Writing and the Day Job

You know, here's the thing: writers (or aspiring writers) always talk about how if they only had more time they'd write. If they didn't have to get up and go to the office, they'd write. If they didn't have to take the kids to school, make dinner, go grocery shopping, watch American Idol, they'd write.

What with my precarious visa situation here in the States (I'm allowed to be here, but I'm not allowed to work), I have nothing but time. In some ways it's been productive, I'm not going to lie. I've written the first draft of a second novel, starting shopping novel number one, am halfway through a first draft for novel number three, and have managed to maintain a quarterly schedule for my online magazine. This, all told, is probably more actual writing than I managed in the two or three years before I moved to New York.

Waitressing is not a good job for people who want to do other things, even though the stereotype is out there: struggling actors, writers, artists, singers, dancers... they all usually do a stint wearing an apron and serving food. Maybe it works for some of them. For me, it ended up draining whatever energy I had. If I had to work in the evening, I spent all day fretting about it and wishing I didn't have to go. If I worked earlier in the day, by the time I got home I was exhausted and curling up to read a book seemed much more enticing than sitting down to write one.

However, I am beginning to see why other responsibilities are good for the procrastinating writer. I, for example, do odd job work for a PR firm in Vancouver (see, I am not working in the STATES, even though I live here! Telecommute!!!) and it never fails... my boss sends me work and BAM all of a sudden writing is so appealing. Nothing cures writer's block like having to do some 'real' work.

It's good work if you can get it. But now I have procrastinated long enough, and have to cram some PR work into my day so I can get back to the characters clamoring in my head. They are so needy when they think they might be ignored!

*Blank*

Honestly, what to say?

Went back to Canada, visited family, my sister's wedding. A week later my niece was diagnosed with a massive brain tumor. Surgery, recovery, surgery and chemo starts next week. No writing in almost two months, lost my zip drive with the current novel on it, need to get more query letters out. Lost 1/3 of husband's funding due to a lack in the $$ pool, so are now destitute in the city.

Very tired, stressed, but also thankful and happy. Had first year wedding anniversary. Need more sleep. Have a new place to live at the end of the month.

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