Distractions

          Reading Shonna’s post last Friday sent me on a trip down memory lane. I remember the same experiences, when raising and homeschooling children was the job and writing was the distraction. Funny thing is, now that I think about it, those were also times when I seemed to most enjoy the creative process. Why is that, I wonder? What is missing now that was present in those days when I couldn’t wait to steal a few minutes with my characters and story?

          For a couple of years now, I’ve pretty much had the freedom to make my own writing schedule. Why is it that during that time I have slowly become less productive? It seems that the more I focus on producing finished writing projects, the less able I am to complete anything. And lately I’ve even struggled to create new things. I need to scrutinize my life and schedule, but I suspect it has something to do with the input-output cycle. You know, that cycle, also know as garbage in-garbage out in the computer world, that dictates you get out of anything what you put in it.

          During those times in my life when I had to schedule in writing to make sure it got done or I had to squeeze out 15 minutes here and 30 minutes there, I think I accomplished more. Even if I didn’t, my mental attitude was better. I felt productive, the creative ideas showed up and the words flowed from fingers to page.

          So now that my schedule allows me so much writing time, how to I achieve the same productivity?

          I think I might need to restructure my days. Make certain hours non-writing hours, when no writing can be done no matter how free my time. Add in activities that are not time-flexible. Plan outings and socials and ministry opportunities that require my attention. I need to be careful to not so over schedule myself and totally deplete my writing time, but maybe minimizing the time I have available to write will actually increase productivity.

          I’ll have to experiment with it over the next few months, but I expect at least two benefits. If my days have some not-so-flexible responsibilities in them, I’ll have to carve out writing time around those activities. That time will become more valuable. There will be fewer tendencies to waste that time, thinking I can always make it up later. Secondly, and maybe even most important effect is that I will be accumulating experiences that renew and replenish creativity. As I interact with others, I’ll be reminded and inspired of character quirks and story ideas that will enrich my writing time.

          I’m finding that this extended vacation is having a similar effect. I keep thinking of things I could be writing, stories I could be weaving, characters I could be developing. I have little time to write those, though. So I will continue the “sabbatical” until I get back to my home and normal schedule. After that, I will designate certain hours off-limits for writing and try to fill them with other activities, preferably some that are fun and helpful and time-sensitive. Maybe then the stories will flow easier. For now, I’ll enjoy my vacation and fill up “the tank” with creative observations.