Scrrreeeeccchhhh! (Putting on the Brakes and Taking a Break)

My energy and focus levels are depleted. I need rest and good health...so for the next few weeks, with more doctor's appointments ahead, I must slow down, re-evaluate, and consider a more reasonable path forward.

Those pesky health issues I had thought, hoped, and prayed were resolved are back. Sigh... On top of not being well, for the past few weeks, I have been spending an average of 12 hours per day revising, therefore, I am physically tired. Not to mention the time change, which due to limited daylight hours, sends me into hibernation mode.

I'm a planner, a list maker, and a goal setter. For my work, I have always pushed, most of the time too hard, to make extensive progress. Slowing down, is difficult for me. Not having a plan, deadline, goal, To Do list, etc., feels awkward and foreign to me.

To get well, for a short time, I need to limit my writing activities, perhaps to three or four hours per day, and extend my efforts toward that nesting instinct that seems to arise during the winter-time malaise. I need wellness, which means more medical appointments, and possible treatments or even a surgery.

So, I'm stomping on the brake pedal. Time for a break. Maybe it's time, for just a short while, to just BE. (Somehow, I have to hope that my writing process will be better for taking this break.)

Blocked and Loving It!

No, I am not experiencing writer's block, thank goodness!

In order to work on revisions, I blocked my access to the internet; thus, I achieved more in two days this week than I have been accomplishing in an average week.

LeechBlock, part of Mozilla Foxfire, blocks websites and internet access. So, right now, except for Autocrit.com, I only visit the internet a short time in the morning, mid-day, and then in the evening.

Numerous bosses over the years have delivered a similar message. If you're going to accomplish your goals, you have to pay the price. To get something, you've got to give (or give up) something. The definition of insanity... But I digress.

To achieve my writing goals, there are some things I have to give up in order to make the time to write. There's no other way to make the time, take the time, and use the time to write.

Television time is limited, housework takes a back burner, leisure time...well, I did go see an awesome movie one day this week. For the last two weeks, I've taken at least one partial day as a non-writing day in order to rejuvenate, maintain my enthusiasm, and keep my writing fresh.

Writing can be, and most times is, a solitary and lonely task. While performing writing-related tasks, connecting with others on instant messaging and social networking sites grants me an emotional link that is sometimes missed while working on single-person projects.

I so enjoy visiting with folks on line. Thank you Facebook friends and family, for your encouragement, caring, and patience for my single-mindedness on finishing this book series. I may slip away into the writing world for a while, but I'll check in and visit, so please do stay in touch and share with me what is going on in your lives.

An awesome portrait artist shared  this technique. She unplugs from the internet and paints for hours. To enter that creative sphere, she plays instrumental music, gets into the zone, and enjoys the process.

Well, blocked and loving it... I may just get this series finished yet!

Balance in a Topsy-Turvy Writing World

This past week, I  learned that I can edit and pace up to five (5) chapters per day. *IF* I don't take time to shower or cook and limit bathroom breaks. Never mind the shoulder muscle aches and the headache, or the throbbing wrists and blurred vision. Or that nothing else gets done. "Really, Alexa," I ask, "what kind of life is that?"

 "Nope," Alexa says. "That's no life at all."

In this busy, busy day-to-day world, I have been experimenting and learning about REALISTIC goal setting.

Sure, I can edit and pace five (5) chapters per day, but, really, if that pace causes physical effects, burn out, and exhaustion, is that any way to write?

I used to work. A LOT. Days, nights, weekends, holidays. During one holiday season, I worked 90 hours the week of Thanksgiving. I had no life. I was so exhausted that, although I tend to be positive and enthusiastic, I no longer enjoyed the life I was living. Er, not living my life, since all I did was work.


This past week was one doing and stepping back to observe as I have been doing. Now I know what I am capable of during a week, and I know what I am able to realistically produce in a day.

So, instead of barreling through, racing, and charging to the finish line, I need to spread out my goal to a more realistic time schedule.

So, instead of 5 chapters edited and paced per day, a more realistic goal would be three (3) chapters, with breaks every hour and a half or so, even if only a bathroom and stretch break. With this realistic schedule, I would have time to do other things, other than writing activities, and still accomplish grounded-in-reality writing goals.

Another thing I discovered, that even though you set unrealistic or over-reaching goals, not reaching them can be discouraging and affect short-term goals going forward.

For instance, edit/pace 5 chapters one day, but then be too exhausted to even finish two the next day. Or, set a goal of four, then due to the difficulty of the chapters or distractions, only do one or two...there's no way to play catch up if you over-schedule up front.

Realistically, by setting more reasonable, reachable goals, I will get more done in the long run, because I won't be overwhelmed, exhausted, or self-sabotaging by not being able to catch up.

So,  Schedule 5 days of reasonable tasks, then build in two days for roll-over work from the previous 5 days. Realistic. Doable. Feasible. Did I mention doable?

For the next 7 days:

• Edit & Pace 3 Chapters Per day (5 days)
• Roll-Over Editing/Pacing days (2 days)
• Work on/Enjoy Non-Writing Activities (7 days)

Then, after that, review goals, and drill down Quarterly goals (October, November, and December), then break down the goals into monthly, weekly, daily tasks.

All writing, everyday--morning, evening, and night--makes Alexa a dull girl and much less productive; therefore, it's time to set my topsy-turvy writing world right side up.

Step Away and Get More Done!

In spending less time at the computer, I'm getting much more done writing- and revision-wise on the computer. That sounds odd, I know.

You see, I've been experimenting with taking breaks away from the computer, and amazingly, my revising is progressing at a faster pace. Rather than sit at the computer for 12 hours or more a day with few breaks, I write in 1 1/2-hour time blocks.

During that 1 1/2 hours, that's all I do. Revise. It's a drill-down focus on the chapter in front of me. Revise, move on the next chapter. Revise. It's an intense hyper focus on writing for that hour and a half.

After years of extended hours in front of the computer job-wise, I find it difficult to actually take breaks and walk away from the keyboard; therefore, I am utilizing TimesUpKidz software to enforce 30-minute breaks every 1 1/2 hours.

During break time, I nap, read, bake, clean, declutter, exercise, play with the puppy, go in search of hubby hugs, etc.

The book Be Excellent at Anything: The Four Keys To Transforming the Way We Work and [Kindle Edition] explains the process in more detail. 

Bottom line, I am getting more done and am much less stressed and far less fatigued. In stepping away, I am accomplishing and enjoying more.

As hard as I pushed during my day jobs, I so wish I'd learned this technique way back when, but I'm on to it now, so if you'll excuse me, I'm stepping away...

Distractions & Dust Bunnies Galore

Dust bunnies, though deceptively cute, breed at an alarming speed.
 
Having traveled for a few days on a road trip with Hubby, with short infrequent daily stints set aside for first drafting, I returned home a few days ago with an initial chapter GMCD chart and three drafted chapters. With travel clothes to wash and dust bunnies that had tripled in number waiting, I am reestablishing a writing schedule, on alert to every nook and cranny in which conniving dust puffs hide and plot a takeover.

Once they get a chance to propagate, even triple their numbers, I'm telling you, there's no stopping them, while getting back on schedule remains evasive and just out of reach.

Perhaps I should name the creatures because at the rate they are multiplying, to at least be able to call them by name might be my only solace in surviving in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by dust bunnies in control of every nook and crevice of the earth. Wouldn't watching recorded episodes of Serial Killer Earth be less painful than reestablishing a writing routine?

Should try to make friends with the bunnies, but how can one trust something so cute, yet so bent on creeping out of the darkness and into the light? Should I implement short stints of writing to get back into the groove because due to the trip, I lost momentum first drafting. Getting focus back has been a struggle. I sit in front of the computer monitor, and I swear I hear those dust monsters giggle a maniacal trilling laugh.

The defense plan I must implement to regain control of the house and first drafting must be strategic and well thought out. The schedule to eradicate the little boogers and regain focus must be realistic and unrelenting, with stints of writing alternated with determined cleaning methods, I prepare for an outright assault. I must strike without warning and with fortified determination to regain lost ground.

Should I never be seen again, know that I went into battle determined to defend and conquer as a warrior writer and that I fought valiantly to the bitter end.

Scheduling Other Stuff, Fun Stuff and Rewards

Other Stuff, Fun Stuff and Rewards must be included on the calendar page and within my writing schedule, otherwise, no matter how much they need to be done or how much I enjoy them, they fall to the wayside along with most good intentions.

Other Stuff: Laundry, Household Tasks, Stretching/Breathing Exercises.  

Fun Stuff: Spending Time with Hubby, Playing with the puppy, Reading, Watching TV.

Rewards: Girl's Day, Going out to a movie or dinner.

Yesterday's schedule included the completion of the following:

• 3 Hours of First Drafting on Book #2, Series #1
• 3 Hours downloading and compiling notes & comments for editing of Book #1, Series #1
• 3 Hours First Drafting on Another Book
• Several loads of laundry
• 1 household task previously set-aside due to health issues
• Spending time with hubby and playing with the puppy

For my To Do List, what I don't accomplish from the day before, I line-through and bring to the next day. What I accomplish on the To Do List and on the time blocked off for the day, I check off with a metallic gel pen that makes the most awesome gold check marks (kind of like the gold star-theory back in grade school, I suppose).

With scheduling, for the most part, my days with be gold check mark days. This writer gal couldn't expect or ask for more.

Life Is Good (Gratitude and Appreciation)

Recently, I posted about Chocolate, Naps and the Good Life to address the impression about how easy writing full-time could be. While not an easy path, I am grateful that I am able to do what I've always wanted to do and love.

While self-motivation and deadlines are key to writing full-time, appreciation for the opportunity to be able to do so keeps me moving forward.

Every day, I am thankful for the long-time-in-coming opportunity to write full-time. Even when struggling with health issues, I embrace the time and space to write and the process of writing.

Over the last couple of years, Savvy Authors has played a phenomenal role in my growth as a writer. Authors Lori Wilde, Cathy Yardley, and Kat Duncan have contributed greatly in my learning journey. Authors and bloggers, J.A. Konrath, Dean Wesley Smith, Kristine Kathryn Rush, and Alexandra Sokoloff have provided positive examples and guidance.

I am grateful for those who have responded negatively to my desire to write, for in negativity you provide inspiration and motivation. (Future blog post in the making.)

Even when I've had to step back, regroup and begin again, I welcomed and appreciated the chance to do so.

Yes, life is good!

Deadlines: Self-Imposed and Self-Fulfilled

While working at home and writing full-time, setting realistic, doable deadlines is key.

Factors to consider when taking out a calendar to set a completion date for writing activities and drafts include estimates as follows (my own timelines are included in parenthesis):

• Plotting/Characterization Phase (<1 week)
• First Draft (4 to 6 weeks, with daily goal of 1 Chapter per day for 5 to 7 Chapters per week)
• Rewrite/Final Drafting (Estimate 4 to 6 weeks)

Overall, this schedule projects nine (9) to thirteen (13) weeks per book from beginning to completion. (As I progress, I will be able to adjust and tighten the schedule based on realistic production, rather than guesstimates or estimates.)

First off, please note that I am not including time-frames for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. drafts. To write for a living, producing a strong enough first draft so that continual drafting isn't required is imperative, which is why a ramrod get-the-draft-out lightning draft effort does not work for me. Also, I will be experimenting with coordinating multiple tasks, such as first drafting one book in the morning while editing the previous book in the afternoon.

Taking years to compete a first draft, with additional years to redraft, is not practical for me, because my overall goal is to write for a living. Setting self-imposed deadlines will allow me the opportunity to actually complete a five-book series within a six (6) to seven (7) month time-frame.

Deadlines for this series includes completion of books within these estimated months:

•  November, Book #1, First Draft
•  December, Book #1, Final Draft
•  December, Book #2, First Draft
• January, Book #2, Final Draft
•  January, Book #3, First Draft

As I go along, I will need to reassess realistic production times, and will adjust completion deadlines accordingly. A white board dry-erase wall calendar helps me to "see" what deadlines are ahead and to gauge how close I am to meeting and fulfilling those deadlines.

My writing deadlines are self-imposed, which makes the results of my efforts and the meeting of those deadlines self-fulfilled. As a writer who's goal is to write books and make a living doing the same, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Chocolate, Naps and The Good Life - NOT!

"Now that you're not working and writing full-time, you must be living the easy life." Um, yeah, if you call twelve-hour days at the computer, plus writing in my head when not at the computer the easy life, then you betcha, I've got that so-called easy life covered.

Years ago, I presented school assembly programs and entertained in various venues for a living. Later on, as an independent contractor, I had the opportunity to work primarily from home. Since both situations involved self-employment, the self-discipline and effort required far exceeded any show-up-at-work, nine-to-five job I've ever worked. I worked long hours, and I worked hard.

I worked until midnight last night, getting half-way through my next chapter and working on an author website design. Once in bed, the beginning lines of a possible future book kept running through my head, with the first paragraph and book idea following me into sleep. This morning, I slept in an extra hour past my usual get-out-of-bed time and was up at seven.

This morning, I will jot down the potential book idea and the beginning paragraph, then will finish the chapter in progress and write another chapter, then repeat tomorrow, with a goal of finishing the second first draft of Book #1 of Series #1 this weekend, and finishing my Rock Your Plot effort for Book #2 of Series #1 in the first few days of next week.

Writing full-time is filled with deadlines. Self-imposed, but deadlines just the same, since I want to write for a living. For me, despite the long hours and demanding effort, writing full-time is an enjoyable worthwhile experience. Ah, the good life.

Daily Accountability (Kat Duncan's Workshop)

According to Kat Duncan's website: Kat likes to write and teach. She also likes to write about teaching and teach about writing.

Her Savvy Author's workshop, Author Coaching and Mentoring Program with Kat Duncan. The workshop description is as follows: This is a 3-month individualized mentoring program to guide authors through the process of finishing or polishing their target novel.

The level of accountability provided by Kat's workshop has spurred me to focus on writing a chapter a day. The daily check-in factor has worked well for me. Kat's comments on each chapter are insightful and provide valuable guidance for the upcoming edit.

Please check out Kat Duncan's Amazon Author Page.

The Habit of Writing

For the last month, I have focused on writing an average of a chapter per day. Solid chapters, not a rushed get-it-out first draft. Just like checking in and working during the day, writing has evolved into my job. Even with pesky health issues, I do my best to write.

Could I have done this while working sixty-hours-plus weeks? I was fortunate to have the energy to eek out a chapter every week or every two weeks. So, no, I don't think writing productively while in the midst of that degree of work demands was feasible.

Is the twenty-one day theory true? You know, if you do something for 21 days straight, it supposedly becomes a habit.

I don't know, because my focus has been on the day and chapter ahead. One day and one chapter at a time. Write a chapter. Repeat.

The accountability provided by participating in Savvy Author's workshop, Author Coaching and Mentoring Program with Kat Duncan, has increased my productivity and raised the strength of my writing.

Writing has become a habit for me. It's part of my day. A writer writes. I am a Writer.

I Want My Mo!

There's NaNoWriMo, NaBloPoMo, and DigiWriMo. (For those with curious minds like me, these acronyms stand for National Novel Writing Month, National Blog Posting Month, and Digital Writing Month.)

So, the writer/blogger aims for either 1) a 50,000 word novel, 2) a blog post per day, or 3) digital online writing. All to be performed during the month of November. A month (Mo) of writing, toward a specific goal.

With continued health issues, my personal commitment has been to write a chapter per day, for at least five days per week. Once I get a handle on my physical limitations, I want my month of meeting my writing goals. 50,000 words in a month is realistic and doable. Soon, I hope very soon, I want my Mo!

Uplugged and Plugged In

No phone. No internet. No television. No other interaction, other than between my story and me. It took taking limiting the time I spend writing each day (i.e., a drive down Only Street), and unplugging from all electronics during that time, for me to be able to hit my natural writing stride.

For many years, I've wondered what it would be like to do what I was meant to do. It took almost as many years for me to make a choice to make writing a priority, then a few more to be able to make writing a priority.

I won't dwell on what I could have done or should have done. That's the past. It can't be rewritten or changed (although I've got a great story idea for a book along those lines). Although I have plans for the future, all I truly have, all any of us have, is today.

By unplugging, I am plugging into that writer part of myself that I knew was in there somewhere. After all this time, I've come home.

Only Street - Reverse Scheduling

No that's not a typo. I didn't intend to write "Lonely" Street, although writing tends to be a solitary task. Only Street represents where you go when, instead of scheduling out your time until you become nonproductive, you schedule only specific blocks of time to spend on a project in a given day.

This Reverse Schedule is based on limiting time spent on a task, rather than spending an extended amount of time on the task. Basically, in order to increase productivity a particular task is performed ONLY during that limited time frame.

For instance, I will set three (3) to (4) hours aside for writing a day, and will only write during those set-aside hours. When those 3 or 4 hours are up for the day, no more writing for that day.

During my Reverse Schedule, I am allowed only to write during those set-aside 3 or 4 hours a day. If all goes well, I will add additional set-aside hours later on in the day; however, for now, I'm working an a reverse schedule am cruising down Only Street.

Timeout (Reluctantly, but Necessarily)

Due to a health issue, for the next week or so, it will be necessary for me to take a writing timeout. I don't want to. I'd rather not. If I had my druthers, I would prefer to set high goals and write as much as I can in a shorter period of time.

Truth is, I am not well. I am experiencing frustrating symptoms of fatigue and difficulty concentrating, that hopefully, will be headed in a more positive direction in the next few weeks.

So, in the meantime, I need to pace myself, and will continue toward good health and a more productive writing journey soon!

And Now We Pause....

After working excessive hours for too many years, then diving into writing full-time with much enthusiasm, health issues have brought me to a standstill.

Here I sit, after a medical procedure that derailed my focus and concentration and not feeling well enough to write, yet I still tend to be writing in my head.

I contemplate what's going to happen next in my story once I'm able to regain focus and momentum. What am I going to write? What's next?

Soon.

A Time to Write, A Time to Rest

I so love every part of the writing process, from plotting and characterization to fast drafting to revising and editing.

Yet, because of a medical procedure that was much more physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing than I could have ever imagined or predicted, I am weary to the bone.

Because of aspects of the procedure and statements the doctor made, I am deep down soul weary, so much so that the concern about the results of the procedure and the aftermath of the procedure make concentrating and focusing extremely difficult.

So, despite my enthusiasm about and my desire to work the revision of Book #1 and fast draft Book #2, I have not worked at writing during the last couple of days.

I guess we all take time off from our jobs once in a while, so I suppose I am taking a few days off in search of wellness and peace of mind and writing focus.

Soon, I will write.

Time for a Pleasant Pause

The potential edits for Book #1, Series #1, resulting from the Developmental Edit that I received from Cathy Yardley's Rock Your Revisions critique, may affect the direction of Book #2; therefore, I am putting the Fast Drafting of Book #2 on hold for a couple of days.

I am reviewing the Developmental Edit -- what an awesome tool -- and will speak with Cathy Yardley tomorrow for more detailed guidance involving a Revision Plan for Book #1.

The Development Edit is quite an eye opener because Cathy points out issues that because I was too close to story I didn't see.

So, for today, I review the Critique Report and the comments Cathy made within the manuscript. It's a rainy day here, so I think a cup of hot chocolate and a relaxing pause while I review is most definitely in order.

Searching for Time

In considering a future potential book title, I've been looking at what kind or types of time there are.

There's time to write, time to read, time to review. There's also killing time and stealing time. What about a time to reap a time to sow? Or work time, play time, doing serious time, having a fun time, etc.

There's also finding time, taking time, and making time.

The last three are what I'm striving toward.

Finding Time

Finding time is an odd one, because if you wait to find time in your busy day to do the things that you really want to do, time tends to be elusive and difficult to hold. My intent to find time more than likely winds up in never finding the time for the things that are most important to me because everything else uses up all the valuable available time.

Taking Time

Taking time tends to lead to situations where you feel as if you are taking time away from other things. Taking time seems to lead to guilt and a struggle to maintain momentum in time slots that belong to other things. Taking, for some reason, leads to guilt feelings associated with stealing time, from others, from other things of importance, and from my day.

Making Time

Making time, to me, means scheduling definite set-aside times to do what's important to you, whether that means exercising, meditation, writing, crocheting, etc. Making time means giving the time for the things that mean a great deal to you priority and respect. A schedule that includes those important things that I don't seem to be able to find time for or take time for, that I follow, with flexible adjustments as necessary, is considered making time.

Finding Time, Taking Time, and Making Time

As far as finding time, taking time, and making time, one of my favorite quotes is:

"You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it." – Charles Bixton.

Balance - Getting Back on Schedule

Due to a stir-crazy husband who had minor surgery over a week ago taking the puppy with him on a have-to-get-out-of-the-house errand run, I enjoyed a few hours of silence and focus.

After much searching, I located my At-A-Glance appointment book, and started making a to-do list for today, and filling out a scheduled day for tomorrow.

My life has been out of kilter when it comes to balancing work, play, life, relaxation, family, relationships, writing, etc., for quite a long time. Basically, too much work and not enough life, so that now that I'm not working a full-time day job, I'm more than a little lost in how to find, gain, and hold onto the balance I need to write full-time. I truly had no idea the perils of writing from home.

After my full-time job ended, there were health issues, then hubby's surgery, an attention-seeking puppy, and so much to catch up with at home, plus some long-overdue traveling and vacationing that was much needed and much appreciated.

So now, writing-wise I must get back on track.

Once I had the to-do's jotted down and tomorrow partially sketched out, I began reviewing the scenes and making a scene list of Book #1 of Series #1.

After a few hours, I am now two-thirds of the way through the manuscript and the scene list. Reviewing the manuscript is not taking anywhere near the time I expected the task to take; however taking and making the time to do it has been a supreme challenge.

Balance is key, and getting back on a realistic writing schedule is so very important to me.

I am forever grateful that I have a supportive husband, friends, and family and that I have been blessed with the opportunity to write full-time. (For sure, this is one blessing I am going to enjoy and cherish!)