Kicking the Habit

In a perfect world, every freelancer would work solidly through the workday, plowing through projects and checking things off that to-do list with the precision of a well-oiled machine. If this describes you, consider yourself my new hero. I envy those freelancers who have stretches (even chunks) of uninterrupted time to simply get it done.

Unfortunately, the reality for most of us is that we all have those bad habits that creep into even the most structured routines. Whether they’re time sucks or work styles, we all have those quirks that somehow develop and are hard to kick.

So ‘fess up—what bad habits are you currently trying to get under control?

I have to admit, procrastination has become a real problem for me lately. There was a time not very long ago where I was handing in assignments days, even an entire week, early. Now, I ‘ve been noticing that I get assignments in right under the wire. Not to make excuses, but with everything I’ve been juggling lately, writing has taken a backseat, so my schoolwork and, you know, having a life has taken precedence. I had to go back to working the writing projects back into my weekly routine. It’s amazing—you reduce or cut something out of your life, and the other things fill that gap in no time at all! I’m hoping to have considerably more time to spend on whatever writing projects come my way over the holidays. And of course, curbing my social media usage is an ongoing challenge.

So let’s hear it. Any bad writing habits you’re willing to share?

No Time? No Excuse!

I’m the first to admit that I’m a busy person. My schedule is pretty unforgiving, but since I mostly bring it on myself, I can’t blame anyone else. I work some downtime into the calendar, sure, but usually at the expense of time I could’ve used to do work.

And not just writing work, either. My projects have taken a backseat to my grad class and the comp class I’m teaching at the community college, so most of my “free” time has been spent reading, writing papers, grading, or prepping for my next few weeks’ worth of classes. In between all of that, I work full-time and am president of my local writers’ group. Besides all of my presidential duties, I write and edit the group’s newsletter and we’re in the thick of planning our spring conference. Any time left over is for writing/interviewing/querying, hanging with the b.f., friends, and family. Oh, and reading. Jam-packed? You betcha! Do I ever think of ditching what I truly love (writing and teaching) for the sake of some extra time? NO! I've just simply learned to make it all work.

I’ve gotten used to buzzing through my weeks at a killer pace, so when I stop to think about everything I accomplish in a week, it’s sometimes mind-boggling. So when I hear people say, “Eh, I don’t have time to sit and write”, it makes me so mad! Okay, so the only missing element of my schedule that many other folks have is kids, but my b.f. has a son and the three of us spend a lot of time together, so in a way, I do have that, too. And I make it work. The assignments get done, the queries get sent, and the payments come in. I feel that if you truly love something, you’ll make the time for it.

Where do you make the time in your day to write?