It's A Question Of Time
Sitting here and wondering--how do all of you manage your time if you do other writing?? I'm certain there's an easy answer, perhaps, "Step away from the computer. There's nothing to see here, folks." But maybe a more palatable one?? Just asking.
And, while we're at it, some of us should, very slowly, step away from the Aqua Net.
If the question is, "How do you manage the time to write something?" then the answer is "Theft--pure and unadulterated." I steal from my work, I steal from my marriage, I steal from, perhaps now, even sleep.
ReplyDeleteIf the question is, "How do you manage time to work, do laundry, make a grocery list, drive to the store, shop for the groceries, take them home, unload the car, put them away, invent a recipe, prep the veggies, etc., cook, eat, wash dishes, have a marriage, raise two beautiful daughters, go to dance lessons, go to the theater, entertain friends, or sleep, instead of writing?" I don't. But, to be honest, I didn't before I started Halfway To France in earnest either. I did "research" then on prostate cancer, heart attacks, suicide, international relocation. Either way, I wasn't very good at "step(ping) away from the computer!"
But what I want to know is what Victor Hugo do? Or Norman Mailer, E.L. Doctorow, or Joan Didion? e.e. cummings? Poe? Because it seems to me that the blog is just a taste of what it would be like if I took writing "seriously."
The Cameron woman (Julia) says that "finding the time" is a lie. She says that words make sentences that make paragraphs that make pages that make novels, poems, and screenplays. But, the question you pose seems to have less to do with finding the time to write and more to do with finding the time to do all the other activities that constitute a full and satisfying life, right?
Amitiés,
Great question. My answer: you haven't found something you want to write about that is more important to you than the rest.
ReplyDeleteWhen you do, you will stop everything else and will write that story, that novel.
All you're doing now, by blogging, making lists, is taking bites of the big banquet of life in front of you.
Ahem, when I was writing my "great American novel," I went to my desk immediately after work and put in a minimum of two hours each day, no matter what else was happening in my life.
ReplyDeletePoint is, when you're ready, you'll find the time.
Right now I am using my blog to help me write, to make sure that I am indeed writing on a regular basis. So much of my time is spent reading (and grading) my students' writing, so my blog gives me cause to write my own stuff. That's where most of my writing is happening now!
ReplyDeleteMaybe if I plastered my hair with aquanet, I could use the time I would normally put into brushing my hair to write!
Well, as mentioned, I use blogland as my means to get writing and it's brilliant! It's always nice to think there are others reading apart from you, and even better if they have an opinion. As for time, well, I've given up smoking recently... I seem to have LOADS of it! cheers!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing that, my daily blog was just about that. I have internet on my phone so at work i use the bogg to blog. [not sure he you're familiar with the term bogg. Its a loo or toilet.] unfortunately you might get caught out if you drag your desktop or laptop in there. Hope you can find some time, would love to see what else you have to say
ReplyDeleteI'm clearly dipping into the wrong blogs. I've been thinking that I must be the only blogger whose posts consist of words and even full sentences and paragraphs and not just pictures and sales pitches:
ReplyDeletewhat I call the "all-singing, all-dancing, blogs with bells on".
Lovely to come across you and your followers and comment posters.
I have issues balancing my time. I just tend to get overwhelmed and avoid one for the other for stretches at a time.
ReplyDeleteUgh...balance is hard.
And...yes. Especially that woman.
I wanted to let you know that I linked to your blog today with a "lemonade award" for showing great blogging attitude! Stop by and claim your prize.
ReplyDeletethey say a writer must write.....all else will follow. be good ms. magpie, jack c
ReplyDeleteOne word at a time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the ideas. I think the difficult answer is to discipline myself into dividing the time on my days off so that I get to those chores I so successfully try to avoid. That attic has been my Achilles heel for about a year now. Surely it all can get done.
ReplyDeleteLoved your comment and quote on RC's blog. Thanks for sharing all the quotes and poems; I love them.
ReplyDeleteI dunno...but please keep doing what you're doing cuz you've certainly lit a fire under my fingers, and for that I am most grateful. My hubby on the other asked me nicely if I would please run the vacuum cleaner. Or dust. Or something...I can't really remmeber b/c I was busy searching online for photos. But when you figure out the answer, please, do let us know.
ReplyDeleteO dear...my spelling is atrocious, sorry...must rest brain now.
ReplyDeleteI could give advice, but it would be untested advice, because I have the same issues and questions. Can you figure it out and report back?
ReplyDeleteFor 2 years I wrote during the night and during the solid gold of my son's midday naps. Now the manuscript is finished and I feel like my days are empty despite work, raising a child alone and everyday life/home management. I blog to recreate that state of grace, that chaotic rush, that inevitable feeling of full expression.
ReplyDeleteI find time for the things I enjoy. If that means the dust bunnies are ignored, so be it. Chasing those things down never pleased me anyway!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the hair spray, but perhaps her hair is done this way to hide dust bunnies.
Manage time? I attempt it a lot, but can't say I have ever done a good job of it. What I try now is to do the creative thing before I do all the other stuff that needs done, instead of leaving it until last.
ReplyDeletei prune away the inconsequent time nibblers...there's a sign in my kitchen, put there by the children years ago which reads
ReplyDelete'dull women have immaculate homes'
so i do the important stuff first
and disciplined webbing is vital - those interpixies can lure you like the sirens of old
One of my favorite bloggers has notified her minions that her blog will go quiet in three weeks. Then she will write in earnest. Since I, and obviously many others, have thought her blogging to be literary excellence, she seems so brave to be striking out on her own. But she has grown beyond her blog, beyond the need for comments. For her, real writing begins when blogging ends. I do know this, I will read her book in the future.
ReplyDeleteI will try to rephrase the comment that was lost in cyberspace:
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to switch from wearing one hat to another, I think, especially when one of those hats is that of a mom. And you wear other hats that take a chunk of emotional as well as real time, yes?
Years ago, when I worked in the peds unit of a hospital, a very wise nurses' aide told me, "Honey, nobody done ever died of dirt." I echo india's and Gail's sentiments.
And you thoughts about the Aqua Net---extra firm hold. Holy cow, that's some hair!
Oh Lord! This is my brother's favorite song! They even wrote in his yearbook that he had to 'get out of this place'.....
ReplyDeleteIt was great to get lost in your blog again!!! love your writing!! Keep inspiring the little people!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Caroline