I've been thinking a lot in the past few weeks about new beginnings, and how we can use them as a jumpstart to our writing. Of course everyone makes New Years' resolutions, but I think most people also make resolutions at the beginning of a new school year or other annual event in their lives, no matter how informal they are.
So how can we fit writing into these resolutions?
I had a number of things on my list when I started this school year: attend all my classes, do all my assignments, do well in said classes and assignments--all your basic school goals. Then there was: take more pride in my appearance, lose weight, be more outgoing, serve others--your standard 'this is how I would like to change' goals. Next on the list was: get promoted or get a raise at work, work the maximum hours per week, put money in savings, afford a car--your standard monetary goals.
In short, I am taking eighteen credits, applying for my major, working two jobs, holding positions in my church, and auditioning for and volunteering to help with plays. (Oh, and being social with my friends.)
Where the heck does writing fit in?
A lot of people would simply say that it doesn't. I have many friends that are talented writers, but once the school year starts, they put aside all of their projects because they need to 'focus'. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not what I wanted to do. This year in school, I hope to: finish rewriting the draft of Secondhand Heart, write Closed Mind for NaNoWriMo, query and pitch agents for Open Eyes, attend the LTUE Writing Conference next semester, and figure out the ending to my paranormal novel.
Sounds like a lot, but it's all about time management. My planner is marked up and highlighted almost every hour of the day, so I give myself time to get everything done that I need to. I do homework a couple days ahead of time so I have more free time on other days. I take time out of my evenings to go to a dinner group. Every night before I go to sleep, I give myself some time to read. I've gotten into the 'swing' of things, and it's all coming together smoothly. When you make time for things you want to do, you'll get them done.
And a note to you college students out there: none of this works if you don't do your homework and attend classes. Trust me--I've tried.
♥tg
I know of an author who wrote a book (now published) with only 15 minutes a day. It took him a year. You just have to decide what your priorities are and give writing its due. My philosophy is we don't FIND time to do the things that are important to us, we MAKE the time. Only you can decide where that fits.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
An hourly schedule? That sounds scary and awesomely productive. I might just try it. Good post as usual! Best of luck with all of that :) And I'll be back to see how it goes so you can inspire me some more :)
ReplyDeleteHoly mother of pearl! You've got a lot going on. As someone else who has a lot going on, I understand the highlighted planner. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteThat wouldn't be the LTUE in Provo, would it? So funny that I'm randomly browsing writing blogs and find a fellow Utah writer... (And possibly a BYU student?)
ReplyDelete@CNHolmberg As a matter of fact, I am a BYU student, and very proud of it! Will you be coming down for LTUE this year?
ReplyDeletewow, you sounds so organised. Schedules help so much. I'd be a mess without my schedules.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tiffany. I just tagged you in my latest post. Can't wait to see what your facts are :)
ReplyDeletehttp://writtled.blogspot.com/2011/09/tag.html
Wow, girl, that sounds like a lot of work! I can't wait to see what you'll do next! :)
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