Writers generally have one of two dilemmas. They can\u2019t find the time or inclination to work the number of hours they must in order to make a living or they can\u2019t stop writing. <\/p>\n
The former writer isn\u2019t very well disciplined. He isn\u2019t motivated to put in the time it takes to create success. Perhaps he doesn\u2019t actually enjoy the process of writing; he does it because he thinks it is a money-making proposition. Or, maybe he just isn\u2019t a self-starter and finds it difficult to come up with topics to write about. You\u2019ll find this writer doing more talking about writing than actual writing work.<\/p>\n
The other writer has trouble taking breaks. She knows that the more time she puts in, most likely, the better results she\u2019ll experience\u2014bigger paychecks, more exposure and name recognition, for example.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve talked about setting goals, disciplining oneself to write, creating schedules, using a bribery\/rewards system, relying on \u201cbuddies\u201d to help establish a good routine and so forth. But what about those of you who have the other problem\u2014those who can\u2019t seem to stop writing?<\/p>\n
I tend to be in that category\u2014although, I\u2019m getting better. I have established a fairly solid work schedule. I start working around 5 every morning (pretty much 7 days a week) and I generally leave my office for the last time each day around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. One or two days a week (generally on weekends), I\u2019ll handle household chores, gardening tasks or work on a creative project for a few hours.<\/p>\n
I take days off occasionally when there is a family outing planned with my grown daughters, my mother, my adult grandchildren and\/or friends, for example. I accept luncheon invitations every few weeks or so. I get out and walk for an hour every day. And I take an occasional trip. I\u2019d say that I happily put in a 50 hour week. And I have been supporting myself through my writing for the past 20 years or so. But no longer do I fret and beat myself up when I take time away from work.<\/p>\n
If you are trying to make a living through your writing, be kind to yourself.
\n\u2022\tGive yourself much-deserved breaks, otherwise it will show up negatively in your work\u2014possibly in the way you relate to editors or clients.
\n\u2022\tVary your writing-related activities so you aren\u2019t likely to suffer burnout.
\n\u2022\tChange your work environment from time to time\u2014discuss a project with a client over lunch along the seashore, do a book signing in another state, attend or be a presenter at a writers\u2019 conference on the other side of the U.S.
\n\u2022\tMake your office space more pleasant. Bring in bouquets of flowers, hang your own amazing photographs, plaster the walls with your awards and photos of your loved ones or decorate using your favorite art, colors or subject. This might be wild animals, collies, airplanes, roses, horses, architecture or tractors, for example.
\n\u2022\tRecognize the signs of burnout and take steps to ward it off\u2014take a walk or a hike, go to a local coffee shop and chat with the locals, take a yoga class 3 times a week or plant a garden and tend it regularly.<\/p>\n
If you are a serious writer or author who is bent on using your skills to earn a living or supplement your income, it\u2019s going to take more than talent. You\u2019re going to need a measure of organizational savvy, the ability to pace yourself, energy, a sense of stick-to-itiveness and a huge helping of patience along with an understanding of your physical, emotional and mental requirements and the courage and determination to honor these.<\/p>\n
Few people realize what it actually takes to be a full-time writer. And that\u2019s generally because they don\u2019t view writing as a business. Anyone who goes into business, in order to succeed, must be either multi-talented in handling all of the aspects of the business (bookkeeping, customer service, manufacturing, sales, research, dealing with sales reps, etc.), or they need to hire competent employees. A writing business has similar requirements. In order to succeed, one must be able to write, have a good work ethic, deal effectively with people, be able to meet deadlines, understand something about and be willing to keep accurate records and know how to pace him\/herself, for example. <\/p>\n
Are you running a business related to writing or publishing? Or are you interested in starting such a business? Just as you would with any business you were contemplating, be sure that you look beyond the fun aspect of writing, into the comprehensive business aspects of a writing or publishing business. It takes more than an interest in or talent for writing\u2014much more. That\u2019s why I also urge you to read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Writers generally have one of two dilemmas. They can\u2019t find the time or inclination to work the number of hours they must in order to make a living or they can\u2019t stop writing. The former writer isn\u2019t very well disciplined. He isn\u2019t motivated to put in the time it takes to create success. Perhaps he […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t