I’ve had a few weeks off from work (long story, just go with it) and I’m learning what it would be like to ‘write’ full time. Houston, we have a problem.
Like almost every writer, I mournfully wish I could write full time. I’d get so much done, I’d crank out book after book with no problem. I’d be nose to the grindstone and be productive as all get out. Um… yeah. Not so much.
In the three weeks I’ve been off, I’ve written less per day than when I was working. Sorta. I’ve caught up on things I neglected and gotten a lot of little things done, but not pages upon pages of words. Of course there are ‘reasons’ why, but they won’t all magically disappear if I were a full time writer. Some, like plan my 2018 writing year, and get my marketing/social media presence in order, wouldn’t bog me down. (Assuming of course I did little bits of that all the time instead of binging on them after neglecting them for months on end like I have.)
Others, like take care of ‘lil q and make dinner on time, would never go away. And those seem to be the most time consuming. They’re not deal killers by any means. Certainly other authors (many with bigger family obligations than I) handle home and hearth and remain productive writers. I’m just not as organized as I thought. It appears without employer-imposed structure, I’m not very good at creating my own routine.
I have another three weeks of leave, so there is time to right this ship. I’m determined to give it a go, if only to see if it’s something I could actually do. Hell, if I can’t do it for three little weeks, how can I even think about doing it permanently?
That said, my weeks have been far from uneventful. I pick up ‘lil q from school rather than pay for aftercare. So far we’ve been Jedi warriors on a quest, she’s been the mighty Sith Lady Darth Obel, soaring through the galaxy (grocery store) on her spaceship (grocery cart), and we’ve had dozens of light sabre fights through the woods behind our house. We’ve scaled Mt. Everest (complete with walking over a ‘ginormous’ boulder in her way) and she’s practiced being a tightrope walker. We’ve had, playground runs, play dates with every friend she can think of, made cookies than I’d care to eat, , played umpteen zillion board games (she usually wins) and done three adult size puzzles. Translation: I’ve had more fun than I’m used to having.
I suppose if these adventures are the trade off for getting less writing done than I’d hope, I’ll take it. The trick now is to find a way to do both. Stay tuned.
Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.
Since devouring The Lord of the Rings as a preteen, he has been a fan of all things fantastical. His imagination has helped him create works of high fantasy, paranormal thrills and touch of the futuristic. He also writes the occasional contemporary story.
He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband of twenty-two years. Together they are raising their pre-school age daughter and three dogs. Andrew tries to squeeze writing time in around his most important jobs, being husband and ‘Papa.’ Along with teaching how to kick a soccer ball or ride a scooter, he has become fluent in cartoon characters and children’s books. To find out more about Andrew, his writing and his family, follow him on his website or on Facebook.
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Books:
The Last Grand Master: (Champion of the Gods–Book 1)
The Eye and the Arm: (Champion of the Gods–Book 2)
Kings of Lore and Legend: (Champion of the Gods–Book 3)
Child of Night and Day (Champion of the Gods—Book: 4)
Self published:
I’m always in awe of authors who write with kids at home. I didn’t do anything extra until mine started kindy and then school and definitely nothing after they came home. I think it’s great you’re enjoying time with lil’ q- they grow up so fast. I look at my kids who are turning 27 and 30 this year and it only seems like yesterday they were her age.
I’m in awe too of parents with jobs and writing. I don ‘t know how y’all do it, but if you find your solution, you can always bottle it and sell it. You’d make a fortune.