First, have a day job.
Don't just get any day job where you can show up at 9 am and leave by 5 pm, work 5 days a week and go home to have all the other hours of the day to yourself and your family. No!
Get yourself a day job that that respects your ability to get the job done, at whatever hours you need to do it. Make sure this is a job that really has a lot of work to do, and it gets really bottle-necked a couple of times a year so that you have about an hour and a half to yourself each day to eat, shower, wind down and get to bed before you start it all over again the next day. For weeks on end.
Then, make sure you work for two different departments so that those bottle-necks overlap each other, so in effect you get to have 4 or more each year, while everyone else has the typical boring two.
Next, make sure you register for those last 2 classes you need to get your license, and give yourself a really tight timeline because you want this stuff DONE within the bare minimum 8 weeks that you are allowed to finished the coursework and exams.
Make sure you are taking your turn to take the kids to sport practices, meets, races, swimming lessons, etc. and don't forget the grocery shopping!
All set? Great. Now decide you need to start a hobby: something you really want to do but will have to squeeze time in to do it because you are so booked. Write!
That's it. Mix well, then simmer for about a few months.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
So many story ideas....where do I start?
Since my last blog post, I've been very busy at my day job...which, incidentally, is also my night job since I am a tax accountant and we are in the final days of tax season!
I have managed to carve out 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there during each workday to jot down some writing project ideas. Now that the floodgates have been opened, I have had ideas pouring out of me like a waterfall! I became concerned at one point about how I was going to focus on a topic and really turn it into a completed writing project. I no longer have that concern.
My fingers are whizzing over the keyboard every time I open my Google Drive to write. It doesn't matter where I am, or how few minutes I have to spare for a little writing. I have managed to obliterate the writer's block I had in place for so many years, and now I just write about anything. The reason I am not worried about focusing on one project is simple: the variety keeps the gate open. As long as the gate is open, I can keep adding to my various projects. I remember a long time ago reading a post from one of my favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, who described a similar way of working that she used, especially in her earlier days while still a university professor.
I started out with plenty of topics listed out on that first page. That was all I did for one writing session.
The next day, I had been thinking about the list, so I just added a few sentences to one of the ideas.
The next day, I added bits to another topic on the list. These bits have been growing each day.
Sometimes I will stick with the same topic for a few days in a row, sometimes I hop all over the place. Once, I started with the intent to work on one topic, felt hesitant that I didn't know what to add to it, and quickly transitioned to something else...which ended up getting the flow going so well that I developed ideas for and was able to go back and add to the original topic. I had some time, so I ended up writing quite a bit that day because the flow was so good!
Since I have been using this writing method for the last couple of weeks, I have seen my writing fluency improve, the word count increase, and the creativity abound. I am now confident that when one of my topics gets close enough to require more attention to editing/formatting/finalizing, it will be easy to focus on those chunks in between other things and still be able to complete the project.
I have managed to carve out 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there during each workday to jot down some writing project ideas. Now that the floodgates have been opened, I have had ideas pouring out of me like a waterfall! I became concerned at one point about how I was going to focus on a topic and really turn it into a completed writing project. I no longer have that concern.
My fingers are whizzing over the keyboard every time I open my Google Drive to write. It doesn't matter where I am, or how few minutes I have to spare for a little writing. I have managed to obliterate the writer's block I had in place for so many years, and now I just write about anything. The reason I am not worried about focusing on one project is simple: the variety keeps the gate open. As long as the gate is open, I can keep adding to my various projects. I remember a long time ago reading a post from one of my favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, who described a similar way of working that she used, especially in her earlier days while still a university professor.
I started out with plenty of topics listed out on that first page. That was all I did for one writing session.
The next day, I had been thinking about the list, so I just added a few sentences to one of the ideas.
The next day, I added bits to another topic on the list. These bits have been growing each day.
Sometimes I will stick with the same topic for a few days in a row, sometimes I hop all over the place. Once, I started with the intent to work on one topic, felt hesitant that I didn't know what to add to it, and quickly transitioned to something else...which ended up getting the flow going so well that I developed ideas for and was able to go back and add to the original topic. I had some time, so I ended up writing quite a bit that day because the flow was so good!
Since I have been using this writing method for the last couple of weeks, I have seen my writing fluency improve, the word count increase, and the creativity abound. I am now confident that when one of my topics gets close enough to require more attention to editing/formatting/finalizing, it will be easy to focus on those chunks in between other things and still be able to complete the project.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Ah...ah....Haiku! Bless you.
Once I get my brain in "writing mode", I don't want to leave! So, I end up spending a lot of time reading writer's blogs and then writing my own stuff offline. Tax season is getting pretty busy around here, so I'm having to keep my writing practice time to a minimum to stay on schedule.
In order to keep it short without skipping my practice the last couple of days, I have been trying to sneeze out a couple of haiku poems per session. It's quite obvious to me that I am writing what's on the surface of my mind at the time. That means I'm writing about taxes, cranky clients, and my yoga class. My poems may not be all that creative, but they have entertained me in the moment.
Just for kicks, I'll share a few here with you:
Only a little over a week left before I have a normal workday again and I can devote a lot more time to my own writing projects. Until then, Haiku!
In order to keep it short without skipping my practice the last couple of days, I have been trying to sneeze out a couple of haiku poems per session. It's quite obvious to me that I am writing what's on the surface of my mind at the time. That means I'm writing about taxes, cranky clients, and my yoga class. My poems may not be all that creative, but they have entertained me in the moment.
Just for kicks, I'll share a few here with you:
Pink cherry blossoms
Missing festival again
Blame the tax season.
When I make more than
you pay in taxes, then you
can complain to me.
Hot, humid, dripping
sweat. Focus, inhale, exhale.
Ahhhh, savasana!
Live at the Met in
background. Working Saturday.
Just love tax season.
Bright sunny window
Teasing birds fly by and then
computer beckons.
Trying to focus
On work, but having trouble
I just want to write!
Don’t you try to be
something you’re not for money.
Just follow your dreams!
Only a little over a week left before I have a normal workday again and I can devote a lot more time to my own writing projects. Until then, Haiku!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Writing progress over Easter weekend
Quick update of my progress the last couple of days:
* Wrote down quite a few ideas for both fiction and non-fiction book topics
* Expanded a little on one of the non-fiction ideas
* Wrote some haiku
* Completed my 90 day Bikram yoga goal
* Spent all day Easter Sunday hanging out with the family: making homemade egg-shaped pizzas, took a nap, had a Game of Thrones marathon (sort-of) with my husband since we had the free cable channel for the weekend. (Now he'll want to pay for it so he can watch the new season!)
Ok, those last two have nothing to do with writing; directly anyway. However, if it weren't for my focus and dedication to my yoga goal, I may not be considering my writing goal right now, since I am in the middle of busy tax season at work. And, the down time on Sunday will help me to recharge since there are still a couple of crazy weeks left for tax season. I did miss writing yesterday, though, so I'll make it up by working a little longer on my offline writing projects this week.
I must be insane because I am also finishing 2 classes so that I can get my license in this state. So busy! Oddly enough, having so many irons in the fire actually makes it easier because when I get tired/frustrated/bored with one project, I can switch over to another and feel refreshed because I'm not working on the same thing.
Back to work!
* Wrote down quite a few ideas for both fiction and non-fiction book topics
* Expanded a little on one of the non-fiction ideas
* Wrote some haiku
* Completed my 90 day Bikram yoga goal
* Spent all day Easter Sunday hanging out with the family: making homemade egg-shaped pizzas, took a nap, had a Game of Thrones marathon (sort-of) with my husband since we had the free cable channel for the weekend. (Now he'll want to pay for it so he can watch the new season!)
Ok, those last two have nothing to do with writing; directly anyway. However, if it weren't for my focus and dedication to my yoga goal, I may not be considering my writing goal right now, since I am in the middle of busy tax season at work. And, the down time on Sunday will help me to recharge since there are still a couple of crazy weeks left for tax season. I did miss writing yesterday, though, so I'll make it up by working a little longer on my offline writing projects this week.
I must be insane because I am also finishing 2 classes so that I can get my license in this state. So busy! Oddly enough, having so many irons in the fire actually makes it easier because when I get tired/frustrated/bored with one project, I can switch over to another and feel refreshed because I'm not working on the same thing.
Back to work!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Redefining Focus (at least as it relates to writing)
I've set my intent and, hopefully, unblocked the flow of words from my mind to my fingertips to my keyboard. Now I need to decide what to write about.
Since starting this blog a few days ago, I have been learning about the whole "blogging" thing, and it raises many many choices for me about writing. Sure, I am learning the technical stuff...how to link to another blogger's article, the do's and don'ts of blogging, etc. But now, there's a new conundrum: what kind of writing do I want to do?
This should be a no-brainer. I have always wanted to write fiction...huge books like the ones I enjoy so much. When I was younger, I really wanted to write sci-fi/fantasy books, though now I like a more broad definition of fiction that can include many genres. I have so many ideas, I just need to get them started.
Reading through other blogs, however, has thrown a little kink in the works. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have written non-fiction in the form of tax articles (ghost written for the boss, but published in an industry trade journal, nonetheless) as well as other business related items. I have plenty of ideas for how-to books, as well. The blogs I am now following talk about getting paid to write, and many of them talk specifically about blogging for pay. I had vaguely considered this notion, though not wholeheartedly. Getting paid for writing would be wonderful...it just hasn't been my main motivation in this venture. The thought of getting paid to do something I love is exciting! The accountant in me says I wouldn't make enough to replace my current income, so what would be the point?
Well, I'm not listening to the accountant, because that would mean giving up without even trying, as though money is the only reason to do it. My goal here, let's be very clear, is to WRITE! Not necessarily to replace my current career with a writing career, though I will definitely leave the door open to that possibility. I expect to refine, focus, and hone my skills so that I can create writing products that I can be personally proud to call my own. I want to write books, stories, and articles that I am interested in reading. I am a pretty tough judge of quality writing, if I do say so, myself. If I can write something that I would want to read, then I know I've done something good.
On that note, while I will still be blogging, I have decided I also need to spend time writing some fiction that can turn out to be a story or a full-fledged book. I know that is ultimately what I want to do, so blogging, alone, will not be enough for me. I could consider writing my fiction on the blog, but I have been advised against doing just that, and other good tips for writing a book, by a blog I read this morning. Therefore, instead of blogging every single day, I have decided I will blog a few times a week and spend my time on the other days working on my writing project, offline.
Don't be too disappointed, dear reader. After all, you haven't even met me, yet. :)
Since starting this blog a few days ago, I have been learning about the whole "blogging" thing, and it raises many many choices for me about writing. Sure, I am learning the technical stuff...how to link to another blogger's article, the do's and don'ts of blogging, etc. But now, there's a new conundrum: what kind of writing do I want to do?
This should be a no-brainer. I have always wanted to write fiction...huge books like the ones I enjoy so much. When I was younger, I really wanted to write sci-fi/fantasy books, though now I like a more broad definition of fiction that can include many genres. I have so many ideas, I just need to get them started.
Reading through other blogs, however, has thrown a little kink in the works. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have written non-fiction in the form of tax articles (ghost written for the boss, but published in an industry trade journal, nonetheless) as well as other business related items. I have plenty of ideas for how-to books, as well. The blogs I am now following talk about getting paid to write, and many of them talk specifically about blogging for pay. I had vaguely considered this notion, though not wholeheartedly. Getting paid for writing would be wonderful...it just hasn't been my main motivation in this venture. The thought of getting paid to do something I love is exciting! The accountant in me says I wouldn't make enough to replace my current income, so what would be the point?
Well, I'm not listening to the accountant, because that would mean giving up without even trying, as though money is the only reason to do it. My goal here, let's be very clear, is to WRITE! Not necessarily to replace my current career with a writing career, though I will definitely leave the door open to that possibility. I expect to refine, focus, and hone my skills so that I can create writing products that I can be personally proud to call my own. I want to write books, stories, and articles that I am interested in reading. I am a pretty tough judge of quality writing, if I do say so, myself. If I can write something that I would want to read, then I know I've done something good.
On that note, while I will still be blogging, I have decided I also need to spend time writing some fiction that can turn out to be a story or a full-fledged book. I know that is ultimately what I want to do, so blogging, alone, will not be enough for me. I could consider writing my fiction on the blog, but I have been advised against doing just that, and other good tips for writing a book, by a blog I read this morning. Therefore, instead of blogging every single day, I have decided I will blog a few times a week and spend my time on the other days working on my writing project, offline.
Don't be too disappointed, dear reader. After all, you haven't even met me, yet. :)
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Focus
Yesterday was all about procrastination, so I've decided to turn the tables and make today about focus. I have goals, I want to reach them, and I certainly don't want it to be me that stands in the way!
I've been doing Bikram yoga before work now for nearly 90 days straight. It started out as just a work out goal, but has morphed into something else. Even though I had migraines every single day for the first 12 or 13 classes, I persisted. I was determined to figure out how to make it work for me and to get rid of the migraines at the same time. I figured if I stuck with it long enough, either my body would get used to it, or I would figure out what I was doing wrong and stop doing it. Either way, I don't get the migraines any more...so I'm happy with that. I can't be certain if it was the persistence or if I learned something along the way, but I know that I had to focus in class and really focus on breathing to reach my goal. I have 4 days left to reach my 90 days. Then, I'll tack on another 30 days to my next goal. Focus!
Every morning, focus on breathing. Every morning, focus on clearing the mind so that those 90 minutes are used to clear out all the crap in my head so that I can be more efficient, clear, productive, peaceful, etc. throughout the rest of the day. I haven't come close to mastering the focus of clearing the mind, yet. I am working on it. It's amazing how my mind doesn't stop thinking of random things. Ever. It never stops. Not even when I sleep! I really need this part of yoga. Focus!
This morning, when I was trying to clear my mind in class, I decided I need to practice the same focus outside the hot room. For work, of course, that's a given. Quit procrastinating and do my work in a more evenly time-spaced manner and I will be rewarded with a peaceful tax season (Good luck with that!) and not feel rushed. For my writing focus, I first need to set a time....or at least a mood...that works best for me to write. Then, I need to make sure to do it then. Today, I was thinking about focus, I was thinking about my goals, I was thinking about writing. What better time to just do it, than right now? By knocking out my few minutes to write first thing in the day (well, after yoga class), I feel I've already made progress toward one of my most important goals, which frees me up to be productive in other areas of my day. Focus!
Now, I'll tackle some more returns. How about a mini-goal? I'll focus on completing two big projects today. Ready? Set? Go! Focus!
I've been doing Bikram yoga before work now for nearly 90 days straight. It started out as just a work out goal, but has morphed into something else. Even though I had migraines every single day for the first 12 or 13 classes, I persisted. I was determined to figure out how to make it work for me and to get rid of the migraines at the same time. I figured if I stuck with it long enough, either my body would get used to it, or I would figure out what I was doing wrong and stop doing it. Either way, I don't get the migraines any more...so I'm happy with that. I can't be certain if it was the persistence or if I learned something along the way, but I know that I had to focus in class and really focus on breathing to reach my goal. I have 4 days left to reach my 90 days. Then, I'll tack on another 30 days to my next goal. Focus!
Every morning, focus on breathing. Every morning, focus on clearing the mind so that those 90 minutes are used to clear out all the crap in my head so that I can be more efficient, clear, productive, peaceful, etc. throughout the rest of the day. I haven't come close to mastering the focus of clearing the mind, yet. I am working on it. It's amazing how my mind doesn't stop thinking of random things. Ever. It never stops. Not even when I sleep! I really need this part of yoga. Focus!
This morning, when I was trying to clear my mind in class, I decided I need to practice the same focus outside the hot room. For work, of course, that's a given. Quit procrastinating and do my work in a more evenly time-spaced manner and I will be rewarded with a peaceful tax season (Good luck with that!) and not feel rushed. For my writing focus, I first need to set a time....or at least a mood...that works best for me to write. Then, I need to make sure to do it then. Today, I was thinking about focus, I was thinking about my goals, I was thinking about writing. What better time to just do it, than right now? By knocking out my few minutes to write first thing in the day (well, after yoga class), I feel I've already made progress toward one of my most important goals, which frees me up to be productive in other areas of my day. Focus!
Now, I'll tackle some more returns. How about a mini-goal? I'll focus on completing two big projects today. Ready? Set? Go! Focus!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Procrastination
My mind has been so focused on finishing this tax return for the last 7 hours, that I almost missed my "appointment" with myself to write! Damn iPhone calendar. OK, we all know it's user error...but I felt like blaming someone/thing else. I have exactly 10 minutes to write before I need to get out of here and go home.
Wow! I just re-read that first paragraph and realized the whole thing is made up of excuses! Funny, I literally read an article today that said Want to Be Happier? Stop Doing These 10 Things Right Now. Of course, one of those items was to stop blaming others for things and just take responsibility and move on. You'll be happier when you focus on preventing problems in the first place. Makes sense.
How does that relate to procrastination? Pretty obvious, really: Procrastination is the love-child of Blame and its girlfriend, Avoidance. When I don't want to do something, aka WORK, I tend to "find" all kinds of things that I "really must get done right now!" (avoidance) such as tweak my monthly budget, check my bank balance, clean out junk emails, read LinkedIn articles that are really just fluff and won't help me improve my network or professional life. Then, I blame all those trivial tasks for keeping me from getting the billable stuff done as quickly as I originally planned it.
The one reliable thing about me, though, is that if I procrastinate a little too often for a while, my work load piles up and then I go into a frenzy of super-focused activity and knock a bunch of things out all at once. I get everything done, and yes, it is done correctly, but the inefficiency of it all really screws with my "me" time. Can't have that!
So...I have a goal to write. Therefore, I need to make sure I do it....every day. No matter what! In order to meet that goal, I must stop procrastinating. Or at least do it a whole lot less.
This is not really the sort of topic I wanted to practice writing about, buy hey! I've got to start somewhere. Oh, and while I'm still here, I'll figure out later how to imbed a link so that I can send you (reader? hello....anyone out there?) to the article I mentioned.
Until next time.....
Wow! I just re-read that first paragraph and realized the whole thing is made up of excuses! Funny, I literally read an article today that said Want to Be Happier? Stop Doing These 10 Things Right Now. Of course, one of those items was to stop blaming others for things and just take responsibility and move on. You'll be happier when you focus on preventing problems in the first place. Makes sense.
How does that relate to procrastination? Pretty obvious, really: Procrastination is the love-child of Blame and its girlfriend, Avoidance. When I don't want to do something, aka WORK, I tend to "find" all kinds of things that I "really must get done right now!" (avoidance) such as tweak my monthly budget, check my bank balance, clean out junk emails, read LinkedIn articles that are really just fluff and won't help me improve my network or professional life. Then, I blame all those trivial tasks for keeping me from getting the billable stuff done as quickly as I originally planned it.
The one reliable thing about me, though, is that if I procrastinate a little too often for a while, my work load piles up and then I go into a frenzy of super-focused activity and knock a bunch of things out all at once. I get everything done, and yes, it is done correctly, but the inefficiency of it all really screws with my "me" time. Can't have that!
So...I have a goal to write. Therefore, I need to make sure I do it....every day. No matter what! In order to meet that goal, I must stop procrastinating. Or at least do it a whole lot less.
This is not really the sort of topic I wanted to practice writing about, buy hey! I've got to start somewhere. Oh, and while I'm still here, I'll figure out later how to imbed a link so that I can send you (reader? hello....anyone out there?) to the article I mentioned.
Until next time.....
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