Connecting the Thoughts
by Mishael Austin Witty (mawitty@Writing.Com)
This is a daily journal of things I'm thinking about. My fiancee and our upcoming wedding are featured prominently, as are my cats. I also discuss my writing endeavors and provide some inspirational quotes/thoughts.
You are certainly not the only one to struggle with this. I find this a major problem with a 2 hour commute to work each day, plus a very active social life thanks to a boyfriend with lots of friends all of whom have birthdays and parties and holidays.
Quite often when I get home I'm tired, I will decide I'll write after dinner and then dinner's later (I live at home), my parents want me to do things and then after dinner it never happens. Sometimes I'll open up that laptop with the best intentions of writing something and it doesn't happen, either I'm too tired, or I get involved with something else on the net, or on this site.
One thing I've found is that I carry a Writing.Com notebook with me at all times. This is the perfect size for my handbag. I try to write on the train when I feel comfortable to do so and I try to write at least once a week, whether it's on the train, in the evenings, or just brushing up one of my pieces on my laptop round my boyfriend's.
It's not easy especially if you need peace and quiet for writing. I suppose it's discipline mainly. Even if it's just once a week, or half an hour over the weekend. Remember that you don't always need to work on your novel, perhaps you're putting too much pressure on yourself by focusing on that one thing. Take time out to enter a contest, write a short story if you're inspired, or a poem on the spur of the moment, or even a blog entry or article on something you're passionate about. All these things are still writing and will get you in the writing mindset.
Sometimes I sit and I do a bit of planning or plot mapping. I write a back story on a character. That's still writing too and still part of the story I'm working on. Even if it is procrastinating, it will still be useful later on.
When I review I keep the "Tips for Reviewing" in front of me and try to hit every point. Maybe more people should read those tips to help them give a more constructive and accurate review, rather than "It needs work."
Maybe it's a good thing that we can't track down the reviewers. We'd spend even more time on WDC than we already do.
I changed some of my things to "review required" for that very reason. I even did a blog rant about a guy who gave me a "1" and could only find one thing wrong with my story.
I've heard this illustration-- great one!! It really does make us realize that we are worthy no matter what--NOT because of anything we've done- but because of what HE has done....like that 'Casting Crowns' song--- do you know it?? "Who am I?" I think it is!! Great song...and the other song- "Everything Glorious" by David Crowder-- I love the words "You make everything glorious You make everything glorious You make everything glorious And I am Yours What does that make me?"--- wow they get me right in the heart EVERY TIME!!!!!! Great reminder!!!
Who doesn't leave things undone? Everyone procrastinates (even the people who act like they're perfect.) I've got a few stories that need to be done, but maybe I'm not finished researching, or developing a character. Maybe it needs time to cook.
Don't kick yourself. Be patient instead.
