Most of us started writing because we enjoy it. But if you're writing for publication, some where along the line, the demands of writing seemed more like a job. At some point, you might have felt guilt because you were enjoying reading a book or watching a TV show when you really should have been working on your WIP.
That guilt, that yoke, helps you complete your writing projects especially if it's tied to some personal goals and ambitions. But if the yoke becomes too heavy, you might take it off and put it aside. Balance can be the key. Read as much as you want, watch those great movies and TV shows, and spend time networking. Whenever the yoke of balancing your writing life and the rest of your life becomes too great, don't let guilt keep you in the traces. Step away from the keyboard. Unless you have a deadline. Then you'll just have to carry on.
Are you wearing a yoke comprised of too many burdens? Do you feel guilt when you use writing time for other pleasureable activities?
19 comments:
This was my first A-Z and some days, yes, it was a lot more work than fun. But I connected with so many new (to me) bloggers, so it was worth it.
Balance is key. Writers need days off too. Coming back to the keyboard refreshed makes one a better writer.
Hope you enjoyed the A-Z!
great advice--it should never become a yoke!
Actually, everything else I have to do feels like more of a yoke. Writing is a joy compared with cooking, cleaning, shopping, weeding...the list goes on.
This seemed much easier last year for me. This last week has been difficult. I agree, balance is the key. I definitely will be back to posting once or twice a week and working more on my WIPs in May.
Writing time? What's that? Apparently, I need more of it!
Yes, I do feel guilty when I use writing time for anything other than writing. I know what you say about the yoke becoming too heavy is true, so I do take it off and set it aside... I just feel terribly guilty when I do.
I had most of my posts written before I started, but keeping up with the comments has been a lot of work, especially as I've been following more and more people. I must admit, I've been neglecting my actual writing - oops. I'll be making up for it in May. So, my yoke is pretty heavy and unbalanced at the moment!
I typed up my posts in advance, so there was no pressure there - but keeping up with the comments did eat into my limited writing time. But, it's been a lot of fun! :)
The yoke of blogging is a bit heavy now. but in a week or two that will lighten. Because yes, I have a book I need to finish!
I found this such an insightful post. This has been my first A-Z and it has been great fun, even if I do feel that more planning might have helped. The structure has been a very helpful yoke, keeping me on track, but I can think of plenty of yokes I've felt the need to set aside for a while. And yes, I do feel bad about that.
New follower :)
I do sometimes, but I know I need breaks, too. It's when the distractions outweigh the writing time that I've got a problem!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z
Smiled the whole way through the comments. I admit...I am ready for a break. And I need to get back to editing my WIP. But, I do love to write, and the A to Z has been a wonderful experience. I have connected with a lot of wonderful people. I will likely continue to visit new people on the list--just not post everyday. :-) How long does the list stay active? Does anyone know?
Good advice.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Loved your post today...Yoke. This was my first A-Z and I stayed a week in advance...phew! Now it's time to get back to work on my WIP.
Sometimes I feel guilty as I know I need to be doing something else important. Like right now I should be cooking breakfast for the fam.
I stopped writing for a long time because with everything else I was doing, it was just too much.
LOL It doesn't feel like a yolk. I don't feel guilty. well, not much
Sonia Lal @ Story Treasury
Hi Susan! Good point. Balance can be the key.
I've been working on a lot of projects recently and writing has been bumped down in priority--in that case there's not a ton of guilt, but if use designated writing time to surf the web then I do feel guilty.
Post a Comment