I had a hard time coming up with what to write for today’s blog, but then I saw THIS blog post, I knew I had found my topic! Perfect!
As writers, we are fortunate to be able to be on the go-wherever, whenever, and with anyone! This is a perk, but it’s also a challenge. We give up so much of ourselves to be with our characters, that it’s hard to juggle fiction vs. real life. Here are five biggest distractions that we seem to give up when our book consumes our life:
FAMILY: Spending time with my family is very important to me. It’s something I’ve treasured for a long time, and as I age, I want to spend more time with them. So, when NaNoWriMo hit, the same month as Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday), and family came to town, I knew it was time to push it into high gear. It was my first time to partake in NaNoWriMo, but I won. Yes, I missed out in bonfires on the ranch and bonding with family, and watching football (go Cowboys), but when it was November 30th, at 11:59 p.m., it was over. I had won NaNoWriMo, and I was happy! (I must also say that I went to Orlando for a “Girl’s Only” weekend with my sister! I wrote and she supported me! I still have to tell her how much spending time with her helped my story).
My advice: Spend time with family as much as you can, but make each moment count!
FRIENDS: I am thankful for my friends. My true friends have been there from the moment I wanted to be a writer, and have supported me throughout this journey. I love spending time with them, whether it’s going to Vino 100 for a night out on the town or staying home to play Settlers of Catan, I feel at “home” with my friends-my true friends! Though, there comes a time when saying, “No, I can’t go out tonight,” can change your life. Deciding to stay home on a few occasions in November helped add to the MS, word by word, and chapter by chapter.
My advice: Surround yourself with friends that support you! You’ll be glad you did!
EXERCISE: Taking care of your self by exercising is very important. It doesn’t matter if you’re under or overweight, exercise is (and should be) a factor in your life. Often when I’m writing my MS and I get struck with writer’s block, going for a walk (thirty minutes at the most) can help jumpstart my writing. It gets me back on track, and helps me reevaluate where I am and why my characters are doing and/or saying something.
My advice: Doing something physical for thirty minutes a day can help you not only improve your health, but it might give you inspiration for you MS.
HOLIDAYS: I’ve already mentioned how writing can be stressful during the holidays, but from January to December, doesn’t it always seem like there’s a holiday coming up. Can this add more stress to you “career” as a writer? Yes!
My advice: Celebrate the holidays, but don’t stress about your writing. Think of the holiday as a vacation, just for that day specifically, and know that you’ll get back to it the next day! Most of all, don’t worry about anything, and have a wonderful day off-you deserve it!
LIFE: Before you were a writer, you were a person. Go out, and have fun. (By doing this, it give you a chance to come up with more story ideas). Find new hobbies, meet new friends, go to a sporting event or concert! Live life breath by breath, because if you don’t you’re going to miss it!
My advice: Do NOT let your book(s) consume your life! There is more to life than writing. Enjoy it!
My biggest message to you is that as writers we give up so much, but it’s okay to not make it your entire lie. You can have both! Just use your time wisely!
