by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod
Let’s face it. Not all of us have the luxury or opportunity to write as our full-time profession. I’m one. In fact, only a small percentage of writers enjoy this life.
Five days each week, I teach writing, grammar, and editing skills to 120 rambunctious, less-than-focused, head-in-the-clouds middle schoolers—most of whom would rather be elsewhere. Over the past decade, I cannot calculate how often I’ve been asked, “Why do I need to learn this?”
On Sunday mornings, I travel forty-five minutes to a small country church that I pastor bi-vocationally. Although I am only “part-time,” I still must do the typical pastor things: prepare sermons, keep in touch with the sick and shut-ins, visit the hospital, teach Sunday school, and keep things running—hopefully smoothly—at the church.
And did I mention I have a wife who occasionally needs my attention? We may be married, but she still needs dating. Yes, I was a good husband and recently took her to see an Elvis impersonator. Our kids are grown and gone, but we still must keep up with the ones who live twelve hours away and the ones who live only one hour away. Ball games. Occasional visits. Texts. Snaps. Pictures.
Far be it from me to brag about how much I can do in a day. In the past, that led to a bleeding ulcer. I do have a Type-A personality, which helps with organization, but that doesn’t mean my plate can’t get overloaded quickly. In fact, it’s more likely to.
Presently, I manage two websites—plus my personal one—and edit for a few small publishing houses. And did I mention that I write monthly for several places—this one included—and am a contracted writer for a few more annually?
I am quite out of breath—but I imagine I am not the only one. I have a feeling many who read this have too much on their plates, too. As with any diet, we must reduce our amounts and watch what we eat more carefully to ensure we eat healthy foods. And hopefully, we have too much on our plates because we have more food choices (writing opportunities) that we can say “yes” to.
So, how do I make time to write, self-edit, freelance edit, and do life? I’ll admit my sleep numbers suffer, but I strive for seven hours. Since I’m not a night owl, I’m in bed by 9:15. This means I rise at 4:15 in the morning. Not all of us can do the morning thing, but whatever works, do it. For our eyes to see what they need to see through the writing and self-editing process—and for our brains to remember all the ins and outs we must recall—we need rest (adequate sleep plus other periods of down time). The early morning hours provide the time I need to write before I head to my day job(s).
I’ve also learned by trial and error to say “No.” I wish I could say yes to every writing and editing opportunity—especially those that pay well—but I can’t. None of us can. Trying to often entails missing sleep and rest, neglecting our families, avoiding opportunities to serve, and most importantly, skimping out on time with God and other believers.
And we should never lose sight of why we write to begin with. God has gifted and called us to this profession—full- or part-time. Writing for people or publications that pay nothing helps us maintain our perspective. I’m paid for about one half of my writing assignments; the remainder are freebies. But I figure if I do this for the right reason, God will take care of the bread and bills. And it just might be the free ones that land in the hands of those whom God has planned to see them.
As you carve out time to write and self-edit, make sure you don’t neglect sleep, overload your plate, or neglect God.
TWEETABLE
Featured Image: Photo by Jose Cerrato on Unsplash
I am reading this at 5 a.m. Early morning is quiet and when I have the most focus. Your accomplishments are truly inspiring and will rest on my shoulder, whispering in my ear as I get discouraged and contemplate giving up. God bless you!
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