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| My Writing Womb |
Actor/writer John Cleese once said to an audience that in order to
be creative, two things must occur: you need to create boundaries, and make
time. That’s it. Even if you write or paint or woodwork for one hour, you MUST
shut yourself in a space, and let no one in for one hour. Writers would sure
benefit from wearing a turtle’s shell so we could withdraw from the world
any time we wanted! LOL!
Early
mornings are a popular working time for many writers and artists, for a few
obvious reasons. If you get up early enough, you can generally count on being
free from visitors, phone calls, and other interruptions. And if you go
straight to work on your creative project—if you literally put it first in your
day—you can guarantee that your working time won’t be derailed by other
commitments or temptations.
So
how do you acquire that coveted time to write? This has been an ongoing
obstacle for many writers, including yours truly. Especially when life gets
messy. And trust me, it does! I guess the best advice that I can give is that
you need to make sacrifices. Instead of watching three TV shows with your better
half, cut back one or two (pick your favorite to watch), then scurry to your
writing lair and put your fingers to the keyboard. Lock yourself in your room.
Tell your family members that once the door is closed for the set amount of
time you’ve chosen, you’re not available. Period. Even if someone screams
bloody murder. If you need to, buy earphones, download a music app, and plug
in. This will help to keep those distractions out and the words flowing.
Another
option is GET OUT of the house and go to your local coffee shop or library.
Many authors have chosen this avenue with great success. Libraries have more
confining hours, but most coffee shops are open 24 hours. The idea is to create
both time and space for yourself to write. Plus, you’ve got fresh coffee or tea
on demand, so that’s a bonus!
A
more expensive idea if you can swing it is to rent a motel or hotel room for a
personal writing retreat. You might be able to get a good deal during
off-season periods, or even use those air miles you’ve been saving to cash in
on a room. What about using a friend’s home or apartment a few times a week?
The possibilities are available, but we have to utilize them.
This
upcoming year, I need to make some sacrifices and define my space (physical and
emotional) in order to finish writing the next installment of my time travel
series (so close!), and start brainstorming the next book. I’m lucky enough to
have my own writing office, and there’s no little ones around to knock on the
door. Unless my 100 pound yellow Labrador decides to nudge open the door to be
fed or walked! I’ve used a timer in the past, but like anything, if it’s not
made a habit, it’s not going to work. Self-discipline is the name of the game
in this business, that’s for sure! So keep a stiff upper lip, define your
writing space and time, and get that book written!
How
do you define your boundaries as a writer? Where are some great places you like
to write? Do you allow yourself a certain amount of time to write? Would love
to read your comments! Cheers and thank you for reading my blog!
For me, putting my writing first has always been a challenge. There's always so much that needs doing and writing seems like a luxury even when I know it's work. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of making time for it!
ReplyDeleteFor me, putting my writing first has always been a challenge. There's always so much that needs doing and writing seems like a luxury even when I know it's work. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of making time for it!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Justine! Authors need to be diligent on making the time and place to write. Cheers!
DeleteGreat post, Sharon. I recently created my own writing space in a spare bedroom after years of sharing an office with my husband. He knows when I'm in that room, I'm writing, and it's quiet! Why didn't I do this sooner?
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Rita! Just remember to shut that door! LOL!
DeleteExcellent post, Sharon. You've given me a lot to be guilty about. I'm a writer without borders therefore I accomplish very little.:( This year MUST be different. And it will be due to you. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sloane! Yes, this year WILL be different for all of us writers out there! Cheers and thanks for your ongoing support!
DeleteExcellent post and great advice! Thanks for sharing, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lisa, and thanks for stopping by to read my blog! Cheers!
DeleteSo true. You have to carve out some uninterrupted time for writing. I´m lucky because my family understands. I thought it would be easier once I´ve retired but it actually isn´t. I think I wrote more when I worked full time because I was used to being organized. I send my hubby out on his motorcycle so I can write!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...maybe I should get my hubby a motorbike! LOL! Yes, even retired writers need boundaries! Cheers and thanks for commenting, Darlene!
DeleteExcellent blog post, Sharon. I've been lucky as far as making time to write. We don't have kids, so I didn't have to worry about interruptions. I converted one of our bedrooms into an office, where my dogs and I spend the day writing. My nephew the geologist gave me a metal sign for the screen door I put up instead of the solid door, so when my husband went to work I could hear if anything was going on. The sign says: DANGER, UNSTABLE MINE, KEEP OUT. I also have two phone lines that have answering machines on them, with caller ID. I never answer the "home" phone during the day, but I will if someone calls on my office line. I think to be successful, you have to have discipline, and if you yourself believe writing is a job, and that when you're in your office you are WORKING--not thinking about the laundry or the grocery store, others will respect that. My husband has learned not to be offended if he comes to the door when I'm at a crucial point, and I don't turn around but just put my hand up. He goes away until I come out and ask what he wanted. The only exception to this rule is if the house was on fire. I'd want him to interrupt me then!
ReplyDeleteAnything with fire or blood is an acceptable interruption, Jan! Thanks so much for sharing how you've created your boundaries to write. Love your sign too! And yes, writing is a JOB, and if the writer doesn't take it seriously, then no one else will. Cheers and thanks for your input! All the best in 2016!
DeleteI forgot about blood--but only if it's gushing!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a productive 2016!
Agreed. Dribbling doesn't count! LOL!
Delete