L.A. Garnett – Author

I find myself constantly thinking about my writing, and how my goals are laid out in front of me. The other day I made myself a writing calendar—a list of all of my WIPs and sequels and outlines that I need to write to keep the momentum going and write the stories that my brain just won’t let go. It contains twenty individual writing tasks—split between outlines, first drafts, beta drafts, and publishing (and all that those things require to be successful)—and looking at it is both daunting and inspiring. Oh, and it only covers now through next June.

In order to actually accomplish these goals I have set for myself, I need to maintain a consistent momentum. I’ve talked about my writing schedule here before and you’ll remember that between my full time job, childcare, and exercise (which I’ve recently added back in) I have about an hour every day to write. That’s not a lot, but you’d be surprised how much you can get done in an hour if you really dedicate yourself.

The problem is, to stick to this, I’m going to have to not burn out. That’s where some healthy boundary setting comes into play. Writing is fun for me, it’s a distraction and I enjoy playing around with fantasy. I can’t live there all the time though—I have a family who needs me to be present, and a full-time job that keeps me so busy I can’t think about fiction while I’m there.

Some authors think of their day jobs as regretful distractions. Honestly, I don’t. If I spent all day every day writing it would begin to feel like a chore. I know my own mind, and the moment something is required rather than just something fun that I do, I no longer want to do it as much. That’s why I don’t monetize all my hobbies.

Living life is what gives our writing meaning. It adds nuance to our perspectives and allows us to create more well rounded characters and worlds. In your drive to create, don’t forget to live your own life as well. For me—if I don’t hit every timeline perfectly, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. The books will be written, one way or another. I have time.