Okay, so yesterday I was really in the groove. Sure, I woke up at 3am and ended up taking 3 short naps throughout the day, but I also wrote 2K words, did some writerly work on the query process, and read a bit more in Le Morte d'Arthur - taking notes for my super sekrit project. It felt good.
Hubs and I have been talking about stuff - trying to figure out how to get ahead in our chosen endeavors. We hashed some things out, which is what led to my renewed commitment to resolution #2 - take my work more seriously. As well as leading to yesterday's groovy-ness. It's time to walk the path and not just talk about it. So that's what I'm going to do - hit both the writing and the business aspect of publication with renewed vigor.
Which led me to a hint of disappointment last night. I had the opportunity to beta read a new book for an author I love (who's also a really awesome person), but I had to be honest with her about these commitments I've made to myself. I mean, part of me wants to drop everything and just read her book. Cuz like damn and whoa how awesome would that be?? But tanking on my goals the day after I make them and actually did what I said I was going to do would unravel everything. On the upside, she said to get back to her when my schedule frees up - and I agreed because she really does deserve my full attention. And as I was apologizing and admitting my regret, it occurred to me that if I had gotten off my ever-widening ass and worked last month, I would've had this rewrite knocked out by now and I would have the time I need to beta read.
Let that be a lesson to me - do your work when you have the time so you can grasp opportunity when it shows its handsome face.
Yeah, pretty much what my mom told me years ago about my procrastinatory behavior. Mom always was right. Why I couldn't see it back then is beyond me. ;o)
You know, I find myself turning into my Mum as I get older. I'm even beginning to look like her, which is not a bad thing. The circle of life I guess. But the "Mum was right" thing? - that just remains annoying!
ReplyDeleteIts good to know you had the fortitude to stick to your goals even when temptation was so strong. Tell me, where can I get you work? I'd like to read some but I don't know if your blog name is the same as your author name and you don't have a book list on the site, apart from what you're reading. Oh, and I topped 100 last week!
First off, thank you, Fran, you made my morning. I wish I could give you a place to get my work, but I'm still unpublished. If I ever do get anything in print, I'll let you know. (Well, I'll be shouting it from the rooftops loud enough that you'll probably hear me all the way to the UK.)
DeleteYep, I'm turning into my Mom, too, and yes, I'm looking like her more all the time, but she's kind of awesome, so I'm okay with that.
Ah, procrastination! I, too, am a huge procrastinator (my mom called me a Cliff Hanger because I always left everything to the last possible moment - then went into frantic mode trying to get something done on deadline). Glad to hear you've renewed your commitment, B.E. - and, yep, in order to do that, sometimes we need to let other things go.
ReplyDeleteLOL, yes! I am the Procrastinator! And you can be Cliff Hanger. And we'll fight crime... when we get around to it. ;o)
DeleteThanks. Keep your fingers crossed that this lasts.
Good for you for committing, B.E. Can I be your taskmaster? ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, JB! And yes, you may feel free to poke me with a stick to make sure I'm staying on task. Just not too much because I'm kinda like a mule that way - dig in my heels, plant my butt in the dirt and refuse to move. ;o)
DeleteAs long as that dirt you plant your butt in is in front of a computer/notebook with pen, you "mule" all you want, B.E. This week, I have no room to talk. I cam back all ready to knuckle down and write like the wind. Uhm...yeah. About that. But today is rainy and cool. I'm putting off errands. I'm getting off the damn internet in 13 minutes and getting to work. No. Really. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is a good lesson for me, too. My time management skills are getting better but I always feel like things aren't as organized as they could be (plus I spend too much time messing around online). And then of course I complain that I ran out of time! Argh.
ReplyDelete