I'm writing this blog on Sunday afternoon after having just realized that I'm scheduled to blog on Monday. I'm not usually this clueless but after a bad bout with a stomach virus, life has been a little off-track lately. Once upon a time, I would have obsessed about this and driven myself nuts. Thankfully, I've come to realize that stressing out about what I can't change only produces a wide-eyed, harried individual that ends up grumbling and staring at a blank screen.
So instead, I'm drinking a cup of tea and enjoying the singing bird outside the office window and planning my agenda for next week. I have one story being proof-read and another that needs about 5k words before the next phase. I have a couple of more stories that only need 5 or 10k words before they go to my critique buddy. It's great to have a plan.
I've realized that the older I get, the more flexible I've become when it comes to planning. If I wake up at 4am and feel like working, I will, and sometimes have my word count in before noon. Those are great days and I'm grateful for them, especially when I have a couple of appointments that will be taking up a bigger chunk of my time than I'd like.
Speaking of chunks of time, how does everyone else do it? Do you have a weekly and/or daily plan or word count that you make before you call it a day? How do you get everything accomplished when everything doesn't go according to plan?
I'd love to hear your strategies for dealing with stress. Leave a comment/tip for stress reduction and I'll award a $5 Amazon Gift Card for one lucky someone!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Paris Brandon
Website: http://parisbrandon.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ParisBrandon
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/parisbrandonaut/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00N3M7EEM
A member of Romance
Writers of America and published since 2009, Paris writes contemporary, paranormal,
erotic and historical romance, throwing a little mystery and suspense in for
good measure. Currently published with Decadent Publishing, she likes nothing
better than a story that contains a little mystery and a lot of romance.
When not dreaming up
stories featuring heroes who aren’t intimidated by strong heroines, she can be
found haunting antique and thrift stores for unique finds, or planning a new
flower garden. She lives in the mid-west
with her husband of many years and is currently enjoying all of the period
dramas on Netflix and wondering where she can find a hat that makes her look as
stylish as Miss Phryne Fisher.
9 comments:
Hi Paris, I'm a huge list maker and that helps me. I also have a calendar I can write on in front of me at my table. I keep a pad of paper nearby as well. Forgetting things seems to come with the territory of aging and so does a little bit of letting go. I have found that I'm calmer about things and more patient than I was in my 20's and 30's and even 40's because I know those things aren't what are important in the bigger scheme of life.
That all being said... I did my movie review this morning at 6:40 and then showered, packed, and have gotten three books up loaded to createspace for review. I love to keep busy and so I do, which gives me a little wiggle room when those days come where I want to be lazy. :)
Funny thing, I tend to get stressed when all my work is finished and I'm not sure what to tackle next. As to completing things - I try not to think of the enormity of what I'm facing (Last week I had four books that came back from edits and all needed attention. This while I was also working on a new book. Talk about bad timing). Generally speaking, I simply put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. If I think too much about what I have to do, I might not do it. :)
I don't handle stress well, but the older I get, the more I realize some things aren't worth worrying about. I'm not as organized as I should be. I keep calendars and lists but at times I still feel like a chicken with its head cut off, running around and not accomplishing much. Congrats on learning how to handle stress better.
I'm getting older and older and don't obsess nearly as much as I used to. I prioritize each morning, work during the day but always read at night. Recharging is vital.
Hi Melissa,
Oh, I know what you mean about lists! I keep a calendar to write down my word counts and keep track of my deadlines, so very helpful there. Staying organized is helpful but I know what you mean about figuring out what's important. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your strategies :)
Tina,
Sometimes the only thing you can do is put one foot in front of the other until everything's finished:) I'm in awe of how many books you release! Thanks for sharing:)
Cara,
I think half the battle is figuring out that some things just aren't worth worrying about! Thanks for sharing :)
Jean,
I totally agree about prioritizing and recharging! I find the older I get, the less I obsess. I think leaving work at the office door and using my evenings to read or do something relaxing has actually helped me produce more. Go figure:) Thanks for sharing:)
Thank you all for stopping by and sharing your strategies. I love the way the writing community is so connected and willing to help one another. All of your suggestions were very helpful!
Congratulations Jean, you're my Amazon Gift Card winner:)
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