Keep Your Date

In the midst of crazy times, my writing always suffers and now is no exception.  I need to be reminded again and again to use the little snippets of time here and there and not wait for the big chunk of time that never materializes.  While I've not been good at sitting down, butt in chair, and actually working on a manuscript as of late, I have been knocking off several things, writing related, such as listening to replays from the PB Summit and a 12 x 12 webinar I missed.  I've also not been very good lately at posting consistently here on my blog.  I aim to do better going forward.

Today, I was reading a chapter in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers and was reminded it is possible to find time in the chaos and use that time effectively and efficiently. I read a chapter by Linda S. Clare.  She talked about finding time to write during years of running a daycare.  One thing she wrote that really stuck with me is to keep a date with your writing.  She did so by setting a timer and writing during the 90 minutes her day care kids rested/napped. I so agree that one must get creative in battling the challenge of finding time in a tight schedule, but it can be done. And I will do it.

Remember...

"Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." ~ H. Jackson Brown

Well, then...back to work I go!

Commitment

Here dawns a new year, filled with new commitments, new resolutions, new hopes and dreams, new chances.  I haven't so much made resolutions for the new year but have made new commitments to myself.  I've kept my goals general but with more specific steps..."write more" but specifically with the intention to "write at least 15 minutes a day;" "improve my marketing skills," but specifically with the intention to "research new markets," "explore the better use of social media," "create a better author visit program;" and "read more" but specifically "read at least 10 PBs a month," "read something for fun every day," etc.  You get the idea! We shall see how it goes, and I will be reporting in along the way.

I saw a picture on FB today that re-affirmed my commitment to making better changes and adjustments in my life to better serve my writing. 

Isn't this a great reminder to forge ahead in life, whether it is in one's writing or any other life situation.  We have the control to commit, to work hard and to keep striving for a better end, whatever that may be.  This might just be my new mantra for 2016:)

What are your goals, hopes, dreams, commitments (whatever term you use) for 2016? I'd love to hear them!