During April, a lot of writers used 'juggling' for their "J" word. Most writers I know work a day job and write in whatever other hours they can manage. And since only energetic people try to make it in the writing life, most of us have many other interests and demands on our time. Somehow we juggle family, day job, household chores, other hobbies, exercise and sleep around to make it work. The A to Z challenge adds one more demand to the load.
During the month of April, throughout the A to Z, I managed to complete a rough draft of the second book of The Morbunda Saga. I also completed the first round of edits for First Dragon, the lead off book in that series. I love my editor from Crescent Moon Press. She caught onto all my bad habits and found places where I could make my story stronger and my characters more consistent. I'm looking forward to the next round. I also kept up with the day job including signing those official retirement papers. I juggled everything and made it work. Two years ago, or even one year ago, I couldn't do that. Also over the past weekend, I finally published the final book in The Futhark Chronicles, Heir of Futhark. It's now available on Smashwords and Amazon. So my support today is to encourage you not to get frustrated when you drop a few things in you own juggling act. You get better at it. You'll learn to prioritize and to use your time to the best productive advantage you can.
How are you at juggling? Which ball do you usually drop first?
Thank you for reminding us we are all only human! It's ok to drop those balls occasionally, the secret is to pick them up and try again. Seems like you achieved a lot during April congrats on that :)
ReplyDeleteThank goodness we are only human and none of us are perfect. I am not good at juggling things and words.
ReplyDeleteA great post to read.
Yvonne.
The juggling is tough, but it does get easier! I have to prioritize, daily, what I need to accomplish: family-wise, housework-wise, errand-wise, editing/writing-wise. It's a challenge. :) I drop the ball pretty frequently.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting better at prioritizing and letting some of those balls drop - the house can stay "dirty" another day so I can work on a story or a novel scene. Or read a good book. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, April was busy for you! Good job.
ReplyDeleteJuggling is always a challenge. With three sons, and a million appointments and activities, it can become overwhelming. When that happens, I prioritize!
Funny. I did my post on the crazy in my life.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
So far, I've been blessed with a pretty easy going schedule so my juggling hasn't been that bad.
ReplyDeleteIn that past, though, it hasn't always been this easy, so I can certainly sympathize with the hardcore jugglers.
Congratulations! Writing outside of blog posts just didn't figure into my juggling last month.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a list of accomplishments in such a busy month! Imagine what you'll be able to do once you retire!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the ball I usually drop is my health. Everything else comes first. Just popping in from IWSG! I've never started from the top of the list before. It's a whole experience. :)
ReplyDeleteI learned a long time ago, when my kids were small and I was building a career and involved in other pursuits, that I do not juggle well. When I don't take the time to feed my heart, I wilt and am no good to others (I'm grouchy!). So honestly, I try hard to not juggle more than I can handle. Sometimes it can't be avoided, however. I make sure, in those times, that I am nurturing myself as well.
ReplyDeleteSadly, my writing. I'll tell myself I need to get these "other things" out of the way so I can concentrate on my writing and then the day is over and I still haven't gotten there.
ReplyDeleteIt comforts me that all my bloggy friends have been jugglers at one time and most still are. My youngest child is now in college and it really does take one of those balls out of the air.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan for stopping by and saying hello! And I drop my balls all the time. Doesn;t seem t be any rhyme or reason. One day its this ball, the next day its that ball. Every day is a series of adjustments. I've learned to accept it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like I'm dropping all of them. :P One goes and then everything tumbles down with it--got to start fixing that problem!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice. Be your own best friend and get off your back once in a while. It's okay. It really is okay. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're like my hero for the month of April. I'm amazed at how much you got accomplished!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw "juggling" I just had to stop in since I never made it all through the #IWSG posts. I know a thing or two about juggling. I no longer have the job to take up my time, but that means a lot less income. I probably should go do some real juggling on the street with an upturned hat in front of me to collect money. I admire people like you who are doing a real life juggling act.
ReplyDeleteLee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
That's amazing you got so much done while A-to-Z-ing!
ReplyDeleteBusy month! I'm impressed that you managed to keep all that going.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with the balancing act, as I think all of us do. Usually, it's housework that suffers, which I guess is the least important! Writing did suffer a bit for me during this challenge, but I'm still pretty happy with how it turned out.
Rinelle Grey
I'm coping better now than I used to with juggling everything. I don't beat myself up as much if I drop a ball. The first one to go at the moment is writing, but only while I'm studying. Once my course finishes it's writing all the way!
ReplyDelete