Time to Write

I've been finding it incredibly hard to carve out any serious writing time lately. Today I'm taking my mother to have a colonoscopy. Yesterday it was lunch with my out-of-state sisters who came in for a funeral. Last night was another book signing. Over the weekend was of course the funeral and a family reunion (different branch of the family tree).

Whew! When is a writer supposed to do that thing she does so well?

At the book signing last night someone asked how some writers pump out 4-8 books a year. We laughed and discussed the possibility of ghost writers (more common than you think). I was quick to point out the prolific writers who write more than 2 books a year don't maintain their own websites. They don't set up at craft fairs to meet new readers. They don't set up their own book signing events or blog tours, and many don't write their own newsletters, press releases, or applications for speaking gigs at conferences.

Oh, to have an assistant, but I've lamented that here before.

The main reason I don't produce more than I do is because I mis-manage my time. On days when I don't have doctor appointments or funerals or book signings, I should hunker down at the computer and pump out the word count. Then when a busy week comes along, it doesn't matter if I only have a few moments to steal away and do a few character sketches or post to my blog.

I can blame life all I want for not getting more done. I can moan that too many people are pulling me away from the computer. But the truth is, I waste my good writing days and then get irritated that my word count isn't higher.

I've said it a thousand times, and I'll say it again. As in anything you really want to do, it's all about discipline. Something I sorely lack most days. With a wedding and the biggest craft show of the year coming up at the end of the week, I probably won't get much done this week. But I'll do what I can and pray to stay more committed when I do have a chance to sit down and actually write.

Have a great rest of the week.
Teresa