Kareen asked me to write about how I mastered the art of making time to switch between writing new books and editing my completed novel. Well, I have this roll-top antique oak desk in a capacious room with a huge bay window that overlooks a babbling brook where deer meander nearby. As the sun cuts through the pine trees and awakens my muse, I begin my inspirational time block to work on my new novel. After lunch, served by the cook, I edit. NOT! Not on all accounts.
I’m like most writers. I wear a lot of hats: mom, pastor’s wife, mega-traveler, cook, maid, chauffer, etc. My office is wherever my butt lands. Sometimes my butt doesn’t even have to land. Sometimes my office is the kitchen counter toggling between what a character needs to say next and the next ingredient the casserole for Sunday’s potluck needs.
And to top it all off, I’m a pantster. I don’t plot. I don’t plan. So, that tells you something about my organization skills.
So, have I mastered the art of switching between writing new books and editing? I don’t think I’ve mastered anything in life, but here’s what works for me: I write consistently. Commitment is key. Determination matters. I can’t afford to procrastinate. No time to waste. And writer’s block is simply not allowed. I rarely watch TV. I grab moments to write, whenever and wherever I can. I set high goals and often fall short, but that’s okay. Life’s busy, crazy, but fun. This is my career. My life. I’m serious about writing.
Early in my writing career, I declared myself a writer. In every application (leases, credit cards, etc.) I filled “writer” in the line. Didn’t matter that I wasn’t published. I was writing, therefore I was a writer. And it sounded way better than “housewife.” I received my share of rejection letters, but I kept at it, practicing the craft, sharpening my writing skills. Eventually, I became published.
After I completed a novel, I declared myself an author. I wrote a book. Therefore, I was an author. After I finished my first book, I moved on to the next. Then, a plot for the third book formed in my mind. The fourth book keeps poking me like a small child wanting attention. In the meantime, my agent asked me to do major edits on my first novel. So, I guess the key to managing it all, is commitment and doing now, what needs to be done now. If I need to edit, I hush those character’s voices and edit. Working on staff at a newspaper taught me to write a lot, fast. Deadlines don’t dance with writer’s block.
One more thing: My iPhone, laptop, and Kindle are my three best friends that stay with me always. I’m prepared to write or read, no matter what my office looks like, no matter where I am.
Twitter: @HollyMichael
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hollyjmichael
Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHollyMichael
hjmichael@sbcglobal.net
I've read the beginning of Crooked Lines. Fantastic!
Barb Johnson
Behind the Black Robes: Failed Justice, http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Black-Robes-Failed-Justice/dp/1439241155
Why I Didn't Sleep with Mitt Romney & Other Tales (memoir on Kindle), http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VZIMIK
Cry Rape! in progress (see IWW)
I just love it also when my cook brings me lunch.
I think the main point is the commitment to what you want to do. You want to write. Write! You want to edit. Edit! You want to do both, be able to prioritize your time because you don't get anymore than the next person. Nice to read you have a handle on that skill…and it is a skill that can be learned.
Write on! Edit on!
pantster – I'm a novice so that's a new one for me. I can see how a plotter could procrastinate. I thought in today's world you don't need agents. Self publish – right?
It's awesome that today you can either get an agent or self-publish!
Thanks for visiting the post 🙂
"…prioritize your time because you don't get anymore than the next person."
Good point. Something I'm still learning myself!
Holly,
I love this post…most encouraging for someone who struggle to be more organized with writing. I'm always looking for little tidbits and info from other writers.
Thanks for being candid and colorful, compassionate, and caring in your writing tips. I consider you a dear friend and look forward to meeting you one day.
God bless you! I too am interested to hear if you have self-published!
Thanks Barb!! Can't wait to read some of your novels, instead of a chapter here and there.
Thanks Rick. You are my inspiration with writers write. Everything else is just a guideline.
Hi Bill, I considered the self-pub route, but when an agent requested my nove , I thought I'd give the traditional route a chance.
Glenda, Awww! You're so sweet. SO glad we met. You are a dear friend. I wanted to self publish, but a friend read my novel, liked it, and told her agent about it. Great news was that I never had to write a query letter to get an agent. I was pretty excited. So, I decided to give the traditional route a try. Still waiting on the agent. Keep me in your prayers! Thanks Glenda. You're the best!!
Holly,
Perfect timing! I'm away from home at a conference this week, so I have free time in the evenings hanging around the hotel room. Last night, I made a list of what I want to accomplish each evening, but I've already fallen short! I think sometimes I blog instead of editing or writing my WIP because I can complete a post and have a feeling of accomplishment. I think the commitment is key. And for me, voicing or writing my goals in smaller chunks. Instead of planning to work on Falling Up, I need to decide to edit a certain number of pages or write a certain number of words, so I'll feel the sense of "finishing" even though it's still a WIP.
Thanks so much! Keep writing and inspiring!
Linden
quite right if you write a novel you are an author interesting and inspiring