No Time to Write

Life has thrown some unexpected twists in my path recently. Some small and some far too big (and scary) for my liking.

The biggest thing is that my mom has been in and out of the hospital for the last ten days. When we initially took her in, she was on the verge of having a heart attack. Fortunately, we got her there in time, and a heart attack was avoided. Nonetheless, this has been a scary and difficult experience (especially after having lost my dad just five years ago). I am not ready to lose another parent.

I am exhausted beyond belief, so I'm going to make this brief and call it a night. Obviously, with my mom's present state of health, my writing has been put on the back burner. But as soon I get back into the swing of things, I'll be in touch....probably in a few days. I just wanted to check in with everybody and let you know what I have been up to. See you soon!

When the Muse Disappears

The long weekend was a welcome break to get some rest, have fun, and spend some quality time with family. It sure went by quickly, though! Now it's back to work...but I'm having a slight problem.

I. Can't. Focus. At. All. (A few days away from work, and my brain has already turned to mush.)

So what to do?

Well, it's simple really. I am a writer...so I need to sit down and write.

Since I was thinking about this and struggling with it right now, I thought I'd share my tips (for staying motivated) with you.

Sure, it may be a little difficult to start, but usually getting started is the hardest part. Just sit down and put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

Sometimes it helps to try mixing it up a bit - work on an article that I find really interesting, or conduct an interview, or even follow up on submissions. Or maybe write a blog post. :)

If that doesn't work, try taking a ten minute break, and play with the kids. Be completely in the moment and totally focus on them. Then, go back to work. Usually, a quick break leaves me feeling refreshed and sometimes even sparks some new ideas.

Another option (that almost never fails) is to get up and stretch for a few minutes. Take a quick walk or even do some jumping jacks to really wake up and get your blood moving.

Healthy snacking also helps me to stay energized. As a chocoholic, it is SO difficult for me not to gorge myself on unhealthy food choices, but I notice a huge difference (in my ability to stay awake, stay focused and write as well as in my productivity) when I incorporate more whole grains, fruits, and veggies into my diet.

Lastly, but quite importantly, drink plenty of water. Becoming dehydrated can make you extremely tired and can make it difficult for you to focus. I keep a water bottle on my desk at all times, and make sure that I get in at least eight cups of water every day.

Well, I have an article to finish (one that I've been putting off for far too long!), so I'd better get back to work now.

Living a Life Full of Miracles

I subscribe to C. Hope Clark's Funds for Writer's Newsletter (which I highly recommend!). This quote is in the current issue, and I just thought it was so good that I had to share it:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as
though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though
everything is a miracle."

-- Albert Einstein

As a mother and as a writer, this rings too true!

Operation Potty Project

Just checking in to say that I'm still here. I haven't had much spare time in the last week because I'm in the process of potty training my 27 month old son, which has been tough and not very successful.

However, I have been making time to participate in the Writer Mama back to school giveaway. I participated in it last year, and learned so much from it. Also, it's a great opportunity to meet other writer mamas. I've stumbled across some awesome blogs and websites through the giveaway. So if you're not already participating, you should definitely check it out!

I will try to get back to posting soon, but until then you should be able to find me at the Writer Mama Riffs. See you there!

Participate in the WM Back To School Giveaway

For the third year in a row, The Writer Mama, Christina Katz, is giving away thirty books in thirty days. All you have to do to participate is answer the question that Christina will pose daily. One lucky winner will win each day. There is no limit to how many times you can enter. The drawing is for U.S. residents. You don’t have to be a mom, but of course, the event is created with moms in mind, so please tell all the writer mamas you know! See ya in September at http://thewritermama.wordpress.com.

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."

Earl Nightingale
1921-1989, Author and Radio Announcer

Write Often = Write Well

Just read an interesting "tweet" on twitter that I thought was worth posting:

Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you’re doomed.
RAY BRADBURY@advicetowriters

Good advice! I think there should always be more of a focus on quality than on quantity, but I think that it is very true that the more you write, the better you will write.

For this reason, I recently decided that, no matter what happened in my day (pending a real life or death emergency), I will always write at least 500 words each day. (I realize that 500 words is pitiful, but I figured that if I set a small goal, I might actually stick with it.) Since deciding this, I have seen some real benefits, especially because once I get started, it's pretty easy to keep going.

I must now get back to work, but will you leave you with a final thought.

If you want to be a good writer, you have to write. A lot. And often. Have a good weekend!