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There's something dorky in the word Buffoon, wouldn't you agree? I think of a clown with balloony pants who can't hold things as it slips through his fingers.
While I don't wear balloony pants, things do slip through my fingers. Time doesn't like me right now and I'm overwhelmed with projects begging for attention as well as family. Ever since I had this wonderful baby, I've been forgetful! On top of that, when I have a bit of time--during babykins' nap times, I scramble about wondering what project needs my attention. I create a checklist and check off the squares.
Okay, babykins is asleep--get set, go!
So every project fights with each other, vying for my attention. Pick me, no, pick me! Soon, I succumb to the sinking feeling of ... Do I write a post about my writing process for an upcoming bloghop along with finding 3 friends who are willing to participate (a huge project for my little buffoon brain), or do I write the book that needs to be done by October, or edit a book I've been promising to for the past year?
Okay, babykins is asleep--get set, go!
So every project fights with each other, vying for my attention. Pick me, no, pick me! Soon, I succumb to the sinking feeling of ... Do I write a post about my writing process for an upcoming bloghop along with finding 3 friends who are willing to participate (a huge project for my little buffoon brain), or do I write the book that needs to be done by October, or edit a book I've been promising to for the past year?
Also, I am at a seeming impasse: though I have signed a few contracts with my publisher and have yet to hear from the editors, I wonder how I would carry on with my time scarcity and babykins once the books release; I let it slide and not worry. They'll get it to me when they get it to me. I'll worry when the time comes. Meanwhile, how do I market myself with only a single book over 2 years old? I feel so squashed as it is with my Buffoonness that I don't know where to start or when to end.
How do you handle all your projects, time, and self without the expense of insanity?
Is this baby a BOY by any chance? I could SWEAR when my son was born my memory abandoned me and has never return. I blame testosterone. Or that HE got it--he's wicked smart. That is about the time I got easily distracted, too... lost my capacity to multi-task... so I hear you! I'd like to tell you it gets better, but... um... you have my sympathy, anyway! (you will work out ways around it)
ReplyDeleteHart, yes, he is a boy! Hehe... Gotta love these boys and I have three of them. I honestly can't remember how it was with my other 2 or with my girls. :P Thanks for the encouragement, I feel hopeful! <3
DeleteI have two books, one for 'next actions' those that can be managed in a day, another 'long term'. Once all is written down and nothing left in my head, things are calm.
ReplyDeleteOoh, great idea to write them down. Get them out on paper so that the head gets to be calm. I do love checklists, let them carry all the thought of keeping track! xox
DeleteYou just do whatever the next thing is, and keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteJust keep swimming, just keep swimming! Great sentiment, thanks, Stu!
DeleteLuckily I'm only working on one book at the moment, but then there's blogging, and networking, and finding out what exactly I want to do with my life! I have to make checklists every day, too...but I don't always get everything done...
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic to hear. It's scary to have more than one book out, that's what I get for hoarding them all these past years. Ohun...
DeleteI wish I had an answer for you, but I'm in the same boat. I see all my todos, can't figure out where to start (because nothing seems like an easy finish) and end up doing nothing. Maybe the key is to randomly pick some item and do it, then repeat.
ReplyDeleteJeff, that happens to me a LOT! I love what you said. Yes, picking at random is better than nothing, isn't it? xD
DeleteHi Elizabeth, take things one at a time. There is no need to rush. Just make it a point of writing a little everyday and slowly getting back your writing groove. Everything else will fall in place Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rachna! Wise words from a wise friend. I get into the habit of worrying too much. x(
DeleteWhew! Sounds like you have a lot going on, Elizabeth! But a checklist is a good start, right? At least you can get satisfaction out of crossing things off the list :-)
ReplyDeleteTrue, true! Gotta keep that list handy and remember to create the list to begin with. lol
DeleteThe only baby I have is the epic fantasy screaming for attention when I have a third book to finish in a series and the second book to edit. And *curses* marketing. GAHHHH
ReplyDeleteOoo, looks like you have ... TRIPLETS!!! xD As for marketing, oh, yes, I hear your pain!!!
DeleteYou have so much to work on, you don't know where to begin - I can relate! Just start at the top of the list and work your way down.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Alex. Thanks! :D
DeleteIt's so challenging having little ones and trying to maintain a visual presence and creativity career. Hang in there and enjoy it! I have many irons in the fire too. I just try to do the best I can, which on some days, means simply taking a rest.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, thank you. I love what you say and I feel that you know exactly what I'm feeling. And I've never considered resting as part of my to do list, excellent advice!!! <3
DeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I fear we let the time slip by so easily...and our lists are left behind unattended.
Yes, so true. I bet being an editor can be especially tough because you're busy attending other books while yours take a step back. Maybe not, I could be wrong. Thanks for dropping by! :)
DeleteI can honestly say that my brain fell out when I got pregnant. It took a really long time for it to come back, but it DID come back.
ReplyDeleteKeep moving forward!
Heather
LOL, Heather! My brain is playing hide-and-go-seek at the moment. Some days I feel intelligent, others, lost. hehe
DeleteSounds like you are very busy! When I'm busy I definitely make lists and try to keep organized that way. I also find monthly goals help motivate me. I share them on my blog at the beginning of each month so I can be held accountable and share about how the last month went.
ReplyDeleteKeep going - you can do it! Enjoy the time with your little one and take things as they come!
Ooh, nice way to list your goals for the month. I love that!!! I'll have to try that, too. Thank you! <3
DeleteHonestly, I just push on. Last night, I was up till 1 AM because of 3 blog posts that just had to be written, and I didn't have time to write. I like to have a schedule, so I know what I can do and what I can't. There are some days when I can't blog, and some days when I can't write. When it gets out of hand... well. I end up being up till 1 AM.
ReplyDelete- Sabrina
Oh, I do that a lot to. Having to prioritize and sleep ends up lacking.
DeleteUh, I have become absolutely insane. No doubt about it. Now I'm just trying to come to terms with it. There's got to be a way for the insanity to work for me. Like that card game Cards Against Humanity. A nonsensical answer exists to this question that is so obvious that I haven't selected it from the random cards in my hand yet, but I will.
ReplyDeleteBuahahaha! So true!
DeleteNot about your being insane, but about the nonsensical answer existing to this question. :)
DeleteYes -> "Just keep swimming."
ReplyDeleteI'm focusing on edits right now, although I really want to start on my next project.
I thinking breaking it up by days, or focus on one thing every week might help.
hehe... Starting the next project is like eating desert first. Editing is having to eat your liver! But we know what eating liver does to us--makes us healthy (the book is better with editing!) ;)
DeleteWell, I'm afraid I have no advice. I'm mired in an edit of a chapter I just can't get right. What should have taken me a few days has turned into weeks. I'll never get this WIP ready for my agent, and I have no babykins taking my time. I just can't get it together. Good luck getting all your projects together. One step at a time, no matter how long it takes, right?
ReplyDeleteI loved your IWSG on time, that was valuable advice in itself, Lexa. Thank you!!! :D
DeleteLexa, sorry to hear about the editing heartache! I wish I could help you, but right now, the editors have JUST gotten back a few books to me and I have a deadline of 2 weeks. YIKES!!! Let me hide in a corner and swallow myself up...
DeleteYes, I've learned that with publishing. You'll often go months, hearing nothing. You just have to move on to other projects (and your baby!) and then deal with the revisions when they arrive in your inbox. Publishing is definitely a game of hurry up and wait.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the best person to give advice here because I'll forego sleep to get it all done.
ReplyDelete