What the heck is a writing routine?
#askingforafriend
I don’t have one, thus, I’m writing about it. Makes sense in my mind, but whatever.
The last few slices, I’ve scraped by, just getting my blog and commenting done before the cut off time and that doesn’t feel good at all. My first half of this year’s slices were clean, timely, and done with plenty of time for comments and finding new writers.
But I’ve slipped into that routine of waiting until the last minute, comments on my followed blogs, and just not feeling good about my writing. The question that’s gone through my own head: What’s changed? And honestly, I’ve got nothing. Last year, my streak of writing was broken because we were in Washington D.C. with our daughter’s band and choir trip. That’s totally legitimate, missing days to be more connected with those around you.
Sidebar: it’s amazing how different things are NOT having a child in high school. I’ve talked about the empty nest thing, but there’s other things too: no weekend drives to swim meet (I loved swimming and miss those meets), no night concerts, no weekend contests. All of those, all with the above mentioned band trip seem a distant memory.
As it were, the only thing that’s changed has been my overall attitude, and not a in a good way. Some tough days, both of my daughters doing some boneheaded things, and some general unhappiness had tainted my attitude.
#buckupBarbieandgetyourpoopinagroup
And that’s what it comes down to: the only one who can change my attitude is me. I can’t rely on anyone else to make that change for me. I’ve not exercised this month like a did in February and that could be a problem too.
Today, I’m back. My blog is done. It makes sense, and I have a bit of a plan going forward. Looking back, I’ve written some really good pieces on parts of my life that I love, which is a very good thing. And I’m commenting on some new to me writers too.
So, my question to you going forward: Do you have a routine? Would you be willing to share me and the other slices?
If so, thank you in advance.
#writershelpingwriters
March 27, 2019 at 12:56 pm
I am also struggling with the writing routine. I know I should write and write early enough to get comments. I tend to remember around 8:30 at night and then I struggle to even find something to write about.
March 27, 2019 at 2:29 pm
When I joined the challenge a few years ago, I used to plan my slices, scouring notebooks, etc. I would write several pieces one day and save them to post later.
But this year I decided to just let it come to me as I sat at the computer. I don’t know which I like better. There is a freedom in blogging what’s on your mind at that moment.
Your slice today really says a lot.
So, I don’t have any advice really, except to keep going.
March 27, 2019 at 4:37 pm
I’m not participating this year, but when I did before, I would write my slices the night before and set them to post at midnight. So basically still doing the last minute thing but just a day ahead of schedule 😀
March 27, 2019 at 9:23 pm
That’s an interesting idea! That my be something to try, at least once! 🙂
March 27, 2019 at 6:23 pm
You’ve got a plan for three more days. 🤣
March 27, 2019 at 7:43 pm
This is literally me!!! I’ve been so down lately- mostly just overwhelmed, frustrated, feeling lost and like a failure. It sucks!! And people around me are so good at trying to bring me up but man I’m stubborn!! It’s like i know what to do to make me feel better but my body and mind is just too blah to do it. Ugh. These funks are hard to get out of! Good luck to you!
March 27, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Oh yes, down is the word right now. Just got off the phone with my youngest and had a huge fight. So what to do? We ate Subway and are watching bad TV right now. We’ll climb back up, I mean it’s spring, right? 🙂
March 27, 2019 at 9:00 pm
Hi, Darin,
Thank you for your inspiration: https://purolovepuroclothespins.wordpress.com/2019/03/27/on-living-the-writerly-life-the-beginning-of-a-philosophy-solc-day27/
🙂
March 27, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Wow, how cool is this?? 🙂 Thank you, Veronica for sharing this with me, and the world! ❤
March 28, 2019 at 4:15 pm
Thank you, Darin. I’m glad you asked us. I think I was ready to say something.. I didn’t even know it.
March 27, 2019 at 10:08 pm
I really don’t have a routine-some days I can catch a few moments at school to jot something down, but most nights I’m writing after dog walks, the gym, dinner…then I’m up too late and the cycle repeats itself. Last night, I actually missed the deadline because I’m on the west coast-who knew? Sigh. The only one I actually missed. The thing is I don’t sit down to write at all unless I am in this challenge. I’ll definitely have to figure out a happy medium once it’s over. A routine would be a great place to start! Thanks for sharing your struggle!
March 27, 2019 at 10:50 pm
I do try to write on Tuesdays, for the regular Slice of LIfe, and I’ve been pretty good about writing on Fridays as well. However, sometimes, you get into a funk and it’s “hard to find time” to get done what you really enjoy. Either way, routines are my middle name, so not having one is very UNroutine for me! 😀
March 28, 2019 at 7:44 am
Nope! No routine for me either, but I know I need to establish one if I want my writing to advance. I do try to take photos everyday and that often inspires an idea for a story. Loved the ideas Veronica mentioned in her story inspired by your story! 🙂
March 30, 2019 at 9:36 am
Now I want to write about writing routines too! Maybe a fitting topic for the last day of slicing tomorrow.
March 30, 2019 at 10:05 pm
That’s a great idea! I’d be interested in read that slice! 🙂