There’s a joke at every college that you can study, sleep, and have a social life, but only two out of three. And when you’re out in the real world and trying to build a career at whatever you’re doing, that may as well be two out of three of work, sleep, and a social life. And yet we writers with day jobs are trying to cram a hugely time-consuming fourth task in there: writing. There’s never enough time.
These past few years I was on a treadmill that I know many writers can relate to. If it wasn’t working, writing, blogging, or watching the occasional TV show or basketball game at the end of the night, chances are I wasn’t doing it. I lived for the vacations I took every six months or so – those were my breaks.
The time I took for doing purely fun things slipped away, and the day when I was going to slow down kept receding in the distance. It was a bit of an unsustainable course. Now, I didn’t go Britney Spears and shave my head or anything like that, but something had to give, which is partly why I craved a fresh start and a new challenge in a new career. I knew I had to find a different balance.
This all came to a head the past few months. I was starting a new job as I was trying to finish up WONDERBAR #2 (which I’m now editing), starting WONDERBAR #3, spending time with family around the holidays, dealing with a sick dog who wasn’t sleeping through the night (he’s fine now), and other assorted massively time consuming travails.
The thing about this is that I know full well these are the problems of someone who is very blessed and fortunate, and I’m not asking for, nor do I deserve, sympathy. I know I’m lucky! Oh – gee, my hobby that I love is too time-consuming. Woe is me. There are people out there who are working far harder and who are struggling and for whom the idea of finding “balance” in their life is an abstraction.
But I also know that’s the guilt of the ambitious writer talking, and it’s a great justification for running yourself into the ground. Someone out there is always working harder and more successfully and look like they have it made in the shade. I have to remind myself to ignore that. If you have the luxury of time: It really behooves you to take some of it for yourself.
So these past few months I’ve been searching for a new paradigm. No longer am I working late into the night; I’m trying to spend my weeknights hanging out with friends. No longer am I spending every single Saturday and Sunday writing; I’m trying to spend at least one of those days doing something fun. My new job is going great and I’m trying to get out of the apartment more and reengage with the world. One day I went to the Steinhart Aquarium and just stared at the fish, which made me feel slightly crazy, but hey, what can I say world, I’m back!!
Have you ever gone through a similar rebalancing of your life? How did you find the right mix, and are you happier as a result?
Anonymous says
Went to the art museum this weekend to see the new exhibit. Stared at the same spots of paint for 10, 15 min stretches.
Didn't see the exhibit, much. I did witness a startled docent when I asked to borrow his pen to jot down writing ideas on my brochure.
jenniferkoliver says
Thanks for the post, Nathan! It's great to hear you're finding a good balance. It's amazing how a few adjustments can change your quality of life and outlook. I think change can be worthwhile almost any time at any stage. And hey, if it doesn't work out, you can always change back, but if it does work you can find new and exciting opportunities.
I was consumed by an activity a few years ago, and even though I knew it wasn't doing me much good I still clung to it because it was familiar. But like you, I knew something had to give, and since re-evaluating life I've found an amazing balance. I'm still busy, but it's a happy, even kind of busy, and wow, what a difference it makes to overall well-being. đ
Anonymous says
We are always dancing.
Matthew MacNish says
I've been through this kind of thing before, but not in ways I'm going to talk about online.
Suffice to say that you are not alone. I don't have nearly the stress in my writing career that you do, only because I'm not internet famous, not published, and not (quite) as awesome, but it is still there. And I have kids.
I think you made the right decision. And it sounds like you have a great perspective on what's really important.
You're also right, that people like us, who can pay the bills, have enough to eat, and still find time for our hobbies should not complain, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't think about ways to improve our lives and our work.
Oh. And thanks for letting us in.
Leila says
Sometimes I think that the notion of 'balance' suggests we are striving to find a place of great achievement and stability that will last however long it lasts. But I wonder if society and it's definitions of 'balance' actually put us into a mindtrap instead.
Everyone knows the saying, 'everything in moderation' and it's a good one. Perhaps we need to unlock our brains, free ourselves from the mindtrap and stop trying to 'find' anything.
There are no guarantees in life, and our worlds may change in their entirety from one day to the next due to unforseen circumstances.
So perhaps one way to experience life is:
a) to live it, not just exist in it
b) not put unrealistic expectations on ourselves on a daily/regular basis
c) not overcommit – prioritize, yes it is possible. There are many artificial deadlines, sometimes self imposed, out there.
d) not lock ourselves into a mindtrap that we must 'achieve' balance to succeed or be happy.
e) look for the opportunities arising out of the everyday for hope and happiness
f) appreciate and respect what we do have: choice, freedom, opportunity, friends, family, (insert other 1,000 things we should appreciate here)
g) not compare ourselves to others – the grass will always be greener on the other side
i) not 'check' ourselves for investing more time in any one hobby, event, occupation etc than we think we should. Everything will balance out in the end if one keeps the notion of moderation in mind.
j) DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY, not what you think you should to make others happy.
k)Ok, I'll stop here.
In my attempt to live in a 'balanced' state, I discovered that by definition I'd never make it. So I've tried to let go of the expected, or the norms I've consciously and subconsciously adopted over time, and gone back to exploring what genuinely makes me happy. So far I've found I'm becoming a more content me, and my relationships are strengthened in all contexts.
And yet, I'm still a work in progress and I sincerely hope I always will be. The world will never stop evolving and I hope I'll keep moving with it.
Michael Offutt says
I think I'm perpetually out of balance aggravated of course by my energy level. As far as your success goes though Nathan, you've definitely earned it. This is the best blog on the internet period for publishing advice and you help so many people with your knowledge of how things work that you alone are probably responsible for hundreds if not thousands of writers finding success.I feel fortunate in having found this blog at a time when I was searching for answers to all the questions I had about the industry.
Pen and Ink says
The deal is only YOU get to give yourself time to play, to relax, and that fuels your writing. The Artists Way by Julia Cameron recommends a one half hour artists date – doing something that fuels your imagination- once a week. (The book works. I wrote a picture book during an Artists Way course that I just sold to Simon and Schuuster) This is your LIFE if you are not taking time to enjoy the journey, why are you on it?
Nathan Bransford says
Thanks, Michael!
twittertales says
Some years ago, on my way to work and uni etc, I was trying to start my dodgy kick-start motorcycle and gave myself a giant gash all down one leg. My main feeling was relief that my day was ruined.
Every since then, I've set aside one day a week as a day of strictly no work (even housework) – I figure there's a reason one of the ten commandants was "Take a day off".
Louise Curtis
jesse says
I think Chuck Palahniuk/Buddha said it best: let that which does not matter truly slide.
TheUndertaker says
Personally I think balance only comes with planning. You got a busy life? Plan it, then follow the plan. Plan the fun stuff, plan the time-out, plan to do nothing!
Have accountability buddies that emails and asks if you did write that morning for even 30 mins and why didn't you?
Balance NEVER happens by itself. I think you have to want it and make it happen (and perhaps fail, like I do constantly, but I'm getting better slowly). But that's just me : )
Susan Kaye Quinn says
All the time. If you're not striving, you'll never get "out" of balance, so I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to find yourself in that place. You just need to find a way back, and it looks like you have. So, yay you! đ I'm glad the balance is tipping back.
Nicole MacDonald says
It is hard to find that balance.. I'm working on book two of my trilogy while beta reading for two friends as well as trying to keep my blog active and figure out more ways to promote my book… sometimes I do wish I was a tiny bit less ambitious ;p
The Arrival, Book 1 of the BirthRight trilogy available now
Rachelle says
Oh Nathan. Just think, you're having trouble finding balance and you don't even have kids in the picture yet. At that point, all bets are off, balance is a figment of the imagination, and a good night's sleep is a pipedream.
Still, I'm not complaining. Life's pretty great. đ
Kitty Bucholtz says
Nathan, this is *such* a great post! I looked at some of my more successful writer friends and thought, I do NOT want the crazy less-happy life they have. They were working so hard to meet deadlines, they were running themselves ragged. I didn't want that life, but wasn't sure if that meant I'd never have a professional writing career. Then one day I woke up and remembered *I* get to choose what my life will be like. So things are going slower, taking longer to finish a manuscript, but if I die tomorrow everyone I know will have heard lately that I love them. No regrets. On the other hand, I'm in my final semester to get an MA in Creative Writing, so I have to remind myself that is a really good reason the other book isn't finished yet – because I've had to write a whole bunch of other stuff! LOL! I've begun to take periods – no more than 3-4 months – of working like mad and not doing much with friends. Then I take a break for a few months and work slower, M-F 10-4. It seems to be working for me.
Kristin Laughtin says
Definitely been there! In fact, I'm still there. On top of a full-time job and a social life, I've got grad school AND writing to take care of. I feel like I can handle three out of the four, and berated myself a little for whining about it on my blog a while back, although I came to the conclusion that sometimes you HAVE to take a break. Otherwise, you'll burn out and have no inspiration, and all your other activities will suffer, especially your writing. Finding that balance is difficult, but necessary.
So I've just stopped beating myself up about it. I still strive to meet my self-imposed weekly writing quotas, but if grad school is super-busy and I come in a little under, I forgive myself. Grad school will be done in a year and my productivity will return to pre-grad-school levels.
I'm not too worried about taking on other activities and responsibilities as my life progresses, though, because they will be part of the work or writing mental sphere. So perhaps it's better to say that I can sustainably carry two of the three mental spheres without trouble (work, school, writing).
africa2asia says
I've had to learn to say no to invitations, since I was very much of the study/social live orientation. It was great for my writing and my health!
J.C. Martin says
I'm quite fortunate to have an active job (martial arts instructor) that I enjoy that helps balance the sedentary lifestyle of a writer. Also, I try to commit to two hours of badminton a week, something else I enjoy. I also allow myself up to half an hour a day wasting time on Facebook games, which may not be such a good idea, but it helps keep me sane! đ Now all I need for perfect balance is for the other half to take me out for a nice meal every now and again–at the moment, getting an agent seems more likely than dinner at a nice restaurant! đ
Amy Talbot says
I guess busy-ness comes down to priorities.These past 6 months, I've lived through two major earthquakes, 5000 plus aftershocks and the resulting trauma and dysfunction. Now, I balance work and play, and take more time to slow down, hang with family and friends, drink a glass of wine, and eat the chocolate.
AM Riley says
LOL. Wait until you have kids…
I remember studying for a German test while my teething baby projectile vomited onto me. And the day she 'travelled' across the keyboard and deleted a weeks worth of work.
Balance is for when you are dead.
wendy says
I have no balance right now. Almost every waking moment is spent caring for my elderly mother. But it's not something that will last forever. She will either make a grand recovery, as only she could, or decline and have to go into permanent care.
Even so, I still don't think I have as much on my plate as you did, Nathan, while agenting. But to write, I have to live in the world of my story, immerse myself, but there's too much pressure to do that now. I have to answer to doctors, specialists, the people from Warrigul Care, dentists, etc, and be getting everything sorted with my mother's vast array of treatments and appointments. Not to mention housework, housework, housework.
A.J. Cattapan says
Your post reminded me of something I learned from Julia Cameron's book "The Artist's Way," in which she recommends taking "Artist's Dates" at least once a week.
An Artist Date is when we take time do something totally fun to reinvigorate our creative juices. This is exactly what you did when you went to the aquarium and stared at the fish. Cameron says that all people who wish to be creative in their lives need to take time out to remember the joy of being a kid again.
In other words, taking a break from our writing can actually make us better writers!
Joanna van der Gracht de Rosado says
Whoa… have you struck a chord today! It is impossible to find balance on a daily basis. The most you can accomplish is to be attending to one area of your life for a while… then switch to another… then on to the third… and finally, the fourth! You just have to hope that the pockets of time you alot to each balance out in the long run.
Marian Pearson Stevens says
Feels like I never stop trying to find balance. Your blog is incredible for up-to-date pub news and I tune in often. It's amazing how you manage it, along with everything else. I agree, sometimes you just gotta take time for down time and things you enjoy. Writing can easily consume every second. Thanks for fessing up!
jenniferemcfadden says
I wish you the best with your balance quest. While I was in Colorado with my family last week, my computer was off (most of the time) and I did not write one word in my book.
Although I missed immersing myself in my story, I realized my life needs more balance. I spend too much time on my computer, so I have creating a flexible schedule to allot time for my everything I do.
Anonymous says
Finding balance is easy as long as you have a job that doesn't require a lot of hours. I once worked a job where I put in 60-70 hour weeks, and that was the norm. No one really had good life balance in that job, so I moved onto something better.
I write for about 1-2 hours every day. Sometimes the writing is good, and sometimes the writing is awful. I also read for about a half hour before going to bed. But for all the things that I want to do, I set time aside, and I only spend that amount time on something, good or bad. That's really how I achieve balance.
EricPriuska says
Nathan, this is my greatest struggle at this phase of my life, and no matter what I do, I feel like I'm failing at something. I have a full time job, a partner and an eleven year old son, a love (and need) to exercise, and this writing career I'm trying to jump start.
Somedays it seems my only hope is to be "rescued" by a big publishing contract or an overnight windfall. Or at worse times, I think I'll never find a balance.
At those darker moments I remind myself that this life, this moment, is all we get, and the reason I work, play, love, or write is for that moment of satisfaction or joy. There is no reward, no arrival, no solution. There's now to do the things you can, and tomorrow will come either way.
When I hold true to this belief, I'm happy right where I am and find I already have the balance I need.
It sounds like new age crap, I know, but sometimes cliches are true.
Thanks for this great post!
Eric Priuska
MJR says
Last summer I lost my job–which at the time was so traumatic for me…I'm working freelance now and not making much money, but I'm so much happier because I have much more balance in my life, and I think because I'm happier I don't need much money (and oddly enough, I often more money in the bank than I used to). I have time for writing, for playing the ukulele, or whatever. Downsizing a bit might be something for people to consider. Somehow we are making college and mortgage payments, but life is so much more relaxed for me now.
wry wryter says
Into all of that craziness add children, soccer games, bake sales and funerals, floods, fires and termites for Christâs sake.
Iâve told my daughters, you CAN have it all just not at the same time. If writing is what you want to do…write. If staring at fish feeds your soul…stare.
Ms. Trite says:
Balance is for the Wallendaâs, busy is better than bored.
Sandra Stiles says
As a teacher I'm always trying to find ways to balance my life. While finishing up my final edits on my WIP over Spring Break I realized that I had spent no time away from my desk or with my family. I spend ten – eleven hours at school each day then try to come home and grade papers and still find time to fit in writing and family. Spring Break was an eye opener. I made a commitment to no longer bring work home unless it is a day or two before grade cards. I made a commitment to go out with my husband whether to walk the beach, a museum or walk around our downtown area. I'm feeling more relaxed and find I am actually getting more done. I've removed the time constraints I'd put on myself. I think I will always be working to try to keep balance in my life.
Mira says
I'm so glad that you're feeling more balanced, Nathan. I was concerned about you last year; you were working so hard! I'm very glad that you did what you needed to do to take care of yourself. Even though I was upset when you left your job, underneath I thought it might be a really smart move for you.
I think we all need much more to our lives than work. Life is not just about working – it's so much more than that. We deserve more than that. We deserve to be nourished, in touch and connected, and we can't do that when we're exhausted and distracted.
In terms of writing, one of my favorite quotes about writing is from Brenda Ueland:
"So you see, imagination needs moodling – long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering".
I've found that to be true. When my mind is full and stressed and tired, I can't write. I won't even ask myself to write. Too painful. Writing, for me, is an organic process. My mind needs to be rested and relatively calm. Otherwise I can't think and I can't let the words flow through. At least for creative writing. Non-fiction is abit different.
Very good topic, Nathan. Thank you.
Marilyn Peake says
Michael Offutt said:
"…you help so many people with your knowledge of how things work that you alone are probably responsible for hundreds if not thousands of writers finding success."
I want to second that! I agree! I want to thank you for how much youâve done for so many writers, myself included, with your blog. Thank you for providing reams of information about the ever-changing publishing industry plus an incredible number of helpful links. Thank you for putting up with all of us, for allowing quite a bit of lively discussion and debate while still maintaining a civil atmosphere, for allowing us to think out loud and learn from each other. This blog is really community + blog. It is made of awesome. đ
Becca says
I'm currently trying to find my balance. I just got a new job, and I fell into it at a horrible time for the company. (Horrible in my opinion). My first full time job, and I'm working overtime, not getting out of there until rather late, on a good night, and then going to bed early to get up early and go back to work. And they took away our days off so I don't even get the glorious weekend to sit down and write something.
So my time and energy is already depleted, and the only time I do have left, I'm searching for a new job.
I probably shouldn't be complaining, but I come home every night expecting to write something, and end up falling asleep in front of the computer.
DEMETRA BRODSKY says
Great Advice. As soon as I'm published, I'm going to kick back and find some balance. Who am I kidding? It's not in my nature. ; )
Madeleine says
I'm a high school student and am aiming at graduating early. I know it sounds ridiculous that I should be stressed, but as you said, there's always someone else who's working harder, and that doesn't mean you aren't driving yourself nuts.
This has been the best week in a long while. I've been overanxious lately to the point I thought I'd explode. With my blog, revising my book, exercising, homework, sleep, family – EVERYTHING – I was overwhelmed. I finally took a step back this week and decided that there were only so many things I could manage. I'm finally lowering (though very, very slowly) my expectations of myself, and I actually managed to get more done!
JJBennett says
Writing itself for me helps balance my life as a mom. It gives me something that's mine. It's creative expression is an outlet that helps me manage myself. Although I don't write on a schedule, which I really should do, I think it's important for others in your life to respect your personal balance. Especially a spouse.
marion says
I don't know how you do it, Nathan. Just the blog must take hours a day. So impressed that you're up to Wunderbar 3.
I hope my blog won't take away focus from my WIP. At least I feel I finally hit my stride in my blogpost today. (ibischild.blogspot.com). Hope I can keep it up–and really get stuck into revision too.
wry wryter says
Nathan, it is my hope that you realize how inportant you are to all of us. You are a source, an inspiration and a place to come when writing stresses scrabble our lives.
Thank You Nathan, for being human, much success and balance.
I was going to suggest…make a baby, children have a way of creating balance in a teeter-totter kind of way, but I realized you already have. His name is Jacob.
Much success.
Adrea says
I remember, and hope everyone does, that I am always creating. I will never get it all done because my creativity never, ever runs out! I know when a good idea hits but it sticks. There is plenty of time. Everything always works out. Yes, I do have to repeat that while subtly rocking and drooling at times, but it is true. We are those who create. No need to rush. Slowing down and feeling happy actually makes things magically easier to create, edit, and promote. And how could we be better reminded of wanting balance if we weren't out of balance from time to time? The crazies create balance. Whoa. I love it! Thanks for the post!
Alison Barber says
That's great Nathan, you may find that those fish swim into Wonderbar #3. Behoove, another fabulous word.
Ishta Mercurio says
I go through periods of finding balance, maintaining it for a while, then having something new come up (Kid numbers 1 and 2, for example) and being on the treadmill for a bit until I figure out how to find the balance again. It's natural, I think.
I find that focusing on being present in the moment really helps a lot: when I'm with my kids, I really try not to think about my manuscript or my blog. When I'm watching my favorite show and it ends, I turn the TV off and move on to the next thing. I keep to a daily routine of exercise, housework, writing time, and time with kids. Maintaining balance requires a lot of discipline for me. If I veg out, I end up feeling like there's no time for everything again.
Also, having my kids forces me to engage with the world on a pretty regular basis. They have friends, teachers, extra-curriculars. It's nice.
merrymuhsman says
It's interesting that so many of us have found common ground on this post. We're all searching for balance. Every single day.
My search for balance came quite quick and quite hard. My family farms, and my dad was injured in a farming accident. He was on a ladder working on the combine, and when the combine rolled back, the tire began to roll over the ladder. As the ladder was crunched under the tire, my 75-year-old Dad was knocked off. My eight-year-old son is the only one who saw Grandpa fall. We don't really know what happened for certain.
Soon we discovered Dad had an open book pelvic fracture. Go ahead and groan guys, it hurt a lot. Then followed three months and seven surgeries to get it repaired. We had to drive an hour to get to the hospital everyday. My mother would stay at the hospital for the entire day until I got off work, could pick her up and bring her home.
Talk about finding immediate balance. Everything, and I mean everything (including my writing) got put on hold. The things I used to think were important, suddenly seemed insignificant on those days I thought we'd lost my Dad.
Now on those days when I wish I was further along with my edits, I remember that writing must come in it's own time. My Dad is here, he's walking, he's a miracle. And the whole ordeal made me realize those things that got put on hold or I didn't do, weren't as important. I know what's important now. I'm certainly watching less TV, I don't play farmville and I even spend less time on Facebook.
If it's nice outside, I go play ball with my son. I take the time to spend with family and friends. I have also learned there are some friendships that fade, and it's better to focus on the ones who are still around and care enough to check in with you.
We're lucky to have my Dad. I'm also lucky enough to have learned from the whole ordeal. I'm still seeking balance, but it's easier to recognize now then it used to be.
The Holmes says
I can't claim to have a solution to this, but I can completely and totally relate. A full-time job, house, wife, two kids, and I'm working on my first novel. Most other writing gigs have been shoved to the back-burner. I catch myself being pissy about my lack of free time, then remember, "oh yeah, this is supposed be something I love."
Thanks for writing a great post that so many people can relate to.
Melody M. Nunez says
Balance is certainly elusive, and will likely be something I'm always working on – but I'm a bit closer after having made a few tweaks to my life and schedule. Last August I launched my blog, and was quickly over-scheduled. Why? Because I work full-time, and already had a very full schedule for the five months of the year. (charity/volunteer projects, two half marathons, NaNoWriMo, etc.) When I added blogging to that things go officially crazy.
In order to slow down and regain some quality of life and down time, I changed my blogging schedule in January and only post twice a week instead of three times per week. This is a big help, because my blog posts virtually always include photos – and often includes more that "just" writing (art project, baked goods, etc.)
I'm glad to hear you've added some more "just for fun" activities back into your life! Best wishes for continued success and for near-perfect balance…
Jen Zeman says
I'm glad I stumbled upon this post. Suddenly, I don't feel so alone. I'm ready to just chuck it all and move to a remote island in the South Pacific. Anyone care to join me? đ
Edward says
Balance, I think think that is a Van Halen record/album/MP3 collection. Great post Nathan, and great advice from all.
'Yes, I'm well aware I'm weird.'-the entire comment from Stephanie Barr is close to how I am and function. I do not have kids or regular duties other than fussing at my mom, but I cannot turn off my mind usually. This is not negative, but why I am so into music, because notes sort of soothe me. Also why pressure, while good at times, could cause distress, so I want to have a good number of books ready so 'monetary need' never forces me to create, and I can go live somewhere in rural 'Southeast-Northwest Texas'.
So balance for me is writing or playing music. I found myself going out and still lost in my own head after stopping the 'party favors', so balance was getting everything out of my head, as to not remain trapped within it. This blog has been a sort of comfort and de-stress balance itself, and I thank everyone for the advice, which I needed/need and really, really appreciate. Apologies for the overuse of 'air quotes' and length. Thanks again Nathan.
wry wryter says
To merrymuhsman.
Knowing what's important is what makes the difference.
When my kids were little I let the laundry pile up, left the dishes in the sink and we'd go for a walk in the woods. Lunch on a blanket in the front yard was a lot more fun than yelling at them to clean their rooms.
Reading to my daughters replaced writing for awhile and I do not have one regret. They are amazing women and though I'm a little late to be back in the writing game I have a huge advantage. I may not be as young but I'm a hell of a lot wiser.
Much luck to your dad.
Sharon M. Smith says
Not so sure if I believe in balance in a day, a week, or a month. Maybe in a lifetime we might have been able to accomplish a "balance." With kids, a full-time job, and a need to exercise (oh yeah that), I can only write on Thursday nights! Oh how I love Thursdays. It is what it is and my book will come one day.
heather says
About kids and balance: Iâd like to build on Ishta Mercurioâs point, when she wrote, âI find that focusing on being present in the moment really helps a lot: when I'm with my kids, I really try not to think about my manuscript or my blog.â I think having kids has actually helped me to achieve balance in ways I didnât have before. When I think of doing things with them as âdown timeâ for meâinstead of as things that take me away from my ârealâ work of writing or grading or whateverâthen I am able to enjoy the time I spend with them and find it rejuvenating (also, they enjoy it more!). Ironically, it wasnât until I became a single parent that I fully realized that kids can provide balance. I no longer wonder when someone will relieve me of kid duties so I can work; I just enjoy the time with my kids.
(They are older now, tooâ7 and 10âand able to read, do homework, play, etc. on their own while I work. So itâs not like I spend every waking moment having âdown timeâ with themâthough they are homeschooled, so theyâre around a lot. The 10-y-o just made me hot chocolate while I was writing. Yay for kids!)
BTW, Iâve been lurking on this blog for a very long time now. Hi, everyone. Thanks for all the great advice, Nathan.
Cally Jackson says
This is a great post, Nathan. As a communication advisor by day and a novel writer by night, I can totally relate to what youâre saying here. I went through a similar âre-balancingâ last year â although I have to admit that I let things get ridiculously UNbalanced before I admitted that something had to give.
The main difference for me this year compared to last year is my job. I changed jobs at the start of this year and while I still work full time, my new job is less draining than my last, so I still have some brain power left when I get home â which is kind of handy when Iâm trying to plug away at a novel!