The Time to Write

The Time to Write

by Vivian Teresa Beck

Have you ever felt you were on a treadmill, running as fast as you can, but never getting anywhere? The harder you work towards your goals, the most obstacles seem to block you path? Your daughter's class needs a driver for their class field trip to Cactus Joe's Reptile Farm? The Booster Club ask you to bake twelve dozen of Aunt Sara's strudel cupcakes? Your boss wants you to work late. Again?

The list is endless and before you know it, the time you've set aside for writing has been gobbled up with other obligations. Resentment simmers inside us. We try to ignore that little voice inside our heads whispering, "You should have said NO!"

I'm speaking from experience here, folks. Over the years I've been a Brownie Leader, a Den Mother, and a team mother for learning league football, baseball, and basketball. If something needed to be done, everyone knew they could call on "good old Vivian!" The word NO was not in my vocabulary.

A story kept rolling around inside my head, I even dreamed about it while sleeping. At the time I worked full time, had three teenagers in high school, and a semi-retired husband who demanded a lot of my time. Looking over my schedule, I couldn't seem to squeeze in the time to write. Finally, desperate to get my story down on paper, I gave up three hours of sleep each night to write

I finished my first book, then queried agents and editors. Exhausted in both body and spirit, I was unprepared for the rejection letters that filled my mailbox. Doubts set in, and I began to wonder if I really had what it took to make it in today's tight market.

It took a chance comment from my husband, and the encouragement of two very dear friends to set me on the right path. My husband in his on quiet way reminded me about setting priorities. Then Cheryl Ferguson and Chloe Mitchell took time from their busy schedules to call and let me know I wasn't alone.

Habits of a lifetime aren't changed overnight. First, we must take a long, hard look within ourselves and decide what is it that we want most. If you decide that writing is your top priority, use your creativity to find alternatives to saying "NO." For instance, instead of baking cupcakes ask if you may make a donation? Learn to allocate and enlist the aide of your immediate family when it's necessary to fulfill family obligations.

Still can't say no? Then do what I did, buy and answering machine and screen your calls. Take time for yourself, you deserve the time to write.

Happy writing!

Page uploaded: May 12th, 2003

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