Sarah Tollok
I really need to shake my habit of thinking of my home chores as being my "real responsibilities" and then considering my writing time as being the "if I have time" event. Writing is important too.
Does anyone else struggle with this? #WritingCommunity #amwriting #writerdons #writer
Jan 8, 2023 at 8:53pmWeb
Show threadLisa GuidariniJan 8, 2023

@SarahTollok I struggled with guilt relating to all creative/interesting endeavors for years and years. I've only recently embraced the idea life is finite and laundry can wait.

I'm also single, so living this life has no impact on anyone else. I do keep a clean home space, I hasten to add. I just don't prioritize that over reading/writing/spending my free time as I please.

Show threadSarah TollokJan 8, 2023
@Bluestalking Yeah living with others, especially being the one called mom, does add some complexity to time management. The guilt is real. But even on a day when I am mostly solo its still hard to no shuffle writing to the end of my to do list.
Show threadLisa GuidariniJan 8, 2023

@SarahTollok I've been there and it could be very frustrating. I had an unsupportive partner, which made things a thousand times worse.

Wishing you freedom from the guilt. I empathize completely. x

Show threadWinjayJan 8, 2023
@SarahTollok Yes. What you enjoy doesn't feel like "work" so it's hard to treat it like it matters as much as chores that do feel like work.
Show threadSarah TollokJan 8, 2023
@winjay Exactly. But, this is also the "work" my heart most wants to do. And it takes time. I need to figure that out.
Show threadTonja Matney ReynoldsJan 9, 2023

@SarahTollok

It is awkward to give advice over SM, but here are suggestions that have worked for me. Take them or leave them.

~Reserve consistent dedicated time for your writing and communicate with family.

~Write first, chores later.

~Do scheduled write-ins with other people.

~Disconnect from Wifi.

~Go to a coffee shop or library and don't leave until the work is done.

~Make a bet with writing friends.

~Take a generative writing class if investing money helps.

Good luck!!

Show threadSarah TollokJan 9, 2023

@TonjaMReynolds I used to go to the library after work to write. I really should get back into that habit but I’ll need to wait for basketball season to be over. I have two kids on different teams so this time of year is A LOT.

And hey, I appreciate the input! This kind of mutual support is exactly what I’m on this platform for!

Show threadTonja Matney ReynoldsJan 9, 2023

@SarahTollok

I do the opposite. Also, my house is a mess.

Show threadSarah TollokJan 9, 2023
@TonjaMReynolds but I bet you get so much down on the page!!!!!
Show threadNapalousaJan 9, 2023
@SarahTollok Yes!! I really struggle with it. Would legit end up deep cleaning a trash can over sitting for 10 minutes and enjoying the peace of being creative.
Show threadSarah TollokJan 9, 2023
@napalousa yes! Like I just keep finding little tasks that I feel I should really get done first but it all adds up.
Show threadmathtansJan 9, 2023
@SarahTollok Oh yes. Family, work, cleaning, then towards the bottom is the blog post I've been writing since August. (And the #WIP, though NaNoWriMo did force me to try more with that, briefly.) Finally some time now, before bed, and too darn tired again.
Show threadMar VincentJan 9, 2023
@SarahTollok I feel this! Fortunately I have a little bit of time every morning carved out for writing, and since I do it every day, it’s easier to keep other tasks from interfering.
Show threadDRobertsJan 10, 2023
@SarahTollok Yes! Between dealing with kids, the Day job, trying to maintain a half way decent home, writing often feels like a luxury, that fun thin I allow myself when the metric ton of "real responsibilities" has been dealt with smh!😩