Oh my! I’ve just been too busy to write:

Facebook learning that  my old classmate is about to go camping with the girls- yeah, I’m jealous; Finding out that my old neighbor is cooking yummy stuff tonight- (feeling guilty we’re having leftovers);Seeing if anyone else is artsy and likes the picture I put up; Also, must check facebook to see how many comments/ likes/new statuses/ Friend requests… How come I have time for Facebook, but no time to write- eh?

 I’ve been reading about more and more writers quitting facebook since it really doesn’t help their writing. In fact, they find it a distraction to not only writing, but their real life…

Twitter – Must check it many times a day in case I might miss something, like someone re-tweeting a line of my poem! Unless you’re a teenager with a following gaggle of teenagers- or some kind of star, no one really reads your tweets anyway, right? Or if they do, it’s because you’re really funny… But will they buy your book?  
I used to check twitter all the time, but now I’m too busy writing… 🙂

Reading a book– Reading books by other writers is ‘study‘ right? Isn’t ‘studying’ my craft a sign of professionalism? I’m very professional then, so professional in fact, that all I do is study, study, and “Hey! Where’s the next Best Seller list?!!!”

Editing- It seems that when I have a moment to write, I suddenly remember the editing I’m supposed to be doing…(editing someone else’s work!)

Writer’s Groups- How many writer’s groups can one join? They’re great- but if you are not writing, why bother?

Cleaning- Cinderella that I am, I spend a lot of precious writing time cooking and cleaning, rushing around doing errands.  Once read a Facebook picture status that said, “Don’t handicap your kids by making life too easy on them” which (to me) translates into ” Why are you cleaning up after everyone like Cinderella?  Quit!  If they help make the mess they help clean the mess.  The word “MOM” does not translate into “Maid Of Many.” Actually my kids help, but too often it is easier to just do things myself. I’m not helping anyone when I take this approach.

Phone- A few years ago I learned the secret to taming the Phone Lion. I turn off the sound/ringer and check AT MY LEISURE at scheduled times.  Friends may at first rebel, pout, guilt you, or panic.  If your friend calls you with an urgent phone call at 9:00 a.m.  and you don’t return it till 3:00 p.m., you may find your friends feeling unfriendly.  Eventually they learn how you operate, and they adjust.  Real friends will put up with your quirks and bounderies so long as it isn’t mean-spirited…

T.V.- Let’s not even go there. If you’re watching a bunch of tv, you may as well realize you are addicted. That is the first step. Taper yourself to a few favorite shows- but no random tv just to kill time.

Friends- this is important. Friends are important. Face to face contact with friends is important. Don’t kill hours on the phone with them, but instead schedule a time to meet with them over coffee, lunch, a walk, or the park.  Then when friend times are over, it’s back to your writing after a real break!

A lot of people who work full time and have big families have written novels/books. What’s my (and your) excuse?