Writing takes a lot of time.
Don’t get me wrong, it is time well spent, but time none the less.
My first book, The Most Spectacular Traveling Box, was released in Fall 2020 and since then I have released ten more books. My days delving into the emotional state of sometimes very wacky characters have been a blast-so long as I didn’t look at the mess growing around me.
By mess, I mean unfinished projects, stacks of papers to weed and file, and the thousands of physical pictures and videocassettes that needed to be digitized before time stole those memories.
Starting November 2023, I took a break from the keyboard.
Changing my routine was difficult, but I pushed myself to scan old pictures and organize them. Gave myself permission to exhume the time capsule accruing under the stairs. Then something strange happened-the stress of clutter melted away with each task I completed. It felt freeing.
Summer 2024 rolled into sight and alarms sounded. My break had been five months longer than I had expected, and I found completing projects easier than picking up that draft that needed my attention.
Writing had become a procrastinated chore. And worse, my imagination waned without use. Excuse after excuse worked to prove that writing was a waste of time.
- Editing that dumpster fire would be too hard.
- Starting a new book would be easier.
- Can I realistically finish before May 2025?
- Might as well just quit.
Sabotage! My brain wanted to take the easy path-the less rewarding option of rewatching Sherlock Holmes for the third time! Thankfully, I knew better. Edits are hard but not impossible. I have successfully finished books worse off than this one.
And like the burst of sun on a cloudy day, my desire to continue editing and see the project to completion became my priority once again. Getting the rascally storybook characters in line would be part of the fun!
Why air my doubts to the world?
Every one of us has a passion that often takes a fifth seat to work, kids, aging parents, and all the other commitments that pile like laundry in the corner of the room.
Focusing attention on the details of life is vital, but so are the passions that light your fire. Living a happier, more fulfilled life makes the world a better place for the ones you love. While we all know this to be true, our thoughts are often contradictory. If sharing my experience helps one person reclaim their passion, fantastic!
With that, it’s time to open my word document and get to those edits. I’m sure my characters have a lot to say!
Make this day a great one!