I'm stealing a few moments to check in. It's really busy here on my side, since I'm trying to write 100k words this month and I got three editing and formatting jobs to do.
Not sure what I'm doing right to get all those jobs, but I'm not going to argue with it. I have to say, I'm really glad that I decided to augment my publishing income this way, because I'm actually enjoying it a lot. More than that, spending most of my working hours on this means that I'm really getting paid (and incentivized) to sharpen skills that I can use on my own publishing efforts later.
My major thing this week is to get these jobs done by Friday, because then I have enough money to pay out my Payoneer account, which means my cash flows at least until next month again. Yeah yeah. I know. Business. Bleh.
I realize the need for balance, though. I can't keep writing so much that I don't actually check in on my social networks. (I know. I'm TERRIBLE.) I can't freelance so much that I can't actually write. There has to be a way to make everything fit in.
So now I'm giving myself regular breaks on editing gigs. Usually, I have a tendency to sit down and power through the entire manuscripts in as close to one sitting as possible. I just get lost in what I'm doing, so I don't realize that I haven't moved in four straight hours.
Which is a terrible thing. Very bad for my health. So.
Now I have a timer running. I set it for 30 minutes to an hour, and stop, move around, blog, check in on twitter etc for a short while before starting again.
That way, I also get to refresh my mind, which I imagine will only serve me even better for getting frequent rests than it does without them.
I'm also hoping that giving myself frequent short breaks will keep me from being too tired once I get around to writing. I don't like pushing through exhaustion too much. It's too risky, because if I burn out, it'll be months before I can write, and I've given myself an official(ish) deadline for Book 3.
Luckily for me, writing is feeling like fun at the moment, which means my brain isn't picking up that it's actually a hell of a lot of work. Unless I'm tired.
So it's much better not to tire myself out. I'm way more productive that way.
How are you doing? Any tips for me to stay balanced?
Glad you're so busy with everything, but the every thirty minute breaks sound like a good idea. You need to get up and move.
ReplyDeleteNice to know you've got some $$ coming in, always a good thing. And taking those breaks is so important, something I'm bad about doing when I get deep into it.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be taking some pretty good tips for yourself. I say keep doing what you are doing and add any changes as you see fit. All the best Misha and congrats on your process.
ReplyDeleteBalancing it is tough. Fortunately, I don't have any formatting jobs right now. (Haven't been really trying either.) All I can do to run DLP, social media, and my own writing.
ReplyDeleteI do get up every 30 minutes or less. That's when it pays to be Type A and a bundle of energy, because I can't sit still for very long.
One thing that always helps me is the to do list. I make a list of everything I want to do that day or that week, and I put the things that have to get done that day at the top of the list. The things that don't need to get done right away are easier to put off until later.
ReplyDeleteThe timer is a great idea. My dog acts as one of those, because he either wants to go outside, go for a walk or play, so my writing is broken up quite comfortably :-)
ReplyDeleteBalance is a great idea Misha, I too believe taking breaks are very imperative to our health and well being. I worked 2 jobs for 3 years... then I worked overtime for years... I burned out... we all need breaks, I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying writing and editing so much ♡
ReplyDeleteA timer is a great idea. I have an exercise bike in my office that I hop on and off for that reason. Need to let your mind wander and your body move.
ReplyDeleteThe timer is a good idea. I should do that too. My legs can fall asleep after a while sitting in front of the screen!
ReplyDeleteI have to start doing this. Using a timer and move around every thirty minutes. Seems you are doing this great.
ReplyDeleteWish i had a tip for staying balance...we all just muddle through as best we can. But so long as you're writing still, it's all good:)
ReplyDeleteUggh, I hate when the balance is out of whack. I end up retreating to the forest. Not sure what would work best for you. Sometimes life demands tossing the schedule out and giving it all another go.
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