A Day in the Life of a Writer

Okay, not that I actually know what a NORMAL day in a writer's life looks like. BUT, for the first time since I can remember in forever, I have a full day off with nothing that I HAVE to do - other than go to my chiropractor appointment. Which I did. I have comp time from my work trip last week because I worked so many hours, and get both Friday (today) and Monday off - no PTO required.

So, I have decided to use both days to experiment in the life of a writer, pretend I am a full-time writer and see if I actually enjoy sitting for hours and working on writing-related things. Two days seem like an entire world to me, and yet, at the same time, not quite enough time. I mean, I not only have 3 books I want to work on, I want to do short stories, writing exercises, writing books, writer's digest, blog posts, find places to submit short stories or flash fiction, work on nonfiction articles for company newsletter, and of course, am wondering if I can stay the course when I have more than half an hour to do whatever I like.

So far, I've made a sort of schedule: write 500 words in book I am currently most enthralled with (my 2017 NaNo novel), read an article in writer's digest, 500 words, writing exercise, 500 words, article, 500 words, etc. We shall see how this works. I've been at it for one hour and 15 minutes and am already going off schedule to do a blog post, but still feeling energized and excited for the hours ahead. The atmosphere of a coffee shop helps too. Other people chatting or writing or studying - and the addition of coffee at my side - it just FEELS like I need to be writing. I love it.

Anyway, now that I have shared my joy with you all, I shall go back and finish up the 300 words still due on the 500 word spurt.

Faithfulness in the small things

Believe it or not, I am still working on my NaNo Novel. Very slowly - I am only at 20 thousand something words - but I am determined to finish it. Both because I have people asking me to finish it and because I want to show myself I can do it. What I should really do is pretend it is November and make myself write 1667 words every day. But instead I am writing here and there.

Lately, I have been trying to write more. Because - the other day I was praying. And I was asking God to bless my writing and to please help me get published this year. And a verse came to mind - or was it when I was reading my Bible next? - either way - that verse, Luke 16:10a: He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much. . . .

And I was officially convicted as I felt God prod me, with words something along the lines of the following: You are asking for publication, yet you are unwilling to spend even a few minutes every day writing. I have blessed you with both the ability and desire to write, but you play games on your phone instead. Why do you ask for more when you have not even used what I give you?

Well, that was sufficient to silence me. And so I have been striving to be faithful with little that God may trust me with much. Sometimes that has still meant only one sentence a day - as in the past couple days - but even pulling the story out briefly helps me maintain view of where I am and reminds me of what I need to do.

So remember - build from the bottom up. Every little bit helps.