I haven't been writing much lately, but I usually write or revise for an hour while I eat lunch. Over time, I finished a manuscript and am revising it now. I've had to squeeze my writing in when I can when I was working full-time and was parenting. It wasn't all the time, but I did write some.
Unfortunately, my brain is a bit of a dick too. I also need to get in the zone to write and my day job has impacted my writer life. I'm trying get into the habit of writing in small chunks.
When looking at home ownership, instead of allowing it to give you guilt over how much you are or aren't chipping in on it, imagine it as a better investment than renting and perhaps your share will be in maintaining that investment? Just a thought. Sending hugs.
I loooooove the Insecure Writers Support Group! And your post here is wonderful. It's right along the lines of a program I'm starting this week to rejuvenate my connection with creativity and make space for inspiration over the next couple of months. If interested, check it out here: https://lesbianhousewyfe.substack.com/p/rejuvenate-and-create-series
I write between 500 and 1000 words a day. That's one blog post a day. It's been my routine for a very long time. My hours from 8 to 10 in the morning are reserved for writing every day.
Sundays included.
Sometimes I do sprint on Sundays. To write everything I have to write for the week.
To have more freedom during the week.
I use both systems according to my mood and energy level.
I think you've gotten some good suggestions. I know that I have done better since I have larger chunks of time, or maybe just larger chunks of brain, than I did when the kids were small! But I also learned to write in little bits, too. Maybe that can be practiced? As for the fatigue, though, I don't know. I get bouts of insomnia, and when I'm sleep-deprived, creativity isn't really an option. I do better pushing myself to do household chores then, but that's not necessarily possible with the kind of fatigue you have. Be kind to yourself about this. Chronic illness is not a failing on your part.
I wish I had suggestions, but I'm not much better than you. It's taken me 10 years to work on my current book, so I can't claim any success with getting things done. Deadlines cause me stress and panic, and consistency just depresses me because I never stick with it. I know myself well enough to lower my expectations, and not expect anything from my attempts.
But all that doesn't help you.
What we need is software that hooks into our brains and lets us compose while we're lying in bed or in the shower or sitting on the couch. Something that didn't require us to use our hands or bodies. The trick would be the interface, because I know I need to be able to reread what I wrote to fully appreciate it and form thoughts.
I squeeze my writing in around a busy day job and a family life. For me, a daily writing habit is key. If I "touch" my WIP every day, then it's there waiting for me, fresh without a long slide-in when I go to write. But I know that doesn't work for everyone. I also try to stop in the middle of something, so that when I sit down again I know where I'm going--finishing that moment/scene/chapter, etc. Small bribes work for me, too--a nice piece of a chocolate, letting my self watch TV, etc.
I can't identify with this because I don't allow my brain to think that hard. I live the kind of a life on the surface. I do not like to dive down to see what's below me. I just go with it.You probably can't identify with my comment here. Lol. Good thing we are not all alike.
When I was first diagnosed with ME/CFS the only thing which made me get out of bed in the morning was attending the 8am session of The London Writers Salon.
They run writing sessions, 4 times a day, for free, chasing 8am around the world UK/ET/PT/AUS or NZ time zones.
It helps me to have an hour during the day that is for me and my writing, and the community is incredibly supportive too.
Insecure Writer's Support Group: My Brain Is A Jerk
I haven't been writing much lately, but I usually write or revise for an hour while I eat lunch. Over time, I finished a manuscript and am revising it now. I've had to squeeze my writing in when I can when I was working full-time and was parenting. It wasn't all the time, but I did write some.
Good luck with finding a house.
Your brain needs a talk. And some serious positive energy.
A house is a big deal but a mortgage will be cheaper than your rent.
Unfortunately, my brain is a bit of a dick too. I also need to get in the zone to write and my day job has impacted my writer life. I'm trying get into the habit of writing in small chunks.
When looking at home ownership, instead of allowing it to give you guilt over how much you are or aren't chipping in on it, imagine it as a better investment than renting and perhaps your share will be in maintaining that investment? Just a thought. Sending hugs.
Everyone is different but I like to listen to a particular playlist an hour before I know I’m going to have a moment to write. That way, I’m ready!
I loooooove the Insecure Writers Support Group! And your post here is wonderful. It's right along the lines of a program I'm starting this week to rejuvenate my connection with creativity and make space for inspiration over the next couple of months. If interested, check it out here: https://lesbianhousewyfe.substack.com/p/rejuvenate-and-create-series
I think we have the same kind of brain. If I think I HAVE to write, it's game over!
I write on my phone, with a Bluetooth keyboard from 10 to 11 on weekdays and revise whenever I get a spare moment. I do everything on the phone.
My two cents: owning a house and being married are two of the best things a person can do for themself.
There's always writing shorts and submitting them for payment too. Keep us posted if you walk that fine line. And good luck in advance. :-)
I write between 500 and 1000 words a day. That's one blog post a day. It's been my routine for a very long time. My hours from 8 to 10 in the morning are reserved for writing every day.
Sundays included.
Sometimes I do sprint on Sundays. To write everything I have to write for the week.
To have more freedom during the week.
I use both systems according to my mood and energy level.
I think you've gotten some good suggestions. I know that I have done better since I have larger chunks of time, or maybe just larger chunks of brain, than I did when the kids were small! But I also learned to write in little bits, too. Maybe that can be practiced? As for the fatigue, though, I don't know. I get bouts of insomnia, and when I'm sleep-deprived, creativity isn't really an option. I do better pushing myself to do household chores then, but that's not necessarily possible with the kind of fatigue you have. Be kind to yourself about this. Chronic illness is not a failing on your part.
I wish I had suggestions, but I'm not much better than you. It's taken me 10 years to work on my current book, so I can't claim any success with getting things done. Deadlines cause me stress and panic, and consistency just depresses me because I never stick with it. I know myself well enough to lower my expectations, and not expect anything from my attempts.
But all that doesn't help you.
What we need is software that hooks into our brains and lets us compose while we're lying in bed or in the shower or sitting on the couch. Something that didn't require us to use our hands or bodies. The trick would be the interface, because I know I need to be able to reread what I wrote to fully appreciate it and form thoughts.
I hope you find a house that works for you!
I squeeze my writing in around a busy day job and a family life. For me, a daily writing habit is key. If I "touch" my WIP every day, then it's there waiting for me, fresh without a long slide-in when I go to write. But I know that doesn't work for everyone. I also try to stop in the middle of something, so that when I sit down again I know where I'm going--finishing that moment/scene/chapter, etc. Small bribes work for me, too--a nice piece of a chocolate, letting my self watch TV, etc.
I can't identify with this because I don't allow my brain to think that hard. I live the kind of a life on the surface. I do not like to dive down to see what's below me. I just go with it.You probably can't identify with my comment here. Lol. Good thing we are not all alike.
When I was first diagnosed with ME/CFS the only thing which made me get out of bed in the morning was attending the 8am session of The London Writers Salon.
They run writing sessions, 4 times a day, for free, chasing 8am around the world UK/ET/PT/AUS or NZ time zones.
It helps me to have an hour during the day that is for me and my writing, and the community is incredibly supportive too.
https://londonwriterssalon.com/
You gave to sign up for a free trial, but after it expires you can just ask for the links - no commitment needed, it is free 😁💗