When the world is screaming for your attention, it's hard to write
more. A few years ago, I had a bout of chest pain that landed me in the
hospital for a week and forced me to re-examine some priorities. It wasn't a
heart attack. It was stress.
The event provided a life lesson: focusing on the important
(versus the mundane). Hard to do. I struggle with it often.
Here are six things I've learned that eliminate stress and
let me write more. I hope they help.
Write more by saying no to what is not important
How hard is this? Very, if you can not figure out what's
important. As a writer, time to write is the top priority. Are you a writer if
you don't write? I'm thinking not. Bears some thinking about, doesn't it? When
you write, write. When you do other things, do them with all your strength, but
don't try to do both at the same time. It will add stress and you won't do
either one as well as you could if you focused.
Stress less by asking for help
You can't do everything. Your friends, coworkers, kids, and
editor know this. Goodness knows your spouse knows this. Why don't you know it?
Could it be a little bit of a stubborn streak? The superman/woman complex?
Break down your tasks and see what parts of each you can delegate.
Write more by hiring help
Yes, you can do things for yourself and you do them.
Especially if you're an indie author. But here's a thought. You can hire
someone to help you with Facebook, deal with your website, set up a profile on
social media, etc. But guess what? No one else can write your book. Hire help
where you can so you free up time to write. Fiverr is a great place to look.
Stress less by facing the hard things
Do something difficult first thing every day. If you face
a hard thing first, the rest of the day will be downhill.
Write more by going outside
Sounds counterintuitive, but it's true. Spend time outside.
Sure, you need the BICHOK rule to write (butt in chair, hands on keyboard), but
sunshine does wonders for your body and soul. It's a natural source of vitamin
D, which is good for bones. Your body can't make it without help. And oh my...
there is nothing like the feel of grass under your feet when you've been cooped
up in the house. Is it snowing? Step out, breathe some icy air, and duck back
inside. But change your environment and you'll stress less and write a whole
lot more.
Stress less by not letting dust bother you
Do you need a house that's a hospital or a house that's
hospitable? Families (and single people, and couples) need a house that's
enjoyed and filled with laughter and love. So what if there's dust? Break out
the dustcloth half as much, write twice as much, and see which makes you feel
better. Stack the dishes neatly in the sink and let them wait. I promise they
will still be there when you get back from writing for an hour. No dishes I
ever owned have washed themselves. Chances are, yours won't either. Housework
can be done by anyone.
Remember, only you can write your book.
Here's to a stress free life with plenty of joy and laughter.
Oh... and more time writing.
Kayelle Allen writes Sci Fi with misbehaving robots, mythic
heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She's also a US
Navy veteran and has been married so long she's tenured.
Author of At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, a sweet and rollicking science fiction romance.
Author of At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, a sweet and rollicking science fiction romance.
