Welcome to the first Wednesday of the month. You know what that means! It's time to let our insecurities hang out. Yep, it's the Insecure Writer's Support Group blog hop. If you're a writer at any stage of career, I highly recommend this blog hop as a way to connect with other writers for support, sympathy, ideas, and networking.
If you're a reader, it's a great way to peek behind the curtain of a writing life.
This month's wonderful co-hosts are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!
Be sure to check out their blogs (and others on this great blog hop) when you're finished here!
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Obviously I'm juggling too much. But what can I drop?
I did say no to a few things this spring, trying to help find a better balance. I didn't apply for any conventions or author events in February, March, or April, giving myself back several weekends of time for other things. I also left my long time critique group, deciding to be a little more selfish with that time as well.
But then I said yes to other things, helping to organize a few events for my Friends of the Public Library group, and taking on teaching a new class for a local community college.
I think I'm still suffering from what I complained about last month: the demands of a full time writing life squashed into part time hours leaving me feeling a day late and a dollar short all the time.
I'd love to hear tips from others who manage a writing life while holding down a day job. How do you make it work without driving yourself crazy? What do you let drop?
I can sympathize. I don't have anything to publish yet because I can only write in spurts. I just do what I can. I know some authors who carve time out on weekends and lunch hours. I had to work to support my family. I don't regret it at all because I had to support my family. Now I'm in a position to cut back on work and focus more on writing and other things.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to say no and to balance other commitments. It seems to be an overwhelming time of year!
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have my posts pre-planned and scheduled, I wouldn't remember. Last month was a hectic one for me, and today was full of errands. I'm getting to all of this much later than usual, so I completely understand. :)
ReplyDeleteI guess those people heard you were free and took advantage of that.
ReplyDeleteHow do I write with a day job? Something goes. Usually something dumb like video games and television. I can find the time when I really look and get rid of meaningless stuff.
I know several people who juggle writing and life. The sad news is, all of us are driven crazy. :-) In the past year, I've dropped a wine and dine social group, stopped writing food articles (published, not paid), and get out of bed much earlier than I would like. But I want my writing time. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteLife does get in the way of writing. What's up with that?
ReplyDeletethanks for visiting me.
Teresa
Sometimes too many balls in the air are just that, but eventually we find our pace. I hope you find yours.
ReplyDeleteI go to a once-a-month writers' meeting that does critiques if you sign up for it. I've never signed up because I already edit and don't have enough time to write with my other responsibilities. So, I decided to be a little selfish with that, too.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya. I was trying to focus mainly on my writing career, but this term is mad, as far as my teaching schedule goes. Starting next week, I'll be teaching 32 hours per week (not counting marking and course development), with two ten-hour teaching days each week. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteSadly, writing is often the thing to fall by the wayside--or exercising, but that has to stop. I might have to scale back on responding to blog comments during that time. Often it takes me four or more hours, and it would be a shame if that kept me from finishing my novel. And marketing? Fugghetaboutit.