Writers must write. It’s an undisputed fact. In a way, we are like athletes who go through rigorous training in order to hone their skills. Only our training involves a form of mental gymnastics, so to speak. The process of transferring thoughts to paper or computer or any other medium is necessary to the craft of writing.
However, sometimes we writers are our own worst enemies. For whatever reason, writing may get sidelined. And you know what results when that happens. We become rusty and out of practice. We are stifled and cannot produce our best outcome.
There may be a million and one reasons for this. Let me tell you about my top culprit, my go-to excuse. I can use it any time of the day. And I do. It’s called Too Late.
Does This Scenario Ring with an Air of Familiarity?
Too Late starts the day with me. It coaxes me through my self-talk. Oops, I got up too late. I have to rush through breakfast, then get my son to work. He’s only working half a day, but I should have time to do a little grocery shopping. Then I’ll go home and write for a while before I need to pick him up.
During my shopping, of course, I’m on constant alert for topics and characters to use in my creative works. I collect them like jewels: the snotty-nosed brat who’s throwing a tantrum, the creepy-looking guy with the shifty eyes trolling the aisles, the lady at the checkout who’s forgotten the PIN to her debit card and has caused a major backup in the line. I stuff them all in the back of my mind until I can get home and dump them into a novel.
When I’m home and have unloaded the groceries, I decide to put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and clean up the kitchen. It won’t take long, I tell myself. So, I set out on my task, complete it, and remember that I’ve forgotten to start the laundry. I collect the dirty clothes and turn on the washer. I notice the house could use a quick once-over. Okay, a little light housekeeping won’t hurt. Then I’ll go write.
After I’ve swept, dusted, and wiped out the bathroom tub and sink, I take note of the clock. Man, it’s time to pick up my son from work already. Too late to start writing now. I’ll start on it when I get back. I hop in the car. As I’m driving, those great characters I picked up earlier play out a myriad of scenes in my head. I can’t wait to get back home and write.
I pick up my son and we arrive home. We’re both ready for a late lunch. First, I throw the clothes from the washer into the dryer and start another load. Then I fix a healthy meal, get my son set up in front of the television, and decide to eat my food rather leisurely in the gazebo. The birds are singing, frogs chirping, bunnies and squirrels scampering through the yard. I get such creative inspiration from nature, I tell myself. This makes for great material in a story. I think I’ll just sit for a while in the swing and take note.
I’ve soaked up as much nature as I can, and head into the house to get started on that story. Uh, oh. . . more kitchen cleanup to do. And I should probably throw in another load of laundry. Then I’ll write, I promise myself.
I empty the dryer, transfer more clothes from washer to dryer, and throw another load into the washer. I have to go write, I say. But first, I’d better fold those clothes, so they don’t wrinkle. Just as I’m about done, my sister stops by to chat. We walk out to the gazebo and visit a bit. After she leaves, I hurry into the house. I must get to the computer and start writing. The dryer has stopped. I better fold that load of laundry and put the rest in to dry. I take the clothes upstairs to put away, and remember I have some bills to pay online.
Ahhh. . . I’ve finally made it to the computer. I’ll pay the bills, and then write. After I submit them all to pay, I decide to check my email. Can’t let that Inbox get out of hand. Oh, and I’d better check my social network. Haven’t chatted with my friends for a couple days. I log on, but nobody’s online right now, so I leave a hello message. Guess I’ll catch them later.
Then I see the clock on the computer. It’s time to make dinner. Too late to start writing now. It’ll have to wait until after we eat. I decide to make one of those 30-minute meals we see on TV. Somehow, it takes me much longer than that. Oh, the miracle of television makes everything look so easy.
But the meal is good and I’m full. I load the dishwasher, turn it on, and I decide to sit with my son for a while and watch one of his favorite shows. The next thing I know, my head is snapping backward in one of those semi-sleep-induced whiplash movements. I look at the clock. Over an hour has passed.
I feel refreshed, so I get up to make some tea before going to the computer to write. I take my mug and head for the computer.
Along the way, I notice the cat’s box needs cleaned. Better take care of that first. Then I’ll write. My teacup goes back to the kitchen counter, and I make my way to the kitty box. I scoop, refill, tie up the bag, and take it to the trash.
Once I’m back inside, the phone rings. It’s a friend I haven’t talked to in a long time. Our conversation is rather lengthy. We say our goodbyes and I look at the clock. Oh my, past my bedtime. I’m tired and my brain is mush. Too late to start writing now.
I put the last load of laundry in the dryer, say my goodnights to my son, head to my room, and plop into bed. Characters sing me lullabies and scenes taunt my dreams. Tomorrow will be another day full of good intentions. If the cycle continues, I know what my epitaph will be: She waited to write that novel. . . Now it’s just too late.
It Doesn’t Have to be Too Late.
Maybe this isn’t the trap that ensnares you. However, I’m sure you have something that hijacks your writing. The important thing is to identify it, acknowledge it, and act on it.
Our lives are busy. We have responsibilities and priorities that must have our attention. It’s difficult to carve out time for our writing. More often, it takes a back seat to daily activities. But there’s hope.
You Can Break the Cycle. Here are a Few Tips on How to Start:
Take baby steps.
Start with small increments of time. If you can set aside ten minutes to write, do it. If ten is too much, try for five. Or three. No amount of time is too small. Do what you can and count it as success.
Make a date with your writing.
Treat your writing as a friend or loved one you would take for a cup of coffee. Make a date and keep the commitment.
Schedule a dedicated time to write.
Review your daily schedule. Look for a slot that is open on a more consistent basis. Write it in your calendar as an appointment.
Pick a dedicated location for your writing.
Maybe you have a favorite chair, secluded corner, or a room where you can close the door to the outside world. Find the place that ‘feels’ like your own writing spot.
Hang out your Writer in Residence sign.
Whether literally or figuratively, make a statement. Inform your family and friends that you are in the ‘Writing Zone’ and appreciate their understanding. Turn off your phone or, at least, set it to silent mode.
Create a writing budget.
Just like our need for a household budget, so too can we benefit from a plan for our writing. Nonetheless, this budget isn’t a monetary one. It’s a tool to earmark time (even small bits) for researching ideas, writing, editing, and all manner of writing-related endeavors.
Keep a pen and pad of paper at your bedside.
Right before you’re off to lullaby-land, jot down ideas, words, phrases, characters, descriptions, potential titles. Let them swirl in your slumber so that they can come to the forefront once you’ve awakened.
What’s the next step?
For starters, pick one suggestion from the list. Or add your own ideas to the list. Work on one thing at a time. Take those baby steps. Now, get ready. Get set. Write. It’s not too late.
