September 18, 2012

I’m Out of Shape

Writing shape, that is. We won’t even talk about what kind of shape I’m in physically, this is a writer’s blog, after all.

For me, summer is a time of total insanity. Not because of school break, ball games or vacations. Oh no, for me summer is crazy because both my husband and I work an insane amount of hours during the months of June, July and August. Heck, sometimes it carries into September. What do I mean by an insane amount of hours? Well, for him summer means 80+ hour work weeks, for me, something like 65 – 70 hours a week.

See, I told you it was a time of total insanity.

Given the choice between working an obscene number of hours every week and writing, I would, of course, choose writing. However, there are bills to pay. And so, I trudge to work every morning at 5 a.m., and leave at 6 p.m.. Only, instead of heading home, I head off to put in a few more hours working with my husband. I don’t begrudge this time of all work and no writing, but I don’t embrace it either. After all, it’s not like the voices in my head take the summer off.

This year has been a bit different for me, as I’m done with the crazy hours already. Yup, it’s 40 hour work weeks for me. Which is good, great really, except for one thing. I’m out of shape – writing shape.

As bad as being out of shape physically. Surprisingly difficult to get back into the habit of writing. There are so many things to do! Laundry. Vacuum under the couch. Paint the living room. Lunch with friends I haven’t seen in months. Get that last swim in the lake.

Whew, I’m working up a sweat just typing out all the things I need to do! Between work and that list, how do I fit writing in?

One step at a time doesn’t work for me. Nope, me, I have to dive right in head first. Surround myself with inspiration, reconnect with friends who also write, and no matter what else is going on, sit my butt in the chair and write. Blog posts, fragments of the story, anything as long as I do as Nike urges and Just Do It! Every. Single. Day.

Just.

Do.

It!

It’s not going to be easy, but I’m the stubborn sort. With persistence, dedication, and a few kicks in the pants from a certain friend who shall remain nameless –ahem, Amie – I can get back into shape. I have to, after all, there are two heroes commanding my attention right now.

Dominic Michael

How do you get re-motivated?



11 comments:

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

I'm sorry, Sarah, did you say something??? My mind suddenly went blank. Well, not blank, more like...ah...

Very thought provoking pic...er...post.

Nancy Jardine Author said...

Oh my...yes what a finale! 'Nough said. :-) Yes, a fenetic work schedule doesn't leave too much time for drooling...oops I meant ..writing. It will happen.

LisaRayns said...

Loving the eye candy. Great choices for muses for heroes!
I also surround myself with inspiring things to re-motivate my writing. Right now I have a desktop with pictures of my hero and heroine. Best of luck getting back into it:)

Sarah Grimm said...

ROFL! Vonnie and Nancy, you are both hysterical. Not that my mind didn't blank when I was putting the post together. Yeah, like every time I looked at the pictures. ;-)

Sarah Grimm said...

Thanks Lisa! I'm slowly getting back into writing mode.

Amy said...

Great pics...I mean post. Great Post! Love ya, babe!

Liz Flaherty said...

I'm already tired, just hearing about your summer schedule, so I think maybe two rum-and-cokes and go to bed? What? It's morning? But the pictures... Oh, well. Great post, and good luck getting back into the swing.

Monya Clayton said...

I'm in the fortunate position of being too old to drool over abs. Actually I'd rather talk to them like the grandma I am, "Gosh, fellas, I know they're girlie bait, but they look just a little too much time in the gym for me." How unromantic.

But I'm glad you're working less hours, Sarah. And I understand about finding housework and such keeping you from the computer. There's always something to be done around a home(gardening for me and I'll catch up with everything else when I can.)

Just keep looking at those muses, girl. If you can't build a romance or four around those boys, the housework must be awfully attractive. How about looking for pics of girlfriends for them? Then settings.

They don't look like my muse, she's the shy type who hides every time she sees me coming!

Sarah Grimm said...

Thanks, Liz, I'm going to need all the luck I can get. It's harder to get back into the habit of writing than I imagined!

Monya - I do have my days where I wonder why every male photo I'm supposed to find inspiring has to have abs. Then there are days where I ignore my knowledge of how few men look like that and just enjoy. LOL

I'm working on a post about their girlfriends, so they'll be making an appearance soon. Thanks for visiting!

Joya said...

Oh that poor fellow is losing his pants...
LOL!
Ever heard that slogan "the more you have to do, the more you get done?" Not sure if that applies to you. The fact that you get ANY writing/blogging/etc. accomplished during your busy season means a huge gold star for you! :)

Sarah Grimm said...

Joya! Honestly, about the most I get done is posting guest spots and scribbling notes onto a notepad - which I usually promptly lose.