Shadow of the Hunter

I'm not really sure exactly how many words a picture paints, but our cat Porsha (she was a rescue cat and pre-named, so it isn't our fault) serves as a pretty good illustration. Today's topic is time. And, while it flies like the wind and goes after itself for Cyndi Lauper, it's also a huge consideration for a writer.

When you look closer at all the other activities necessary* to write, it's a wonder we get anything done at all. You need ideas, planning, research, blogging, LinkedIn, Tweeting, Facebooking...well, hang on a minute - that's just it. What is that social media really doing for you? Are you connecting with possible readers, existing readers, your peers or trying to build up your profile? Could it be that time given over to social media is actually time that could be better spent writing?

If you write to earn an income, writing is your product. Without something to sell, all the advertising in the world isn't worth diddlysquat. Our cat – who clearly knows how to position herself, even if she's still working on timing – understands that.

So speak when you have something to say or when you have a product or service to promote. Or maybe just for the fun of it, when your down time coincides with your urge to communicate. But don't mistake all that hullabaloo for actual writing.

There are only so many hours in the day, so get your priorities right!

* May contain irony.