Things Learned While Writing During a Family Visit
One of the big reasons I was waiting to start work on Breath of Earth was because I knew my parents and brother would be visiting in early March. I needed time with them. However, I caved in and started writing on February 26th.
A logical person would say, "Well, just stop writing for the week!" or "Take it easy!"
To which I say: this logical person obviously doesn't know me.
I'm diagnosed OCD. I set goals. I get very anxious if I can't make my goals. This meant I needed to continue writing during their visit. By the numbers, I made excellent progress. I only skipped one day of writing, and made 1,000 minimum on other days. This involved some sacrifices and stress.
- I woke up at 5AM almost every day so I could write before my son woke at 6. Days later, I still feel exhausted as a result of this regimen. My son is on spring break, so no naps for me.
- I learned I had to shut the door. Sitting at the computer with Scrivener or Word open wasn't enough. I had to tell my folks, "If I'm writing, the door is closed. Don't disturb me unless there's a fire or vomit. Though maybe the vomit could extinguish the fire."
- The time I set aside for writing was more productive. It was much easier to ignore the temptation of Facebook when I knew I only had small blocks of time in which to write. But...
- I realized the importance of preparing to write before I even reach the keyboard. On an average day, I keep things quiet and low-key. I ponder plots when I exercise, especially when I use the elliptical machine. I think as I drive. I think as I bake. But with a house full of people, I didn't have that brain-space. I was doing lots of those things, but I was talking or listening. This meant I sat down to write and I simply was not prepared.
- I knew when I had to take a day off. I pushed myself hard, too hard. When my frantic thoughts had me pondering 4AM wake-ups to write, I knew I couldn't keep up this pace. So I gave myself Monday off from writing, and used my close-door writing time to read most of my weekly slush for Waylines Magazine. That still took a while since most of the stories were 4,000-5,000 words. It bothered me to see that blank novel word count day in my Excel file, but I was a lot less stressed after that.
- I still had a wonderful time and enjoyed my family's company. I only get to see my folks a few times a year. My parents have had several health scares, and in recent months I've seen several friends with parents who have succumbed or been diagnosed with brutal cancers. I also had a friend my own age die a few months ago. I had to seize this time with them, and go to the zoo, and do yard work, and bake lots of stuff for them.
Writing time is important. I regard it as a job. But I can't take my family for granted. This past week, they came first, and I'm very glad for it.
And next week when my son is back in school, I really, really, hope to take a nap or two.