Summer presents a unique work challenge for writers of all stripes. For those of us who make our living with our words, summer does not necessarily herald a huge block of time off. For many of us, summer means increased challenges making time for our writing and therefore for meeting our deadlines.
On the one hand, the kids are out of school, the teachers are out of school (in my house), summer activities kick in and disrupt the usual routine, kids immediately become bored, daily chores still need to get done, vacations that have been planned need to be taken, and despite all the weeks stretching ahead, it will be back to school time before we know it.
So, while it’s tempting to celebrate summer and all the R&R that it brings; it’s also tempting to have a hissy fit because we have no idea how we are supposed to get everything done today or any day when all of these people are clamoring around in the house.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t love summer as much as the next person. It’s just that summer presents unique challenges that must be reconciled if mommy is going to be happily productive during summer work hours.
Because if mommy isn’t happy, well, you know what that means.
So here are some tips for taking back your sanity before it goes galloping off into the sunset:
1. Face Reality. You either need to work this summer or you don’t. If you don’t, good for you. Have a great time with a lot less responsibilities. As for the rest of us, we need to deal with what is. Repeat after me: “Even though many kids and adults are not working right now, I am working, and it’s okay to work during summer. Say it and believe it.
2. Make Work Hours To Suit. Okay, so you have to work this summer. How much? How many hours per day will you be working? Will you take weekends off? Will you work shorter days? Will you get up earlier or go to bed later to enjoy the sunshiny hours? Come up with a schedule for your needs that will work for everyone. It does not have to be the same schedule as the rest of the year.
3. Enjoy Your Work. I teach writers to enjoy their work, so it’s not like it’s the end of the world to have to spend time doing what you enjoy. What I know for sure is that you won’t write well if you are beating yourself up or feeling guilty. So remind yourself that you write because you love it, and then get right back to work.
4. Keep An Eye On The Bottom Line. Even with all of the advice above, it’s still somehow tempting during summer to lose sight of your bottom line. But don’t. Your ability to keep writing is dependent on hitting your goals, feeling like a success, and earning what you need to earn. If you need help hitting your monthly goals, I hope you will check out my new monthly Dream Team. Folks are already raving about it.
5. When You Are Not Working, Do Not Work. When you leave the office, leave the office. Nobody in your family (or on Facebook) wants to hear you complain about your deadlines or your work angst. If you are in the habit of kvetching, make sure you understand it’s a bad habit. It’s one that does not only take up your time; it also takes up other peoples’ time. Guess what? When you are working hard and enjoying your work, you stop having so much to grouse about and so much extra time to do it.
6. Ask For Constructive Help With Your Work. There is a constructive way to get more work done this summer and that is by asking for help from the right people. If you need more support from your spouse because you are home with the kids all day, ask for it. If you can involve your family in constructive conversations about your writing, do it. If you have mentors or writing friends who can help you, ask them for help. Just remember not to ask others for more than you can reasonably give back. Writers who take regular classes increase their skills quickly without incurring reciprocation time.
7. Feed Your Writing Joy. Okay, it’s summer and you want to get your work done quickly and go out and play. But don’t forget to allow your writing to be play, too. If your writing becomes all drudgery and no fun, you will stop wanting to do it. I’m offering a great antidote to writing burnout called, “Writing Prompts For Summer Stories: 200 Word Prompts & 7 Ways To Make The Most Of Them.” This PDF ebook is full of five-minute writing prompts and easy ways to use them to create longer works. Five minutes is not going to break anyone. Five minutes of writing on an otherwise hectic day can put a smile on your face and help you enjoy the folks you’re with more. And, if you have older kids, why not try doing daily writing prompts together? It’s a great way to combat the summer slide.
8. Give Yourself Credit For What You Do Accomplish. It’s quite likely your overall productivity will go down because it’s summer. This is especially true if you are a mom. If you know this will be the case, brace yourself for it and plan to give yourself credit for what you do get done. Every time you get something done, even if it’s only five or ten minutes, do a little happy dance and say, “Go me!” Let your kids see you encouraging yourself and soon they will be cheering you on, too. They will also learn how to encourage themselves by your positive example.
Don’t forget, writers, when you pursue and achieve your dreams, they have positive benefits for your whole family. It may not always feel this way. In fact, some days you might not be able to recall a single benefit of what you do. But remember that you are human, writers. And just like other humans, writers get discouraged sometimes. Just remember that it’s your job to turn that negative voice into a positive voice.
On days when doubt weights heavy on your mind, find a way to refocus. Light a candle. Pour yourself a cup of tea. Workout for 30 minutes. Smudge your office. Consult some Tarot cards. Read something short and inspirational. Take a shower. And then get right back to work.
Your work is worth it, writers, and so are you. You are the boss and the employee. And this is true in summer like all the other seasons of the year.
This post is taken from The Prosperous Writer ezine. If you like what you’ve read here, be sure to sign up for The Prosperous Writer ezine to claim your free gift and qualify for exclusive discounts on Christina Katz products.