What You Might Give Up When You Write

Had a conversation with a friend last night about writing time. It's a question I get asked a lot, how often do you write, how many hours a day etc.

He began to tell me what takes his time. He belongs to an active organization where he must participate weekly and often on weekends. And he has been elected an officer of a fine organization.

When I thought about it, except for family, my social life mostly consists of whatever activity the church might plan and if I'm not gone somewhere and my when I go off to do something related to writing.

Weekend after next, we're headed to San Luis Obispo for the Central Coast Book Festival. Of course the goal is to sell books, but the most fun is going to come from seeing friends. Already set up one dinner date with a good author friend and then the following night we'll spend with one of my publishers and probably other friends. We have lots of friends who live in the area that we only see when we go to the coast--and they are all writers.

In October comes Bouchercon, four full days with mystery readers and writers. I know I'll see many friends who I only see once in awhile. I'm looking forward to that part more than anything else. Bouchercon is the largest and most famous mystery convention and this year it's in San Francisco. Lots of exciting things are planned, but I know what I'll enjoy the most and remember after I'm back home, is the time I spent with my writer and reader friends.

Except for Sisters in Crime, I no longer belong to any organizations. I don't do any volunteer work and my only "work" is writing. In the past, I belonged to social groups, did all sorts of volunteer jobs, and worked full time. I've given all that up, so I can write two books a year and spend the time I need to promote them.

Do I feel like I'm missing out? Absolutely not. I still spend time with my family, in fact we have our annual family reunion coming up. I'll tell you all about that when the time comes.

I supposed it all comes down to priorities and what you really want to do. I want to write.

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

Comments

C. N. Nevets said…
I'm fortunate that my volunteer work has me on call with the local ambulance which means that often its just sitting for hours at home with the pager on. Means I can volunteer and write at the same time. :)
Judi said…
How well I remember the good ol' days with Valley Writers Network and how Elnora used to caution me not to let being newsletter editor interfere with my writing.

Now instead of volunteering, I have two jobs. Hmmmmmm. Maybe going backwards. But I AM writing again, and that's good.
Oh,yes, Judi, good old Valley Writers Network. That was a good group.

C.N., I volunteered a lot when I was younger for all sorts of things. I just know now I have to use my time for writing and promotion. I would think your volunteer job would give you lots of ideas for your writing.

Marilyn
M.M. Gornell said…
Marilyn, your last sentence really rang a chord with me--"I supposed it all comes down to priorities and what you really want to do. I want to write."

Well said.
Unknown said…
I volunteer a lot and sometimes it does interupt my writing time but I always get my work done so I can't complain.

CD

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