#IWSG (on my birthday!) My Constant Battle...

My Constant Battle with the Clock

and All That I Must Learn

It's super hard to believe that it's already time for another IWSG post. I'm not sure what happened between Halloween and now, but Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's flew by in half a flash.  

One of my biggest insecurities right now is lack of time. All writers, all people, have that same problem, I know, and for the most part I think I handle my time well. I prioritize my mental to-do list, get the most important items checked off and make my way down the list without getting overwhelmed too often. But as a writer, there's always so much more to do, and with a full-time job, three kids, other family, and a house to take care of, I'm struggling to keep up with what I see other writers accomplishing. There's always so much more to learn, and the thing that's blowing my mind is that I'm adding to that list every day, which means, what I thought I had to learn yesterday increases ten-fold each and every day, so even when I cross items to research and accomplish off that list, it only continues to grow...never, ever does it diminish.

The best I can do, that we can all do, is to keep making those lists, to continue learning, to continue growing, and to continue giving all that we undertake our all. I can only do so much each day, and I think I'm managing to balance work, family, and writing. I do hope to get more miles in this year. Running has fallen by the wayside a little bit and my body is unhappy for it. I recently joined a 500 mile group, so the goal is to run 500 miles this year. Once the weather got frigid (I live in Wisconsin) my quick, daily, 2-mile outdoor runs took a hike. And, since running is where I do my best scene, character, and dialogue brainstorming, figuring out how to get back into a daily running schedule will help me in two areas.

Another major insecurity is waiting to find out how readers enjoy my first book. Today is my 40th birthday and the official release day of my pen name's young adult paranormal novel. Waiting for sales and reviews is both exciting and worrisome. Then, there's also the deadlines to complete the next books in the series!

I'm contemplating gifting myself a day or two off in the next month or so!  And now that I'm sitting here scrambling to write this post for you, I'm wishing I'd gifted myself a day off on my birthday! (But, as a teacher, that often means more work...sub plans...and I wasn't feeling up to it!) Soon!

I'd ask for tips on how to balance life and writing, but I think I most need to set and stick to a schedule and stay off the internet during those set writing times. 

Set. A. Schedule.
Stick...to it.

This will work for all the balls I juggle each and every day!

Now...to do it!

The question for today: January 4 Question: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?

I don't think I can name one. I'm glad I've learned all that I have, and if I've unlearned any along the way, then that was a learning point also. I'm interested to hear what the rest of you said for this though!

Have a wonderful month writing friends!

Christy


If you're new to IWSG, the details about it are below:

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

Every month, we announce an optional question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Eva @ Lillicasplace, Crystal Collier, Sheena-kay Graham, Chemist Ken, LG Keltner, and Heather Gardner!