Rest
Hi Everyone,
I recently finished a re-write and some editing work I’ve been doing on a new book, and when I finish the intense concentration of a writing project (when I do nothing else except focus on the book, with as few distractions and interruptions as possible), afterwards, I usually catch up on other things and ‘real life’. After I finish a book, I see friends for lunch and dinner, spend time with my kids if we’re in the same city, get my house organized, catch up on mail and everything piled up on my desk, and tend to my other projects (art, music, interior design, or other). I do none of those things when I’m writing, and after I finish, my life is a flurry of activity. I make appointments, talk to lawyers and accountants, go to the movies, and it’s also an opportunity for people I work with to want to have meetings with me. It’s usually VERY busy when I finish writing.
Yesterday, I had an email from my editor, telling me to ‘get some rest’ now that I’ve finished the editing work, and I really had to laugh. I had talked to all my children, met with several employees, gone through a mountain of papers on my desk, had 5 conference calls at midnight with France, returned a bunch of calls, checked up on repairs in both my houses. I hadn’t stopped all day, and all I could think of was that my life when I’m not writing is anything BUT restful, and I jokingly told her that I can hardly wait to start writing again so I can get some rest!!! There is something very pure and peaceful about focusing on work to that extent, to the exclusion of all else. I don’t go anywhere, see anyone, and try not to think of anything else (except my kids if they need me) when I’m writing or focusing on a book in whatever stage. Real life is a LOT more exhausting, dealing with people, problems, obligations, decisions, bills, taxes, lawyers, kids’ problems, and trying to problem solve all day. Writing is a LOT more relaxing and less stressful, and sometimes it’s a wonderful form of escape into another world, even if it is hard work, (in a way it’s like reading a book, only you’re creating it)……something tells me that after a few more weeks of ‘rest’, I’ll be writing again soon!!!
Love, Danielle
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Hi there Danielle,
I have been having a particularly restless day today – knowing I have so much work to do but with a head that feels so crammed full of ‘stuff’ that I have no idea where to begin! Being a Mum of nine children myself, and also studying full time for the past ten years (I have almost completed my PhD in Law)I am feeling generally worn down! (Please hand me that walking frame!!). My second marriage has recently ended and I find myself back in the position of sole parenting to my children (25, 24, 23, 21, 20, 18, 16, 13, and 7). I have six boys and 3 girls and they are all fantastic kids. What I would love to ask you is how do you find the energy to keep up with your writing, raising your family, as well as the million other things you are required to do in your day-to-day life?!!! I am so amazed and in awe of you!! I remember when my kids were young, I was so full of energy and could do ANYTHING – now I feel so worn out that even finishing my doctorate is a real struggle. I would love to write a novel after the study is completed – but if I feel this unenergised, then I am not so sure I will do very well!! Any tips for a tired fellow Mum-of-nine?!!!
Thanks for your time,
Angela (from New Zealand).
Danielle,
I really enjoyed this addition to your blog. I must say that when I am writing, it IS peaceful…almost therapeutic. My children are younger (9 and 12) and as you know need a lot of mom-time, so my writing is done in spurts. I would love to have longer amounts of time to devote solely to my writing, but alas I need sleep. Still, I enjoy the writing when I’m able to work on it, sinking myself into an ‘escape world’ that I create…. hopefully one day for other’s enjoyment as well as myself.
Thank you for sharing.
Christy
(hopeful, future author)