Happy Friday! As this week drew to an end, I pondered on what I wanted to talk about today. What came to mind first is the subject of how we spend our daily allotment of time. It’s a sensitive topic for me, but I’ll share.
Are you struggling to find enough time to complete life’s daily to-do lists like me? I live alone, so I am only accountable to myself. Sometimes, that’s not good, as I generally lean toward being undisciplined in daily routines.
Sure, there are some things I do daily without giving any thought. But aside from the daily actions required for survival, things can go in many different directions.
I love playing word games on my phone. They don’t take much time, and yet I can get lost in Wordle. I tell myself it’s helping keep my brain sharp. Right?
I spend a copious amount of time clearing out emails, and then there are blogs to visit and social media posts to put up. You see where this is headed, don’t you?
I know all about the concept of making lists and giving each chore a certain amount of allotted time. And I understand the benefits of being strict with my time on each chore. I tell myself that every day. Then myself tells me basically to butt out, that I’m free to do whatever I want. It’s a never-ending cycle.
Have any of you ever seen the movie “In Time?” I haven’t watched it yet, but it is on Netflix and on my radar. Maybe this weekend. The movie’s basic premise is that time is the exchange currency instead of money. I’ll share more about it after I watch it. In the movie, each morning, each person is issued the same amount of time, but if someone wastes it frivolously, they are SOL until the next day unless they can borrow or beg some time from another person. Interesting concept, and what a way to look at time.
I’ve tried blocking everything out to write first thing in the morning. That works for a day or two. Then, my OCD kicks in about tending to all the other things. I tell myself I’ll get all the other stuff out of the way first, then I’ll be clear to focus on writing. The next thing I know, it’s time to rush out the door to work, and I’ve spent way too much time on everything but writing.
What to do?
We are all different in how we approach our days. Our discipline meter varies from person to person. And I know it takes dedicated discipline to make my day a set routine. However, I justify my lack of self-discipline on the fact that for almost fifty years, I punched a time clock. I’m semi-retired. I should be able to do what I want. I earned it.
While that may be true, it doesn’t help me make progress on my WIP. It’s not that I don’t love my story. I do. I get excited when I work on it and watch the characters and plot develop and unfold.
It’s a strange phenomenon. I’m left to wonder if it’s just me, or if others struggle in this area, too. All of the solutions require planning and discipline. I know that. Yet, I don’t know how to trick myself into believing it’s not either of those things and that it’s fun. I need some magic! The bottom line is that it is totally up to me. We are the creators of our days, our worlds. So, I have ZERO room to complain or whine. I’ll just say I’m thinking out loud.
In bookish news, talented author C.S. Boyack, has a new Lizzie and The Hat story up for pre-order. If you’ve read any of his work, you know you are in for a treat. Take a look!
One of the many things I love about this ongoing series is that each book stands alone. This new book hits the streets on October 2nd!
Blurb:
Lizzie and the hat haven’t been as careful as they think. When the FBI comes knocking, they know all about their nighttime pursuits.
Who even knew we had a Geospatial Intelligence Agency? This obscure part of the intelligence community has a problem that requires a special skillset. Lizzie and the hat are tasked with ridding the intelligence server farm of a gremlin infestation. They’re ill prepared for this one, because .357 magnum revolvers are designed to deal with larger and hairier problems.
The Feds aren’t giving Lizzie much chance to weasel out of the assignment, and they reluctantly accept the job. Lizzie faces some unique trials and has to make new friends to get through the assignment, and avoid a debilitating curse at the same time.
It’s been a hard road for Lizzie during this series, and she’s due for a couple of small upgrades. These are solo titles in a larger series, and you should be able to read any individual one without feeling lost. The series is dark humor at its base, but this one tends a little more toward the humor.
Finally, I have a new book trailer for my upcoming release, The Edge of Too Late, in the Harbor Pointe Series. I hope you enjoy it.
I wish each of you a good weekend. I’m seriously going to try and make some headway with my WIP, but I will be taking time out to attend a gathering of local authors on Saturday. It’s always inspiring to be with others who speak your same language. Hope to have some photos and maybe some new tips to share next week.
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I hear you with the time management issue. It’s very easy to get distracted and the “it’ll only take a moment” to do something else. Before you know it, half the morning is gone.
So true, Mark. It’s a juggling act. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.
Jan, what you said sounds like my life. The organized lists, the intentions, the writer block moments – procrastination always part of the mix. I think we all feel the same in our own daily and writing lives. For me, I haven’t felt creative for a few months. I have a raw draft of a book I want to put out on grief, but I find myself avoiding reading, maybe too soon? I don’t know. Myself will let me know when I’m ready to tackle that one. In the meantime, I’ve made friends with a group of great women from the gym, so I’m enjoying the social life that has been sorely lacking. YOLO right? <3
You are right, Debby. When the time is right to move forward with the book on grief, you’ll feel the nudge and spark. I started writing one about two years ago on moving forward after the loss of a spouse, but it’s just sitting. I don’t know if I’ll ever publish it. Maybe if I get the nudge to go back to it. I’m so glad you’ve made some friends at the gym. We all need some sort of a social life. Kudos to you! YOLO?? Well, only once that we remember right now. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Lol Jan, yes you are right my friend. Yes, one life at a time! 🙂 x
I know where you are coming from Jan… I play online solitaire every morning before I get cracking on work issues and have done so for nearly 30 years.. I used to be much faster but I play against the clock and it gets my brain ticking over… as to WIPs.. I am not rushing my next one so is likely to be next spring.. thanks for the heads up about Craig’s new release.. ♥♥
Thank you for chiming in, Sally. Time is such an important aspect of our lives, and I am a firm believer in trying to find a balance between work and relaxation. And lots of these games we play get our brains shifting into high gear. I love playing while I drink my coffee. I’m happy to share Craig’s newest and look forward to reading it. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and lend to the conversation.
Retirement doesn’t equal more time, and I waste a lot of it. I’m like you, though, for too many years I punched a timeclock. My husband, who is more of an extrovert, doesn’t seem to get in a hurry about anything, but I still like to have some sort of routine. I do waste a lot of time with word games, solitatire, etc. Speaking of have you tried the new “Connections” game? 🙂
Lol, Joan. Your comment made me laugh out loud. I haven’t heard of the new Connections game. But if it’s a word game, I’ll have to check it out. You are right, though. Retirement doesn’t necessarily equal more time. I definitely have a morning routine, but pretty much anything goes after that. Thank you for chiming in and telling me about another game I must check out. 🙂
I agree with you Jan…we are the creators of our days, our worlds but a little magic is also anticipated! ? Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for leaving a comment, Balroop! I wish you a wonderful weekend as well.
I think ‘following your own schedule’ is what allows us-authors to be more creative. I’d say keep doing what you’re doing. The schedule will come together.
Love the trailer!
Thank you for your empowering comment, Jacqui. I’m sure I am way too hard on myself. It’s a lifetime habit I’m working to break. I am happy you enjoyed the trailer. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a thought today!
I keep saying I’m going to set a schedule and stick to it, but so far, I have not. I get distracted so easily by an article I run across or off shoots of research. Even a conversation can capture my attention. So many things to distract my writing time! Like you said, when we were always on a schedule, the freedom is wonderful but not as productive. Congrats to Craig! I am looking forward to this read.
It is a balancing act, Denise, and one I seem to be failing at right now. I also get easily distracted when trying to do research. I think the authors who advocate for outlining would comment on how outlining gets all the research out of the way before writing. 🙂 But, yes. So many things distract me from what I should be working on. My writing AND me are works in progress. 🙂 Thanks for supporting Craig and for joining in the discussion. Have a great weekend!
Great post, Jan. So much to do and not enough time, right? When I entered this wonderful, crazy, hectic, hair-tugging writing business, I applied my previous administrative and management skills to my business. Oh, my goodness! Initially, I was already exhausted from leaving my “fun” job at Borders Books, so throwing myself head-long into this business finally caught up with me. After suffering major health issues this year (in body, mind, and spirit), I came to a screeching halt. An overhall on everything, including how I used my time each day had to change. If I feel stressed, I toss everything out the door and concentrate solely on the writing. I no longer worry about blogging, reading each and every piece of email (I have three email accounts), or trying to catch up on the never ending marketing. Writing, enjoying life, and doing what’s important each day has become my focus. Time is precious and I don’t want to waste it with worry. For one, my body will rebel, lol! Psst, I suffer from OCD, too. I’m learning to let it gooooo…
I seem to have written a book, but your post is something I’ve struggled with for years before life said, “Enough!” Enjoy your weekend, lovely lady. Hope you get in some writing. xo
Haha! I’m “Anonymous”, Jan. xoxo
Lol! WordPress has been doing some wonky things lately with commenting. Thanks for letting me know that it was you. I love that you’ve been able to let go of the need to control everything. That is so hard. But your comment inspired me to keep trying. I have a new story to write and it won’t write itself. It’s a juggling act, but I need to let go of the incessant need to stay on top of everything you listed. I tell myself, that if I don’t market my books, they aren’t going to sell. And it’s true. Right now, sales across the board have flatlined for all of my books which I can see in the KDP reports. Still, I have a new story calling my name. I’m working on finding a balance with all of it, my friend! Thank you for your comment!
Hi Jan, it sounds like you have a good weekend lined up. My most recent writing problem is lay I’m enjoying my art more so the art is above the writing. I have pre-ordered Craig’s new book. You book trailer is lovely. I don’t think Mae’s book has arrived yet.
Art is art, Robbie, no matter what form is is in. I love that you are enjoying the visual art aspect and I am enjoying seeing your creations. Thank you for ordering Craig’s book and thank you for watching the trailer. Mae’s book drops next week! I wish you a lovely weekend!
Ah, great. I thought I’d order them one after the other so they don’t stack up on my kindle.
Being employed plus self-employed, plus working on different projects, and still managing a house, garden, and family (when even a little different meanwhile), the list of tasks is always long. I love routines. That is how I work best. I know at what tasks and at what time of the day I am functioning best and try to do them then (if possible). So, the routine activities are basically set. I make lists (with priorities if necessary) that I check off for the rest. Always worked for me that way when even 24 hours never suffice…lol… but that is a homemade problem.
I love your suggestion, Erika. I do find it helps to work off lists, I’m just not real good about writing them out and sticking to them. Your comment inspires me to keep trying! Hugs!
I think it is worth a try. It is all about habits. I would be lost without my lists… haha. So, writing things down already calms me because I know, it cannot be forgotten… which is my big issue since there is too much I have to think of.
Hi, Jan! I haven’t seen that movie but will look it up today. I think Craig’s cover and the trailer are amazing!
I love the concept of the movie, Kymber. I wonder how much time I’d waste in a day if I knew my survival depended on how I spent it. Interesting thought. I love Craig’s book cover and thank you for watching the book trailer. Have a wonderful weekend!
I can’t find the movie on UK Netflix but have added it to my ‘watch out for’ list. It sounds intriguing. I have Craig’s book on preorder and look forward to reading it. Have a good authors meet up and enjoy your weekend, Jan. ???
I hope you can find it, Harmony. It does sound intriguing. In truth, it’s not an outrageous concept and mirrors reality. I also have Craig’s book on pre-order. I always love Lizzie and the hat’s adventures. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful weekend as well!
As I read your post, I kept thinking I could have written the same thing! I have a difficult time sitting down to write when I know there are emails to deal with and blogs to read, online banking to be done, etc. After I get all of that completed it’s time to head to my parents. I’m glad I’m not alone. Great to see Craig’s book. What a cool cover! I enjoyed your trailer too, Jan. Enjoy the weekend!
I know it’s part of my personality, Jill, to want to get everything tended first before I allow myself the time to create. I’m struggling to find a balance. Making lists helps for sure when I can make myself do it. I love Craig’s book cover, too. I can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for watching the book trailer, and super happy you enjoyed it. I wish you a great weekend as well!
Wow, Jan. I am thrilled to see my new project mentioned here. You offered a while ago, and I prepared a post for you. I’ll contact you about it.
My pleasure, Craig. I’m excited to read this one, and it’s perfect for the Halloween season. I will happily run a promo for you. Have a great weekend.
Over here, in my part of reality, it’s Thursday. ________________________________
Lol, Frank. I hit the send button too quick. 🙂