When I first started writing, I had three kids, ages 6, 4, and 2. Somehow I managed to write a 450 page book in two months while being a full-time mom.
How?
Because they had a strict schedule. And because they had a strict schedule, I had a strict schedule. My writing time was limited, and I made the most of it.When they napped, I wrote. When they watched a Disney movie, I wrote (yes, sometimes they watched more than one day—I was a desperate-to-be-published writer!), and when they went to bed at night, I wrote.
Fast forward many, many years later and I find myself the mom of three teenagers who don’t need so much watching over. My time has been mostly my own for quite a while now. And what has happened? My productivity has plummeted.
I know this has everything to do with not having a strict schedule. In my head I have all the time in the world to get my pages done. It’s okay if I spend a little extra time online, if I watch a repeat of Top Chef before I start my pages, if I take a day off to clean out closets… The reasoning—the excuses—go on and on. And it needs to stop.So, I’ve decided to try out a schedule to see how I do, starting with baby steps. It began yesterday.
It, ah, went okay. I did really well until it came to the actual writing time. I had two blogs I needed to get done ASAP, so I had to work on those first. When they were done, I was a bit zapped of creativity. So, I decided to go to Kroger. And, ah, clean the bathroom.
Baby steps, though. I need to keep that in mind. I will try to do a little more writing today and try, try again tomorrow…
How about you? Are you a stick-to-a-schedule kind of person?
13 comments:
I try to stick to a schedule I have 3 boys 13, 7 and 11 moths old and with school start Monday it is going to be interesting to see how things work out. I hope to have more time to get some writing done and get more reading done.
Heather hope it works out baby steps are always good.
Since I FINALLY got some interest from the important people who help get books published (aka Agent) I have been trying to get a better schedule going. Aim for the time between when I get up and others do.
So far pretty good!
Have managed to get something done during that quiet time, just need more of it!
I have found that if I don't have a schedule I feel unproductive and depressed. Routine is good for me - eventhough I enjoy a break from it every once in a while, it needs to be a short break - for the sake of my mental health!
That is why I can't wait for my kiddos to go back to school. We have NO schedule and it's driving me crazy and my writing has suffered....ugh! Good luck on your new schedule!
I still haven't found a way to schedule my writing time instead of trying to fit it in after the other claims on my time are done.
Good luck on those baby steps.
I live for my routine, knowing what I'll most likely be doing during the day.
Baby steps is the way to go.
Good luck with your writing.
Again, it must be a Virgo thing.....
I just finished an online class so my time is my own again (sort of). My next class starts in October and I've gotten a whole lot of house cleaning and organizing and donating accomplished. With 3 kidlets ages 12, 10 and 5 and NO schedule, I'm ready to pull out my hair. The school year needs to start, pronto!
Your kids got older, I retired, same result. I find my time gets eaten up by doing exactly what I'm doing right this minute, and reading. The first thing you know the day is gone and I haven't written a word. Sept. usually inspires me to be more productive - I hope!
I love the idea of a schedule. Especially of a writing routine where my productivity soars! Do I currently have a schedule? NOPE! And now I am only working at a job part time, so I have a lot more available time in my day. Your post reminds me that I really do need to make a schedule. Maybe I'll work on that today....unless of course, something else like cleaning, or walking the dog, etc comes up. :)
Seems most of us agree that schedules are a good thing. The hard part, I think, is getting them in place.
Day 2 was better for me. Not so distracted. Got five pages written. Now the rest of the day is free. This is part of my baby-step plan. Morning is regimented--afternoons are free for alls. :)
I am not one for schedules so it is lucky that I am retired and do not have a boss that expects me to arrive on time & to complete assignments.
I do have a few things that I do on a regular basis which might seem like organization - watering house plants, filling prescription reminder boxes and attending senior citizen events but I really do not count those because I cannot be fired if I do not do them on the assigned days.
Helen Kiker
hdkiker@comcast.net
Left to my own devices, I putter.
I don't have a schedule unless it is to get Lady K and me to bed at 8pm and get up at 0600 for work and school.
If I worked from home, I'd be lost. I am the queen of the procrastinators for anything that sounds like work, therefore not fun.
Admitting it is the first step to recovery...but I'll think about that tomorrow...
It takes a while to not be a scheduled person,if you have for most of your Adult Life..But Life has changed and I am much more "Laid back: so to speak..A touch of OCD...which I think everyone has lol..Heather I do not want finish "Deeply,Desperately.".Just letting you know,Loving every Page and have decided tonight is the night..See you on the 30th..GREAT Writing,and each pg a new beginning..Feb2011..Soo far Away..
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