Friday, November 13, 2009

Just trying to avoid cutting off my own ear

I haven't been blogging as much as I would like this fall. It's true. This is primarily because every moment of my day has been filled with commitments, writing, or general angst. I just finished up a time-suck project (co-chairing a fundraiser at my kids' school--I know, I know, very PTA mom of me. Don't mock.) so now I'm free to blog away, provided I can think up topics.

I knew the fall would be crazy. I'd be dealing with/revising book 1 plus writing the first draft of book 2, in addition to my kid administration duties, which are plentiful. So when the school asked me to help spearhead a hugely labor intensive project, I took that on as well.

Prithee, tell, you might think, why bring this upon yourself? What are you trying to prove?

Actually, I'm no martyr, nor am I someone who has trouble saying no. I do, however, know how I can get when I'm writing. It can be summed up in two words: crazy hermit.

I can go for days without leaving the apartment. Weeks without wearing real pants. Months without calling friends. And sadly, I'm not even all that productive with my writing. There are days when everything that comes out of my fingertips just SUCKS SO BAD ARRRGH YOU THINK YOU CAN WRITE?! HA! GO EAT WORMS!

So yeah. Not really great for the mental health. Besides, it's true what they say, at least in my case: if you want something done well, give it to a busy person. It's all or nothing with me.

Balance. I haz none.

How about you? When are you most productive? I hope for your sake, you are nothing like me.

6 comments:

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I tend to be more productive when I have a lot on my plate BUT it is hard to be creative on demand. My sympathies. :)

Good luck with the bookS. :)

WendyCinNYC said...

I know what you mean about being creative on demand. But somehow, I just respond better to deadlines and stress.

This can't be good for my blood pressure.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I'm more productive when no one else is home. I like to be alone. I push myself to get out in the community (which is new to us). I like writing outside if the weather permits. I write deep stuff (poetry) late at night and kids stuff during the day.

What do you write?

WendyCinNYC said...

Sharon--I'm the same way. I like to either be alone (or alone in a crowd.) I write women's fiction, mostly, but play around with poetry sometimes.

Allie said...

I really like having a few days in a row with nothing to do and no need to see anyone or wear pants. I feel like I do my best work if I get good alone time. I think that's one of the reasons the holidays drive me crazy. I lose control of when I see people. Feeling super creative next Thursday, won't matter one bit . . .

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Allie--me too. A couple days with no errands or responsibility are great for my productivity. Days that I'm not so tired I just want to sleep are helpful.