NOTE:
Since I am participating in the A to Z Challenge, I am only going to post today and Friday. I’m sorry about this, but I am pooped. I promise
more posts the next time it’s my time to host. Xoxo Chrys Fey
Dear Withdrawn Writer,
Writers often put a lot on the back burner to write and
to do all the things that writing and publishing entails. Sometimes, without
meaning to, we even put family and friends behind our writing. Not long ago I
realized that I was doing this and wanted to remedy that.
If you worry that you’re doing the same thing, you can
try this:
1. The first thing you can do is send out a
mass email to your family members and close friends, or post a status on
Facebook, to explain your absence and why you don’t call as much as you should.
Let them know about your responsibilities and that you’re not purposefully
withdrawing from anyone. I did this a few months ago.
Here’s part of my message:
“This is a blanket message to all of my family and friends who may feel as though I've become distant. And I'm posting it with love. Every day I am writing, editing, blogging, and marketing. You may not know how difficult all of that is, but trust me when I say it's not easy and it's never-ending . . .Because of that I don't make phone calls, send messages or texts as much as I should . . . Anyway, I just want everyone to know that I'm still here...writing, of course, but here all the same and that I appreciate all of you.”
2. If you’re always writing or doing something
related to marketing, it’s a good idea to designate a certain time every day to
spend with your loved ones at home. This could be breakfast time or dinner time
when you sit with your family and talk, or bedtime when you read to your kids
or get a little one-on-one time with your significant other.
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| Image from Wikipedia At least it's easier to talk on the phone nowadays. |
3. Call at least one person a week for a
little chat to catch up. Not only will you benefit from having a nice
conversation, but your loved ones will love that you’re calling them to hear
about their troubles and/or happiness.
4. Set up one day a week to bond with your
family such as family game night, movie night, or a pizza party. Your kids and
significant other will enjoy this, and having a little fun will erase any of
the stress you have and even help you with writer’s block.
5. Plan a fun outing at least once a month. (You can do it every other week.) This doesn’t have to be expensive either. This
can be a trip to the library or mall, garage sale hunting, a beach day, a lunch
out with your girl friends, or a night at the fair. Every writer needs to get out
of the house and have some fun!
By doing 2-3 of these things, you’ll strengthen your
relationships, create memories, and de-stress.
QUESTION: Have you withdrawn from your family and
friends to write?
Have
a writing-related question? Leave a comment and I may turn it into a post right here!
