Through the years, I’ve had some great bosses. I’ve also had a few I’d like to forget. But of them all, my present boss is the hardest slave-driver, the most unforgiving of all. She keeps me working long into the night and awakens me before dawn to drive me back to my desk. I whine at times, but I get precious little sympathy. I wish I could point a finger of blame at her. But, alas, I cannot, for my present boss is… ME!
Yep, I’m a full-time, self-employed writer. And I must admit that overall I rather like it. Especially since I learned the vital secret of successful self-employment—Routine.
I know, I know. Much is said about the muse of inspiration that supposedly flies down and settles on the shoulder of a true writer. But I’m here to tell you that sticking to a regular writing routine is worth more than all the muses that could ever possibly flutter your way.
Routines vary, but let me give you a glimpse of mine:
- First thing in the morning, check email and answer urgent messages.
- Read the morning newspaper. (It’s part of my research.)
- Soak in the hot tub spa for half an hour and catch up on my reading.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, post a new entry on my main blog (www.kaystrom.wordpress.com ) and two days each week post on my www.GraceInAfrica.com blog.
- Update my to-do list for the day and mark the items that must get accomplished that day.
- Write a chapter of the current book
That’s my routine. It’s what I do every day.
Some people find it even more difficult to satisfy their inner bosses. I have a writer friend who gets up in the morning and dresses for the office. She bids everyone good-bye and goes out the front door, walks around the house and comes in the back door. She kicks off her shoes and settles into her office for a day of work. Short of a bona fide emergency, no one is allowed to intrude because she is officially at work. That’s her routine.
Another writing friend had business cards made with her office hours printed at the bottom. Call her between 10:00 and 3:00 and you will get her answering machine. That’s her routine.
How about you? Have you developed a routine? It’s the only way to…
Uh, oh. I’ve got to go. My boss says it’s time to get back to work!
“You’re not the boss of me!”
~Every Kid Alive~
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I'm a writer too. In fact I have seven books in need of publishing. I have two already published. I just rewrote the first one. It was published in 1993 and the publisher altered it in such a way, making my true story no longer true. So n
We have a ritual at the end of every vacation. We were inspired by the movie Three Coins in A Fountain (The legend is if you throw a coin into Rome's Trevi Fountain you are sure to return to Rome). We toss three pennies - one for returning, one for
I am not a full time writer, thank you God because I like being with other people and I like teaching. I am also the queen of hanging out and routine goes right out the window more often than not. I have written in one capacity or another for as long for several years. I write every day between 7 and 8PM. The problem for me is that I get lost in what I’m doing and will work much longer than I intend to.
Oh, yes. That’s the problem and the blessing. It’s also the mark of one who truly enjoys writing. I, too, leave time for being with people. (Coffee get-togethers, groups I belong to, etc.) I teach speak at events and writers conferences around the country, also on cruises. Great fun and plenty of people-time to meet my needs.
Great Routine, and post Kay. I too am my own boss and if I make a mistake or take too much time off from work, I tell you I am the worst boss ever. I bitch myself out and become irritable with myself for a few minutes then move on because I know I am lucky to be doing what I love.
In my routine Tuesday and Thursday mornings are spent socializing and exercising. Early mornings are spent answering emails and doing business, every day. I have a lunch break and a 2 PM decaf coffee break. Life is good.
So agree! My 2 pm is a tea break followed by a walk beside the river.