Sneaking Writing In

One of the special things about being a writer is that you can work from practically anywhere. For instance, this is one of the first times that I’ve sat down at my desk in the last few weeks.

Goal-wise for this month I knew that writing times would be hard to come by, so I planned accordingly on paper. But, for some reason, that “knowing” didn’t quite reach my brain. As the month nears the end though, I can look back at my goals and go “Ah-ha! This month did go as planned.”

In February I lugged my computer all over the place with me. I took it to work (and brought it inside to keep it warm) just in case I was snowed-in away from home. I took it to my best friend’s house while babysitting. I took it to my “adopted” parent’s house while visiting. I squirreled it around my office.

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I worked on writing with friends hanging out in my office. I worked on writing while cloistered away because I needed a bit of quiet time. I worked on writing while keeping one eye on the clock so I could jump up at the last minute and race to work. I worked on writing while my best friend was in labor.

I worked on writing while holding her new baby and reading and singing with her other daughter. I worked on writing while listening to my adopted dad play the mandolin. I worked on writing when my brain was tired and I just wanted to sleep. I worked on writing while feeling all bright and chipper in the morning.

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This month I didn’t accomplish a lot when it came to writing. I had to sneak in moments to blog and edit. To answer comments and emails. To even sit down at my computer with a brain that felt halfway compatible for working.

And do you know what? It was a good month. It was a very life-filled month. It was a month where I didn’t hit any milestones with writing, but I kept at it. Being a writer isn’t only what I do, it’s also part of who I am. But it’s not all of who I am, and therefore I need to be flexible when the occasion for flexibility arises.

February was a good month. It wasn’t stellar, but when I had time and could muster the energy to write, I redeemed that time and made it count. And sometimes that’s what writing is about. Not about hitting personal records, but instead about being aware of what and when and how I can pull out my computer and type away.

Writing isn’t always easy. Nor is it always fun. But I am a writer, and therefore I will write.

4 thoughts on “Sneaking Writing In

  1. adrianvstheworld says:

    I’ve always felt writing meant being sneaky. Because so much of life pulls us away. We have another job, other obligations, errands, etc., which means we gotta get creative and write in-between. It means not being able to make our monthly quotas, but I feel like that’s okay. It gives us something to chase. It’s not about hitting a mark per se, but finding satisfaction wherever you end up. I myself made a makeshift station on my bed, which I am still figuring out because I fall asleep within the hour. But hey, it’s still an hour of writing I got in!

    This was enormously inspiring. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lydia Howe says:

      Good job for getting writing in, even in the midst of everything else. That is really wonderful. Keep up the great work! And thank you for stopping by my blog – it’s always encouraging to hear from other writers. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Bekah says:

    Yep, sometimes you do have to sneak that writing/editing work in SOMEWHERE in the busyness of life. But that’s okay. Like, I wanted to be able to publish my 7th book this month, but it didn’t work out due to my being sick a couple times this month and some traveling and work and life in general. And I have had to learn that that’s okay! I work on writing/editing when I can and I have fun with it! Sometimes in the busy seasons of life getting to write/and or edit is a privilege! Haha.
    -Bekah

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lydia Howe says:

      Aww, sorry that you were sick, that’s no fun! And yes – it’s important to learn when to let go of goals and when to push through to accomplish them. I’m glad that you can have fun with your writing and editing. That seriously makes a huge difference! There are times when I don’t feel the fun of the task, and then it’s a lot harder to sneak it in.

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