N is for No

No, I cannot chair the PTA Christmas party committee. I’m writing.

No, I cannot pick up your son from swim lessons. I’m writing.

No, I cannot meet you for a late lunch today. I’m writing.

No, I cannot go see [insert latest movie titles here]. I’m writing.

No, I cannot fix dinner for four complete with appetizers and dessert. I’m writing.

No, I cannot take a day off to go to the beach. I’m writing.

No, I cannot watch your daughter while you get your hair done. I’m writing.

No, I cannot get my own hair done. I’m writing.

No, I cannot run my writer’s group’s contest. I’m writing.

No, I cannot pick up your child at daycare because you’re running late. I’m writing.

What have I missed? And, yes, I’m exaggerating somewhat, but you get the gist.

No is the most important word a working writer can learn. There are always exceptions to the above, as well as emergencies. But think of it like this. Writing is a job. Doing it from our homes doesn’t make it less of one. If we were working in an office or in a hospital or in a garage, would we be able to stop in the middle of our shift to run errands, etc.? I did a lot of volunteering for my writing group earlier in my career, and did it while working a full time job and while writing. Guess what suffered?

Finding a balance is necessary. And that balance is going to be different for every writer. Some have a much lighter deadline schedule than others and are able to take on more. I used to take a notebook with me to my kids’ school sports functions and work during time-outs and breaks. There will always be occasions where we must say yes and even want to say yes. But don’t forget that, “No,” is a complete sentence!

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