tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post4050024533804614397..comments2023-10-30T15:13:22.680+00:00Comments on Strictly Writing: Writing when there's no time to writeDThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11803989273524731892noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-50547885796615412842010-05-26T16:23:52.567+01:002010-05-26T16:23:52.567+01:00I have to admit, there are times when I only put a...I have to admit, there are times when I only put a couple hundred words down, and think "i will never finish at this rate." <br /><br />But I have learned to manage my expectations - i will get this done, and by golly, i will get it published someday. Just not this year. Or maybe even next. Writing is a long-term thing, not a short sprint. And if you want it to be a career, it's the rest of your life. The only way to get there though, is to keep putting words down. Even if it's only 50 at a time. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-85873429016518624442010-05-26T13:34:27.132+01:002010-05-26T13:34:27.132+01:00So true! I have to give up the getting involved an...So true! I have to give up the getting involved and helping thing more, but my friends and family are starting to get used to my poor communication skills :) Writers don't communicate, pshaw! ;)<br />I also love Write or Die, which I found through NaNo a couple years ago. It is fun for sprints and/or when I am stuck and need to stop thinking about a scene-just write!<br />Will be back!janflorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05687956873034047840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-46102504672882534182010-05-24T12:31:02.378+01:002010-05-24T12:31:02.378+01:00Oh dear. I really wouldn't advise giving up be...Oh dear. I really wouldn't advise giving up being a mug. Firstly, associating with other people is excellent material which directly feeds into one's writing - think of it as research. And secondly, you're going to thank god for those contacts in later years, when you don't have children clinging to your ankles and writing is starting to pall (yes, it can happen).<br />Sure, give up an hour in the evening watching TV, but don't give up human contact. Writing just ain't worth it.<br /><br />sophie xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-64481533560051485402010-05-22T18:32:31.440+01:002010-05-22T18:32:31.440+01:00Well, firstly belated congratulations on getting t...Well, firstly belated congratulations on getting the book published. And secondly, while it's true that you need to retain contact with the real world (whatever that is), those closest to you should also respect you as a writer and, at the very least, avoid time which you've blocked out for writing, or when you've told them you will be busy. I think we have to respect our craft as writers first and then educate everyone else!DThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803989273524731892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-4350501735399580802010-05-21T23:44:26.966+01:002010-05-21T23:44:26.966+01:00Fantastically original post on a age-old and frequ...Fantastically original post on a age-old and frequently blogged about issue - haven't read something this perceptive or authoritative on the subject before though - very well written and interesting post. Loved to hear about the casualties of your writing as well as how being published changes (or doesn't change) anything, and this combined with some hard practical suggestions that are new to me (write or die). Excellent stuff. Thank you.James Killickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14513775874350745555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-21297346054932554102010-05-21T21:15:50.819+01:002010-05-21T21:15:50.819+01:00Thanks for all the comments.
I wish I'd disco...Thanks for all the comments.<br /><br />I wish I'd discovered Write or Die earlier - it's been around for ages but I only started using it a few months ago. Though I'm on to the revision stage of my current book, I still use Write or Die for my work-related writing and for blog posts like this!<br /><br />Glad the Dropbox recommendation has been useful to a few of you. It's really convenient and also has the advantage of still being there even if your computer dies.Caroline Rhttp://thequackdoctor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-35358824436178348722010-05-21T18:15:41.842+01:002010-05-21T18:15:41.842+01:00Intresting post, i understand the desire to stand ...Intresting post, i understand the desire to stand away from the crowd when dealing with characters. an intravert stance is offtimes what i crave to finish a chapter or as i would have it atmospheric licence to insert into the chapter, perhaps its just me but i prefer to run this way, that is if i manage to get the time.josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-50765730855001982412010-05-21T15:42:46.487+01:002010-05-21T15:42:46.487+01:00Great post, Caroline.
I empathise completely. I h...Great post, Caroline.<br /><br />I empathise completely. I haven't had a novel published yet but have managed somehow to find the time to write on as well as working and commuting for over two hours a day.<br /><br />I've had to give up going to the gym, TV and any semblance of a social life ... but I've loved being with my characters.<br /><br />Thanks for the tip about Dropbox – it's now installed at work. And Write or Die is fab.Lizziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00166250660630642263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-78509889253048027702010-05-21T13:18:09.457+01:002010-05-21T13:18:09.457+01:00I love Write Or Die- providing the necessary kick ...I love Write Or Die- providing the necessary kick to banish procrastinationEeleen Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15221723342556515161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-59870813108236389712010-05-21T12:09:52.362+01:002010-05-21T12:09:52.362+01:00I think you've achieved what an old headmaster...I think you've achieved what an old headmaster once told me I needed to cultivate: 'iron in your soul'.<br />Respect. :)<br />SusiexSusie Nott-Bowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08428000582406338267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-24695401234506019192010-05-21T12:08:25.429+01:002010-05-21T12:08:25.429+01:00Marvellous post. It's so easy to find good rea...Marvellous post. It's so easy to find good reasons not to write isn't it. You just have to sit down and get on with it ...Simon Kewinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11537163555998763769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-78311462334598517492010-05-21T11:15:29.943+01:002010-05-21T11:15:29.943+01:00Interesting argument Caroline and I've come ac...Interesting argument Caroline and I've come across it often but there is another side to being in touch with people. I often envy those who have lots of people around them always wanting to pour out their souls and wanting approval for their triumphs and empathy for their woes. <br /><br />Look at it like this. You have oodles of time to write...the phone never rings; no one ever calls. You spend hours sitting there trying to create a lively, interesting character. What do people do, you wonder; what do they say to each other; what bothers them and makes them happ...you get my drift.<br /><br />I wish people would please tell me SOMETHING about themselves! So that I could create CHARACTER.<br /><br />I guess it's time to go and water the vegetables...I'm thinking of writing a book about turnip and potatoe growing in a small urban garden.Fidelitynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-23385857446901812652010-05-21T10:57:22.284+01:002010-05-21T10:57:22.284+01:00i secretly harbour the illusion that when my novel...i secretly harbour the illusion that when my novel is published I will suddenly be writing full time in a room of my own! Reality is sinking in, slowly...!<br /><br />I agree you have to cut things out to make time for writing, have to be firm. I've given up classes and all voluntary work and tv. Next to go will be staring into space!Words A Dayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04423263654771820182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-24293592276109153642010-05-21T10:12:41.862+01:002010-05-21T10:12:41.862+01:00I must check out Dropbox!
I always have to answe...I must check out Dropbox! <br /><br />I always have to answer an e-mail though asap, if only to say 'ok, thanks' or something.<br /><br />A dictaphone is also handy for recording random thoughts at inappropriate moments!Gillian McDadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02758782108258244355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-74430611775891272932010-05-21T10:04:35.842+01:002010-05-21T10:04:35.842+01:00Absolutely with you on this, Caro. I've been w...Absolutely with you on this, Caro. I've been working on a first draft for a month now, being ruthless about getting it down, knowing that when time gets tight again I'll be into the redrafting/improving stage, with this skeleton in place to make things less daunting. Oh and thanks for linking to Dropbox, as I've heard good things about that.Sarah Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03379986260169703599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-20013454511525603902010-05-21T09:44:43.906+01:002010-05-21T09:44:43.906+01:00It's the only way, sometimes. I'm complete...It's the only way, sometimes. I'm completely unable to demonstrate your admirable ruthlessness re messages, Caro, but am with you all the way when it comes to those little pockets of time. I think of it as knitting a scarf a few rows at a time...all adds up!Caroline Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04708248040141519582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725342624231517088.post-1822598630626187052010-05-21T09:35:32.878+01:002010-05-21T09:35:32.878+01:00Oooh - fierce, Caroline! But also fair and funny ...Oooh - fierce, Caroline! But also fair and funny - I SO empathise with all that you say and I just wish I had the discipline to be that...erm.. disciplined - full of admiration of your 'go-gettem' attitude! And long may those grabbed minutes continue to add up to more books!Debs Ricciohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10837598374947020855noreply@blogger.com