Thursday, November 21, 2013

Never Enough Time - ROW Round 4 Check-In #7


There is just never enough time in life to get everything done that we want or need to do, so we have to make priorities.  This month, I’ve chosen to make writing a priority.  There’s mail unsorted on the coffee table (I did sort out things that actually need to be paid), laundry gets done on an as needed basis as opposed to processing it all each weekend, our DVR is filling up with shows I haven’t had time to watch.  My e-mail is out of control – again.  My husband has been very supportive.  He asks me in the evening, “do you need to write tonight?” and is perfectly happy to play on his computer if I say yes.  I’ve promised I’ll clean the bathroom promptly come December 1st.

And this is fine, for this month.  For the NaNoWriMo rush.  But when it’s over, I still want writing to be a priority, and I have to figure out a way to make it fit more sanely, so that other things get done, too.  It may have to take a back seat to Christmas preparations in December, but come January, I need to have a plan.
I’m not sure why I’m thinking about this today – maybe it’s the overflowing e-mail box, or just the nature of life and its mix of things I can and can’t control, or the result of a relatively sleepless night.  But I think in December I’m going to add a goal to take stock, see what I need to do, and what I can let go of, so that writing can be a bigger part of my life.  I’ve really enjoyed this month of focus on writing, and I’ve learned a lot.  Soon it will be time to take what I’ve learned and apply it to a new writing life.

Anyway, enough random philosophizing – on to goals:

1) NaNoWriMo - 50,000 words

NaNoWriMo is actually going swimmingly.  I’m learning a ton about myself and my writing, and having a lot of fun.  It’s been a long time since writing was actually fun for me – too much worry about whether or not I was good enough, or smart enough, or original enough.  This month I’ve been able to let go of that, and it’s been wonderful.  I am presently at 31,786 words.  That puts me a little behind today, but I have a writing date tomorrow night, and Friday off work, so I’m hoping to actually get ahead over the weekend.  I’ve been loving the writing sprints on Twitter (follow @NaNoWordSprints) – I think I’ve used my Twitter account more this month than I have in all the rest of the time I’ve had it combined.  Another thing I did last weekend was to participate in the DIY-MFA weekend writing sprint, which was a great motivator.  I think I’m gonna make it for the win this year!

2) Post Writing-Post Round Up monthly

I’ve changed this goal to a monthly post, since I’m not collecting as many blog posts while I’m busy NaNoing.  So it will go up December 1st.  (At least that’s the plan!)

3) Visit and comment on at least 5 other ROWer's blogs per week

Argh!  Failed again!  What was that I was saying about never enough time?  I need to find something to cut out so I can move this up the priority ladder, because I DO want to make time to encourage my fellow ROWers.

Fitness Goals:
I’ve been back in the gym again this week, though not as intensively as when I was doing the fit challenge.  I’m also still feeling a little under the weather.  But I’m still trying to get there at least 3 or 4 times a week, and making relatively healthy food choices.  I haven’t lost any more weight, but I haven’t gained back any that I lost during the fit challenge either.  I will be a happy camper if I can maintain that over the holidays!

I hope all of your goals are going well, and that you’re closing in on 50,000 if you’re doing NaNoWriMo.  Happy Writing, all!

ROW80 is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.  Check out what other ROWers are up to here.

3 comments:

Beth Camp said...

Your comment about setting priorities with a post writing/post roundup speaks to me. The only way I can get daily writing done is to tackle it first thing in the morning (about 6:30 am). I do try to use these ROW80 check-ins as a way to think about my goals/progress. But my output is nowhere near yours. Congrats on fine progress. And what I learn from reading other ROW80 blogs is that we're all working toward our goals of being better writers. It feels pretty good to not be alone in this fairly intense commitment. May the week ahead be a good one for you.

gypsyharper said...

Thanks, Beth. I have found ROW80 to be so helpful. It's really great to have a group of writers to share trials and triumphs with.

Jennette Marie Powell said...

I had to back off of my fitness goals, too. Partly because I hadn't been feeling well for a while, and partly to give more time for writing. So far so good, I haven't gained weight and am feeling better. But you are so right, there are so *many* things competing to be priorities, sometimes it's hard to choose. My goal for December is to keep producing words, but at a much slower rate - 10k for the month. Keep up the good work and I'll see you at 50k!