A lot of people say they are willing to work hard. A lot of people say they want to write and publish a book–for them that equates to success. A lot of people say they will work hard to write and publish a book.
How hard are you really willing to work to succeed as a writer? How many hours will you work? What will you sacrifice?
I’ve been working really hard to get a lot of things in place so that when my agent submits my next proposal, publishers will notice. I’ve been working really hard on this for several months. Prior to this, I’ve spent quite a number of years building my platform. In one area of my work, I’ve been building platform for over eight years.
For about two months I’ve been going to bed between 1:30 and 3 in the morning in an effort to get done everything I felt I needed to get done for my new book proposal and for my normal life and work.
I’ve sacrificed sleep, exercise, and other things…not totally but in some cases. I’ve worked hard, I think.
Could I work harder? Yes. I could spend less time on the Internet. I could be more organized. I could stop fiddling with my blog themes…I could write more.
I know I’ll be able to work a bit less hard soon. I’ll be able to catch up on my sleep. My proposal is just about done…I’ll rest, then a new surge of hard(er) work will begin. That’s how it goes…in spurts, but I’m always working hard.
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i use a combo of shea butter and aloe vera moisturizer. Works great. I use shea butter on my lips, around my eyes and nose (dry areas), My father swears by vasoline.
p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
It is very easy to say ‘I’ll just finish this or that and then I’ll write’, I have so little time between work & home life etc. etc. With my first edit in progress it has become blindingly obvious I need ‘more time’ to write. So I have to cut myself off from those ‘distractions’ and concentrate. I will have to be selfish for once.
That’s why I’m up so late. I actually work all day, but I get distracted by so many things during the day. And then there are family obligations. Before I know it everyone has gone to bed, but that’s when it’s quiet and even the internet seems to go to sleep. That’s when I work best.
I work best in the morning. Unfortunately, I also still hold down a full-time job. I get up at 5:30 to get out the door by 7 – I don’t have a car and rely on bus schedules or a ride from someone going the same way in the morning. I also try to get a short yoga practice and/or meditation in before I go. Then it’s 8 hours in a windowless cubicle, the return ride home, evening chores, get ready for tomorrow, try and work in a little strength training or workout … and it’s 8 pm. I am fighting to keep my eyes open. I am fortunate that I have only me and two cats to be responsible for, but my family lives close by and I like to have time for them as well. So my weekends are taken up doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and spending time with my grandkids. I am counting the days until I retire – 425 or so. Until then, I squeeze in some writing wherever I can find the time. Unless I win the lottery and can dump the job now, I will have to do the best I can until then. I am convinced that holding down a regular job puts a real cramp in my creative life but have no alternative. Until then I am holding on to the dream and laying the groundwork.
Write on the bus. Cut yoga short or don’t do it two days a week. The same with srtrength training. If you really want to write, make time.