The Multifaceted Faces of TIME

It's Monday again. Hello!

I've been thinking. Before you say "Uh-oh," grab a cup of coffee or tea and get comfortable. In my years as a writer, I've learned a little bit about time. When you write, it can be your friend, or your foe. Let's start with the friendly side of time.

Scheduling Time

You're excited about your latest writing project. After looking at your schedule, you've successfully carved off some writing time. Dancing into your office, you put the "Brilliant Writing Happening—Do Not Disturb!" sign on the outside of your door. Whoosh goes your comfy chair as you sit down. Grabbing notes, you turn on your computer, and off you go, traveling into your imaginary world of lush settings and engaging dialog. Yay!

Deadlines? Um, They're My Own

Not too many people like the sound of the word deadline. Well, sure, there are a few people who thrive on them, the tighter, the better. I'd venture to say that's not the norm. So, if you are fortunate enough to be your own boss, that means you set your own deadlines. And, with careful planning, you will be able to meet every one of them. Nicely done! Remember that cup of coffee? Sit back and enjoy it now.

The Ultimate Time Friend

The date is circled on your calendar—in RED. You are counting the days. You've arranged and rearranged all your writing materials. And then the day arrives. You're treating yourself to a writing retreat weekend! Oh, happy day! This is the best gift of time EVER—time away. No outside distractions. Just you and your manuscript(s). Enjoy this time. It's priceless.

Here come the foes. . .

What Happened to MY Time?

You scheduled. You planned. And then, the time thief snuck in and scooped up all your time. I know you've had those days. On the day you were going to write, your dog starts limping badly and now you're at the vet. Then the dinner burns because you've been busy trying to keep your dog still, so he doesn't re-injure his boo-boo paw. Now you're driving to pick up a pizza. Writing? Rats! Not on this day.

Where's my MUSE?

If you cannot think of the last time you wrote, beware of the muse thief. Remember the saying, "If you don't use it, you lose it?" It applies BIG time when it comes to writing. If you let too much time pass between writing times, you might find yourself staring at a blank screen with a blank mind. With writing, it's best to keep your creative momentum up by writing often. The more you write, the more ideas will come to you. Don't give the muse thief a chance to enter your house. They're very hard to get rid of!

To end on a positive note, when you've finished a manuscript, give yourself the gift of a little time. Put your manuscript away for a bit. Let it sit. And then come back to it. You'd be surprised at your clarity when you've taken some time away from each other. It's always beneficial.

OH! Look at the time! I need to scoot. Thank you for sitting with me. You are good company. 🙂

May time always be your friend.