Missing the Boat
Dinos missing the boat and becoming extinct is a little known theory often never shared by scientists. I kind of like the theory. It beats the whole disease/meteor stuff. If given the choice among a hideous disease, a directionally challenged meteor, or a huge flood with a direct order from God to build a boat? I'll grab me a saw. I like having a lifeboat as an option.
And speaking of life rafts and NOT wanting to miss launches:
And speaking of life rafts and NOT wanting to miss launches:
The IWSG book is available!
This book is FREE!!!
An excellent resource and inspiration- why haven't you gotten your copy?
Get yours now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.
And be sure to add it to your read list on Goodreads!
Now, onto the regular IWSG* post!!
Here's the thing- if I'm doing well in one area, I am sucking in another. If my word count is solid, I forget to pay the cable bill. If I make sure my personal life runs smoothly, my word count goes down the toilet.
I know, I know...my husband tells me all the time, I just need to find a balance, set priorities...
That's all well and good, but what do you do when work isn't really work? What if it's more like an addiction. One that you don't want to walk away from until someone interrupts and asks you if you've bathed or eaten in a few days?
Any suggestions?
And be sure to add it to your read list on Goodreads!
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| Join the IWSG here! |
Now, onto the regular IWSG* post!!
Here's the thing- if I'm doing well in one area, I am sucking in another. If my word count is solid, I forget to pay the cable bill. If I make sure my personal life runs smoothly, my word count goes down the toilet.
I know, I know...my husband tells me all the time, I just need to find a balance, set priorities...
That's all well and good, but what do you do when work isn't really work? What if it's more like an addiction. One that you don't want to walk away from until someone interrupts and asks you if you've bathed or eaten in a few days?
Any suggestions?
*IWSG is a writer's group where you can hang with other writers understand your pain.
Started by the ninja master and all-round good guy, Alex Cavanaugh. He's being assisted this month by some fabulous co-hosts: Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins.
This IWSG book is so cool!!! So wonderful. And hahaha… er… blast… I don't have the answer… I will say though, from the outside looking in, you are doing INCREDIBLE, Liz. Really. I don't know how you do all that you do. <3
ReplyDeleteAs long as I appear together, right?
DeleteHugs Morgs <3
Balance is really difficult to find; one of my biggest struggles. Nice to know I am not alone :) You get a gold star for the effort of keeping afloat.
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone at all!!
DeleteThanks for the gold star. I like gold stars.
I struggle to find the balance all the time. But it's great that you're still trying to find a balance that suits you. Wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteIn this game, we could work twenty-four hours a day and there will still be things left to do.
DeleteBalance, what's that? lol I write a lot. But I always pay the bills and don't miss the boat.
ReplyDeleteI put them all on auto-pay. Whine and the universe sends you a solution.
DeleteI never managed to write with kids at home. Empty nest...much easier.
ReplyDeleteAnd my nest will be empty in a few years- then I will have lots of free time, right?
DeleteOh-so-honest. Love it. Chuckle, chuckle.
ReplyDeleteYep- scattered and harried and I show it!
DeleteFind a portable shower and put plastic wrap around your computer. That way you can bathe and still write!
ReplyDeleteYour ability to focus is admirable. I wish I could do that. Too often, I have so much to do, that I can't get started on anything. At least you're getting one thing done. :) That's better than nothing.
I'm beginning to think I have a one track mind. If my mind is on a story, it forgets everything else. If it's not, then I don't write at all. Is that normal? There needs to be a happy medium.
DeleteI'm learning that "balance" means different things to everyone, that it looks different to everyone. Find what works for you - and that will probably change depending on the time of year, on projects, etc. Try not to be so hard on yourself! :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth hearts Madeline.
DeleteYou're right- I'm not so bad.
Sounds like you just need someone to help with timely reality checks.
ReplyDeleteI buy that the dinosaurs missed the boat.
My husband has started setting me reminders on my phone. The interruptions annoy me, but are necessary and they work.
DeleteLet your hubby become your official anti-addict co-pilot. I'm sure he would do it.I don't want to be stuck on the bad end of an act of God. Ever.
ReplyDeleteYou are always so smart! He's started sending me reminders. Time just gets away from me.
DeleteMy words to my husband were, "Here, you do it. I've got to write." That saved the marriage and our credit report has improved.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the shore with those dinosaurs, I'm afraid.
But then he'll know how much I spend Lee ;)
DeleteOh no, you can't be on shore. Grab your copy today and get on board.
Just kidding! Got my copy. Enjoying the articles a lot.
DeleteBalance. I've begun to hate that word. Is there such a thing, or does everything ebb and flow? I'm going with the latter. :)
ReplyDeleteI keep waiting on the ebb. Seems like one thing just keep flowing into another.
DeleteI laughed out loud at the cartoon. Priceless!
ReplyDeleteI have no answers. I'm in the same boat as you. :(
IWSG #151 until Alex culls the list again.
I can't even whine. I know your boat is a way busier, all hands on deck sort of place. But you make it look like smooth sailing!
DeleteUh, I wait for the notice I forgot to pay the bills again, then pay them. Schedules help. Make everyone respect your time.
ReplyDeleteGreat cartoon.
LOL. That is true- they do send a second notice. They're thoughtful like that.
DeleteI say keep doing the stuff you enjoy doing. Let your husband take care of the bills. :)
ReplyDeleteI like your thinking!
DeleteI love your real and tell-it-like-it-is approach to life...oh, and of course, your sense of humor (spelled humour my side of the globe...LOL)
ReplyDeleteJust keep doing whatever it is that you're doing.
Happy IWSG day!
I like your spelling, it's so elegant. My kindle likes it too- somehow I have it set to correct color to colour.
DeleteGlad you recommend I don't change. You're a sweetie.
Usually when my writing is going really well, I forget to do things like eat and sleep. I only remember to pay the bills because I write them down every month.
ReplyDeleteI write them down, and then forget the date. Oh well. Like someone said, they send reminders.
DeleteElizabeth, I've decided that balance is a myth that will always drive us crazy trying to find it. Instead, I just accept that things ebb and flow and that's just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteYou're a wise man Steven! I have been seeking balance for 40 some years.
DeleteHook up an IV and hang an air freshener around your neck? ;-)
ReplyDeleteLOL. Jamie, you are THE best problem solver. Love your thinking.
DeleteGot my e-copy on Ye Olde Kindle and loving the ISWG book! Good work, kudos!
ReplyDeleteI got mine too!! Love Ye Olde Kindle. I never thought I would, but it's become my best buddy. Now, I just need one of those locater alarms like my phone has...
DeleteTwo words... personal assistant ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're hired Michael. Thanks for the offer ;)
DeleteI'd totally be up for that if I lived on the same continent.
DeleteExcuses, excuses. LOL
DeleteElizabeth, if you ever come across an easy way to find a balance, let me know...I've yet to do it. I'm like the people in the V8 commercial, always walking sideways.
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the book! I'll have to get it.
We can dare to dream, Michael. But I am beginning to think it will never happen. Yeah, I resemble those V8 people too.
DeleteI still haven't found any balance. I'm a little better at getting sleep this year, but I haven't released anything this year either. Next year... five books. Yikes! Have a wonderful weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteFive books. My head is still spinning for you. But it will be your year and it will be amazing!!
Deletehey babe, look, as long as balance is not done by weighing ourselves, no fret! nothing is guaranteed to go smooth, swimmingly, or almost perfect. just do your best and it'll all work out in the end. if not...then I am a liar.
ReplyDeleteWell, you are never a liar! But always wise. We shouldn't weigh ourselves either on the scales or in judgment.
DeleteIt usually completely forget about the laundry - either putting it on, or taking it out - when I'm writing. I can manage other things, but when my kids start wandering about in far too small t-shirts, I know it's time to leave the wip alone!
ReplyDeleteMy tip - get other people to do it :-)
I'm bad about the laundry too. Mine always run out of undies first. I should just buy everyone a month's worth.
DeleteWe suck at balance, too. Both of us. I just cherish the productivity while I have it and milk it for all it's worth before it's gone!
ReplyDeleteExcellent point. Productivity is never anything to sneeze at!
DeleteI love that comic! I miss self-imposed deadlines all the time with my writing. Argh! Thanks for sharing the IWSG book. :)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure sharing. Missing deadlines is a specialty of mine. I am most guilty of underestimating how long it takes me to do everything.
DeleteBalance. I haven't found it yet, but I stumble on nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteYou stumble oh so gracefully! No one would ever know it was a stumble.
DeleteHar har har! I just posted about organization over at the A to Z Blogging Challenge and you SO hit the nail on the head for how I work as well. It's so hard when real life intrudes. Wait a minute, did I say "real" life? Ha!
ReplyDeleteI need to go read and take notes!
DeleteEasy solution--have all of your bills set to pay automatically. More time for writing!!! I also have a woman who cleans my house once a month for $50 and I use Amazon a LOT to save a trip to Target. It may cost more, but I can usually make more money writing in an hour than the extra I'd spend by going through Amazon or the four hours it would take me to clean my house as well as she does.
ReplyDelete$50? Wow, that's a deal! I have done almost all of my Christmas shopping online. Setting those bills to autopay is awesome.
DeleteCongrats to all the authors in IWSG book!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean. If I do one thing, I don't end up doing something else. I can't find the time or energy to get everything done in a day that I want to get done.
That's me Cherie! Whatever I start first is what I obsess over and try to work until it's done. That may sound good- but novels can't be finished in a day- no matter how dedicated.
DeleteUnfortunately I cant do mush shopping online as the delivery cost would cripple me financially!.
ReplyDeleteI start at Ebates and look for places offering free shipping and discounts. It takes a little longer to shop around, but the savings is worth it.
Delete*much*
ReplyDeleteI can drive myself crazy sticking to my to-do list. I'm usually dead asleep most of Saturday to recharge. Balance is hard.
ReplyDeleteThe anthology is amazing.
I've been trying to make more manageable to do lists. Then I feel better when I finish. But adding too many things to it is a sickness, so I rarely get through an entire list.
DeleteYou too???? Wow, you have no idea how much better that makes me feel. It's been driving me crazy. I write and everything falls apart. The house (OMG-let's not peek!)...the bills...the grocery shopping...and my kids (did they have a mom?) Then I feel guilty and bring everything back into gear only to have it fall apart again the next time I hit the keyboard. Not fair.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain Tonja!! That's exactly what I'm talking about!
Delete