Mixed Priorities

Have you all noticed my word counter? I've been sitting on the same scene for what seems like forever!
This wip took an extra long time to write anyways. I could say that it was the lack of time, my busy schedule, etc. The truth of the matter is my priorities got skewed.
God and my family come first. Then household duties, since I do stay home and consider it my job to keep things running smoothly. But, when the times came when kids were sleeping and hubby was at karate, did I write?

NO.

I watched House, NCIS, read books, etc.

The reason this wip isn't done is because I never made it a top priority. More like a "if I feel like it" type of thing. That's not to say I didn't have word goals. I just played before working.

So I tried to blame it on life, but it was really me.

No more. The next wip will get a little more attention than this baby did.

When something doesn't get done, what excuses do you have up your sleeve?

Comments

Rita Gerlach said…
I understand what you are saying, Jessica. It usually takes me a full year to finish a novel, and then more time to polish it. If I were to work steadily, with no interruptions, then it all might come down to a matter of months. Life gets in the way. Distractions pull us away. I've learned to give myself deadlines now, instead of allowing myself all the time in the world. I'm not getting any younger. LOL. My current NIP, as I call it (novel in progress) is half way finished. I set a goal that by the end of April I will have a complete manuscript ready for submission. I'll have to write the proposal and query, too.
January 5, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
Whoo! Proposals are tough. I haven't set super tight deadlines because I'm not contracted, but I should, to get in practice.
LOL
You're not that old.
No interruptions? That would be a different world, right? :-) Good luck with your nip (cute term!)
I'm sure I'll read about it soon on your blog!
January 5, 2009 at 8:08 AM
Terri Tiffany said…
Oh House and NCIS--I know that diversion well! I think for me, I am going to set a certain time and try to really show up at my desk and do something--like this morning. I shut my office doors and sat down and pulled out what I am working on--and will write something!! But at least you are working on something and that is the blessing!!!
January 5, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Janna Leadbetter said…
Oh yes, I know where you're coming from. But try not to beat yourself up about it - we all need self-imposed breaks once in awhile (even if it's laziness more than anything else), where we completely disconnect from our work. I think it helps us reconnect and discover our next step... along with the relevance of that next step. It sounds like you're ready! Good luck!
January 5, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Jennifer Shirk said…
I'm going to have a hard time fighting the "Amercian Idol" excuse come next week. LOL
January 5, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Kristen Painter said…
Show me a writer who doesn't have excuses and I'll show you a writer who's getting paid and working under deadline. LOL
January 5, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Susan J. Reinhardt said…
Hi Jessica -

Your counter is showing you're finished! Maybe it took you longer than you wanted, but you did it. How many people start novels and actually finish them?

I recently read an author's advice column. She said to learn your craft and produce several manuscripts before you have the pressure of a deadline.

I'll be doing a post on productivity/time management again in the near future. It's tough making all the pieces come together.

Blessings,
Susan :)
January 5, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Susan J. Reinhardt said…
Hi Jessica -

I'm confused - the counter says 102%, but you say it's not done.

Susan
January 5, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Eileen Astels Watson said…
You're doing better than me, Jessica. I keep spinning old ones into new so the counter never moves.
January 5, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Keli Gwyn said…
Jessica,

I didn't do much writing over the holidays. I find it hard to be creative when the family is on vacation and wants my company, so I put time with them first.

Breaks can be a good thing at times. When we return to our WIPs, we'll have all that creative energy we've been storing up just ready to pour forth, right?

Here's to the return to routine and the fun of working on our stories.
January 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
Terri,
That really does work, to just make yourself sit down and write. Getting the bootie in the chair is the main thing.
January 5, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
True Janna. There are definitely times to take a break and recoup creative energy. :-)
January 5, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Haha, Good luck Jennifer!
January 5, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
ROFL Kristen! Ha! Thanks for the smile. :-)
January 5, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Susan,
I think that author's advice was very wise. I can't imagine being under deadline at this point in my life. :-)
Okay, what happened with the word counter is that I've gone over my projected word count and haven't been able to stop the scene. LOL That's why it's over.
January 5, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Eileen, you're hilarious. I've looked at yours and it's true it always seems on 3%! LOL How are you doing with your manuscript?
January 5, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Hey Keli,
I didn't get too much done either. But I'm happy to be back on track too. :-)
January 5, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Sarah said…
Jessica,

I am so with you on this one! I am the queen of procrastination and the princess of excuses.

Thanks for checking in on me. I haven't been blogging because we've had two sets of family in from out of town and things have been a little crazy around here. See? More excuses. :)

I promise to get back into it this week!
January 5, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
LOL
You sound like solid royalty! I'm glad everything is going well and hope you're enjoying the company. :-)
January 5, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Angie Ledbetter said…
New year, new goals. Bahonkus in chair, fingers on keyboard. :)
January 5, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Donna M. Kohlstrom said…
It's a new year and new word count! Praying you will find the time and motivation to finish your WIP and begin a new one. Look forward to hearing progress reports!
January 5, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Go you, Angie!
Donna, I finished tonight. Now, revisions...
*grimacing*
Good luck to both of you too!
January 5, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Anonymous said…
Jessie, I just dropped in and read the comments, and here I find that you finally finished!!

Fix that word counter so everyone can celebrate with you, girl!

CONGATULATIONS!!!! I'm so proud of you. :-)

Have a great day...
January 6, 2009 at 8:15 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
Awww *blushing* Thank you Anita! You have a great day too. :-)
January 6, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Karen Hossink said…
Excuses? Why Jessica, what are you saying about me? Do you take me for someone who is anything but perfectly disciplined and self controlled???
I have no excuses. Everything I do which keeps me from work is perfectly legitimate. I HAVE to read blogs, and update my status on Facebook, and fold laundry, and check email, and load the dishwasher, and change sheets, and check email again, and get meat out to thaw, and run to the store, and check email, and sweep the floor, and wipe up spots I found while sweeping, and get the boys from school, and check email one more time. Nope. No excuses here! LOL
January 6, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
ROFL
You're completely cracking me up!! Yes, I do the "check e-mail" every five minutes thingy too.
Thanks for stopping by and making me laugh!
January 6, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Katie Salidas said…
Congrats on finishing. I have a problem writing too when House is on. I am positively addicted to that show!
January 6, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Jessica Nelson said…
Me too! I just love, love, love it! Thanks for the congrats. I hope your own writing is going well. :-)
January 7, 2009 at 7:54 AM
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