A friend of mine told me the other day that they really wanted to write a novel but just couldn’t find the time. They told me all the things they have to do and counted them off, one by one, on each finger and thumb (multiple times), just to prove they were so busy.
Here’s what I told them. If you really want to write that story, you will find time. A writer is a writer because they’re willing to sacrifice other things in order to get their story written. To prove it, I explain that I work close to 50 hours a week and go to college part time (not to mention all the quality time I try to spend with my wife – that’s right ladies, this sweet piece is happily married).
The more I think about it, the more I believe that writing is all about sacrifice. We bleed all of ourselves just to get a story out. All the joy, love, hate, and fear that we ever have, it’s put into our writing, hoping that the person reading our words will be touched by them.
How do you guys feel?
Auzy
We just talked about this at my writer's group. One of the members was talking about being too busy to write, but managed to fit in all kinds of "hobbies". Several of us talked about making the decision to give up some of our favorite hobbies, because to us, writing was more important and we got more joy out of it.
ReplyDeleteEveryone can find time in their schedule, but you have to be willing to let other things go. Writing has to be a priority. :)
Agree, agree, agree! I work full time, have a husband, kids, etc., and love to garden. But believe me, my gardening suffered terribly last summer because writing came first. My family would likely tell you they've been neglected and are sick of seeing me in front of the computer, and my husband is always nagging me about not getting enough sleep.
ReplyDeleteWhen all is said and done, this isn't a hobby, it's a career choice. I think if you're serious you have to treat it as such by setting goals and deadlines for yourself.
What a coik-ky-dink Sarah. Hope you convinced that member to push to write more than go with one or more of their hobbies. Personally, I've always felt so much more rewarded when I complete a short story or novel. My characters always seem to know just how to make my blood run a little bit faster than anything else.
ReplyDeleteAnd gcsalamon, I feel you too. I do make time for my wife, but it really isn't as much as we'd both like it to be. Lots of times she has to pull me away from the keyboard just to talk to me. Usually it isn't anything that can't wait. But she just wants to talk.
Cheers,
Auzy
Writing brings me joy. I plough through the full time job so I can come home and spend quality time with my laptop. I agree that goals really help the writing engine chug along.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree; I have friends who are in college and/or working full-time like me who constantly say that they don't have the time to write. But if you care about it enough, I think there's always time to sit down and write.
ReplyDelete