Today is November's contribution to Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group.
Why am I an Insecure Writer this month?
Because time seems to be slipping away from me.
As we enter the month of November, I can’t help but recall how much I originally planned to have written by the end of this year. Needless to say, I’m nowhere close to the goals I set back in January. And my biggest question is: Where did the time go?
While I’ve had bouts of good productivity here and there throughout the year, there always seemed to be a constant succession of life events that diverted me away from writing. Working on Halloween costumes, dealing with a sick cat, helping my wife start up a new business, etc., etc. It never seems to end. I know this kind of problem affects all writers, but until I finally write “The End” on one of my books, I’m always going to wonder if it will ever happen. I’m tired of telling myself, “Just wait till next year.”
On a happier note, my daughter’s Enderdragon costume worked out way better than expected. We had to solve many, many problems to make them functional, and even though we were still applying last minute fixes as late as 5:30pm on Friday, she was able to wear them during the Halloween party and partly through the actual trick or treating. (She had to remove the wings once the winds began gusting outside.)
In a month or two, we’ll start working on the next generation of these wings, since she wants to wear them at the Midwest Media con in the spring. Give me strength!
ChemistKen
That dragon is awesome!
ReplyDeleteJust keep after The End, Ken. You will find it.
Love that dragon!
ReplyDeleteLife does have a way of doing its own thing. But go with the flow, and the end will come eventually.
That is an awesome costume!!
ReplyDeleteI always want to get more writing done than I actually do. Occasionally, I encounter a writer who seems to crank out books at an astounding rate and secretly, inside, I wonder how much better those books might be if the author slowed down a little. ;)
Adorable costume!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean. I planned to write a whole lot more than I actually got around to, but here's to writing more in 2015!
It is a balance. You and I are on the same wave length this month. I worry too about running out of time.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I see you joined the Platform Builder Campaign. Did that work out for you?
We are thinking on similar lines this month, Ken. Time just slips away doesn't it. Let's agree to keep on going and never give up though.
ReplyDeleteLove that costume, it's fabulous!
Delays like this are the story of my life, too. Thank goodness it isn't a race. You only lose if you give up!
ReplyDeleteLove the costume - I've seen lots of minecraft costume this year but this is the best!
Life has a habit of getting in the way! All those things you listed, they are all things that you should tend to. We have forever to write. I figure if all else fails, when I am old and in a nursing home, I'll skip bingo and write.
ReplyDeleteI've been in a mood and haven't been so productive lately. Luckily, I'm starting to snap out of it. I think we have to forgive ourselves for doing what we can best we can. I love your daughter's costume. It's awesome.
ReplyDeleteMaybe set a small goal and keep it going month to month to help accomplish what you'd like to. But I understand even with goals set life does get in the way. Good Luck, Ken.
ReplyDeleteUgh, it IS so frustrating, and unfortunately I don't have a solution except living as a hermit. And even then, life could get in the way - you get sick, etc. The best we can do is alas the best we can do.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter's costume is awesome! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI know it can be frustrating not reaching your goals, and there will always be setbacks along the way, but just keep pressing forward. One day you will be able to type those highly anticipated words at the end of your completed novel. Just keep writing and know that we are all cheering you on from afar! Good luck!
I feel your pain about time slipping away. It's the death of a 1000 ticks of the clock. Great costume. If the winds and the wings are strong enough, she might fly. : )
ReplyDeleteThat costume is AWESOME! And you know what? Who cares how much writing didn't get done this year? You've spent amazing time with your family. Nothing tops that. The writing will get done :)
ReplyDeleteThat's an impressive dragon!
ReplyDeleteAnd yep, I have that same feeling about time slipping away. Where did the year go???
January can be very deceptive! But luckily, there's another one coming up soon ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat costume :-)
That is a great costume!
ReplyDeleteMy son went as Enderman. (Very easy. Buy Enderman head. Dress him in black. Done.) It was surprising how many kids on the street were yelling "Hey, look! Enderman!" Minecraft costumes were very popular this year.
Great costume! :D
ReplyDeleteLife has a way of stealing our writing time, but it also has a way of giving us unexpected downtime, too. Hang in there. As the kids grow up and leave home, the seasons of life change.
You've been dealing with a lot of real life problems, huh? They always put your own deadlines back. (I miss all mine, too.) But yay for the fabulous costume and your wife's new business! Great accomplishments! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great costume! I love that they were functional and she got to wear them for so long. Costumes are hard business.
ReplyDeleteAs for the time, yeah, I get that. I had plans about how much I'd have done by now, but no matter how hard I work, Life always has some exception that seems more important at the time. I need to figure out how to change that. When I do, I'll let you know.
Just like the song says, "Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping... into the future." Not. It goes to the past. Great wings, worth the time. I don't think you'll look back and regret time spent helping family even if it delays your publishing. Not even if you never get published. If you neglected your loved ones to write, you would regret it. I can't even manage to critique yet, but half our stuff is unpacked and put away, and I'll get back to writing later.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! I wonder if I'll ever finish a novel-length story ever again, after all these years of not being able to. I'll be celebrating with you when you finally accomplish it!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great costume!!
ReplyDeleteTime does slip away. I've noticed it moreso with the addition of children. But keep on at it, and The End will eventually come. Best of luck finding time!
I hear you, Ken. I have no idea where all my time slips away to.
ReplyDeleteAnd that costume is full on AWESOME!!!