Wednesday, March 2, 2016

IWSG: Debating The Future: Discovering Where This Writing Journey Fits in the Realm of Responsibility


It's that time again! Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating and hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly forum for writers to share insecurities without fear of reprisal. Let's get insecure!

My glass is full of gratitude today.

You could even say an awakening of sorts has occurred in my life (not the Force Awakening variety, but that would be excellent!). I learned a great deal during my unemployment, and I’m driven to do all I can to prevent that from happening again. Or not be unprepared for such a calamity. That’s why I’ve taken a good, hard look at what I’m doing, what I need to do, and where do my wants fit into the picture.

Here’s what's happening: this job requires that I go back to school for a year. I’ve since found an additional part time job that will cover the tuition. Yeah. I went from no job to two a few days after my week-long promotion for The Undead Road. I have to say, the response has been incredible. Emails and newsletter signups are pouring in like never before. Readers are asking for more. I’m more than happy to finish Jeremy’s story. And Woven’s. The real problem is ... when?

At 55 hours a week, my time is crunched like never before. I don’t watch TV now. Gaming's a thing of the past. If I'm reading, it's textbooks and manuals. If I’m not working, I’m catching up on what my kids are up do and putting them to bed. But here’s the thing ... I’m not complaining. This is the change my family has needed for some time. I have finally grasped the meaning of responsibility.

But I'm also responsible to my readers. My plan for now is to finish the My Zombie Summer trilogy and wrap up a sequel to Woven. It may be a slow process, but I'll get it done. After that, my writing may need to go on hold for a season. My writing as a more-than full time bread winner is proving to be a juggle that I'm unable to maintain.

I will keep you posted on developments as they come. All I'm asking for is understanding, patience, and to know I'm not abandoning you, my readers. I am where I am today because of you. And for that, I am especially grateful. Thank you. Good luck to your endeavors!

Where do you find balance in your every day life? What books are you looking forward to this month? Any movies I should see?

I'm David, and my event schedule is updated. Check it out!

24 comments:

  1. Even slow progress is better than no progress. Your next books will come out when they can. I think most readers understand that...even if they might be impatient. Good luck with everything!

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  2. A season for all things. The writing may be slow now, but just do little bits where you can without killing yourself. Because then no one gets to read the rest of the story...

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  3. Balance is hard. I'm blessed that my husband has a job that allows me to stay at home. So I write while my kiddo is in preschool. You do what you have to do.

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  4. Just don't lose sight of what comes first - God, family, etc. - and you'll be okay and find your balance. And if not, then maybe you can function like I do - the chaos has become the balance.

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  5. I think it's great that things seem to be falling into place - congrats on the new job(s)! I'm sure your readers will understand that sometimes more important things in life have to come first. Just write when you can, but don't push yourself too hard - you don't want to burn out! Wishing you the best of luck!

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  6. You asked for work and got more than you asked David which is a blessing. Glad you see that and are willing to work your life around it. All the best. :)

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  7. I feel for you. I gave up gaming for writing years ago. Simply not enough time to do both. Glad the job situation is working out.

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  8. It stinks that you have to get another job to pay for school for the first job. Plus it takes up so much time. I'm glad you're employed of course, but it's too bad you're losing so much free time.

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  9. Sounds like you're kicking butt! Feeling overwhelmed means you're trying. I know how you feel, and I agree with Chrys. Progress is progress.

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  10. Am so impressed how you feel responsible for your readers!

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  11. Wow, that is a lot. Good luck with everything.

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  12. You'll be plenty busy, but you'll be busy with things that matter. Writing may come slowly, but most readers will understand why. Find balance, do what's best for you and your family, and it'll be okay. Good luck!

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  13. When I was still teaching full time, coaching a sport, and watching my children play sports through high school and college, my writing was way on the back burner. You have to prioritize and congrats on being in a happy place with the new jobs.

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  14. May you eventually get to where you can write full time!

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  15. I'm so happy for you David. You sound so...solid, grounded and right where you need to be at this point in time. I'm looking forward to reading your latest! I have it, just need to find time, and you are inspiring me to find it.

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  16. Do what needs to be done to secure your family, David. Your book fans will understand, and if they do not, then they are not worth denying your family, right? Your children will not always be the age they are now. Time changes them so quickly. My prayers are with you and your family. No one can take your education or family memories away from you. Make them good ones. :-)

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  17. Hi David - Woven was such a good read ... so getting the sequel out will come in its time; while family comes first for now - ie the job and the learning etc - you've got lots going on and being busy helps you achieve more ...

    Take care and all the very best - Hilary

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  18. It sounds like you have so much good in your life. You'll find time to do the things you love. Your family is important, so take writing in smaller chunks right now. This year of education will fly by, then you'll be in a better place. Best wishes. You're doing great.
    Mary at Play off the Page

    IWSG co-host

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  19. As I said before David, just make sure you are getting enough sleep. I am sorry if your writing has to take a back seat for the moment though. Personally I am reading Brandon Sanderson's latest, The Bands of Mourning.

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  20. Wow, you have a lot to juggle right now, for sure! Sounds like you have a good sense of where your priorities should lie, though. Best of luck balancing everything!

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  21. Congrats on your jobs! That must be a huge relief. I remember when I got a job too. I can totally relate to how you're having to look at where writing fits in your life. I've had to make those hard choices too. Good luck with yours.

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  22. Good luck with all your professional endeavors, David. Sounds like you have a lot going on! I find balance by knowing what my priorities are.

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  23. Two jobs, school, and writing? Wow. That's responsibility on hyper drive. Good luck with it all!

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  24. I feel your pain...there really aren't enough hours in the day. I cut into my sleep hours more and more just to get stuff done. Power to you, keep pushing on...I'm rooting for ya:)

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