Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Monthly Question: How do you find the time to write in your busy day?
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If I’m really being honest with you and myself, the truth is, I don’t usually find time to write. I’ve tried many times to stick to a writing schedule, but being the worrier that I am, I found that it only stressed me out more. I do make a conscious effort to write regularly, but that could be anything from blogging, editing, formatting, creative writing, outlining, and more. Then I also find time to do social media and read for pleasure. It doesn’t help that I keep taking on new projects either. I guess, all in all, my main goal is to publish or release something each year; even if it’s not a full-length novel or the long unfinished third installment of my Eternal Curse Series.
But…
On the note of publishing something each year; I’m just a few steps away from releasing a quartet of educational children’s books. For those of you who read this post each month, you know I’ve been talking about how I wanted to write and illustrate these myself. Well, I did it. I just got them back from a few educators I trust and admire. I have a few minor things to change and spruce up and they’ll be out to the public just in time for my birthday in October. I’ve attached the covers I’ve mocked up as a sneak peek of what I’ve been able to do. I have another children’s book in the works, but I’m not illustrating that one myself. I really want a professional to do it justice. Know anybody I could try?
On a personal note, I’m back at my day job; back to teaching. It’s exciting and scary all at once. There are many lows to what I do, but the highs and kids make it all worth it. I will admit, though, it’s really going to be difficult to finish my series now that back to work, but I’m determined to at least finish a draft.
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How do you find time to write?
Releasing any books soon?
Stuck trying to finish a long unfinished piece?
Know any good and affordable illustrators?
Think they’ll do a payment plan?
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
C. Lee McKenzie,
Elizabeth Seckman,
Lori L MacLaughlin, and
Elsie Amata!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #72).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
22 replies on “#IWSG September 2016: finding time to #write & WIP update 19”
When the urge to writ is on me everything else goes on the back burner, often wit the flame turned off. Time can go look for itself as I get lost in what I’m writing. Never have trouble making time to write – prioritise. Writing is Number 1 on the priorities list, everything, sleep, eating, walking the dog, doing the washing u are all irrelevant when the writing urge runs. 🙂
Bravo on your dedication. I can get lost in my writing, but it never seems to last too long. Life tends to get in the way.
Toi,
Your covers are beautiful. I like them. If you need someone for a cover reveal or tweets in your marketing count me in.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
I guess I should be thinking about how I’m going to spread the word about these.
That’s cool about the educational books! Four of them is a big accomplishment.
Thank you. It took up most my summer, but I feel pretty good about them.
Toi, you can do this, and take your time, enjoy the process as well as all the good you do for America’s future by helping educate our young.
Reblogged on Tumblr
Thank you so much for sharing this. I guess I’ll be make efforts to promote these soon and seek reviews. I’m hoping to have some teachers review them.
Congrats on going back to teaching and wishing you much success and inspiration from it to write. Sounds like you have a handle on it with an eye on a goal. WTG
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
Thank you. Teaching inspired my latest projects but usually my day job conflicts with my writing plans. Still, I have to work and I have to write. I’ll make it work and find inspiration wherever I can.
Congrats! To me that is a complete success. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thank you. I feel really good about this project.
I am always an awe of anyone who is disciplined enough to create using a daily schedule. i never could do it. I’m only able to produce if I am feeling something in the moment. I can’t force my process and mind doesn’t work that way.
I guess that’s how I work to some degree. I can plan out every other aspect of my life, but my writing is random. I’m constantly writing, just never working on the same thing consistantly; kinda how I read as well.
A nice honest answer, which I relate to. I have so many things I must schedule that scheduling my writing at a regular time would probably push me over the edge. Congrats on being back to work and hope your year is great with those kids.
Thank you. I find encouragement for my day job just as precious as it is for my writing.
Love your covers. They are so playful.
Thanks; that’s kinda what I was going for, playful but not too overwhelming.
Many congratulations to you, Toi! You’ve got so much going on to be excited about. I’m with you. I can’t schedule writing time either. When the mood strikes, I write. It sounds better that way for me too.
Thank you. I am excited right now.
It’s important to prioritize the day job that brings in the money to maintain your life so that’s the schedule around which everything else revolves. I no longer have a day job so my schedule tends to have more flexibility. I still can’t seem to find adequate time to write.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Yeah, it seems that we writers wear so many hats: writer, family member, job worker, etc.. and most importantly magician, for figuring out how to do it all withou going crazy,