Writing is awesome. There’s a bit of a moan about several things up ahead, so I wanted to start off this post reiterating that.
That feeling when a story starts to finally come together? Priceless.
The moments when you’re trying to cram writing into a life that’s already fit burst? Fairly expensive.
So the writing part still feels great, but all the time you’re busy doing other, less enjoyable, so often seems to add up to far more. I’m so jealous of anyone who’s managed to hit a good balance here, who doesn’t feel as though they are propping their life up on a stick and watching it slop and slide about to threaten to fall off in one big pink, gooey explosion.
This girl’s gotta work and, most recently, do stuff like organise a new place to live. And then there’s the need to at least making a passing appearance at social functions every now and then. As well as checking in with the family to prove continued existence. Of course, if you’ve got your own kids this list must just multiply like crazy.
But it’s not only non-writing tasks that eat into your precious time-savings, there’s also all those hours that might go into a website, blog or online network, as well as the actual real life literary meet-ups that crop up every now and then.
Between living a relatively normal life and trying to make a few friends in the writing world, it’s pretty difficult to find time to do that awesome thing you’re always wanting to do. But it’s not like there’s much room for cutting back – you already turn down a bunch of invites, you need to pay your rent and if you don’t go to any lit events you’re not doing a great job of supporting the cause.
Lynsey May 
Lynsey, I hear what you’re saying loud and clear. It’s a challenge to keep up personal appearances with family and friends, work to earn a living, promote yourself as a writer AND write. When I’m struggling to get more time for writing, I usually sacrifice sleep, but I can only go so long on six hours of down time.
When things get a little overwhelming (with work outside the house, three young kids, writing deadlines, personal commitments, housework, yardwork, promoting my writing and writing a novel and the business side of writing), I tell myself, “It’s not forever.”
One day I’ll support myself with just my writing. It’s my dream. Maybe it will never happen, but that’s what I’m aiming for. That’s what keeps me going. It’s the payoff for all my hard work.
When times get really tough, I stick my hands in my pants pockets, stick up my chin and keep plunging forward, ignoring the pain and my weary bones. Travelling a mile inch by inch is better than not moving at all.
You’ll make it, Lynsey. Just keep the faith in yourself.
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Three young kids, just wow. i think telling yourself it’s not forever sounds like a good way to go, it certainly seems to be working for you. thanks for sharing and good luck fitting it all in!
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I’ll be honest, I read this mostly to find out what blamanche was, but glas to hear you’re managing to stay afloat, mostly.
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hehe, I hope I never ever have to eat any, that’s all I really have to say about blamanche. I do like the word though 🙂
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