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| Photo by Victor1558 |
All suited up, sitting in your super hip office, looking totally fly while you write?
Hmm...probably not. At least, I know it's not me.
Yes, I have a "real" job. It's only one day a week and I don't dress up. And I'm a mom of three kiddos, which to me is a "real" job.
But writing? Is that a real job?
I think if we're passionate about writing, and we want to be published (or already are), and we're striving to get our words on paper, then writing IS a real job.
But it's not a typical job. Not nine to five. Probably sans chic briefcase. Lunch hours? Paycheck? Vacation time? No, maybe, and probably not.
So, how do we make writing feel more like a real job? Here are some tips!
1) Have a Schedule
No matter what your day looks like, you can still have a bit of schedule. If you have to write around kids, do it! Even if you can only get in 15 minutes. If you have to write early morning, do it! Basically, plan to get some writing in each day (or at least each week day), and stick to that plan. Even better, try to make it the same time and length each day, and then make sure it gets done. All of our schedules will look different, but if we have a schedule, writing will feel more like a real job and there will be productivity.
2) Create a Work Space
You don't need an entire office. But some kind of workspace that you use every day is a good idea. That way when you're in your "work space" and the kids see you, they'll be more inclined to understand you're "working" (at least we hope they will!). Make it yours, make it fun if you want, but have a designated space.
3) Take Time Off
At real jobs we have weekends off. We have vacation time - usually. We get 15 minute breaks or lunch time. And we start and stop at a particular time. So make sure you're taking time off here and there. Don't burn yourself out.
4) Make it Professional!
ACT like writing is a real job! Also, try to find some sort of outlet, something that brings writing into your life. Go to local writing meetings, meet with writer friends. Make friends on-line. Blog about writing. Do something to bring writing into your world.
5) Talk to Your Family
Speak with your husband/wife and kids about your writing. Tell them it's important and it's your at-home job. Explain to them that when you're in your scheduled time at your computer, you're working and you need to focus. Let them help you! The more support and encouragement you have (especially from your family), the better!
6) Set Goals, Be Accountable
At a real job, you have responsibilities. You have to be accountable for something, or a lot of somethings. So make yourself accountable for your writing. Make goals and keep them!
Does writing feel like a real job to you? What helps you make writing more like a real job?
