My January has been focused on one thing: finishing a book. After falling prey to my son’s school and sports, my husband’s work and travel, and the chaos of the holiday, I have become fiercely determined to publish my latest by the end of March [please stay tuned].
As someone who works from home, it is far too easy to fall for distractions. I will readily admit the procrastination is sometimes of my own doing (oh look a new show on Investigation Discovery!). But more often, the delays are the result of Life. My family comes first which means I go with the flow, prioritizing our needs (and our fun) above all else.
But when it comes to meeting a deadline, the tables turn and I rely heavily on my husband and son to carry me through the hectic months. And believe me, there will be some unbelievably crazy what-was-I-thinking days ahead.
This is the writing life – a never-ending amusement park filled with thrills and chills. And by viewing it as an unpredictable adventure, I have learned to grab on tight while (usually) screaming at the top of my lungs.
Some days I’m on the –
–ROLLERCOASTER: On top of the world and filled with joy one moment, hurtling at breakneck speed into the deepest depths of despair the next.
–SCRAMBLER: Just when one area seems smooth and under control, another one unexpectedly jolts me into reality.
–TEACUPS: The countless responsibilities whip me in circles, making me dizzy and ready to throw up.
–FERRIS WHEEL: Approaching the top, I think Hey, I’ve got this! but when I do reach it, everything stops, leaving me stuck.
–SWINGS: Completing a major project is like spinning freely and without care in waves of sunshine and fresh air.
–TILT-A-WHIRL: Lists of tasks and schedules of deadlines are made in a desperate effort to stay on track and not slide over the edge.
–BUMPER CARS: Without a clear path, there can be a lot of obstacles.
–MERRY-GO-ROUND: When I just can’t take anymore, I hop on and watch the world go by.
And who can forget the attractions?
–WHACK-A-MOLE: the whole business is hit or miss
–WATER BALLOON SHOOTOUT: slow and steady wins the race
–LUCKY DUCK: sometimes a winner, usually a loser
–RING THE BELL: it requires every extra ounce of energy
–HOUSE OF MIRRORS: not everything is what it seems
Writing is a wild ride. A series of ups and downs and twists and turns. There is a lot of fun to be had but also an element of fear. Some choose to hang on while others decide to get off. And to be honest, I have considered doing both at varying times in my career. But at this stage in my writing life, I have learned this: the good times and the bad times never last for long. So…
Don’t take things too seriously, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride.
Photo by Antony Xia on Unsplash
LaPalm Books 