How NOT to Go Crazy
"Writing is easy. You only need to stare at a piece of blank paper until your forehead bleeds." – Douglas Adams
Writing is a problematic occupation. Let's face it, most people, upon hearing voices in their heads, they run to a doctor, not to put pen to paper. But it can be even worse when the voices don't come. And in this day and age of digital distractions at one's fingertips, writing has become harder than ever. So what is one to do, when you are only accountable to yourself, and the dog wants to go out and your friends call and ask you to come over and help them out with something (because after all, you don't have a real job) and there's a show on your DVR that you really want to watch? Well, you can either scream into a pillow, or you can try a few easy tips on how not to go crazy as an author.
1. Routine.
Invariably, there are people in your life, well-intentioned people, people who love you, who just Don't Get It. They think writing is a hobby, that those hours you spend typing are fluid and since you don't have a boss monitoring you at an office, you are free to do whatever you like – or more to the point, whatever they would like to do with you, be it getting a pedicure, or going to a movie or watching their kids for an hour while they run out to the store. The best way to combat this notion is with Routine.
Get up at the same time. Get dressed. Go to the office and work. Granted, your office might be the kitchen table or it might be the Starbucks down the street. Have a day job? Same principle applies – just tag your writing time onto the beginning, end – or if you have a nice quiet lunch break, middle — of your day. Either way, make no mistake, you are showing up for work. Work those same hours, in that same location every day and it will become your routine. As long as you respect that, other people will too.
2. Have Writer Friends.
The antidote to all those wonderful, loving people in your life who just Don't Get It are people who do. Nine times out of ten, those people are also writers. Being that writing is a solitary profession, the difficulties and triumphs of it are solitary too. But sometimes you need someone to talk to, someone that can help you figure out story if you're stuck on a plot point, or can understand the difficulties associated with being alone for most of your waking hours. These friends are awesome. Keep them close. Make sure you get coffee together occasionally, if for no other reason than interaction with another human being will be good for your both. *
3. A Strict "No Distractions" Policy.
Most distractions can be easily put aside. If you follow rule #1, and adhere to a routine, the distractions friends and family provide fall away. As for the television… it can be turned off, unplugged, and, if necessary, you can leave the house (note: while Starbucks will make you buy a coffee from them, the public library has no such qualms and will leave you well alone to type). But, ah, the Internet. That insidious distraction that sits on the very vessel by which you write. (Unless you write longhand, in which case… bravo. Better you than me.) Hell, you even get to use it for research! But this impulse must be curbed. Be it via Freedom (an app that turns off your internet for a specific period of time) or going to the one spot on earth were there is no WiFi, you must remove yourself from the Internet. And don't worry. It'll still be there when you get back.
4. Reward Reward Reward.
No feeling is greater than completing a project that you plunged your heart and soul into. But the thing is – no one cares nearly as much as you do. Sure, your editor and agent (if you have them) are happy, and your significant other/children/parents/pets/friends are relieved that for a short period of time, you'll be back to normal and maybe dinner won't be take out. But they don't really get the significance. So treat yourself! You finish a book, chances are, you could use a pedicure. A nice glass of wine with dinner. A viewing of the complete series of Rome. Something that signifies, to you at least, that you've done good and are worthy of a treat. Before you pick it back up and start all over again.
That's all for now – I have along week of work ahead of me, and have faith, I will take all those steps necessary to keeping my sanity. Until next time, sweets, happy reading!
*want to find some writer friends but don't know where to start? Well, if you're of a romantic bent, join RWA. Their local chapters are a great resource for writing-type people. If you're not of a romantic bent… I'm surprised to see you here, but welcome!
