This is the post I didn’t want to write (which is why I delayed it for a week). This is the post where I tell you that for the last few weeks the writing didn’t come first. Instead 250,000 words belonging to someone else came first as I edited chaotic documents that had been translated from two languages before they came to me. A website, eDMs, meetings, and emails also came first. And when I wasn’t working for my business during the day, at night, and on weekends (over at my other persona, Rowena Writes Copy), I was doing my best to meet longstanding and long overdue social commitments which were of course completely pleasurable, but again meant that the writing didn’t come first.
When I was writing for business I felt guilty about not writing my novel, and when I tried to find time to work on my manuscript, I felt guilty about not doing the writing that pays my bills. Anxiety started to build as I worried that this would be the second time that I had been given a rare opportunity to do something that I really cared about and that it was at risk of slipping away from me because of other people’s deadlines. Thankfully I have four fundamental elements to keep me focused...
This is the post I didn’t want to write. It is slapdash, jotted down between deadlines, and tells the woe is me story of having a moderately successful business. More meaningfully, it is the post I didn’t want to write because it references the experience of my friend and many others like her, whose stories I am so keen to share with the world. I can’t think of a more important reason to remember why the writing should always come first. Postscript: For some readers this post may not make a lot of sense right now. Don’t worry. It will.
6 Comments
10/11/2015 09:35:10 pm
Acknowledging the absence of time given to writing is acknowledgement still of its importance. Sometimes life just gets in the way...as do the bills! And sadly, I don't think the subject matter of your novel is going away any time soon, but thank goodness you're working towards adding your voice to its existence.
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Rowena Tuziak
10/11/2015 10:32:35 pm
Thanks Sally, that is reassuring! I'll keep at it. xx
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Kate
10/11/2015 10:47:25 pm
Very glad you took a little time for some catch ups!😊 Your trip sounds amazing and I will look forward to hearing of more adventures...and their translation to the novel!
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Rowena Tuziak
11/11/2015 07:45:08 am
I think sanity catch ups are both allowed and encouraged. Thanks Kate! :)
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12/11/2015 12:02:56 pm
Thank you for sharing the lows along with the highs Rowena. Life does get it the way, but you are so right to acknowledge those external and internal motivations that will get you over the line. You will be so in the world of your novel during and after your trip - I know it will all come together.
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Rowena Tuziak
12/11/2015 01:06:11 pm
Thanks so much, Kate. Your encouragement is very much appreciated!!
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AuthorRowena Tuziak: Writer. Archives
April 2019
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