Fantasy and Vampire Book Club discussion

I can't be the only one suffering from the pressures of reality and responsibility. I work god awful shifts, have to fit in housework and a needy boyfriend. I sew, draw, paint, sculpt and I'm trying to renovate a dolls house. In the middle of all of this I want to finish my novels but there aren't enough hours in the day! Help!

Hi Natalie,

You're not alone so don't worry! I currently run two businesses from home, take care of the house (which we all know is never ending!) and fiance, planning a wedding, as well as running round after a very active 20 month old! Add to that marketing etc for my books and businesses I dont get an awful lot of time to write. However I do try to fit it in, even if just for half an hour or so. At least I feel I've done something. There are days I plan to write then something gets in the way and it doesnt happen, but that's life I guess. I've tried to be more organised over the last few months and work certain days, write on others, market on others etc, but even that can stray. You have to try and find what works for you and stick to it as much as possible, at least until we hit the best sellers list and can kick back and relax ;)

post it notes are sometimes my best friend. I also carry around a notebook with me wherever I go. that's if I can't get access to a PC.
I may not have completed writing a novel yet. but I'm sure I'll do it eventually. sometimes things can't be rushed. but don't force yourself either.

Dean Wesley Smith wrote a series of blog posts tracking his ghost writing a book. Many times he had 15-30 minute blocks of time to write the book between other tasks. He is a pro so managed something like a 70k word book in 2 weeks... But the point he was making was that 15-30 minutes can really add up.

You might also start with short stories that create the backstory of your main and supporting characters (different stories for each as well as how they meet if its not part of the book) before tackling the manual. You get a number of things out of this. Learning to write in short sprints, refine your writing, create a "backlist", combine into a collection, kickstart your writing career... Don't skimp on editing or covers. When you've seen what you can do tackling the novel may be easier.

It's great to know I'm not alone and the tips are fantastic. I wish it wasn't a breach of dpa to use a notebook in my office because I have so many ideas when I'm at work dreaming about what I'd rather be doing!

Lol tell me about it.

Natalie wrote: "It's great to know I'm not alone and the tips are fantastic. I wish it wasn't a breach of dpa to use a notebook in my office because I have so many ideas when I'm at work dreaming about what I'd ra..."

Are you allowed a tablet or *gasp* a paper notebook?

No not at all. I work in insurance and it means handling customer data. So any device on which information can be stored or paper, or even external emailing, are strictly prohibited.

I know exactly what you mean. they are very strict. but it also depends on your bosses. I have worked in several insurance companies . people are strictest the closer you are to money and client information.
I wasn't writing during the time I was closest to customer records. maybe post it notes during breaks . you might not to be able to write your book on them. but you can write plotlines, topics etc. on them . when you look at them later, it should remind you what you wanted to write.
but you still have to work out the time to write them all down. so maybe alternate days that things are done. sewing day, painting day , writing day etc. that might allow you to get everything done.
OK I'm out of ideas now.....anyone else?
edited due to start of comment sounded a bit bitchy when I re read it. Which was never my intention

Natalie wrote: "No not at all. I work in insurance and it means handling customer data. So any device on which information can be stored or paper, or even external emailing, are strictly prohibited."

That really stinks. :(

OH MY GOD ADELE! HOW COULD YOU?! Kidding. Didn't get a bitchy vibe at all. And yes insurance sucks in many a way.

I started off doing over the counter claims( customers comes in I process claim on the spot and give them their cash). now I'm going around doing admin and reception. unemployed at the moment, but I work in both the insurance and superannuation industries. (super is easier and a bit more relaxed).

oh and I deleted my been there done that comment.....that was the bit that could come across bitchy.

free time, what's that? I'm a full time vet tech with twin boy toddlers. I may not have time to write but editing is somewhat do able after the kids are in bed and the dishes are caught up.

twin boy toddlers! oh my gosh.

I can totally understand you wouldn't have time to write.
maybe once they are a bit older and the inspiration hits you, you might think about writing.

I know I have been writing this erotic fairy tales for a long while now. inspiration comes and goes with it.
I'll eventually get it finished.

I have that problem too. I try to make sure I can fit in even just ten minutes a day to write but it can be really tricky trying to fit everything in :(

ooh i found an note app for the phone. its called evernote.
its like virtual sticky notes.
totally loving it right now.

Evernote? Never heard of it. What do you do with it?

I have NO TIME now... I am planning a trip in August and work is insane and the only time I get to read is in the car.. in an audiobook.

I've been writing part of a secondary story in my lunch breaks at work which is fine because it's just something to keep me going, but it frustrates me that my core trilogy is something I can only write at home because I need all the research files on my laptop. And when I am home I'm too busy with other things to get it done, or my boyfriend is taking apart a motorbike in the living room and there's too much noise to focus on anything except wishing the flipping thing would fall on him.

@Norma evernote.com.... its also an app,it works off a cloud so you have the information wherever you go.

@Natalie, I'd suggest using a cloud for your storage of files. I find dropbox once installed on your pc is the easiest to use. evernote is for my android tablet and phone.
anyway if you use a cloud system then you can actually write wherever you want. Maybe you can work on that trilogy at work during breaks or in the kitchen at home....or other place away from noisy motorbikes.

oh man I wish I was paid, the amount of times I have recommended evernote I should get a commission lol. ...everyone loves it now, or its introduced them to that kind of system and they have gone on to find others.

Fantastic! Thanks, Adele. I will have to give it a look. Sometimes if I'm in bed I use the Samsung note app on my phone to get a few ideas down before they're lost to a haze of sleep forever, but this sounds much better.

apparently you can use evernote for the pc as well.... but I havent used it yet , I never really intend to as I'm quite happy using dropbox for now.

but I have to admit I still love my usb drives. I have 8 of them each with a different function. eg pics, music, documents etc.

Sweet! Definatly going to look into it!