Smell the Roses
As writers we're often reminded that we need to take time to smell the roses. When someone tells us this, it usually means they believe we're working too hard and need to take a little time off for play.
I'm guilty. But sometimes I'm not.
Each day my goal is to write a certain number of words, edit a certain number of chapters, whatever. Running here and there or chatting with neighbors or playing too much with the doggies . . . it all takes time. Not to mention laundry and vacuuming dog hair and other yukky things.
Some days, I meet my writing goal by three o'clock. Some days, six. Some days - not too many - I don't meet it.
Those are the days when I encounter a problem and spend the time on research or deciding which fork in the road will cause the most problems for my protagonist. I don't meet my word goal, but the time is spent constructively on writing, so that works for me.
And some days, too many real life things I can't ignore - perceived necessities like buying food or going to the dentist - converge and I don't write at all.
It's when I have too many of the 6:00 p.m. days in a row that my live-in handyman notices and tells me I spend too much time at the computer and need to take a break. No matter how many times I tell him those six o'clock days are the ones where I've spent too much time away from the computer, he doesn't quite get it.
So I've learned to live with it because I love living with him. And I've learned roses have a delightful aroma that doesn't make me sneeze.
I'm guilty. But sometimes I'm not.
Each day my goal is to write a certain number of words, edit a certain number of chapters, whatever. Running here and there or chatting with neighbors or playing too much with the doggies . . . it all takes time. Not to mention laundry and vacuuming dog hair and other yukky things.
Some days, I meet my writing goal by three o'clock. Some days, six. Some days - not too many - I don't meet it.
Those are the days when I encounter a problem and spend the time on research or deciding which fork in the road will cause the most problems for my protagonist. I don't meet my word goal, but the time is spent constructively on writing, so that works for me.
And some days, too many real life things I can't ignore - perceived necessities like buying food or going to the dentist - converge and I don't write at all.
It's when I have too many of the 6:00 p.m. days in a row that my live-in handyman notices and tells me I spend too much time at the computer and need to take a break. No matter how many times I tell him those six o'clock days are the ones where I've spent too much time away from the computer, he doesn't quite get it.
So I've learned to live with it because I love living with him. And I've learned roses have a delightful aroma that doesn't make me sneeze.
Comments
I need to be more organized and less prone to drifting off schedule.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Stephen Tremp
Oh, yes, smelling them. I admire your goals Carol and your keeping them most of the time. Perhaps if you cut some of those lofty blooms and put in a vase beside your PC, you can do both. (Unless you have a cat like mine who insists on tipping over ANYthing that has liquid in it.) :o) LOVE your posts! Always keep them as one of your goals.
Elspeth
Best Regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Helen - I don't know how much I'm organized - probably not much. But I do need structure in my days or I get lost and don't accomplish anything.
Stephen - Dessert first! My live-in handyman's motto :)
Jackie - Thank you. I'm happy you enjoy reading my words here. If I don't have goals and reach them every once in a while I become as prickly as those darn thorns.
Elspeth - When I'm writing first draft, I try not to think about the words. Usually I'm transcribing the movie in my head. Sometimes I think something truly telling - like "her face reflected the horror she felt." I know it's bad but I keep it knowing I'll edit later. When I'm editing, I try not to dwell, but it's more difficult. I make several editing passes, so each time I get it as good as I can on that round. It's the final edit where I spend the most time thinking about the exactness of it all.
Sheila - Yes, here, too. Isn't it funny how that's always the case.