is Violet M. Bauer, signing off for the night.
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