Working Through Fun
Posted on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 9 am by Yasmine Galenorn

One thing a lot of writers talk about is trying to work through a block, or a rough patch. But there’s another issue you face as a full time writer: Working when you want to be having fun. One of my best friends is here, I haven’t seen her in twelve years. She came in from out of country for a couple weeks. And yes, I’d love to just sit and talk to her nonstop but…but…

Work. There’s work and I can’t ignore it and I can’t just take time off because I’m on a deadline and the publishing schedule doesn’t give you leeway for “But I want to just take a week or so off and goof around even though I promise you the manuscript by such-and-such a date.”

So…yes, this is one of those times when I have to be an adult, schedule time off during the visit, and…still do the work. You see, in publishing? You don’t turn something in on time, you fuck up the publisher’s schedule, and you may push back the release of your books. Frankly, writers who angst or whine or slack off don’t make a very good name for themselves. Like any ‘regular’ job, if you don’t show up for work, and you don’t get things done on time, you won’t have that job much longer.

~grins~ So, yes, I am working. I work for awhile, then take part of the days off to hang out, and then I work after she goes to bed because I stay up later. Which means I’m not getting quite as much sleep but hey, it’s totally worth it.

You know, I was discussing with another writer-friend the other day, about the people who say “Why don’t you take a month off between books?” We had a good laugh over that.

Most people can’t just take a month off from their work when they decide they want to. Writing’s a career, it’s a job…it’s not a hobby for those of us who do it full-time. And those deadlines aren’t all that easy to meet. Sooooo…I will continue with my 60-80 hour weeks to meet my deadline, and just cut down on a few other activities to still get time with my friend D. Because I adore her and am so thrilled to see her, but…ya know…the words have to keep flowing. And I’m so glad she understands!

Yasmine

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