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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Too Busy to Write


Writing friends, have you ever heard yourself say, "I'm too busy to write"? Seems like I've been hearing myself say that much too often.

I knew when this year rolled around that I'd be working more on improving time management skills, particularly in the area of priorities. And with the editing business doing well, I find myself quite busy--and happily so! I love to help others with their writing. What a great job!

But I've also suffered from attacks of the green-eyed monster. While working on other writers' work, a little voice inside me has said from time to time, "I wish I had time to write."

Yesterday I was talking with my daughter, who is quite driven, on the subject of other people and their lack of drive and accomplishment. She told me, "I don't understand why, if you're good at writing, you don't write." I replied, "I don't understand, either."

But that was only half true. I understand that some of my tendencies get in the way. The tendency toward perfection, which at times makes me not even want to attempt to write. (How will I ever make this perfect?) My tendency toward doing things at the last minute, which puts me behind in my schedule of commitments. (I have to meet the deadlines for my clients, so I can't write today.) My tendency to allow time wasters. (I'll just check my email while I'm eating lunch.)
 
It's not easy pursuing a dream. It requires doing something more than the usual. And it requires sacrifice. 

I am setting aside the month of July to work on my writing. Will you join me? 

12:06 pm cdt          Comments


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“I’m at the end of my rope with you, boy, I am. The Dark One toys with you. He will consume you.” A slow, dire shake of his massive head. “We’re gonna send you on up to that primary school. I reckon you still gotta come home at the end of the day. You remember who you are, boy. You’re smugglin’ the Lord in. You’re my David, mm? Fightin’ Goliath? David wins, yes? Always puts a great rock…”—as his fat, tusk-like index finger pressed a smudge into the boy’s forehead—“right through Goliath’s skull.” He put his hand down. “You shall not reflect poorly on your family.” A grin lifted the craterous sag of his cheeks. “Supper is soon. Join us, mm?” He turned to Papa, who nodded, and the two men left, their groaning footfalls and low chatting in the hall.


Creighton hiccupped in relief. Who had Goliath killed as a boy?

Read an excerpt from Good Gravity by Brian Lott, winner of our 2010 Novel Beginnings 1st Chapter Contest.

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So why get a critique?

Every day we pay for small, trivial things, like a soda out of the vending machine at work or a candy bar in line at the grocery store. A magazine or a manicure. A cup of coffee through the drive-thru.

But how much do we invest in enriching our lives? Developing a talent that's been dormant for a long time? Realizing a dream, like seeing our name in print?

Why get a critique? I say, why not?