Nov 12, 2018

When you are a writer, you spend so much time sitting. I haven’t invested yet in a walking desk like Bronwyn Jameson (must look into it properly), but I do know that I have to pay attention to my health with all this sitting.

So, I run. People often ask, “Do you enjoy running?” Answer – only occasionally, but I do enjoy having run. It’s such an efficient way to get exercise done. Straight out my front door, down our undulating country lane past the cows and the farms, past the view to Lennox Head and back. Today I ran eight kilometers (each week I try for longer run on the weekends). I woke up late after a school trivia night (we came second and won a case of wine!) and it was so hot. I sooooooo wanted to walk instead but made myself hit my goal.

Image courtsey pixabay.com
It is the same with writing. When people find out I’m a writer, they often say, ‘I’m planning to write a book’. My university students too, have big dreams of writing novels. But dreams need plans. Need goals. And writing a book is hard work.  I find I’m so much more productive with a plan. Short-term daily plans and those longer term plans. I haven’t been so good with the longer term plans lately and it makes me feel a little lost, so I’m determined when this semester of teaching and marking is over, I plan to really take the time to plan. Should I do a PhD, for example, not a decision to take flippantly.
 
What about you? Are you a planner or just see where the day and life take you, or something else? I’d love to hear.


6 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer

    Running is not for me I wish I could but no and as for being a planner I do try but it never pans out these days I prefer to lets see where we end up at the end of the day LOL

    Have Fun

    Helen

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  2. Hey Jen - you're one of the most disciplined people I know! Hell, I want to *be* you when I grow up!
    I try to plan and I am reasonably disciplined but my plans tend to be more fuzzy and less directed and I can, if I allow myself, become easily distracted.
    I'm amazed I've written any books.

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    1. Hey Amy - I want to be you!! How many books have your written now? 70? With how many publishers? I used you as an example recently for my uni students of a prolific, successful Australia romance author who has taken on the world and won.

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  3. I'm in awe of your running, Jen! Go you. :-) I'll admit to falling more on the planning side of the fence than not. I'd be totally lost without my weekly calendar and daily to-do lists -- they keep me on track. :-)

    But, I am dreaming of a holiday soon where to-do lists are forgotten, and all that looms in my day is a swim, a walk, and reading--once the PhD is done. Speaking of which...you're right, a PhD should never be taken lightly. But can't wait to hear what you decide!

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    1. I too am dreaming of a holiday soon, Michelle. Yes, that PhD - what to do, what do to??

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