ROW80 Check-in
I am in panic mode right now about writing my book because in a couple of weeks I will be working in an office full-time. After working from home for the past five years, this is going to be a big change. [What’s ROW80? Check out the A Round of Words in 80 Days website.]
Long story short: my husband needs a secretary/bookkeeper for his boat shop, and he needs someone he can trust, since previous employees have done nasty things (stealing, mostly.) Hubby also seems to think I can write on the job, since folks before me have played many a game of Solitaire while doing the office stuff, but we shall see. (Ever noticed how non-writers tend to think writing takes no time, effort or concentration?) That said, I may be able to do some research and admin tasks at work.
In any case, I am revamping my writing schedule. Hello, evenings and weekends! I’m also rethinking my writerly plans and will scale back on all my other projects both online and off. Hello, back burner, I know thee well! I’m definitely going to be careful about how many articles I query until I get a feel for how much I can crank out.
One thing I do know is that I will certainly keep writing. I simply can’t not write (pardon the grammar, please!) I’m sure many of you ROW80 folks can relate. Even in my barista days, I would jot ideas down and stuff them in my tip jar to expand on later. It’s like my brain leaks words and I have to do something with all that verbal drool. (Charming image, I’m sure!)
As for this week’s memoir efforts: utter stagnation. Ever since accepting the office job, I’ve been so worried that I won’t get the manuscript ready in time for the DFW Writer’s Conference in May that I’m not getting anything done. Silly, I know, but that’s what’s happening.
I guess you can tell I am not one of those people who like to write under pressure. I routinely give editors their articles a day or two before the deadline because I hate being late. I really need to snap out of this mind freeze, though. Hopefully, by Wednesday’s ROW80 check-in my writerly cogs will be turning again. That’s my goal right now, to regroup tonight and hit the page running tomorrow. At the moment, I’m searching for the mental equivalent of WD-40.
Hey – at least I unfroze long enough to churn out a quick ROW80 check-in. This could be the beginning of a big mental thaw! I look forward to checking out some other check-ins to see how other writers are doing with their writing goals. You can, too, just follow the links below.
ROW80 Linky List:
Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
Sometimes having less time can make a person more productive because they know they only have “this much time.” Here is to you finishing your Memoir on time!
Peace,
Morgan
Hi Morgan,
We shall see! I’m feeling quite determined about it, if nothing else.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ve been enjoying #wordmongering with you lately. :)
~Tui
Thank you so much Tui for popping on by for my ROW80 check-in Sunday. I appreciated how you extended yourself. Yes I can see that you have a big change ahead of you. But you sound organized and I think you’ll find a way for this to work for you. And I also think you will have your MS ready for DFW. Have a great week Tui! :)
Hi Karen,
I’m really enjoying the ROW80 crowd, I must say. Thank you for dropping by and cheering me on! I’m starting to believe I can get that book done in time for the DFW Conference, too. :)
~Tui
I work in an office, write in the evenings and weekends and use the part of the day when I’m “trapped” to plot, scribble notes, do all the “distracting” tasks (like email, etc) so that once I’m home I can concentrate on writing. It will probably take a bit to work out a functional schedule but I bet you’ll be able to and maybe even fit in a game of Solitaire *grins* I’m sure your hubby will be appreciative and it sounds like his business will be much safer with you there.
Have a great week, Tui :)
Hi Gene,
Thanks for your kind words. I think you are right, it may take a little while, but I’ll find a new writing rhythm. Doubt I’ll ever hit up the Solitaire, though, I’m more of a minesweeper kind of gal. ;p
~Tui