Nothing messes up your writing energy more than physical and mental stress. A change in schedule can do that. It was another reason why I didn’t post as much back in September.
Usually, I can handle changes. Being in the Air Force and working as a private investigator does that. But it is different as a stay-at-home dad.
From early morning to bedtime it’s a constant go, go, go. Writing is a struggle and the brief times I can write I often want to relieve myself in the bathroom or take a nap. But I have to keep on writing.
So what are some things I do to keep writing even when I don’t feel like it?
First, I always keep my notepad on me at all times with my pencil inside the pages. Whether I have the urge to write or not, my notepad is ready for me. Second, I always maintain my “one sentence a day minimum” rule. One sentence is better than no writing at all. Finally, realize that you’ll have your good and bad days. Either way take care of yourself. Rest, eat well, exercise, decompress.
Many writers would kill to have a consistent, uninterrupted writing schedule. For the field writers, including myself, we have to write during those brief moments between the chaos. It’s even harder when you experience a significant schedule change.
Since my older son’s school schedule change from late morning to early morning there’s no longer time to write before everyone wakes up. Even then, it’s a constant go from early in the morning to bedtime. That’s the reason why I haven’t been able to write as much last month.
Therefore I had to slowly adopt a new schedule before figuring out the best times to write. If you’re having the same problem here’s what I did.
First, once I knew my schedule changes and knew it was permanent for a while I didn’t do any writing for the next couple of days. Second, when I got used to my new schedule I looked at gaps of the best times to write and adjusted to it. Finally, I reflected on whether I’m able to write with this new routine. So far, it’s working. And if it doesn’t work, then I’ll figure out different time gaps between the chaos.
After a semi-writing break in September I’m back to my writing schedule: three posts a week, two on the following week, repeat. While taking a break is always good for writers the main problem is trying to get back into the writing habit. But it’s easy to overcome that.
First, make short posts with a paragraph at most or a sentence at least. Second, write your solutions as if you’re talking to a loved one face-to-face. Finally, don’t push your writing brain too hard. Take it slowly, one sentence at a time, until it becomes a habit again.
From an airman who did his part in the overall mission, Happy Birthday to you United States Air Force and all the airman, current and previous, who served. Thank you.
Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence In All We Do.
Stick with the Band-Aids brand. I usually have more to say and I wrote a draft page but I just want to help you save your money and not worry about your bandages falling off the second you apply them.
Over a year ago, I didn’t know who this man was and how much he would impact on my thinking. If you didn’t know, Wendell Berry recently passed away on August 31st at the age of 92. He was a writer, farmer, and conservationist.
The first essay I read was Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer. It made me think of all the electronic devices I’ve used. The constant recharging, letting it run out of juice regardless if I used them or not, and finally leaving them in my drawer not used for months.
But it also made me rethink my writing. The countless hours of leaving my laptop and whatever writing app on but not a single word typed, the distractions of email and YouTube, and all the numerous electronic devices that supposedly helped me write whereas I could get a lot more done with just paper and pencil.
Therefore, I write with my notepad/notebook with pencil before typing my draft on my phone or laptop. I sharpen my pencils with a hand-cranked sharpener or pocket knife. I write during the daytime only and don’t sacrifice sleep. And I don’t fall for the next latest app or device that will supposedly help me be a “better” writer.
I bought the two Library of America volumes of Mr. Berry’s essays and hope to read all of them. I might buy his fiction and poems although I’m not a fan of the latter. While I’ll never have as much of his pinky of talent I’ll always remember to use technology judiciously and that paper and pencil/pen is best when starting to write anything.
Lately, I haven’t posted on schedule. Due to walking up earlier in the mornings to drop my son off to school, spending time with the younger one, and working on my recent projects I won’t post as often as I once did. I apologize for not keeping in touch with you. And I’ll try to post whenever I can.
I was never a morning person even when I worked as a private investigator. But I got used to it. Waking my older son up for school still takes getting used to but at least I’m not waking up at 4 to 4:30 am. Still, the idea of sleeping in sounds good right about now.
Which is why I don’t like recommending writers to sacrifice their sleep in order to write. I never liked that particular advice. I’ll take sleep more than a few minutes or an hour of writing. More rest is good.
When I was young, I thought writers sat at their favorite desk to write. On it, they had their typewriter or computer, along with messy sheets of paper and folders, and all their accessories. He or she would type uninterrupted for hours along with a cigarette in their mouth and a glass of their favorite poison on their desk.
As a stay-at-home dad with two boys I don’t have that luxury. I only have time to write within the calm moments between the chaos. I’m a field writer. What was interesting was I already learned and applied the lessons when I worked surveillance as a private investigator.
Maybe you’re a busy person who’s having trouble writing and finishing whatever manuscript you’re working on. So I’m writing a short ebook on how you can flourish and get things done while writing in the field. Once I finish it will be published on my Gumroad page and I’ll let you know.
Keep in mind, I’m also working on the new sci-fi series I posted about previously. Stay tuned!
I have a combination of cheap and good quality pencil sharpeners. The former I’ve bought from Dollar Tree and Target and the latter from the KUM brand. I also have a Bostitch hand crank version I bought for less than ten dollars from Facebook Marketplace. Despite the quality they all have one thing in common.
Whenever I sharpen my pencils the half is sharpened longer than the other. I have to fine tune to make sure the tips are even. However, the main risk was that I shave off a good chunk of graphite and it doesn’t take too long to resharpen again after writing a few sentences.
So the best solution was to buy a pocketknife and shave my pencils the good old fashioned way. I wanted a Made in the USA knife within my budget and found A.G. Russell Knives. I bought the CaseXX Sod Buster black folding knife for $44 and the CRKT Stokes sharpener for $16. The knife has a 3-5/8” blade and is 4-5/8” when closed. The sharpener is the size of a flashdrive that also has a large key ring, bottle opener, and seatbelt cutter.
After opening both packages I found the first dull pencil I could find and followed instructions from the book How to Sharpen Pencils by David Rees. Not too shabby. So instead of buying disposable pencil sharpeners buy a good quality pocketknife and take good care of it.
Just don’t bring it at school, the courthouse, or airports.
