Lost in Time

I've heard some writers say they use a timer to keep them on track and working on one manuscript for a specified amount of time. It's supposed to help with writer's block and with meeting word count goals. Well, I have a different problem. I get lost in my manuscripts. So much so that I completely lose track of time.

A couple weekends ago, my husband had to point out the time because we were going out and I had lost the entire morning proofreading the galley for Touch of Death. I was so into the characters and story that I didn't realize the morning was over. When my daughter was in pre-K last year, I had to set the timer so I wouldn't lose track of time and wind up late to pick her up. 

And the funny thing about time is there's never enough. Even when my daughter starts full-day kindergarten, I'm sure I'll fill the day with no problem. I don't know if I'll ever get past this time issue.

How about you? Do you find yourself losing track of time when you write or do you need the timer to keep you writing?