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Depressing thought of the week. I may not have enough time to do everything I want to do in my life. I've always assumed I have time for everything. And that ONE DAY I am going to do everything I want to do. Then of course, I put it all off until tomorrow and as my husband so eloquently puts it, tomorrow literally never comes. By the time today rolls over to tomorrow, it's now today and tomorrow is still the elusive little booger that fools us into thinking we have nothing but time.
Is that an insecurity? Surely, it counts. But even if it doesn't it still leads me to my insecure answer for this month's IWSG question and a revelation. When most of my books were first published, I had the arrogance of ignorance. I was writing because I liked taking the stories from my head to the page. Once they were out in the world, this weird thing happened.
People read them. And paid money for them.
My writer brain went from:
Ooh, let's tell this story...
To... Create a story worth the hard-earned money someone is dishing out for it.
Same with the blog. I used to log on, update with whatever floated through my brain and hit publish. It was fun. Then I started reading about how the blog is marketing and marketing is such a big part of selling.
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| This is my Pixabay Free image for WET BLANKET |
In summary, creative brain HATES business brain. While they do their little cage-match in my head, I'm staying busy decluttering my closets and cabinets.
I tip my hat to all of you who manage both the creative and the business side of the writing. You are a rock star.
February 5 question!
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| Join the IWSG! Thanks to this month's awesome co-hosts! |
When I start thinking like that, I tend to panic and believe me, that doesn't help anyone around here. :) It's not easy, but I'm working on prioritizing and on just having to let some things go.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on enjoying the task at hand. It keeps the panic at bay. Of course, I'm not always successful, but I attribute that to being human.
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com
Keep on keeping on - it's the only way. Regret nothing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lee. These days I try to enjoy what I'm working on and not worry so much about the rest.
ReplyDeleteI hate the business side of writing. I really don't like the time it takes.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how our view of writing shifts that way. I still write what I enjoy though. Just hope others do, too.
ReplyDeleteI'll offer the same advice I did to another friend. Put publishing on the back burner and just write, if it's something that still interests you. Store up several stories, then, if you reach a point where you have the time and motivation to publish, you can do the rapid-release thing and make some $$.
ReplyDeleteHaving open-heart surgery made me take a hard look at things and find a better work-life balance. I might regret pulling money out of my retirement account early, but I'm determined to enjoy it while I'm still alive and able.
I feel the same. But I've been using some writerly affirmations before I start writing and that helps a tiny bit, and I try to do business a different time of day. Like before lunch/after lunch, or only certain days, so I don't do them in the same space of time.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to feeling insecure about the marketing stuff. I still feel weird about listing my accomplishments in my bio. It feels like bragging. But I think that writing blogs don't have to be marketing blogs. It can be more about connecting with other writers. That's how I look at it anyway, which helps me not to stress so much.
ReplyDeleteI like this quote from an optimistic Splenda packet: "Every day is a fresh opportunity." I just try to feel grateful for every day that my husband and I have managed to stay relatively sane and healthy despite everything the world throws at us.
ReplyDeleteI've completely blown off the business side and indulge only in the creative side. I never planned to be a full-time writer either (probably a good thing since I'm not one). But I feel you on the whole not having enough time to get everything I want done. I'm right there with you.
ReplyDeleteI used to get so panicked at the idea of not being able to write all the stories in my head before I died. Lately, that panic has lessened as I've finally come to appreciate all I've done so far and to see it as enough. Mind you, I'm not going to quit writing, but it's nice not to be panicking about getting the words out before death.
ReplyDeleteI think you will live forever and have all the time in the world.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking I'll get something published somewhere, anywhere, but I know for sure that it won't be until after I'm dead and my wife finds my oddball bits and pieces and offers them to my kids to publish or delete forever or something like that.
ReplyDelete"Writer brain hates business brain." This is the absolute truth! I often think if I'd realized being a publisher author would turn me into a salesperson I would never have penned my first book.
ReplyDelete