I'm sure my Untethered Realms buddies are all looking forward to me being awesome on another one of my fabulous vlogs. No really. I have a Youtube Channel now. Currently it has two vlog posts on it.
And today's post... isn't one of them.
The sad thing is that I volunteered to do our first ever Untethered Realms vlog post more than two months ago, thinking that I'd have more than enough time to get everything done.
What I didn't bargain on was the whole-scale destruction of my available time.
So one day, I will get into a regular vlogging groove during which I will post one fabulous vlog featuring me (because I'm hugely entertaining on film, not to mention eloquent.) But today is not that day.
It got me thinking, though. Is it me, or is 2016 just rough on us writers? My writing is about a tenth of what I had (conservatively) anticipated having. Add to that the general stress and strain and just general curve-balls that is life...
Chaos, I tell you.
Sheer bloody chaos.
And I don't know why. Did someone push a button somewhere? In which case, shall we gather together with flaming torches and pitchforks? Because I for one want to kick that person's ass.
I mean really. Life being busy is one thing, but I'm one of those people who likes having something to show for my time. But it's almost year-end -- Don't laugh. You know you'll blink at the end of this post and we'll be singing Auld Lang Syne. -- and I've managed exactly one finished project in total. And only that because I had done 90% of the work last year already.
I could be pulling out my hair because of this. Really I could. In fact, I was there, emotionally, a month or so ago, but then I realized something.
Sometimes, even our best efforts and intentions won't lead to our expected results. Boo! Yeah I know that sounds like a serious downer, but actually it's not. Really, it's a permission slip to cut ourselves some slack.
I know I'm not this unproductive because I've been slacking. I've been struggling because 2016 is hard. And if you're sitting in the same boat as me. Gosh there are a lot of you.
Ahem.
Those of us sitting in this boat are going to have enough trouble keeping it afloat until things get better again. Let's not add to the weight by carrying along our guilt and failure anxieties.
So. I've had to adapt my expectations for what I want to achieve in 2016 because the alternative would be working myself into an early grave. And I've realized that that's okay. Hopefully next year our little boat hits a nice island filled with muses and plot bunnies and we can get some serious work done.
What about you? Are you in the same boat as me? Yes? Welcome. No? Call the coast guard. Please and thank you.
For me, 2016 has been pretty good on the writing front, although I thought I'd be at the point where I could add a pen name's work to my list by now. Editing has sucked, though. No time or energy. But I think that's okay to shift goals around. Some things take more time because life happens.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat as you are. Trying to turn things around this month by writing every day even if it's just a small word count. I just need to get back into the habit. I'll be waiting for the coast guard with you!
ReplyDeleteYup. This year has been rife with changes for me and life just threw me another curve ball. Hugs to you. No reason to guilt. We do our best.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to have the drafts of two short novels completed by this point. Instead, I have two partially finished drafts and sometimes the ends appear farther away the more I write. I hope this lifeboat we're in is very seaworthy. Lots of sharks in the water.
ReplyDelete*looks around* We're gonna need a bigger boat.
ReplyDelete2016 has been hard for many people it seems. Writers, readers and all. Good luck with the remainder. That boat is nowhere near big enough.
ReplyDeleteWe totally need a bigger boat. This summer especially has been rough. I'm far behind where I wanted to be writing-wise. Here's to the second half of the year being a good running start to a fabulous 2017!
ReplyDeleteYes, we need a cruise ship!
ReplyDeleteHi Misha - yup ... I have a few ships here we could call on - lots of huge container ships going up and down the English Channel - usually I can see them - today not so ... tis thick mist ... I've had a bad year too - I was all ready to go - then life got in the way ... select a boat! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteRight On! I know where you're at because I have been feeling the same way. I too decided take it slowly Patricia and don't panic. I'm not in a panic stage anymore. That's good. On to another issue. I like that you're vblogging. Is it difficult to set up? I want to do it myself, but haven't tried it yet. Can you recommend a good book that is easy to understand on Vblogging?
ReplyDeleteAll the best and hang in there.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
I'm with you on that boat, but mine has a leak and is starting to sink. I'm so far behind on my writing project and yes, 2016 has been brutal. Hopefully things will improve for us the last part of 2016? Wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteSorry your year has been a stinker :-( Sending good thoughts your way for the island full or muses and plot bunnies, as well as lots of fruity tropical drinks with cute little umbrellas in them. They always make things just a little bit better. Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDeleteHi, Misha,
ReplyDeleteYOU BET..... but something does come with age. When I was much younger, like you, I was a 20 hour a day, doing everything type of guy. I wasn't a writer then, the fashion industry was my playground and I traveled the world and lived in front of a camera. NOW... DECADES later, I am an interior designer by trade and freelance writer. But one does learn to give oneself slack as we get older. Life pounding us at every turn makes us realize we can only do what we can do and hope for the best. Beating ourselves up is truly a waste of valuable time.
YOU have TIME... you are young and have your whole life ahead of you. DON'T let that spark fizzle out before its time. Your one novel this year is a HUGE achievement. Don't compare yourself to the MEGA writers cranking out 6-10 books a year. Many are trash and they had ghost writers doing most of the work.... Stay true to yourself and BREATHE....
I like the idea of all of us being in the boat together. At least, we can one great party to take our minds off the writing projects. Don't beat yourself up. You finished a novel and most folks never do that. Pat yourself on the back for that and keep on writing'.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much on track for what I have planned for the year, but then it was a finished book which needed editing/revising/a cover etc. But still, I know October will arrive in a rush and I'm gulping down fears that I won't be ready!
ReplyDeleteSo... when life gets in the way, and it seems like you're not getting done those things you think you should get done, remember to breathe and ENJOY the ride!
Most of the time, the results aren't what we expect.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm just floating along right now.
I'm in the boat with you, Misha. 2016 is hard. I'm moving forward inch by inch, but I AM moving forward. I'm anxious to complete a project, but I am learning to give myself a break too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI totally concur about having something to show for time and effort. I don;t mind the distractions and curve balls life throws at me. But I really feel that I need to have something come out of it that is valuable. Money is replaceable but time is not.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
IWSG Co-Host August 2016
www.stephentremp.com
That's why I live off a list with freedom to rearrange at any time. I have 4 kids. Chaos is expected. I think that's one of the biggest lessons we learn in life, how to roll with the punches and keep moving, no matter what comes.
ReplyDeleteIt really does seem like 2016 is harder, writing/publishing/marketing wise, than any other year. I have no clue why. I am sitting in that boat with you. I hope the final months of 2016 pick up for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI expected to be a lot farther along by this point of the year. Time just seems to keep slipping away. I don't quite understand it. Thank goodness I have a day job. I'd starve as a full time writer.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the boat. Call the coast guard. I am hoping to have something sooner than later and I hope by end of year. Crossing my fingers for ya.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Yep, I'm with you. I've had some setbacks this year so writing hasn't been what I expected but that's okay. We'll get through it. Happy IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteLife is always a rocky ride. A calm stretch is ahead for you. It'll come.
ReplyDeleteI am soooo in that boat with you. August! It's really August. Egads!
ReplyDelete2016 has been a real pain. I've had all sorts of hospital stuff with myself and family. That means I'm too preoccupied to write when I'm worrying about family recovering. I hope the rest of the year calms down.
ReplyDeleteNo matter my ails I'm grateful for 2016. I feel that I have been moving forward in new ways and though progress is slow. I feel I truly have an end game this time. For Round One. Bring it. Oh and an ice-pack, Chinese food and orange juice. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIf you're spending your time bailing the water out of your boat to stay afloat, that's productivity.
ReplyDeleteThis has been the toughest year--for me, for my loved ones, and for the world in general. It's been unrelentingly challenging and awful, even though there's been some success in 2016 too.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. Pass me a lifejacket, okay?