A Squirrel Moment

Well, Monday June 21st was the first in many that I only wrote about a third of what I normally write. Actually, it was less than that I must admit. Yesterday for the first time in I don’t know when, I only wrote 968 words. I didn’t even make my 1000 word commitment which is incredibly rare for me.

So...what happened?

Well, yesterday started like any other...except it was my birthday...I had tons of well wishes through email and phone calls from family, friends and fans. Enough so it made my normal routine suddenly all out of whack. At that point, I opened up Word so I could write my blog as well as my documents so I could write my stories.

Then I did the number one no-no in my book. I decided to see what all the other loops had sent me for the last few days. Normally, I reserve this period for a few hours on Wednesday as I consider that day my promotion day. Oiy vey! And I’m not even Jewish...LOL...I know better than opening up one email on any other day than my promotion day. It was a very squirrel moment.

For those of you who don’t know what I mean about a squirrel moment, go watch the movie UP and you’ll understand immediately. My attention was drawn away from what I was supposed to be doing to something new and shiny. Did I learn anything at all?

Well...let’s see...I learned a few more facts about Summer Solstice. I read at least fifteen blogs. Looked up an agent I was interested in to see what was new with them. I looked at all the Publishers Lunches that I had missed as well as reading Dan Poynter’s and John Kremer’s newsletters to see what I could do more in the way of promotion.

Then I went to Word and started on the blog piece I was getting ready to post. I finally had all my facts in line and needed to get them down on a page. By doing this, I made sure I was at least partially ready for the day. I then went back to the internet and yahoogroups to see what else everyone was doing.

I read tons of new promotion and excerpts, adding to my already huge TBR pile. I looked at fellow author’s covers, voted in many, many polls and did some perusing of different blogs where I get even more news and information. Now this is productive in one way and very destructive in another.

Being a writer means you have to pay attention to writing. On most days. I don’t think I have to say any more. Writing is a job and it needs attention. Constant attention for those stories to grow and be nurture. Languishing with my email or on the internet is not the way it’s going to happen. We both know it.

I’m happy to say that Tuesday was different...much different...LOL! I slept in because I had actually stayed up to watch movies and do some general relaxing with my family, especially my eighteen year old. We had a great time. When I got up, I went and turned on the computer first thing then ate breakfast. The moment I was finished, I sat down in this chair and started.

Between the blogs and the writing on Tuesday, I’m pleased to say I had an almost 5000 word day. This is my normal and if I write this much daily I can crank them out. This is the summer I plan to do it!

So what is your squirrel moment? Do you have them often or are you better than staying on track than I am? Drop me a line and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

See you tomorrow!

Lynn