A Writer's Time--Where Is It?

Not sure what I really want to say here except that I wish I had more time for my actual writing.

This is where I am right now:

I'm up to chapter 12 in my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery--the one I'm now reading to my critique group chapter by chapter. I have an editor going over the manuscript of my latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel and suggestions and changes are coming in.

Sometime this month, An Axe to Grind, which is the latest to be published in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series is coming out. I haven't set dates yet for the two launches I've planned because I always like to make sure I'll actually have books to sell when the time comes. I have contracted for a blog tour though which will be in March. Soon I'll have to do interviews for those blogs--that also takes away form the writing time. But, if you are going to promote you must do these things.

I feel like I need to do a blog a day--sometimes it's hard to think of what someone else might be interested in reading.

One of my author friends gets up and 4 a.m. every day to begin her writing. I get up around 5:30 or 6, but seems a lot gets in the way before I can actually begin the writing process. Other of my author friends write late into the night. Since I've gotten old, my mind shuts down around 8 and all I'm good for is a couple of TV shows.

Having a big family does create some added interruptions--and since I love my family, I can't avoid those. (And truly, I feel blessed that I do have so many kids, grandkids etc.)

Years ago, time didn't speed by quite so fast, I used to cram a lot more into a day and an evening.

Mornings are my most productive writing times, but if I'm really caught up in what I'm writing, I can write into the afternoon, but usually quit when it's times to cook dinner.

So what is your writing schedule? How do you work around life?

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Comments

Between working ten-hour days, commuting an hour each way, and 'life,' we have very little time. Can't wait until we retire and can spend more time doing it!

Lorna & Larry
Anonymous said…
This is a great topic. As an amatuer writer, I fight this same battle on a regular basis. How do I work on my book without compromising my family or work time. On of my favorite sayings comes from Stephen King's On Writing which says something to the effect of writing one page a day will result in one novel per year, put even one page per day seems ridiculous at times. I am extremely excited to hear what others are doing, not only to stay motivated, but to find the time to exploit those motivations in the first place.
It's interesting, because when I wrote my fifth novel, I was still working a full-time job (in social work), which often lasted until 7:00 p.m. And my day at the office started at 7.

I would awaken at 4:30 to write for awhile before I left for the office.

These days, I find myself lazing around a bit, working on blog posts and clicking around the Blogosphere. My writing comes afterwards.

Probably not the best priorities!
Yes, it seems now that I have more time, I fritter a lot of it away.

Marilyn
Cheryl said…
Working from home can be a good and bad thing. There always seems to be one more thing I can get done other than open that file containing my WIP. I'm determined to write three days this week, but one of the kids was home sick and the hubby was home after he pulled his back, so I am playing catch up today. Sigh!

Still want to write.

Cheryl

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