Comments on: 5 Ways Writers Can Get Their Lives Back

By: Sue LaPointe

Sue LaPointe — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:10:20 +0000

“Baggy-eyed, and hunched over, hands hooked into claws…”

Cesar, you’ve nailed it! You just forgot the I.V. full of caffeine dripping into my veins : )

This is an excellent piece, and I’m so glad we can all laugh about how easily we get sucked into the time warp. When writing comes so easily, it’s hard to draw boundaries, to keep track of time, and to unplug. Guilty as charged.

I’ve got to link to this from my blog because I know there are lots more of us out there! Thanks so much!

Sue LaPointes last blog post..One o’ these days, Freelance Writer will make the list

By: A Little Weekend Link Love - June28, 2008 | Freelance Writing Jobs

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:14:26 +0000

[...] 5 Ways Writers Can Get their Lives Back at PoeWar [...]

By: Leigh

Leigh — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:39:52 +0000

Hear, hear, Cesar! Sometimes I feel that I spend more time searching for writing markets and planning to write than I do actually writing. Then, other times, I spend too much time on one of my particular vices–reading the news (CNN, NYT, local newspapers, regional newspaper, Slate, etc.). But I justify the latter by telling myself I never know from whence inspiration will come (which is true, of course, but I do need to prioritize more).

I commend you on getting that “glowing” novel out of the drawer and polishing it toward completion.

Salient points here–thanks so much for sharing!

Leighs last blog post..The Music of Words and Other Matters

By: Cesar

Cesar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:21:36 +0000

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone. Glad I can be of some help to others out there. Balance is the key! Cesars last blog post..My 3 Writing Don’ts

By: ABB

ABB — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:44:59 +0000

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have put into words what I have known for some time, I need to do. I have been afraid to get back into my half done novel, for fear that my 'extremely attractive partner' will not want to live with the Skeksis I am afraid I shall become. I will paraphrase under the 5 key points and pin to my wall above my screen. I CAN finish my novel and not be sucked in, just focused. I CAN. I'll start tomorrow. (It's 1.36am) Thanks for the inspiration. ABBs last blog post..The Road Home and Inglorious take the Orange

By: Writers Can Have Lives Too « 1WriteWay

Writers Can Have Lives Too « 1WriteWay — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:57:00 +0000

[...] to intriguing suggestions of being “present with people.” To learn more, click here to read the full post. [...]

By: Marie Ann Bailey

Marie Ann Bailey — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:22:44 +0000

@Morgan, thanks for mentioning the article on multitaking. I’ve got your post bookmarked and will read soon!

By: Rachael

Rachael — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:44:22 +0000

I would be more encouraged to “reconnect” if my friends didn’t spend half the lunch hour reminding me that I NEVER go out anymore. The trick to the time suck mansion is to actually spend face-time with the people in which you hang out online. I am definitely lucky in that regard.

As for the cell phone… I learned the best way to stop dialing and texting is to text until the keys snap in half and then don’t replace the phone. It’s the best thing I ever learned from a 15 year old with a Blackberry.

The Dark Crystal reference is Golden.

Good article.

Rachael

By: Jeanne Dininni

Jeanne Dininni — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:51:39 +0000

What great advice, Cesar!

We writers really do need to be reminded of these things over and over! It’s far too easy to become so obsessed with our writing that we simply don’t take the time to really live life but choose instead to just write about it! Taking time out to refresh and recharge can work wonders for our energy and enthusiasm, and living in the “now” is what brings fresh insight, inspiration, vividness, and power to our work. I’ve been learning this lesson, myself, lately. Yet, I always appreciate a reminder. It can be so easy to fall back into old habit patterns if we aren’t careful. Hopefully, all the writers who read your post will take it to heart!

Insightful piece!
Jeanne

By: Morgan

Morgan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:28:31 +0000

@Cesar, I loved this post, your humor, and wit. I love your line about the “Time Suck Mansion!” I am already envisioning a graphic novel, which takes place in the mansion, complete with a variety of monsters based on Twitter, cell phones, etc. and starring the writer as the main character.

I also think your article could apply to many IT people I know as well. Yes, you know who you are and don’t pretend you aren’t reading this while simultaneously checking your email, and talking on the cell phone

@Marie Ann, I have a link to an article on multitasking on my latest post that you might find interesting.

Morgans last blog post..Reading & Thinking About Sustainability and the Workplace