Welcome back! I am so happy you chose to spend some of your valued time with me. I know you are all busy, and that makes this visitation all the more special.
Time . . . valued time . . . limited time . . . and what we do with it.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.” H. L. Hunt
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“How will I ever get everything done and still write? I need about ten more hours each day to get everything on my list accomplished, and then I might have time to write my book.”
I’m paraphrasing something that has been said numerous times to me. The frustration grows as the hours diminish and the results fall short of expectations. Something has to be done, but what?
There are some activities that cannot be neglected. We have to take care of ourselves and our families. That’s a given and really it should be the number one priority for all writers.
After we have taken care of that priority, we then take a look at our list. What is most important? If writing the book is most important, more important than writing articles and writing blog entrees and reading books on writing, then put that at the top of your list and devote time to it. If that means you won’t write an article that week, or you won’t get to your blog, then so be it. You are only human and you only have a limited number of hours . . . so use those hours wisely, chasing after that which is most important to you. It’s amusing to watch a dog chase its tail. It is not nearly as amusing watching a human being do it.
IN SEARCH OF PERFECTION
We are never going to attain it, so give up the quest.
Of course we all want to produce the best possible work, but I’ve got a news flash for you: it will always fall short of perfection, no matter what we do.
The best any writer can hope for, after finishing an article or a book, is to be able to say “that’s the best work I can do at this moment.”
And then we move on!
A REQUEST
A dear writing friend recently asked me if she could guest-blog on this site. Of course I said yes because, well, she’s a dear friend and I believe we should all do the same.
Some people aren’t getting the message. I follow a lot of blogs, and very few of them actually have guest bloggers, and very few of them actually promote other writers. I don’t know why that is, and I’m trying real hard not to pass judgment. I will simply say I think it is vital that we all support each other in a very tangible way.
What goes around, my friends, comes around.
GOTTA RUN
But before I do, I invite you to pay a visit to another of my talented friends, Sally. Now I don’t know a thing about arts and crafts, but Sally is the Queen of wet-felting, and I love the detail of her instructions. If you want to know how to write a craft article, a very specific craft article even a simpleton like me can follow, then check out Sally’s website.
Have a great week and don’t forget to prioritize!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Great post Bill. While you mention it, I am looking for guest bloggers for my site too.
Greg, I’m always willing to guest blog…tell me what you need, a few guidelines, and I’ll be there.
Bill, you know the theme of the blog and you are a fabulous writer. I will leave it completely up to you and 800 or more words means $20 to your Paypal. I am so swamped, I just don’t have time my friend.
Thanks for the reminder to indeed prioritize with our writing and for always being so forthcoming with your advice to us here and in your own writing. Happy Tuesday now and wishing you a wonderful afternoon and evening ahead now, Bill!! 🙂
Happy Tuesday, Janine. I hope the storm didn’t affect you too much…stay safe, my friend, and thank you!
Awww! There is no doubt about it, you are a real sweetheart! No time in the world to do all the things you need to find time to do and yet what do you do, make a little gesture of kindness to a fellow writer. Thank you, Billy:) Happy Valentines day!
It is my pleasure, Sally! That’s what friends do for each other. Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend.
HI Bill. You always make me feel good when I visit your blog. Thank you!
Well Audrey, that’s about the nicest thing you could tell me. Thank you!
Always the giver Bill, you rock! Sally is a wonderful writer, crafter and supporter of others, a great idea to guest blog! Have an eventful and fun week my friend xx
Thank you Irish! You can guest blog on my site any old day.
Hugs from across the Pond
bill
Bill, I needed to read that post, as I’m having really big difficulties in prioritizing at the moment. My brain is like a hummingbird that can’t keep its wings still! I love writing, I love blogging and spending time interacting with other bloggers, I love my family and spending time with them, I love all sorts of things but am not settling to any one of them. I also need to earn some money — probably proofreading, since I’m qualified to do that D: If only I could be as organised as Stephen King, who spends the first two hours of his day writing and then does other things for the rest of the day. But then he is married to a writer, who understands that this is the way he wants to organise his day!
PS When I’ve read your latest book, I’ll invite you over to my blog again, this time for an author interview 🙂
Sarah, for those of us, like King, organizing like that is the most natural thing in the world…for those of you who are “normal,” LOL it is bizarre at best. I do think you are in the majority, and I also think you’ll do fine prioritizing when the time is right. As for the interview, thank you so much. I look forward to it.
Bill
Have you got a ‘spycam’ on me? Feels that way!
You described exactly what frustration has taught me to do. I’ve got to the point that as long as I write a chapter each week, the ‘withdrawal symptoms’ are held at bay.
By the way, I’ve created an FB page related to the first novel, anyone is welcome to post anything there related to the genre.
Blessings
Lawrence
Lawrence no, no spycam, but definitely empathy for any writer. I’ll try and find your Facebook page later this morning…thanks for the direction, and blessings always.
This sounds like me. With one exception, I don’t want an extra ten hours a day. I know me. I would use the extra time to just putter around, not really do anything worthwhile yet somehow convincing myself I have.
I do have trouble prioritising though. I never used to but I do now and that’s just the way it is. It’s especially difficult during my mid-winter slump when it takes all my energy just to get up and get dressed. That’s why I’ve asked my husband to write up a schedule for me. I’ve given him a list of the tasks I wish to accomplish Mon-Fri, leaving the weekends open for guilt-free indulgences. (Silly stuff like doing more family activities, reading, cooking, going for walks etc.) I should have that by tomorrow.
Lately, I’ve been hearing the voices of characters I created so long ago calling me. They new insights for me and wish me to continue their story. I didn’t realise how much I missed them. This is a writer’s thing, right? Has that ever happened to you?
It is a writer’s thing, Zulma, and it happens to me all of the time. 🙂 Either we are both crazy or it’s perfectly normal. LOL
As for your mid-winter slump, I think it is a great idea to have your husband involved in getting you back on track. The good news is you realize what’s happening, you reached out for assistance, and you have a spouse willing to help. That’s a win-win-win affair.
Thanks for sharing, my friend, and Happy Sunday to you.
Big Bro – always enjoy your posts! Sorry I’m a little late in getting here: right after Valentine’s I got all sick, my sister went into ICU with blood clots (she’s fine and is now home), I had a meeting with the associate superintendent and stakeholders of our grant to update them and talk about the end of our grant (and possibly my job…which is bittersweet), and, finally, a field trip with the after school students on Friday night…WHEW! Needless to say, I was kind of a zombie all weekend and am finally catching up.
I enjoyed your read and it’s that support from fellow writers and the blogging community that keeps me going. Seriously. The friendships with those I’ve never met rival the real life ones such that I can’t ever just “walk away.” The meaningful interactions with people behind the words are so incredibly important to me.
One day Ima gonna drive out to Washington and say hello. I’m hoping soon!
Sending you hugs, sweet friend! Hope all those avian friends of yours are also doing well. 🙂
Lil Sis, I’m tired just reading about your days. LOL Seriously, you and hubby, get in that car, and point it west. I’ll see you in four days. Drive safely! LOL
Hey, Bill. I seldom get as far as commenting on this blog, though I do read your posts as often as you publish them. Just want to let you know how much I enjoy them. Sally’s site is awesome, too! I’ll have to find ways to offer guest bloggers opportunities on my WP blog site. Trying to keep up the writing with new relevant content is challenging, so having guest bloggers does us all good! ~:0)
Hi Karen, I appreciate you taking the time to comment and you are correct, I believe, that guest blogging helps us all.
Just Re-blogged a friend’s post. Felt good to pass along good blogging!
Thank you for doing that, Karen.. have a great Sunday!
Today a co-worker and I were talking. She mentioned that she hasn’t painted (she’s actually a very good artist) in a long time; that she used to paint all the time. I told her she will when her muse taps her shoulder and whispers in her ear. I relayed to her that her talent isn’t dead, it’ll always be there, just like my writing. I know my creative days are far from over. I’m simply taking a break. Something we all need to do from time to time.
Well-stated, Sha! Your advice is right on as always. Creativity never dies, and I find that comforting and I know you do as well. Thanks for sharing that, my friend.