Internet: Friend or Foe

Have you noticed that spending time "doing research" can very easily start to take away from your actual writing time?  I know that research is necessary, but experience tells me that I can sometimes get carried away with it and neglect my writing as a result.  It is so difficult, though, to limit myself with such a wealth of information at my fingertips!  I have found so many useful sites that offer tips and a whole lot more about launching a successful writing career.  I don't want to cut myself off from good advice, but I also don't want to miss out on my writing time...so what to do? 

After brainstorming, I think I've found a simple solution.  Before stating the solution, I have to mention that I have not been able to successfully set a daily writing schedule for myself since the amount of writing time available for me each day varies, mainly according to my munchkin's schedules.  Without further ado, here is the solution: I will go about my writing projects in a specific order every day.  Let me explain.  Since setting specific time frames for writing projects feels like an impossible feat for me right now,  I will just tackle my writing projects in a way that will hopefully be conducive to being more productive.  For example, each day that I sit down at my computer (or pick up a pen and paper) the first thing I will do is work on the article that I wrote the day before.  After I have spent some time on that, I will start writing a new article.  Only after I have worked on both of those, will I check my email and work on my blog (both HUGE distractions for me.) 

Stated simply, I will tackle my daily projects in this order:

1) Finish up article started on previous day

2) Start new article

3) Check email

4) Work on blog

Tomorrow will be the beginning of this new schedule (if you can call it that.)  I'm hoping to eventually set time frames for myself, but first let's see how this goes. Wish me luck!

Coping With Loss

Parenting:

So I have already failed miserably at keeping my blog updated.  Thank goodness I started with the plan of taking baby steps forward!  I mean, can you imagine if I had planned on taking any giant leaps toward a writing career?!  

In my defense, a close family friend just passed away this week, and it's taken a big toll on everybody.  My kids are too young to know what's going on, but my eighteen month old son burst into tears the second my brother (who was obviously heartbroken) walked in the door.  He hardly ever cries so it was obvious he knew that something was wrong.  Besides my being devastated at the loss of my friend, I also feel horrible that my baby boy - who does not understand what is happening - is obviously aware of our pain.  I have just been trying to be extra cheerful for him with lots of smiles and extra hugs.  

Now comes the big question: do I take him to the funeral?  I know the family could really use my support at this time, but will it be too traumatic for my little guy?  My husband and I have not had a chance to discuss this yet so we'll see what happens after we think this through.  Any thoughts on this?  I'd love to hear them.

Writing: 

Well, there's my spiel on parenting.  In regard to writing, I must shamefacedly admit that I have not been productive at all this week.  I was on such a roll, too!  I had hoped that the emotional high I experienced after calling the editor of my local (monthly) paper would carry through to this week.  Although, I think that experiencing the loss of a friend is as legitimate an excuse as any. It really has been a tough week.  Oh well, I am determined to have a very productive weekend.