If your writing always comes first, to the detriment of everything else, you might end up with a lot of words but few friends.
Writers are, after all, first and foremost human beings with rich and complicated lives. We have obligations, responsibilities, and relationships that need tending to.
But there are crucial times in a writer’s journey when a big thrust is required to move our books forward. Or, indeed, to finish them.
Here are the times I know I have to put my writing first:
1. When I’ve fallen out of love with my book and need to stir the spark again.
2. When I’m in the flow and riding a wave of creativity.
3. When I’m working on a particularly challenging or critical part of my book.
4. When I can feel the book beginning to sag, as is especially true in the middle.
4. When I’m nearing the finish and need, much like birthing, to give the final push.
When do you put your writing first?
And how willing are you at those times to put aside everything but the essentials to focus on your book?
Love to hear from you.