Guest Blog by Kimberly Napoli

Routines For Writers is pleased to have Kimberly Napoli back for another guest blog. Welcome, Kimberly!

Who Are Your ‘Go-To’ People?
by Kimberly Napoli

Hi all,

          I have the pleasure of filling in for Kitty today while she works on her move to Australia. I have guest blogged a few times and enjoy the community of writers. So I was honored when Kitty thought of me as one of her ‘go to’ people.

          It is so important in life to have these ‘go to’ people who can fill in for you when you are in a pinch. It helps you focus on what needs doing, eases stress, and ensures that things keep running smoothly when you can’t run them.

          So who are your ‘go to’ people ? Who fills in for you when tasks can’t be done? Our lives are so full of things like work, family, writing, volunteering, friends, and the list goes on. When one task starts to take more time or an unexpected event happens you need people in place to offset the imbalance.

          Consider having some of the following on your ‘go to’ team. Some one who can cook and clean for you for a few days can be a blessing when illness or deadlines hit. You can hire out like take-out or a cleaning service. I like it when family and friends can step in. Its free and keeps them involved, but you will have to return the favor. When you volunteer don’t be the only person who knows how to do your job. Its tempting to take on the tasks by yourself and have an attitude of only I can do it, but remember why you are volunteering. You are volunteering to help a greater cause that affects many people. You do a disservice to those you are helping if something happens and no one can step in to pick up where you left off.

          As writers you are often seen as having a lot of free time, but you know the truth. It’s a balancing act. You can sit in front of the computer for days and struggle with writer’s block or ignore the world as the words flow free. But, when deadlines loom near you know your first priority is to sit in that chair and get the job done. So I ask who are your ‘go to’ people, and how do they help you get through the ebbs and flows of your writing career?

Kimberly Napoli