So it's my first proper IWSG post for a couple of months, although I thank you for the messages that were left on my placeholder post last month. I'm not going to dwell too much on COVID-19 because I think it's good to talk about other things, but I'll just say that we're all still doing OK here while keeping an eye on the news and the talk of coming out of lockdown - a far more worrisome prospect than being in it for us, and although it's pretty safe to say schools won't resume until at least after the summer in Scotland, it's very hard to picture it (although things are going to look different, that's for sure). Youngest daughter is set to start high school in August, a transition that's tricky at the best of times. Like with this entire mess, we're just going to have to wait to see how it pans out, and we're not going to be doing anything we're not comfortable with.
Let's turn to this month's IWSG question, which is: Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?
No rituals as such, but the best thing I can do is remind myself that my writing is time-limited. Despite the lockdown, my routine hasn't changed a great deal and I'm being kept plenty busy with freelancing work (thankfully), so I'm able to carve out thirty minutes to an hour in the morning for writing - basically until the dogs ask to get up for breakfast! After that I'm dealing with work and I'm in a different mindset, so the time is gone if I don't use it. At this particular time, I'm also in a "relatively new and shiny WIP" phase and I'm enjoying finding out where this story is going, which always helps. If you wake up excited about writing, it becomes much easier.
So that's where I am. How about you? Any rituals to share? How are you coping with things overall? Many more IWSG posts can be found by clicking here.
28 comments:
My routine hasn't changed all that much either, but I have been trying to work on writing for at least a half hour every day.
It's always so much fun when the WIP is shiny and new.
Glad you all are doing okay overall!
This is such a great reminder - "If you wake up excited about writing, it becomes much easier."
I am glad you are enjoying your new WIP. Thank you for your kind comment.
That's great that you have freelance work. I'm grateful to still have my contract writing job which keeps me pretty busy too.
I love it when the WIP is all new and shiny and full of hope! It's the best feeling.
That is really good freelance work is keeping you busy. Just keep cramming in a little time for your own in the morning.
I hear you on the time-sneaking ;). My day job was able to move me to home for work--but that means 40 hours of day job are now in my writing place! I grab what time I can. Nice post!
It's good that you still have Freelance, and exiting to hear about a new shiny project. It's a scary world out there at the moment. Keep well :)
Aw, such a big deal starting high school. I feel awful for kids like your daughter - current eighth graders, seniors in high school and in college. These are once in a lifetime events. Let's hope that the future will make it up to them. <3 Glad to hear you and yours are doing okay.
My routine, since I'm disabled and work from home, hasn't changed at all. For the people whose routines have changed, I feel for them.
Stay safe and healthy!
My routine hasn't changed, since I was already a full-time writer. My concentration, though, is shot. Whereas I used to aim for 2K words a day, now I count it as a success if I reach 500.
Having a new and shiny WIP must be exciting. It's a great way to wind up these days of lock down! Glad to hear you're dong well in the health department.
I feel I'm coping quite well. I'm so much of an introvert that I never went out much anyway.
Anna from elements of emaginette
A new WIP and freelance work is good.
Our state is ready to come out of lock down, but I don't blame you for being concerned. The UK got hit hard.
So glad you're getting freelance work to keep the juices flowing. Being excited about writing does make it easier!
My routine hasn't changed much. Hubs is disabled, so everything revolves around his care, now, and as before. I fit in my writing time as it presents itself and I'm happy for that.
It's been an interesting time, that's for sure.
The future is so up in the air. I feel bad for the kids who are missing milestones at school. Glad you got to keep your routine.
I love that phase of a WIP when it's shiny and new and writing is full of discovery.
My life has not changed much due to Covid-19 either. Just less pay for same amount of work. I'm hoping all the advertising of things will get better soon is not just wishful thinking.
I really miss restaurants.
Its good to have have a routine for writing. My routine is your basic whenever I can spare the time. I would love to retire and have the time to write. Of course, I'd probably just find things to distract myself with.
Stay safe and sane Nick.
Am glad to hear about the freelance work. Helps keep sane in these crazy times too!
Love the "new and shiny WIP" stage in writing. About to enter it myself soon. Good luck finding your way through it! :)
Glad to hear you're doing okay. Stressful times. Your comment about waiting and seeing what will happen (your daughter entering high school) pretty much sums up what we're all doing--waiting and seeing what will happen. Hang in there.
I love that "relatively new and shiny WIP" phrase. Definitely know the feeling. Wishing you all the best with all of your writing endeavors. Glad to hear everything is going well for you.
Anne from annehiga.com
I've been toying with the idea of writing in the morning before everyone else is up. It would certainly be nice to have a reason to get out of bed right now. You know what? I'm doing it tomorrow!
I hope everything goes well for your daughter in August.
Good to have that morning time, uncluttered. And good that you can be disciplined enough to jump right into the writing. I'm also happily in that "new and shiny" project, blending research with writing, but, being retired, now have the luxury of all day. Still, the morning remains my best writing time. I think you may be right that our world will change irrevocably. Hope you and yours stay safe, healthy, and find something to cherish every day.
Hi Nick - good to read your pragmatic notes on the present situation and that you're all well. I'm glad you've got a project to think about ... while excellent that you've got some freelancing going on ... take care - enjoy the walks with the dogs and all the best - Hilary
Glad you and your family are doing well. For many of us with online jobs, not much as changed. I'm grateful for technology! It would have been very difficult to be without work for so long. I hope you continue to remain healthy!
I'm much like you, trying to carve out writing time while working at my 'real job.' Glad you and yours are well.
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