Stepping into the forest of my mind

Stepping into the forest of my mind
Just as every journey begins with a first step, every story begins with the first word.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Insecure Writers want to know: What steps have you taken to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

          A publishing schedule? Wouldn’t that be nice! Publishing is up to the magazines I submit to. I’ve been blessed that Cricket Magazine will be publishing another of my YA adventure short stories in their April 2018 issue. It never ceases to thrill me!
http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com


            As far as my writing schedule goes, it’s getting everyone else to adhere to it that’s my problem. Sometimes my family needs to understand that I AM, in fact, writing and require thinking time. You know, peace and quiet.

            Okay, it’s true! My husband and five children, as well as my extended family, have all taught me how to work in short spurts. But no matter how many times I try to tell them that I work best in the morning—and if things are going well, maybe the afternoon too—they continue to “need” me at different times. In fact, they have this interruption thing all timed out. Of course, they change it up a bit so it’s not the same person calling, stopping by, or requiring my help or insight at the same time during the day. The funny thing is that they each think they’re the only one interrupting me throughout the day.
  
            No! It’s not simply a matter of not answering the telephone. They know where I live. Most of them still live with me!       

Does an empty nest happen to everybody, or only a select few? When I run off to the library, the family seems to know where I hide among the stacks.

            My husband says it’s because “we all love you.”

I love them, too. I really do. In fact, sometimes I ask for their opinions on how to describe a certain action to a young reader. I’ll ask them about my word choice or the steps in a scene. They can be very helpful. Then at other times, they just get stuck staring at me as I try so hard to hammer out a scene in my story. I can stay in my chair and write if they’d only stop boring holes in my head, waiting for me to “finish” so they can ask me something.

I’m thinking about moving to a deserted island. Of course I’ll need internet service…and electricity for my laptop. And maybe my teapot and a teacup. Some tea and cookies… Anyone have a better solution?

Thanks so much for stopping by Adventures in Writing and offering your advice. Please follow my blog if you haven’t already. It’s greatly appreciated. I wish you all every success in 2018! 

This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. We post on the first Wednesday of every month.  To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.  

46 comments:

  1. Do you have a room with a lock maybe? I bet they's still find a way in...

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    1. Won't they, though. It's truly amazing. I've had them talking through the door at me. That drove me crazy. They like to hover in my space.

      It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Alex. Thanks for your note! Happy New Year!

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  2. Hi Victoria ... being a Mum to 5 and a wife too ... life has its challenges - still they will leave home at some stage - hopefully not your hubby!!??!! ... and then you'll have too much peace - good luck though with finding the spaces ... all the best for 2018 - cheers Hilary

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    1. I know what you're saying, Hilary, but right about now, I could use "too much peace."

      Thanks for your note on Adventures in Writing. I wish you every blessing this New Year.

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  3. "They know where I live." LOL. Yeah, I totally get that -- which is why I had a new door built in (open-plan rooms just aren't suited to peaceful creativity) and close it when I'm writing. I've "trained" everyone -- except, somehow, my Rottweilers -- to stay clear when the door is closed. I've explained that boundaries are necessary: I don't drop in at their jobs expecting them to talk to me immediately, so why would they drop in at my office expecting me to talk/go out/whatever. After taking this stand last January, I've had a much more productive year -- and even got published! Sure, there'll be a lot of moping and you'll feel guilty, but it's about prioritising your writing. Besides, it's not like you're unreachable in the middle of the ocean -- you can still share meals with your loved-ones and spend time with them... on your own terms. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you so much for this, Ronel. It is the logic I believe in too. It's what I tell my family. I'll see you at dinner. We can talk at dinner or at night or on the weekend. I just want my "office" time. Sometimes my family is as difficult to train as your Rottweilers.

      Bravo to you for getting published. May you be blessed with many more publications in 2018. Thanks for visiting Adventures in Writing.

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  4. Balancing an author's life with family is like walking a tight rope for beginners. It's going to take practice! I'm still trying to figure this all out. Good luck!

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  5. Seriously, Jennifer! Thanks so much for your expert analogy of the situation. And thanks for visiting Adventures in Writing. It's greatly appreciated. I wish you all the luck in 2018.

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  6. Don't move to a deserted island. Maybe having your family and extended family around you is what awakens your creative spirit. And congratulations on having another story published in April 2018.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G

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  7. Congrats on the publication in Cricket! You know, it seems there is never time to write without distractions (except maybe a desert island). My 3 kids are grown now ... but guess what? An adult daughter and her 22-month-old toddler lives with hubby and me. It's deja vu all over again, as they say.

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    1. Wow! I know what you mean, Cathy. My son and his family, with a new baby and a 2 year old, lived with us for a time. And I wasn't an empty nester when they all moved in, either.

      Thanks so much for your kind words. They mean the world to me. And thanks for your note on Adventures in Writing. Happy New Year.

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  8. Thank you so much for your kind words, Pat. It's true. I'd miss my family terribly if I went to a deserted island. I'm just trying to find some thinking time.

    Thanks so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing. All the best to you in 2018!

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  9. The woes of motherhood when you're a writer. lol They all certainly love you and need you. That is a beautiful thing. I hope they allow you some peace and quiet this year so you can write, though. :)

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and good wishes, Chrys. Yes, peace and quiet. Here's hoping.

      Thank you so much for visiting Adventures in Writing and leaving a note. It's greatly appreciated.

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  10. That does sound thrilling to get another magazine submission accepted for April! Congratulations and Happy New Year, Victoria.

    You asked for my hosting information? I'm not sure what that is but my blog url is http://jenniferlanebooks.blogspot.com if that helps?

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Jennifer. I truly appreciate them.

      As for the hosting of your website, I'm trying to understand how to set one up. I thought we need a hosting site for the website; like blogspot hosts our blogs. Who hosts your website? Blogger? Or is it a Wordpress website?

      Thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing. All best to you in the New Year.

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  11. What a wonderful family. Wishing you much success and joy in 2018/
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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    1. Yes, I am truly blessed, Juneta. It's just that a little peace and quiet would be nice--at least once in a while.

      Thanks for your note on Adventures in Writing. All the best to you in 2018.

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  12. Isn't it nice to be so loved and wanted? :-) I can imagine how hard it is to stick to a schedule in a lively home. But, I bet you never get bored at the dinner table. You guys must have so much to discuss in regards to your stories - how helpful and inspiring. BTW: I wouldn't be able to finish a thought or a sentence, let alone a paragraph when someone is staring at me "patiently" to say what they need to say. Wishing you some healthy portions of peace and quiet in the new year!!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Liesbet! I am truly lucky, and no, we are never bored either at the dinner table or on our camping adventures. But still, a little peace and quiet never hurt anyone, right? Oh, and you're right. I find it extremely difficult to finish a thought with someone staring at me. My husband did it again just this morning. Nuts! Can't they go outside and play in the blizzard?

      It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Liesbet. All best to you in 2018.

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  13. Hi Victoria, an author's life is all about finding the time to write and sadly that time is just not available on many days. Hope you can write lots in 2018, without interruptions :)

    Rachna Chhabria
    Co-host IWSG
    Rachna's Scriptorium

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    1. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Rachna! Ah, that elusive, precious gift called Time! You are so right, Rachna. Some days, it's impossible to find time to write.

      Thanks so much for your note here at Adventures in Writing. Please stop by again! I wish you all the best in 2018.

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  14. Aww...it's so sweet how much they love and need you. I'm in awe of people who can balance family life with writing. It must be so tricky. All the best for the coming year - Ellen

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  15. Thank you so much for your kind words, Ellen. Yes, as I've said, I am lucky. It's just that sometimes...I'd like to finish a thought--or even better, a scene!

    Thanks for your note on Adventures in Writing. I wish you every blessing in 2018!

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  16. LOL! "They know where I live." Family is funny. I wish you luck finding a hidey hole. ;)

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    1. And congrats on the Cricket story!

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    2. Thank you so much for your good wishes about my story being published. I truly appreciate your stopping by Adventures in Writing and leaving me a note. All best to you, my dear!

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  17. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing! Oh, family is fun all right! But don't they say that people need a break from too much of a good thing? Here's to finding that "hidey hole" in 2018.

    Thanks so much for your comment on Adventures in Writing. Please visit again!

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  18. Hi Victoria, you look like a very busy person but that being said you have to carve out time for yourself and the family will need to respect and understand. Me I can write in the living room with kids fighting and TV on so I do not need to find that impossible quiet space. it's easier than it sounds.

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    1. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Stephen! Bravo to you to be able to create with all the hubbub of family life exploding right in front of you. My family have not only showed me how to work in short increments, but also how to work without quiet. It's just when they are staring at me, waiting to ask--once again--for something that drives me crazy.

      Thanks so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing. It's greatly appreciated. Happy New Year!

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  19. Family can be persistent. Even the bathroom isn't holy to them :) I try to sneak off to my office and hope they don't notice I'm gone. Not that it works very long. Good luck!

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    1. You are so right! I remember my kids pounding on the bathroom door to tattle on someone, little fingers peeking under the door. And yes, when I try to sneak out to my desk out on the porch, it doesn't take them long to find me.

      Thanks for your good wishes and note here at Adventures in Writing. Happy New Year!

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  20. Your quandary reminds me of what Virginia Woolf says about a woman needing "a room of one's own" in order to write fiction. I hope you're able to carve out that space for yourself in 2018. Headphones, a schedule and a good lock can be a start. :-)

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    1. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Laurel! You are so right about a good lock. A dead bolt would be best! The family gets into my face, so headphones don't work too well.

      Thanks so much for your good wishes and comment at Adventures in Writing. Please visit again!

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  21. It sounds like they need a hobby or work to do so they don't keep bothering you while you're writing. Best of luck!

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    1. Yes, but it never seems they can work together or separately without my being fully involved, too. Oh well.

      Thank you so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing, Cherie. It's greatly appreciated.

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  22. I feel your pain. I sometimes daydream about the day when my darlings are in college and my hubby is away on business and the house is mine all mine...and then one of my chipmunks starts banging on the door for food. Yes, really. There is no true escape.

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    1. And then your children don't go away to college, but rather commute, and your husband's business travelling days are over. I don't have chipmunks asking for food, but I do have a parakeet who never shuts up.

      Nuts! You're right. There is no true escape. We need to just live and work with it. Thanks so much for your comment here on Adventures in Writing. All the best to you!

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  23. It is like they have a writing detection device. You sit down and finally settle in working on your writing instead of some other project and instantly everyone needs a moment of your time. I completely understand. Just keep at it and you will continue with your success. Congratulations on your new publication!

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    1. Seriously, Erika, I think the chair is wired directly to their "I need something now" brain sensors.

      Thank you so much for your good wishes. They are greatly appreciated. It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Have a good week!

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  24. A deserted island with internet service. I could sure use one of those. best wishes for a smashing success with your writing.

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    1. Wouldn't it be great, Stephen? Imagine...everything a writer needs without the interruptions.

      Thanks for your good wishes. Here's hoping. All the best to you in 2018. Thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing. It's appreciated.

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  25. I guess I can't complain about my cats interrupting every time I want to write. Or do anything on the computer. I can lock them out of the room!

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  26. You mean they don't scratch and cry to get in? My Mom's cat does that. My children giggle the doorknob. And my husband made a key. Nuts! There's no peace in this world sometimes.

    Thanks so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing, Diane. It's greatly appreciated. Enjoy your week!

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  27. Your post gave me a smile. It's nice to be wanted, even though you need quiet time to write. They feed your inspiration without even knowing it. There is no solution, only perseverance ;)

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  28. This is so true, Lynda. My children and our camping adventures shared at http://campingwithfivekids.blogspot.com are definitely my inspiration for the YA adventure stories I write and sell. Here's hoping for a little quiet time in 2018.

    It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Lynda. I wish you all the best in 2018.

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