So this summer, as often is the case, I am writing a book. I must fight temptations of my garden, the tennis court, even the local public swimming pool (where I would take the kids to play while I lounge in a wide-brimmed hat with a novel).
And even though this book is not yet completed, I’ve begun some marketing efforts for the book I wrote last summer and fall—which will release at the end of this year (the publishing process is rather drawn out). Next week I’ll be at my publisher’s sales conference, where I get to speak to the sales force about the book—an amazing (and intimidating) opportunity. I’ll receive the final edits on the book while I’m there, which I have to look over and approve by July 9.
All the while, I have to finish the current work-in-progress by September 1, and an in-depth magazine article by about the same time.
While I was writing this post, a fellow writer called to ask if I would read a book manuscript to possibly write an endorsement. And here’s the crazy thing—I really wanted to say yes.
But to do so would be to sacrifice my sanity. And the quality of my other work. You cannot give your best to an unlimited number of projects. So I said, no, not this time. My plate is too full.
So one of my summer jobs is to write. Another is to say “no” when I need to so that my life doesn’t get out of control. How do you balance work and play in the summer? How do you know what to say yes and no to?
4 Comments
Be sure to take that down time.
As you know, it’s OK to say “No.”
I am trying to find that place of balance in my life. Right now I am really bent on moving from a 40+ work week doing something I do not love to something that is me - writing. A few years ago I started my own writing and (mostly) editing business, but things got crazy on my day job and that fell by the wayside. Now that my husband has a full-time job with benefits, I am hoping to be able to make this transition soon. Part of that is getting myself into a writing life this summer and already part of that is saying no to some things I love - namely biking - while still maintaining life-giving relationships and other priorities. You’re right though - there’s no getting around the saying “no” part. Thanks for the timely reminder.
Keri, I make it so I can work less in the summer. I lighten my load intentionally. I do most of my research and planning during the school year so I can take time and not feel guilty or overwhelmed.
GOod for you to say no. The day will come when the kids are gone and you might say yes a little more. For now, keep time for them.
Dianne, I think you’d like a book called “Making a Literary Life.” I recommend it.
yeah, making time for kids is hard with work and also with friends who want my time. It’s not easy–I try to cut out speaking but it’s really hard.