Getting back in the game

It’s good to be back! Around Christmas my father was diagnosed with heart failure and I had to put the writer me on a shelf and be all about family. After two surgeries he seems to be better and I’m returning to my usual writing routine.

Even without a family illness, many writers experience this lack of writing activity during the holidays. So how do you jump back into the routine after a break? For me, I’m a list queen. If it isn’t on my to-do list (or I prefer to call it a goal list) is doesn’t get done. I especially loved some advice that I got from Bob Mayer’s advice from his bestselling book, ‘Write it Forward: From Writer to Successful Author’. He advised making two columns; a to-do list and a completed list. I always have tasks to accomplish but when I look and see my completed list I feel much better about my day.

It’s also important to start slow and realistic. I have a lot to catch up on but if I put everything on my goal list I would lose my mind. Prioritize your projects and stick to you plan. Avoid distractions like Twitter and other social media outlets. Social media is vital for a writer but it does you no good if you have no product to market.

Another thing I've focused on when jumping back into my routine is the cleanliness of my workspace. I find that if I have a neat workspace I feel more at ease in my writing time.

It is also important to incorporate items that are of importance and comfort to you within your workspace. This always helps my mood when I hit a snag or are stuck on a project. For example, I have a picture of my daughter and a picture of my dog in frames on my desk. I also write quotes of encouragement on sticky notes and my white erase board.

It only makes sense to incorporate what you love in your workspace. Isn’t that done in our very writing? Think about it. I’m sure that if you read your manuscript objectively you would easily find your passions in your writing.

I love the ocean. Well, look at the background of this block. The scenery gives me peace and comfort. My young adult project takes place at sea. Are you seeing a pattern here?

If we write what we love it only makes sense to incorporate that love into our workspace to inspire and move us.

How have you jump back into a routine? Did you focus on incorporating your passions? How so?

Announcements:

I will be teaching another class of my Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind Write It Forward Workshop this March. It is a month long workshop focused on busy writing moms, something I know a lot about. Click here for more information.

My book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ is out and a percentage of the profits go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

I’m fortunate to be part of the Who Dares Wins Publishing family. Don’t forget to check out these very talented authors blogs:

Bob Mayer

Amy Shojai

Kristen Lamb

Joy E. Held

Colin Falconer