So there I was at the start of September, full of ideas for writing experiments to stay in writing shape. Three new blog posts in the works. Pages upon pages of ideas for more.
Then the flood gates of life opened and priorities took the stage. Some things took a back seat. Some things demanded my full attention.
And I realized…
If you’re a writer, you can write almost regardless if what your writing conditions are like.
Yes, there’s value in practicing writing in adverse conditions because you can’t get too used to having things all perfect.
Sorry, the muse won’t come out and play.
Room’s too warm, door’s too squeaky
—and there’s a bird starin’ at me.
But if you’ve reached the level of being paid to write for a living and you face an impending deadline, you should already be able to produce even if a herd of elephants is doing a Gangum Style flash mob next to your desk. It’s what you do.
These past couple weeks, I was put on three major projects, each of which had high visibility and squeaky-short turnaround times. Of course, thanks to events in my personal life, I haven’t been sleeping much lately and as a result, have had half the energy and mental alertness of a wet mop left out overnight.
But when I had to finish these projects, I produced like I’m supposed to and my end clients were happy.
Sometimes priorities define themselves.
At work? It’s been game on. At home? Sweetie’s been sick, which leaves me to take care of him and the home (again, how do those of you with children do it?). My priorities are straight, which means that a sick Sweetie and the need to put cupcakes on the table come before blogging and creative writing.
It’s okay to give yourself a break.
Outside of my paying copywriting work, I either blog or work on my two Works in Progress almost every day. But with everything going on lately, the juice just hasn’t been there.
Here’s the thing: If you need to put side projects to the side for a bit, give yourself that break. You’re not required to keep every single thing running smoothly every single minute of every single day. If something has to give, let it give for a little while.
And finally…
It really is possible to type at rapid speed when you’ve just done your nails without a single ding in your fingers’ finish. Just sayin’.
Yes this all goes in the file of “we should already know this” (otherwise known as “duh”), but apparently the universe will us a reminder now and then anyway. Except for the manicure thing; that was one to grow on.
How about you? Anything derailed you lately?
Rubber Ducky Copywriter 
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