Dec
So much to do, so little time
Well, I am not a perfectionist, far from it. But lately, I have what seems to be overwhelmed with the holiday season. Not that it’s been particularly stressful, it hasn’t actually. Or that I hate this time of year cause of the craziness associated with the buying of gifts, the wrapping of those gifts, the crowds, the traffic, etc, etc.
No, I think the reason for the gloom is that I haven’t been inspired or even enthused about writing in my book till after the holidays are over. Don’t get me wrong, i love the plot, and the characters especially. (It’s a regency, with a blind heroine.) I just find that after a days work, and my kids are finally asleep I am struggling to keep my eyes open.
If only i could be like the more determined, goal-focused ladies here, maybe I’d stand a chance of finishing 3 books in less than a year! lol.
I’m not published, but i shudder to think if this happens to published authors! It’s hard enough trying to force the words out, but when you’re working with a deadline as well…I get goosebumps of dread just imagining the like. My heart goes out to all the authors here. Kuddos to ya!
But in the meantime, I will enjoy my Christmas and New Year’s break. I hope all of you can catch some time to relax, do one of your favorite things, for me it’s reading, and cross-stitching. Not to mention writing. God bless you and keep you safe this season.
Michelle
Michelle, you’re definitely not alone. I have been struggling to keep my eyes open after a day’s work and of running non-stop errands. Rich swears he had an entire conversation with me last night after he came home from work…I cannot remember what we discussed for the life of me.
The traffic and crowds here due to the holiday rush are s c a r y. But it’s almost over and the blessed day will be here soon. I have been hard at work on my book during this busy season, however, it looks like I’ll have to start over with my book.
December 22nd, 2006 at 9:16 amMe too! Last night while chatting with Isabel, it was like 10pm (my time) and I was falling asleep at the pc. Of course I’ve been getting up with the husband at 4:30am each morning. So this night owl has new hours. Oddly enough, I feel more lonely working these new hours. And although I don’t wish to start my book until the new year, so I get a fresh start from everything, I’ve been working on graphics like mad!
So Michelle, know that you are not alone in this! Give yourself a little time to breath and then hit the writing after the new year in full force!
Ya know, you mentioned authors and deadlines, this could be why we hear so many of them putting it off until they have only 6 months or less to get it done. The pressure gets to you finish! And as one author stated (I think Kathryn??) the money is inspiring hehe.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:44 amI am sooooo tired. This Holiday season seems to be draining me. I have a ton of last minute stuff to do… and that’s bc I’ve been working on 3 books. So it looks like it is a draw…. we either focus on writing and stress about life, or focus on the holidays and stress about writing ~! lol….
next year I think I will clone myself. :).
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:10 amNow Laura, that sounds like a great idea!
I was pretty harried trying to get down to see my family in Florida, but now that I’m here it’s nice and relaxed. My goal is to finish the books I brought with me, although I also brought my manuscript that needs some heavy revision. We’ll see! No sweating over this small stuff, though. The real prize this time of year is being with friends and family.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:13 amI am with you all! Right now, I’m going to enjoy the holiday and time spent with loved ones and then buckle down on my WIP after the New Year.
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:44 amI think it’s healthy to take a break for Christmas and New Year’s. At least for us ‘lucky ones’ (in this respect) that don’t have deadlines yet.
Come the new year me and my first sentence are going back to basics to get this WIP moving.
And Michelle, you’ve already accomplished so much! Already 2 books under your belt, 3 in a year seems incredible. But already 2 is amazing to me. With my revisions and everything I think I’m more of the 1 book a year kinda gal.
December 22nd, 2006 at 4:32 pmLa, yes enjoy the holidays! When it’s all said and done you won’t miss having not written a handful of pages. I’m puttering on my contemporary paranormal — it’s first person and edgy and sassy and fun! But now that the dh is on his holiday I’m gonna curl up with him and a glass of Malibu rum and enjoy the lights on our tree and the fact that he (the dh — lol) smells nice.
As for money and books and all that — I’m shooting for four books written in 2007. I’m contracted for 3. Yes, I was the one who said money is a great motivator for finishing! lol. But I like the satisfaction of having completed something — even if I think it’s crap. And waiting till six months to finish a book? Some of us wait until we only have six weeks. Then you *HAVE* to get it done.
Happy Holidays all!
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:17 pm