In this week’s podcast (3:36) I explain the impact of my dad’s health crisis on my writing life, and how I adjusted my work.
It looked like I’d have to give up on my writing life. And I did have to step back from some responsibilities for a while until we figured out what this was going to look like.
I stayed flexible and worked late and was able to continue with several commitments as we rode the roller coaster of my dad’s crisis. Eventually, it appeared I’d be able to continue with most of my existing work if I learned to stay calm and get creative.
We never know what a day will bring, so keep calm and, as much as possible, carry on.
Learn more: A Prison of His Own Fears and Rediscovering Community: With a Little Help from My Friends
Keep Calm image by Stefany via Flickr through Creative Commons Attribution License 2.0.
Is your writing life all it can be?
Let On Being a Writer, by Ann Kroeker & Charity Singleton Craig, act as your personal coach, to explore the writing life you already have and the writing life you wish for, and close the gap between the two.
“A genial marriage of practice and theory. For writers new and seasoned. This book is a winner.“
—Phil Gulley, author of Front Porch Tales
I have a theory that what we have to do expands or contracts to fill the time we have to do it in.
I may have told this before. In May 2012, shortly after I had a 3-hour-a-week increase in my working hours, I was in a car accident. A guy ran a red light and hit my car, spun it around. In the following weeks, getting the car fixed and getting myself fixed and keeping up with the normal responsibilities of living, I saw that I could fit more into the time I have than I thought. One learns to use slivers of time. One learns to plan routes that conveniently combine errands.
That July, I got a book contract, and delivered the manuscript in just under eight weeks — weeks when I also completed two essays on deadline and traveled out of town for two weekends. I don’t think I could have pulled all that off if the accident hadn’t revved my engine.
I wouldn’t choose that, or this, or wish either on anyone. But I am, in a weird way, grateful for that accident, or at least the lessons from it. And I am glad you are finding ways to fit your writing and editing and coaching and podcasting life into this new caregiving life. For the record, this coaching client is sticking with you.
I think it’s true we can squander free time. Good examples through your stories, and I’m continuing to learn and grow and adapt. And thanks for sticking with me!
Thank you Ann, for caring for your dad and yourself. Although my writing isn’t my work (not yet anyway), I empathize with your journey as I have recently pushed “play” again on my life after an intense caregiving role I undertook with my father. Thank you for sharing your heart and for your encouragement to “carry on.” I’m looking for my groove. Although i have to admit, I wondering if there is groove with my name on it?
Love your podcasts! 🙂
Dea, thanks so much for these encouraging words and this window into your own caregiving history. I hoe you get your groove back (yes, there is a groove for you!). Coming back into this after a pause may give you the freedom to experiment with new ideas, maybe?
Terrific podcast, Ann!
Thanks for listening, Donna!
I am loving these podcasts, Ann. Thanks for sharing this particular piece, because it is a reality for many of us. Time is limited and terribly interruptible, isn’t it? Let me know when you have enough space for us to engage again.
Diana, I’m guessing you know what it’s like to live with time constraints!
Ann, I enjoyed this podcast. This is a constant struggle of mine, finding bits and pieces of time to write in between so many other demands, when I could really use a good six to eight hour stretch to simply write. But it’s forced me to be creative with my time and not wait for “the moment” to write (you know, that moment after you’ve got your cup of coffee, checked your email, paid the bills, rearranged your desk, returned your phone calls, watched the squirrels, etc.). 🙂
Brock, I’m glad you took time to listen! I’m glad you’ve made the most of those little moments in-between squirrels and coffee. 🙂