For the last month I’ve written a total of zero posts on my blog. Those who’ve written books about maintaining a blog say if I want tokeep an audience, you’ve got to keep blogging. Fairly simple idea. The last two months, however, I’ve had to shift my efforts to work and, when I had writing time, to my novel.
I work in sales. I equip accountants and other tax professionals with tax forms, folders, etc. The months of December and January are about 35-40% of my year and tend to get a little busy, brutally so. My appetite to come home and look at a computer screen was sapped by 10am. I like to write and connect with others who share the same dream and passion, but I just didn’t have it in me.
There are times when I feel guilty for taking a break. I shouldn’t be out at a movie I should be writing! I should be writing instead of shopping for jeans! Who needs pants?! These are the thoughts that haunt me when I’m not writing consistently. My passion becomes some horrible guilt ridden flash mob that could strike at any moment.
Thankfully, I learned two things from this break.
1. That I burn bright and fast instead of marching on at an even pace. For those who don’t know me that well, this is nothing new. If I have any goal this year it is to be more pace oriented so I don’t burn myself out all of the time. I’d make me a better husband, father, and person.
2. That I love writing more than I thought. When you get distance from something, it allows proper perspective. You are not as emotionally involved and can be honest. I was and found I craved writing more than I did before my self imposed break. I’m excited to focus on it again.
How about you? Have you put writing down for a bit? What made you go back to it? Are you still not writing? What would it take for you to pick it back up again?
Keep Writing.
Cheers,
Bob
PART-TIME NOVEL 
Yes, I’ve given it a little break – almost a month. But I’m back with a vengeance and loving it!! Sometimes life just gets in the way.
I agree. Life does get in the way. It’s nice to be back as well!
I’ve been off for almost three months, but my excuse is that I had my hands full with the kids and I just had zero time and energy for writing. It felt like a sharp pinch in the heart not being able to respond to that compulsion to write. Plus I was still revising the umpteenth draft of my second book at the time, and the guilt of not being able to work on it started to kick in, and you know the feeling. You clearly understand the frustration.
I’ve found some time now, and I’m thankful for that. I’m not wasting any of it. Even published my first blog post for 2014, yesterday. It’s a good start.
I missed your posts. Welcome back!
I can certainly relate. Some part of me feels guilty, the other part not so much. I want to be a great father and husband so I am doing that while supporting my family. Though it is hard to write in the cracks of life. I found a great article on that and I’ll write about it tomorrow…if I get the chance. All of my writing time is going to one last draft. If I can find 8 hours in the next week I will be done.
I’ll have to catch up on your blog. Welcome back to you as well Dietrich!
On Wed, Feb 5, 2014 at 6:34 AM, Part-Time Novel wrote:
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But what about the pants? Did you buy pants?
Sorry Jessie sort of left you on a cliffhanger there. Yes I did. Thank you Old Navy.
Excellent. I feel better now.
See, you can tell I am a novelist. Gripping storytelling right there, leaving you on the edge of your seat! 🙂
On Fri, Feb 7, 2014 at 2:56 PM, Part-Time Novel wrote:
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I set my personal blogging goal at a realistic two per week. Then–since, like you, I have busier times of the year–I try to stockpile a few finished “draft” posts that I hold on to for a week when I just can’t find the time to write. Seems to be working out fairly well for me.
Excellent! It’s so much easier to establish something we can acutally do then set ourselves up for failure and feel even worse about not blogging/writing. Glad you found a good rhythm.