Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Insecure Writer's Support Group and Me

 
 
Happy Insecure Writer's Support Group Day! This awesome event is hosted by Alex Cavanaugh on the first Wednesday of every month. You can sign up HERE to share your writerly insecurities and receive the support of the writing community.

As my buddies know, I've just returned from a month-long bloggy break. After the A-Z Challenge, I think most of us needed it.

What have I been doing? Packing, moving from Colorado to California and starting a new/old job. Without going into details, because this must be familiar to most of you, I needed to make money outside of my less-than-lucrative writing career. Who knew?

When my old employer called and asked me to come back to work, I couldn't say 'no,' even though it's only a guaranteed six months (whether I remain is dependent on if someone else decides to stay or move on. And then, of course, it's up to me whether I accept the permanent job if it's offered to me). In any case, we're ready to move on from Colorado - we love winter but nine months of winter are too much. My life is sort of in limbo....

So now I'm in California working and the hubs is in Colorado trying to sell the house.

Which brings me to, HOW IN THE WORLD CAN I CONTINUE MY WRITING CAREER WHILE WORKING FULL TIME?

I know that so many of you already do this, but I'm struggling. I'm tired at the end of the day and not feeling the least bit creative. I have a novel and a novella to edit (the novella is really close, though. Eeep!). Not to mention blogging/blog visits - and oh how I missed you all!

Help! I need advice! How do you do it?!

Rant over.

How are you all doing?

34 comments:

  1. Congrats on the move. I hope it works out for you. I do work full-time, have a family and sick husband who does very little around the house, blog, and write. My writing goes way slower than most people, but I accept it because I can only do so much. In fact this summer, I'm slowing down with blogging and writing because I just want a little time to relax and be with my family and new puppy. And that's okay. So hang in there. You'll find the rhythm of writing and working that works for you. And it's best not to sacrifice what you need to do financially for your writing.

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    1. "You'll find the rhythm..." I like that, Natalie. It makes sense - thank you!

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  2. Glad you made it to California - although as a raised Coloradan, I have an 'inborn' suspicion for anyone living in the sunny CA. But you're right, those winter months get long! I wish I could help you out, but I'm impressed with anyone who can write and work full time and everything else too. I bet you'll hit my respect list ;)

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    1. Tonja, it's funny, but a lot of people have prejudices against Californians, LOL! But really, it's just like anywhere else - good people and bad. I'd love to make your respect list :D

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  3. I can't give you advice. Sorry. When I was working full time, it's was a 50+ hour a week job that left me with barely any time for my kids. I didn't have time to read a book never mind write one. But I know so many writers who do manage a full time job, kids, and writing. I just figure they were super humans. :D

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    1. You're right, Stina. They ARE super humans! Oh, we should totally make up a super hero name for "them."

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  4. I'm a business owner and that's pretty much 24/7. It's really difficult to find time to write. You just have to steal time when you can.

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    1. Diane, I think "stealing" time is the general consensus. Hmmm, I'll start plotting right now....but seriously, you must be crazy busy!

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  5. Being a "working author" has been about see-sawing for me. I have long moments I can steal. I have short moments I can hide away. I take the time I can get. For a while, my sleep suffered but I've decided I can't keep doing that so I get in what I can and work the "guilt" out later, like with a piece of chocolate :-)

    As a single mom working full-time and writing, I can understand your pain. It isn't something that will happen overnight, but you can eventually find those moments where you'll be much more creative than you realize.

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    1. Mmmmm, chocolate. Is that your prescription? And you're definitely my hero Angela. I respect what you do so much. Thanks for the encouragement, partner :)

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  6. I think I'm among the minority, but I love moving and new starts and change of scenery. Colorado will miss you but all the best in CA!

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    1. Julie, if I felt like I was moving forward, I'd be excited. But it feels like rewind. But I am determined to make the best of it. And who knows, maybe I'm revisiting California for a reason....Thank you for the well wishes, sweetie!

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  7. Congrats on the move and best wishes with the job. I wish I could give advice but my head seems to be going in a million different directions right now so I'm not one to give anyone advice at the moment LOL. I hope you are very happy in CA and your husband is able to join you soon!

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    1. Thanks, Julie. I think my head is caught up in the same whirlwind as yours, LOL!

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  8. I just force myself to do it. I set aside time in the evening and write no matter what. Well, if the house caught fire I'd probably stop.

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    1. Alex, I need to be really firm with myself, I guess. Even if I'm not feeling creative.

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  9. Wow, you and I are having the same summer. It's hard to be apart from your spouse, but I try to turn it into a positive of found time to work after I put my kids to bed.

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    1. Johanna, it's really hard being separated from my hubster. Just pray my house sells soon.

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  10. Welcome back to the Golden State! I'm lucky enough to be able to stay home and write . . . Well, when the kids let me . . . Before we had kids, though, and I worked full time, I have to admit I was frustrated by trying to work and write. Though that may have been partly due to our one-room apartment and being unable to escape to any kind of private space. For me, when writing, that's the big key: space to and for myself.

    ~MPL
    PepperWords

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    1. Thanks, M! I desperately missed the Mexican food and all sorts of things while I was away (but some other things, not so much).

      I need my own space to write, too. I just get distracted so easily, so can't have the TV or music or anyone else around!

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  11. Huge congrats on such a major shift! Moves are tough, so I totally understnad needing the time off.

    I, like so many toehrs, have a day job and although i'm just starting the process of trying to get published (short stories and poems, no novels yet) I also feel the strain. I certainly haven't worked out a science yet but I do the best I can- half hour here, five minutes there, 30 seconds hotting that idea down before I lose it, etc. I pretty much never visit all the blogs/e-mail all the submissions/write all the things I want to but I do get a little done veryday. And that little goes a long way to keep me going.

    So small bits, I say. Whenever able. And no matter what, just keep writing!

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    1. Beverly, I guess that's what I need to get used to. I'm so used to big chunks of time that I think that's what I need. I will have to get used to smaller timeframes.

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    2. Sorry for all the typos before, sheesh! And thanks so much for becoming my 100th follower! *jumps up and down in excitement!*

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  12. Bless your heart. You're under enormous stress right now. The only thing I can tell you is that these things are cyclical. Good, bad, or indifferent, it won't always be this way.

    Writing is only one of my 'super-powers' (lol) so I roll with the punches and don't crank out words just to fit some profile. I work when I can and fit in some down time.

    Publishing is not a race or a destination, just a mile-marker along the way.

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    1. Things do go in cycles, it's just that I'm not sure which cycle I'm on right now, LOL! My destination will be a surprise - hope it's a good one :)

      "Publishing is not a race or a destination, just a mile-marker along the way." I love that Maria, because you're right. It should be about the journey, not just the destination, right?

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  13. Glad you're back. When I was working, it helped to tackle smaller chunks [it's not as overwhelming] and gave myself days off w/o guilt.

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    1. Small chunks sounds like good advice. Then the task doesn't sound so overwhelming. Thanks Mary!

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  14. There are only 24 hours in a day, and some of them must be devoted to sleep.

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    1. And I'm one of those people who needs sleep to function! And the right atmosphere. And silence. I have so many needs *shakes head* (LOL!)

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  15. I have to be honest - when I was working full time, I DIDN'T do it all! I could go weeks without writing because there was just NO TIME what with preparing lessons and marking tests and all of that in the evenings. Maybe you have to set time aside on the weekends ... And I think it's important not to let yourself feel guilty. You write when you can!

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    1. Rachel, I probably haven't written anything in two months! I'm trying not to stress about it, but...

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  16. "Gwen Gardner" has been included in the Sites To See for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2013/06/sites-to-see.html

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  17. Routine, eh? The only way I can see it working is having the discipline to build in an hour of writing time before or after the work day. Best of luck to you, and here's hoping for the very best!

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  18. A full-time job definitely takes a toll on writing no matter how much you love them both. Despite what many folks might think, software development is a creative process; it just comes with loads of (often unforgiving) responsibilities and demands.

    My advice would be to write when you can. If the creativity is sapped, edit what you've already written. If focus is sapped, read or otherwise enjoy life. But do not kick yourself for skipping a few days here and there. I've found that doing so is detrimental to continued creativity and enthusiasm.

    Best of luck on your endeavors.

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