What the “Muggles” Don’t Know About the Writing Life

If you’ve been at the writing business for very long, you know how it goes. Friends and family members just don’t understand what you do. Sometimes the hardest issue to deal with is when they assume that during your writing time you aren’t really working. Innocently enough (in their minds), they’ll ask you to help with some task, take on a project, or attend a meeting. But when we’re trying to create, even a friendly invitation for coffee or a lunch date can seem like an intrusion.

Myra Johnson
www.MyraJohnson.com

Maybe you feel just enough doubt about the legitimacy of what you’re doing that you give in. “Sure,” you say. “I’m free.”

Well, guess what—and it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re multi-published. You are not free, and neither is your time. 

And I promise you, if we don’t respect our writing time enough to say no, neither will anyone else. 

Unfortunately, even among family and friends who know I’m a writer, some people still don’t get it. Last month I declined to attend a very worthwhile meeting of a church group I’m involved with because the chairman scheduled it during my prime writing time. Even after I explained, I got a few surprised reactions, mostly along the lines of, “Really? I had no idea!”

Recently another acquaintance casually asked if I have a “writing schedule,” or if I just wrote when I felt inspired.

“I certainly do have a schedule,” I answered. “I’m under contract, and I have deadlines I have to meet.” 

More surprised looks.

I can’t even tell you how long it took to train my husband not to interrupt me willy-nilly during my writing time, so I guess I shouldn’t be so amazed that other family members, much less friends or casual acquaintances, remain clueless.

But let’s face it—the writing life is a life like no other. What other career allows you to spend half your work time daydreaming, the other half immersed in fictional worlds where you are calling all the shots (unless you have really stubborn, opinionated characters)? Speaking of which, can you think of any other field where it’s actually okay to talk to people in your head—and hear them talk back???

It isn’t just a lack of respect for our time, though. There are so many other aspects of the writing life that are utterly foreign to the “muggles” in our world.

So I polled the Seekers with this question: 

Janet Dean: I wish non-writer friends and family would realize the time it takes for me to get back into the story after an interruption.

Missy Tippens: I wish they knew how much planning, rewriting, revising, editing and pulling of hair/gnashing of teeth go on before they see the finished product. It's not as easy as it might look!

Julie Lessman: I wish people understood that for most writers, writing a novel is like giving birth in the emotional realm, so it’s best to tread softly when offering “constructive criticism” that can often be akin to calling their “baby” ugly. Especially for people the author is close to like family and friends, I subscribe to the old adage that if you can’t say anything nice, it’s best not to say anything at all, in which case a nod and a smile works nicely.

Pam Hillman: I wish they would believe me when I tell them that most bookstores are more than happy to order books that they don’t have in stock. The store will call or email when the book comes in and you just drop by and pick it up. Win-win!

Cara Lynn James: I wish my family would understand I hate to be interrupted when I'm writing. I lose my concentration.

Glynna Kaye: Yes, my books are in Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon--but no, I don’t make enough money to quit my day job. I continue to write because I love to write.

Tina Radcliffe: This would be for my non-writer friends, because after a zillion years of living with me, my family definitely gets it. I would like them to understand that it's a job. IT'S A JOB. I go from job one to job two. I put in the hours and I get a paycheck. There is no ending, but there is an occasional vacation for good behavior. 

Mary Connealy: I wish they knew that when they ask me writer questions I really have LONG DETAILED ANSWERS THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR. I know they don't want to hear them, so I give them a flip answer and move on, but if they PUSH I can absolutely answer in detail all about my book and where I get my ideas and how I think of a whole story. And what inspires me. And the editorial process and how they make book covers . . . I know all about all of that and the answer is FASCINATING to me and utterly boring to them. Which is why it's fun to hang around other writers, because they ask the same questions and are FASCINATED (right along with me) with the answers. Anyway, so if my answer is shallow and flip, TRUST ME, that's all you want to know. And I get sick of watching your eyes glaze over.

On a more positive note (not that the rest of us were whining or anything) . . .

Debby Giusti: I wish my readers would know how much their support means to me. Often when I'm struggling to create a new story, someone will say they enjoy my books or that they couldn't put down the last story in my series. Their kind words boost my sometimes flagging spirit and give me the encouragement to continue on. Recently a lady told me she had all 16 of my books and had read each of them at least twice. As you can imagine, her words touched me deeply and made me want to work harder to become a better writer. 

Debby’s response leads in nicely to the subject of book reviews. I don’t begin to understand algorithms and such, but those who do claim that reviews posted on Amazon and other online book retailers’ sites are vital for gaining visibility. In other words, the more reviews a book has, the better chance it has of being noticed. Here’s a blog post by someone who can explain it better than I can. 

Your turn.

What’s something you wished the non-writers in your life would understand about what you do?

Or, for our reader visitors, is there something about your work or daily life that you wish others understood a little better? Here's your chance to vent (nicely, of course)!

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I’m offering two giveaways today! Just mention in your comment if you’d like to be entered in the drawing for either one.

• An autographed copy of my newest release, The Sweetest Rain, from Franciscan Media.
• The new audiobook version of my debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas

The Sweetest Rain. As the drought of 1930 burns crops to a crisp, Bryony Linwood dreams of cooling winter snows and the life she would have had if Daddy hadn’t been killed in the Great War and Mama hadn’t moved Bryony and her sisters to their grandfather’s struggling tenant farm in tiny Eden, Arkansas. Now Mama’s gone, too, and as times grow tougher, Bryony will do whatever it takes to ensure her family’s survival.

Michael Heath barely survived the war, and twelve years later all he wants to do is forget. A virtual recluse, his one passion is botanical illustration. Lost in the diversity of nature’s beauty, he finds escape from a troubled past and from his wealthy father’s continual pressure to take an interest in the family plantation.

When Bryony accepts employment at the Heath mansion, it’s just a job at first, a means to ward off destitution until the drought ends and Grandpa’s farm is prosperous again. But Bryony’s forced optimism and dogged determination disguise a heart as dry and despairing as the scorched earth . . . until she discovers Michael Heath and his beautiful botanical illustrations. As their relationship deepens, friendship soon blossoms into healing for wounded souls and a love that can’t be denied.

One Imperfect Christmas. Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she's allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves - most of all her husband, Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she's one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom. 

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit's end. Nothing he's done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa's adolescent rebellion isn't helping matters. As Daniel's hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear. 

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK? Part 3: No Time To Write

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I’ve heard it said “if it means enough to you, you’ll MAKE time.” Believe me, if that could be done, I’d raise a garden full of extra hours! Realistically, however, there are only so many hours in a day. Quite often we don’t call the shots on all of them--sometimes not on any of them. So the intent of this post is NOT to inflict a guilt trip, but to get a conversation going on how we can dig up writing time in an already jam-packed schedule.
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That said, of the 15 Seekers, one-third work a full-time (and then some) day job. The other two thirds work part-time, have full- or part-time care of children or grandchildren, are involved in elder care for a family member, or are juggling 1,001 demands that life brings with it. There are commitments to fulfill in churches and communities and with family and friends.
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All of us grocery shop, cook meals, do laundry and house- and yard-work. Like all of you, we run errands and have endless appointments with doctors, car mechanics, hairdressers, plumbers and electricians, computer gurus and tax preparers. We do our best to schedule regular exercise. Find time to read. Rest. Sleep. Spend time with God.

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Being published didn’t make our “real life” commitments vanish. In fact, being published only adds to the time crunch—it’s difficult enough to schedule work on our stories, but now add to the mix revisions, copy edits, author alterations, art fact sheets, blog posts, website updates, promotion, networking, critiquing others’ work, judging contests--and writing proposals for our next book. And we’re doing all this while meeting our editor’s expectation to make contracted deadlines.

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Whew! Wore myself out just typing all that!
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So, how do we do it? One prayerful, determined day at a time.
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As unpublished writers we may have at one time fanaticized about leisurely, uninterrupted stretches to write. Wouldn’t most of us like to do something we love 8 solid hours a day, 5 days a week, just like a day job? But choosing not to write until we had long stretches of time to do it in meant we’d likely never be published or be able to maintain publication if and when it did happen.

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Writing is a choice. As with everything in life, it’s about choices. Doing one thing always means giving up another. We can’t do it all. If you decide you want to write, that’s a choice. And to bear fruit from that choice, a plan of action is required or it reverts to a mere wish.

Evaluate where you spend your time. This is an eye opener. For a week or two, jot down everything you do and the length of time you do it in. If you find yourself fibbing on the hours invested in an activity (TV? Internet?), that may tell you what you already know—there’s time available you’re not taking full advantage of.
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Evaluate your natural biorhythms. You’re most productive when you’re at your natural energy and alertness peak. I’m a morning person. But I have friends who do something I doubt I could do with much success—sitting down to write their hearts out at ten or eleven o’clock at night. Your “peak” time may fall into an inflexible block during your day, in which case you‘ll have to settle on writing during a less-than-ideal period.
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Experiment until you find what works best for you. Seeker Tina concentrates her writing on weekends. Cheryl diligently prepares in advance for a week-long marathon to complete a first draft. I make snail’s pace progress daily because marathons don’t work well for me and I have no time during a work day to write in snatches or to even think about my stories. .
- If possible, write at the same time each day. This tells your brain “now it’s time to write.” If I don’t set aside a time, no matter how miniscule the minutes allotted, the rest of the day’s demands will always crowd it out.
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- Set reasonable goals for your writing time and word count. Overinflating goals can lead to discouragement. Ideally I write 1000 words each morning, but sometimes must write 500 in the a.m. and 500 in the p.m. to meet my day’s goal.
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- Determine to limit or avoid email and internet until you’ve written X number of words or written for X length of time. Turn off the “you’ve got mail” alerts.

- Set a timer so you can immerse yourself in your story without constantly being pulled out of “the zone” to check the clock.
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- Adjust your “to do list” demands. By doing a few “morning” things in my low-tide evening hours (e.g., making lunches), I can “buy” 15 minutes more writing time in the a.m.
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- Get up 30 minutes earlier or stay up 30 minutes later.
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- Write in snatches. 15-30 minutes at a time here and there can add up to a significant amount of time and number of words.
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- Take a notebook with you wherever you go so you can jot down ideas, dialogue, or scene fragments. Thinking about your story every day keeps it percolating in your mind until you can sit down to write. I’m much more productive when I know where my story will be going during my next writing session.
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- Reward yourself for writing! While none of us will ever live a perfectly balanced life, it’s important to find leisure time during the week to go for a walk, read a book, work in the garden, play with the kids or the dog. You need that time to give your brain a rest, to generate new ideas.
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Take a few minutes to share with us some of the ways YOU carve out writing time. Share where you’re struggling--perhaps a Friend of Seekerville will share an idea that’s just what you’re looking for!
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If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for a copy of Kelly L. Stone’s “Time to Write,” please mention it in the comments section and leave your e-mail addy (remembering “at” and “dot”).
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Glynna Kaye’s Steeple Hill Love Inspired “Dreaming of Home” is a 2010 finalist in the “Carol Award” and “Maggie Award,” as well as a first place winner of the “Booksellers Best” and “Beacon” awards. “Second Chance Courtship” released in February 2011 and “At Home In His Heart” debuts August 2011!

20 Ways to Survive the Winter of 2010-2011

Myra here. Is it just me, or has this been a ridiculously cold winter? Our area has already broken the record for snowiest February, and it’s only the second week! Anything below 40 and I am loathe to even stick my nose out the door. And lately, when the streets are slushy with snow and ice and they’re forecasting single-digit temps, I’m staying home and staying warm.

Now you’d think my self-imposed “house arrest” would leave me no excuse for not writing. True, the word count is adding up, often 1500-2500 words on a good day. But I can only write for four or five hours before the old brain cells need some rest and refueling.

The thing is, when I reach the point that I can’t write another word, I know I’m going to feel guilty if I don’t get to work on something writing-related. So I’ve come up with a list of 10 suggestions for what to do when it’s snowin’ and blowin’, you have no idea what comes next in your wip, and all you want to do is curl up in front of a roaring fire and sip hot cocoa.

1. Organize your reference and craft books by subject matter and then by title or author.
2. Clean out your e-mail inbox and file all your “keeper” sent and received messages.
3. Clean off and reorganize your workspace.
4. Update your Twitter and/or Facebook status with something “writerly,” and see what writing colleagues and publishing professionals are posting about.
5. Catch up on magazines, newsletters, and blogs about the publishing business.
6. Review and organize your notes from the last conference you attended.
7. Listen to a conference workshop recording.
8. Reread a favorite craft book.
9. Watch and analyze a classic movie for plot, characterization, foreshadowing, etc.
10. Write a blog post about what to do when the creative juices run dry.

Of course, there comes a time when you don’t even have enough brain power for any of the above. That’s when you need to bring out the big guns to defeat writer’s ennui:

1. Play endless games of computer Solitaire.
2. Browse for silly YouTube videos and forward them to your friends. All your friends.
3. Do as many crunches as you can on an exercise ball.
4. Challenge a family member to a Wii bowling match.
5. Soak in a hot bubble bath while reading an escapist novel.
6. Shop for new games and apps for your smartphone.
7. Plan a week’s worth of dinner menus and send your spouse to the supermarket with a detailed grocery list. Don’t complain if he/she brings back the wrong item or phones you 16 times to ask for clarification.
8. Iron something, even if it doesn’t need it, while watching sappy movies on TV.
9. Sit in front of the bathroom mirror and try new hairstyles.
10. Give yourself a mani-pedi.

Your turn. What are your favorite wintertime non-writing writing activities? When you need to get away from writing entirely, how do you recharge?

Caveat: The suggestions contained in this post are not carte blanche for avoiding writing entirely! If you ever want to write “the end,” you’ve got to regularly plant your seat in the chair and your fingers on the keyboard. Every manuscript is completed one word at a time, so just keep writing!


Leave a comment for a chance to receive winner’s choice of a $10 Caribou Coffee or Starbucks gift card, sure to warm you up on a snowy day!

Your Official Holiday Permission Slip

By the authority vested in me, a certified and duly sworn member of the High Council of Seekerville, I hereby declare unto all Seekervillagers, along with their heirs, assignees, and house pets, that for the duration of this holiday season you are granted the following freedoms:

1. You shall have the right to forego baking Christmas cookies, fruitcakes, pies, and other assorted goodies and instead purchase them at your local bakery or deli.
2. You shall have the right to ooh and aah over your neighbors’ elaborate outdoor Christmas light displays and not feel like Scrooge for putting up minimal decorations yourself.
3. You shall have the right to watch all the sappy Christmas movies you can handle, without feeling guilty over sobbing when that adorable yellow Lab saves Christmas or Mrs. Miracle brings Christmas joy to yet another deserving couple.
4. You shall have the right to do all your Christmas shopping online and let the gift recipients worry about mailing back items that do not fit or are the wrong color.
5. You shall have the right to do absolutely NO Christmas shopping in December and instead give all your loved ones an IOU for January 15 after the crowds have dissipated and everything is on sale again.
6. You shall have the right to send your electronically savvy loved ones a Christmas e-card instead of a paper card with envelope and stamp.
7. You shall have the right to keep this year’s Christmas letter short and sweet, or even to abstain from this practice entirely if so desired.
8. You shall have the right to order Christmas dinner prepackaged from your favorite restaurant or deli, serve it on your own fancy china, and never let your family in on the secret.
9. You shall have the right to expect lots of help with dishes and after-dinner cleanup so that everyone shall have equal opportunity for fun and relaxation on Christmas Day.
10. You shall have the right to expect everyone to understand that you are not cheap or lazy or lacking Christmas spirit but rather you are a very committed writer on deadline (and it doesn’t matter if it’s a “real” editorial deadline or a self-imposed deadline for completing your work-in-progress and getting that proposal off to an editor, agent, or contest organizer).

And finally, you shall have the right to disregard any or all of these freedoms and do Christmas any way you want to!


Now a question: If you could change ONE THING about how you celebrate Christmas, what would it be?


Leave a comment on today’s post to be entered in a drawing for Myra’s novel One Imperfect Christmas.

Christmas is the season of miracles, but when blame and guilt keep people apart, a miracle needs a helping hand. Natalie Pearce loves Christmas so much she’d gladly make it a year-round celebration—until her mother suffers a massive stroke while taking down the decorations. Natalie’s guilt over not being there to help her mom soon builds a wall that separates her from the rest of her family, including her husband, Daniel, and their teenage daughter. As the next December approaches, the last thing Natalie wants to be reminded of is another Christmas season. Only her family’s tenacious love and an unexpected Christmas gift from her mother can help Natalie mend the broken pieces of their lives.

How Do You Achieve Balance?

Camy here! I’m talking about balancing your writing with your “other stuff” as opposed to balancing your checkbook or not tripping over your feet every time you walk (I do the latter quite a lot, actually ...).

Let’s face it, sometimes life gets just SO crazy busy you feel like you need to sleep for a YEAR to recover, except, oops, you only have time for a 2 minute nap before you have to do something else.

My creativity reeeeeaaallly does not like to be hemmed in by schedules. Or discipline. Or deadlines, for that matter. It will pout in a corner just when I absolutely need a burst of some artistic brilliance to explode out of my fingers onto the computer screen.

So I have learned to achieve balance between life and writing by compartmentalizing.

Now before you run away screaming, hear me out.

I’m not talking about anything rigid or (heaven forbid) disciplined. I’m talking about some tips and tricks to enable me to be efficient and appease the muse and talk to my husband once a week.

1) Figure out what time is best for your writing.

I posted last month about Your Best Writing Time, figuring out when during the day (or night) you are at your most creative or productive or both. This is really important when you’re trying to balance your family/work life with your writing because you need to know when your best writing time is and if you can possibly rearrange things so you get to write at that time.

If you can’t write at your best writing time, then figure out your second best writing time and if you can possibly rearrange things to write during that time of the day.

I write best from about 9 pm until 2 am. Problem is, my husband gets home from work around 9 pm and I naturally want to spend time with the love of my life.

So I will do all my email and marketing and other busywork during the day. When he gets home, we will usually hang out, talk, watch TV, oh and, uh, eat dinner :), but when he’s getting ready for bed, I’m back at my computer writing during my peak hours.

Also, he has his own evening out once a week. He plays on in co-ed volleyball league one night a week, and so on that night, we’re each on our own for dinner, and he gets home around the time he needs to shower and go to bed. I spend the evening writing.

In between volleyball seasons when he doesn’t have a volleyball night, I still have a “work night” once a week. He gets home, we eat dinner for maybe an hour, and then I’m back at my computer. Since it’s only once a week, I don’t feel too bad that I’m working instead of spending time with him. After all, he gets to watch his mixed martial arts fighting shows.

2) Use props.

I think that we, as writers, ignore the power of props. We’re so focused on the written word and our computers, we neglect other things that could actually help us write better.

When you’re writing, figure out what kind of props you could use that might make the writing easier. Often I need to get in right-brain mode in order to write, and for me, it takes a really long time for me to shift from my normal left-brain mode.

I am still searching for good triggers, but I’ve come up with a couple that help me. I utilize candles for soothing visual effect, a table water fountain for auditory effect, and lavender/eucalyptus aromatherapy for olfactory effect. This usually helps me get into right brain mode faster.

I also have certain music I will sometimes listen to, and certain snacks that tend to help me write better.

(Side note: Why is it that chips make me write better but carrot sticks only work so-so? I have really tried hard to substitute healthier writing snacks but as soon as I give in to a few chips, BAM! I crank out 20 pages. Sigh.)

I also tend to be easily distracted, so I will use a timer sometimes. It helps me because I don’t allow myself to do anything else except write while that timer is counting down. I can’t leave my computer. I can’t check email (I turn off my internet).

For those of you who shudder at the thought of a timer putting pressure on you to get words written in a specific amount of time (and I will admit to feeling that way too sometimes), think of other props you can use. When my roses bloom, I cut one and put it right next to my monitor. While that rose is there, it makes me smile to look at it, and it also reminds me to keep my butt in my chair and keep writing. It’s a combination of soothing and motivating.

3) Plan and prepare.

Do you need long stretches of time to get back into your creative mode? Then plan and prepare for it. Tell the family your intentions, silence the whining, make some casseroles for them to pop into the oven. Assign cleaning chores because Mom cannot leave her heroine in a burning building in order to vacuum. Do what you need to do to allow the house to run smoothly without you for a specified amount of time. The fam will usually be understanding as long as they know when the ending date/time is going to be.

Can you only write in spurts? Well then, plan and prepare for it. Bring the Alphasmart or laptop with you to soccer so you can write while they’re playing/practicing. Bring a notebook in the car to write while waiting to pick up the kids. Tell the kids they have 30 minutes to do homework and they can’t bother you until the timer goes off, and then tuck yourself away with your computer. Plan for meals that only take 30 minutes to cook (or use a crockpot) so you can have those extra minutes to write rather than cook.

When life gets in the way …

I’ll be honest, it seems that whenever I’m screaming on deadline, a family member dies. I know that’s kind of morbid, but it is a source of sadness, stress, and frustration for me. I can’t exactly tell my great-aunt not to die until next month after the book has been written.

Here’s some advice, which I’ll admit I don’t always take, but which sound pretty good:

(a) Take time away. Give yourself permission to lay down the writing entirely, disengage, undo that RedBull IV drip next to the computer, and go deal with the family crisis. It’s okay to leave the writing.

(b) Do what needs to be done. Take care of the funeral arrangements. Bail your brother out of jail. Repair the damaged roof. Go to the hospital.

(c) Do what YOU need to do to get back in the game. After the furor dies down somewhat—and don’t wait until everything is completely calm again, because that will never happen. Trust me—then do what you need to do in order to get your head back into writer mode.

I know this will sound really selfish and harsh, but for most of us, writing is a business. If you were working at a company, they’d give you a few days or weeks off and then you had to get back to work. No arguing or excuses or questioning, unless of course you’d like to quit.

Writing is the same way. Do what you have to do to get back into things. Maybe that means counseling. Maybe that means some time alone. Maybe that means a crying fit over the phone with your agent or a writing friend. Whatever it is, do it. Get back into writing. Pull on your Big Girl Panties (er…or Superman Underpants) and just do it.

You are a writer. You are a professional. Act like it and get back to work.

Okay, scolding is over.

Anyway, I hope this has been helpful and not just depressing and frustrating for you. The reality is, you can plan and prepare all you want, but something will always come up to unbalance your life.

The key is in trying to balance life during the times when there isn’t some crisis taking up your time, and to get that balance back quickly when the crisis is over.

How about you guys? Do you have any ideas for balance for your own life? I’m always looking for more ideas because God certainly knows I could still use help in this area.


Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Her novels Single Sashimi and Deadly Intent are out now. She runs the Story Sensei critique service, is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels and ponders frivolous things. Sign up for her newsletter YahooGroup for giveaways!

Writing as a business: How do you rate?

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this blog post is to be construed as tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified CPA!

April 15 is just two days away, which puts me in the mind to blog about writing as a business. It stands to reason that if you think and act like a professional, you greatly increase your chances of success, so today we’re going to take a look at what’s involved in a businesslike approach to writing.

Ever since I began my writing career 26 years ago, I’ve worked to maintain a professional attitude--and attitude is everything. Even for those of us who go to work in our jammies, we can exhibit professionalism in our written communication, presentation materials, telephone manners, and responsiveness to editorial requests.

But while all those things are important in developing a businesslike attitude toward writing, it’s our day-to-day routine that really tells the tale. Here’s a quiz to help you evaluate your writing business sense:

1. Do you set “office hours,” certain days of the week and/or specific times of the day that you devote to writing?

• score 5 points for yes
• 0 points for no

2. Do you log the number of writing hours you put in as well as how you spend your writing time (writing, revision, marketing, etc.)?

• 5 points for all of the above
• 3 points for just logging your hours
• 0 points for none of the above

3. Do you have a writing office or study, or at least one corner of a room sectioned off as your workspace?

• 5 points for a designated writing office
• 3 points for a corner of a room
• 1 point if your only available writing spot is the local Starbucks or library
• 0 points if you don’t have a clue where you’ll be writing next

4. Are your computer, reference books, and supplies readily accessible?

• 5 points if everything is easily reachable in your writing workspace
• 3 points if you have a designated shelf or crate somewhere nearby
• 0 points if you have to go searching

5. Do you have a system for tracking manuscript submissions and results, including those to editors, agents, and contests?

• 5 points if you use a spreadsheet or other electronic system
• 3 points if you keep a handwritten log
• 1 point for notes stuffed into file folders
• 0 points if you don’t remember what you sent where

6. Do you belong to one or more professional writers organizations, such as ACFW or RWA?

• 3 points for every national writers organization you belong to
• 2 points for every local organization
• 0 points for none

7. Do you subscribe to writers publications and study them for writing instruction, marketing news, etc.?

• 3 points for every major publication you subscribe to
• 1 point for every writers group or chapter newsletter you read
• 0 points for none

8. Do you belong to a critique group or partnership?

• 5 points if you exchange manuscripts at least once a month
• 3 points if you exchange randomly
• 0 points for no critique group

9. Do you attend writers group meetings and conferences regularly? Take classes to improve your craft?

• 5 points for every major conference you attend annually
• 3 points for regular writers group attendance
• 1 point for every online or local class you have taken in the past year

10. Do you keep track of your writing income and expenses?

• 5 points for yes
• 0 points for no

Expenses (keep all receipts) may include):

• Postage
• Writers group membership dues
• Mileage to and from writing-related events
• Lunch with your critique partner
• Writers magazine subscriptions
• Office supplies and equipment
• Reference books
• Education expense

Well, how did you do?

55 points or higher--you’re a regular writing CEO!
41-54 points--Vice President
31-40 points--Middle Management
21-30 points--Administrative Assistant
11-20 points--Receptionist
10 points or less--Prospective Employee

If you scored 35 points or less, what are two things you could change right now to improve? Can you commit to making those changes within the next month or two? Why or why not?

A few Web sites where you can find more information on the business side of writing (inclusion does NOT indicate Seekerville endorsement of the information provided):

http://totallyhonesttaxtipsforwriters.blogspot.com/

http://www.forwriters.com/taxes.html

http://www.tarakharper.com/k_tax.htm

http://www.publishlawyer.com/carousel8.htm

http://www.writersdb.com/

http://dolphinsoftware.bc.ca/software/writers/

http://hollylisle.com/fm/Articles/faqs6.html

http://freelancewriting.suite101.com/article.cfm/create-a-business-plan-for-your-writing

Your Best Writing Time

Camy here! As I write this, it’s late evening in California, because I’ve discovered my best writing time is usually in the evening and early morning hours.

For years this really frustrated me because who in their right mind writes best at 2 a.m.? Especially when I had to get up at 8 a.m. to go to my biology job. (Pain and suffering ...) Why can’t I be like Ruthy who can get up at (Godforsaken) 4 in the morning to efficiently zip off a chapter before breakfast?

Alas, God has a sense of humor. It’s why He gave me and my husband a buttheaded dog for our first family pet and why I out of all my cousins has a behind the size of Alaska.

I write best between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., Pacific Standard time. It’s always been this way for me. Even when studying in college, I was most efficient around midnight.

So how about you guys? (I know I’m going to regret this because I’m going to be insanely jealous at all you early morning writers, but oh well.) What is your best writing time?

And if you don’t know your best writing time, here’s how you can find out:

1) Take a few weeks and deliberately schedule to write at different times. Morning, afternoon, evening. Lunchtime, dinnertime. 2 a.m. (I’m kidding on that last one!)

2) Try each time period more than once, because it IS possible to have just a bad writing day regardless of the time.

3) Look at not just your efficiency—how many pages/words you cranked out—but also how good you felt about what you wrote. For example, my best words (the ones that need the least amount of revising/editing) tend to come out before midnight, but I crank out the most pages after midnight.

4) Keep a notebook or a Word document file to record your thoughts and progress for each time period.

5) See a trend? You also might have several different times that are good writing times for you (and if that’s true, I am going to come after you and shoot you).

So what’s the point of knowing your best writing time?

I mostly take advantage of it during crunch time, when I’m on deadline or I just want to finish a project quickly. I prepare in advance so that it’s okay for me to be up and working right after dinner until the wee hours of morning, and then I go for it. Hubby is always a bit sad to have to wait to watch some of our TiVo shows, but he suffers in silence for my art. :) And I get a lot done—I’ve written a book in about 3 weeks utilizing my best writing time.

So what’s your best writing time?

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Her novels Single Sashimi and Deadly Intent are out now. She runs the Story Sensei critique service, is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels and ponders frivolous things. Sign up for her newsletter YahooGroup for giveaways!