As my writing has become more a part of my everyday life (and less a brand-new-super-exciting-new-hobby), I find I'm having to make choices. Like every other part of my everyday life, I have to balance it along with everything else I do. As many of you have seen, I have three little boys (8, 5, and 3). I also have a husband that I LOVE spending time with, a full time job, two schools that I volunteer at, a church that I also volunteer at (and sit on the council), and all of the regular things that go along with home and family.
Consequently, I'm finding that I simply can not maintain the level of involvement that I started out with for writing and writing-related activities. What on earth was taking all my time? This blog, Twitter, reading and replying on MANY blogs, two critique groups, writing, revising, submitting, live chats, online conferences, and I even did an online webinar. Whew!
Obviously I'm not going to cut out the writing, revising and submitting. I would like to maintain this blog and my Twitter account (where I find TONS of useful writing info and news). I have several blogs that I read religiously and my critique groups are essential. And the other stuff is helping me learn about writing and improving my writing. So, what am I cutting out? Frequency of reading and commenting on blogs. Some of you may have already noticed me coming around less often. This doesn't mean I won't be reading - I just may be a week late sometimes. This doesn't mean I'll go silent. I just won't comment as much.
So, don't give up on me or think I'm ignoring you! Keep up all the awesome work, everyone!
You have a tremendous work load, I should sort out what is more important and go from there. :0)
ReplyDeleteWhy are you abandoning me?? :0) j/k
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I feel the same way. And I've noticed that people who blogged a lot (and tracked their writing progress on their blogs) didn't make much progress on their writing projects. The same people who now blog less often are writing a lot more. So you're in good company!
ReplyDeleteGood luck juggling your life. I know it's hard, but once you find the correct balance, it'll be pretty smooth from there. :-)
ReplyDelete<3 Gina Blechman
Good luck with sorting out your priorities!
ReplyDeleteI'm starting up a 'Critiquing Crusaders' program, where participants in the Second Crusade can find other writers to exchange critiques with or form critiquing circles. If you're interested, come by The Kelworth Files to check it out!
Well, good for you. We all have to prioritize and sometimes some things just have to go. I have two boys, aged 8 and 5. I can't imagine having a 3 year old, too. You must have so much energy!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more Megan. I don't know if anyone's noticed I haven't been going round quite so many blogs constantly when hubby was in Europe. It was impossible. I don't have any time in the evenings which makes it really hard fitting it all in. I don't see any need for people to apologise for not getting around so often, as the number of things we are subscribed to increases the quantity of time is split further than it used to be back when we started. Also we won't have time to blog hop like we have been doing when we're published, so it's not a bad thing to change our habits in preparation for being that busy. We've done the groundwork now it's time to focus on the manageable thing: writing. I wouldn't even worry about having the odd blog holiday, I'm sure having one with 14 weeks this year of either being visited by overseas family or visiting them.
ReplyDeleteBesides I want to spend all day on Moon Town Cafe :P lol
ReplyDeleteMegan, do pop over to my blog and claim your award, and don't bother about doing the rules if you'd rather not, very time consuming.
ReplyDelete