Most of the year, my job as a writer requires a manageable amount of my time. I’m able to accomplish my writing and take care of my family and home.
And then there’s the time of the year when two things happen simultaneously. I have a book release (which always comes with lots of marketing efforts). And I have a book due (which always comes with a deadline).
I’m in the thick of that time of the year currently. Meant to Be Mine released this past Tuesday and my next book is due June 1. If you’ve followed writers at all I’m sure you’ve heard them lament about being ‘on deadline’. It’s intense! Do you remember what it felt like when you were in school and had a huge written report due that would count for the majority of your grade in a class you had to pass? That’s similar to what a deadline feels like for a writer. But even that doesn’t capture the ‘on deadline’ mode fully. So today, I’m giving you an honest peek into the heart and mind of a writer caught in those frantic, final weeks before a book comes due.
Me, working away. In order to find quiet, I’ve been working on the patio, from the kitchen table, in my bedroom, at the library, etc.
You Know You’re a Writer On Deadline When….
*Your stamina stems from your great love of your manuscript. You’re determined to give it all you’ve got and make it as good as it can possibly be!
*You hate your manuscript. It’s terrible. You want to throw it out the window. No one will ever like it. You have no stamina.
*Your hair cut, nails, and eyebrows could all use professional attention.
Evidence of my lingering Easter decorations
*TV watching = a vague memory.
*Thanks to sunlight deficiency, your vitamin D levels plummet.
*Holiday decorations from a holiday that passed weeks ago still festoon your house. Who has time to package up knick knacks and carry them to the attic?
* Your only social interaction is the kind available via facebook and twitter.
*A kindly, “How was your day?” from your husband can bring on tearful wails of, “I’m don’t have enough time! I’m so stressed! I’m overwhelmed!”
*You find yourself standing in front of your pantry without having made any conscious decision to get up from your chair. Now that you’re here, however… hm… what’s there to eat? You may also walk into your bedroom, bathroom, backyard, etc., and, once there, have no idea why.
*Traitorous thoughts about other story ideas, better story ideas, story ideas that actually possess a shred of potential, flit through your mind.
*You revert to the same mode, clothing-wise, that you were in when you had a newborn to take care of. You’re only interested in serviceable and comfortable yoga-type clothing. No one to see, no one to impress.
Here’s me modeling my deadline fashion. Notice I have two integral things nearby: my laptop and my writer dog.
*You’re dressed in yoga-type clothing, but have little hope of actually visiting the inside of a gym.
*Spell check reminds you repeatedly that you’ll never be able to spell persistent or exercise correctly.
*You wonder why you signed up to do this job. You’re certain you were far happier as a full-time stay at home mom. You had no homework then. Which makes you wonder, “I’m (fill in the blank) years old. Why do I have homework?”
*You may not be much of a caffeine consumer during your ordinary life, but now you’re a caffeine junkie.
*Grocery shopping? Ba ha ha haaa!
*Cooking? You’re not cooking.
*Chocolate? Why yes, you’re eating your weight in that.
*The acuity of your vision takes a nose-dive due to marathon hours peering at a computer screen.
*You think about your characters in the shower, driving, when you rest your head on your pillow. Snippets of ideas, pieces of dialogue, realizations of threads that need to be pulled through the novel all occur to you, often at inconvenient times when you have no writing instrument. Ex: in the restroom, while standing in front of the elementary school waiting to collect your child. Over the years you’ve trained your brain to commit ideas to memory. Even so, you still forget one occasionally. You’re certain, when on deadline, that the one idea you forgot was the one idea either 1) imbued with brilliance or 2) positively necessary to the plot.
*Odd piles of stuff accumulate in your house and car. (See header photo for a glimpse at the mounting pile in my car).
- Evidence of the piles that are accumulating. This is a mish mash of leftover Easter stuff, stuff from my daughter’s birthday party, and Legos.
* You throw yourself on God’s mercy because you’ve never been more aware of your own inadequacy to accomplish the task set before you.
Writers – do you have any ‘you know you’re on deadline when’ points to add to this list? Non-writers – what is your busiest time of the year and how do you get yourself through?
A ‘review and excerpt tour’ is currently running in celebration of Meant to Be Mine’s release! They’re offering a great 3 prize giveaway (including a $50 Visa gift card!) Click here for details.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Becky
Becky Wade
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Hi Becky,
I just put away Easter decorations, so I hear you! And I finally changed a couple of light-bulbs that had been dead for months, filled empty soap dispensers, and packed away the snow pants (although to be fair on the snow pants, it has been a long winter here!). What’s hard for me is when I have Galleys or rewrites on one book AND a deadline for another book. Yeah, we eat pizza a lot during those times! 🙂
Yes! The soap dispensers! Some of the key ones around here are bone dry.
I love this, Becky. My writing deadlines are self-imposed at this point, but I can still relate to most of these – esp. Inspiration hitting you at the most convenient times. This too shall pass – deadlines always do, ready or not.
‘This too shall pass’ — I’ve thought those words many times in my life, in the hardest moments and also in the sweetest (so that I’d be sure to drink in every second). It’s just as true of deadlines as everything else, isn’t it, Carolyn? This too shall pass!
Hi Becky!
Firstly… Great to hear about your release for “Meant To be Mine” and secondly, June 1st is not far away so another new book in the offing! YAY!
As I read your post I immediately thought of Jody .You two are so similar with your wonderfully dry sense of humour, a necessary quality in a good writer I feel,otherwise you’d throw in the towel.
I’m sure most Readers, really appreciate just how hard and what an enormous amount of effort, goes into your writing. You give us so much pleasure, so keep up the good work! Love your post (and your photos) and thanks for putting a smile on our faces.:)
Cheers dears!
Cheers, sweet Rosie! Thank goodness for a sense of humor! As you mention, mine is quite dry.
Last week, my #3 child was down with a stomach bug. Less than an hour after I’d dropped him off at school, the school nurse called to tell me that my #2 child was sick. I had to put #1 in the car to go and collect #2. On the way home, #1 threw up into her sweatshirt. I looked back in the rear view mirror and saw her raise her pitiful face and I started giggling. It was terrible of me! She said, “Mom! It’s NOT funny!” But in actuality, it *was* a little funny. I tried explaining to the kids that sometimes things are so bad that you just have to laugh. 🙂
I understand being on a deadline. As an attorney, if you miss the date, you not only lose the case, but commit malpractice. I have begun to place the due dates, at least a week earlier on my calendar, so that it gets done, prior to the expiration of the time to file. It is horrible feeling to learn that you have missed the date to file something and can no longer argue your point. I never want to feel that way again.
I hadn’t thought about the fact that deadlines apply to attorneys. Your situation sounds very similar, Dora. Like you, I set my own personal deadline at least a week earlier than the actual deadline because unexpected things can happen. It’s nice to have an attorney in our midst here at Inspired by Life!
Hi Becky! Wow! Deadlines are super stressful, I know. I’ll be praying for you!
Right now, my worst “deadline” is 5 days away. I have this extremely important test I have to take and I’m studying like crazy trying to cover all the bases. I’m just sure that I’m going to forget something really important while I’m actually taking it and won’t pass (which no one wants – it’s 7-ish hours long!)! I’m just trying to relax and convince myself that I will be just fine, all the while cramming as much knowledge in my brain as possible.
Sarah, boy can I relate to the pressure you’re feeling right about now. Think how fabulous you’ll feel the day AFTER the test! And even more fabulous when your results come back and you can celebrate acing the thing. 🙂 Saying a prayer for you now.
I used to be so good with deadlines. My first couple manuscripts were turned in several weeks early. Now that I’m trying to do more with novellas and marketing and with my kids being involved in everything under the sun, deadlines are a much bigger challenge. I think I turned in my last manuscript on the due date, and I’m sure my current one (due Aug 1) will be much the same. I’m a bit behind schedule on it and I’m not sure where I’ll be able to make up the time. I feel the stress creeping up my neck just thinking about it.
Cooking and cleaning are the first things to go. Royalties were meant to be used on take out, right? If I cook three nights a week I consider that a huge accomplishment.
Love your writing outfit, Becky. Wish I looked as good in mine. I usually have bed hair sticking out every which way because taking a shower is just too time consuming when a deadline looms.
“Cooking and cleaning are the first things to go. Royalties were meant to be used on take out, right?” LOL!!! Yes. They’re the FIRST things to go.
Btw, I turned in Undeniably Yours two months early. But like you, it’s gotten harder and harder to stay ahead of schedule the last couple of manuscripts.
Becky, this is hilarious and so identifiable. It describes my writing life, without the deadline. Having two young children and a part-time job, I’m often leaving out decorations, wandering about in my newborn clothes, and scrimping on cooking and grocery shopping.
I guess this means you’re officially a writer, Sondra. Deadline or no deadline.
Woohoo!
Praying you’ll make that June 1 deadline with *minimum stress* 😉 and CONGRATS on the release of your newest book. 🙂
And ladies, please don’t be hard on yourself with the Easter decorations being left out a while – – my kiddos are grown and I’m not on a deadline (other than a self-imposed writing one) and I STILL have some cute Easter clings on several windows. But those little bunnies are so adorable and they make me smile, so they’re still on display, LOL.
Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo
Thanks for the prayer, sweet Patti Jo! I can use them! The Easter bunnies at my house are waving at the Easter bunnies at your house.
I’m on a deadline every single day. I don’t rest. Even on vacation I pile lots of books with me. And I can’t say NO to people who need help. If I know them well, I need to help. I do sacrifice my own work in the meantime.
And what’s wrong with wearing yoga-type clothing? That’s what I wear when I don’t have to go to work on my two days off. 🙂
Hiya, Anna! Definitely nothing wrong with yoga-type clothing. I value it highly. It’s just that, at this point, even jeans are looking cute and fancy to me. 😉
Oh my, what a school trip you had Becky! I confess I misread your comment initially. I thought it read,” I threw up” etc and I was imagining how on earth you managed to drive feeling so ill and then laugh about it under such circumstances! Then of course, I re read it and realised it was your #1.
I can so identify with you. I still remember how I felt, when my girls and my son went down with chicken pox one after the other except while Andy had chicken pox, Nicky having got over cp, broke out in measles. Once again one after the other, down they went! For seven weeks we were diseased. My sense of humour was completely null and void!
We were living in Alice Springs (Northern Territory) at the time and having been to the hospital with my children we were in shock ,when the Dr(who was from O/S), pronounced that my children had developed Scarlet Fever. I could scarcely believe my ears. I was convinced it was measles and when I pointed out the rash was different, I was told in no uncertain terms that no one of his particular race with measles,looked like my kids. I politely pointed out that we were Australian and so maybe that was the difference.
We were told we were in quarantine and I visualised a red cross painted on our front door virtually saying, “Unclean”.. just like the bubonic plague!
Imagine our shock when there was a knock on our door and on opening it ,I found myself looking at the head of Community Health Department. He examined my children and diagnosed measles! I’m not sure whether I gave an hysterical laugh, or whether I just laughed because I saw the funny side but in any event I laughed, I was so relieved.
Ah kids..but who’d be without ’em? Not me! Great being a Mum!LOL
It IS great being a mom, isn’t it? Despite the rounds of sickness and the mess and the exhaustion and their pesky need to be fed three times a day. 🙂 Happy mother’s day, Rosie!
Don’t feel back Becky, I just took my Easter wreath off my front door and my Easter flag down this past week!
Bless you, Gail!
Thank you for sharing your heart. Praying for you now 🙂 I truly appreciate the sacrifices you make to bless us with your talents!
Thank you, Meghan! I appreciate you.
Decorating??? HAHAHAHA!!!
You should see my house.
Please don’t ever come see my house.
I’m not even pubbed yet, and I’m losing it.
I heart you, Becky!!
I heart you, Jennifer!
Happy Mother’s Day to you too Becky and to ALL you Mums out there!:)
I knew we were SO alike. Can totally relate! My book released May 1st and my book is due this coming Thursday. I’ve got dust bunnies the size of actual bunnies. Yikes! Hang in there, friend. You’re not alone 🙂
I’m still a high school student but your post and these comments are amusing me. I absolutely understand as I am going through a whirlwind too. I like what one of the ladies said here : ” this too shall past”. Pure gold. Bless you for that!
I like your sense of humour, Becky 😉 Happy mother’s day, ladies.
Thanks for stopping by, Ganise! No matter our age or stage, I think we can all relate on some level to ‘going through a whirlwind’. Love your phrasing.
Reading all of these comments in addition to the post is really quite hilarious. And yes, I would have to say, Becky, kuddos for having Easter decorations up in the first place. My kitchen counter, like your dining room table, is a place where clutter happens, no matter how hard I try. It is what it is, and I don’t have any deadlines! I’m just a stay-at-home mom of an about to be toddler this coming week! My days are spent chasing him around, making sure he doesn’t hurt himself (two falls yesterday alone!), so that is my excuse for everything!
It’s a good excuse, Courtney! Happy mother’s day.
Hi Becky,
I laughed at this! “Snippets of ideas, pieces of dialogue, realizations of threads that need to be pulled through the novel all occur to you, often at inconvenient times when you have no writing instrument.” Today I was jotting title ideas in the car on a gum wrapper! LOL!
Sue
A gum wrapper! What a perfect example. We writers can relate to one another, can’t we? No wonder others think us… quirky.
Becky – as far as i’m concerned your Easter decorations are win, even if they’re still there for next Easter. When it comes to festive decorating in my house I live by the “what never goes up, never has to come down” mantra 😉
LOL!
Oh, Becky! I totally get it . . . Deadline Dementia in the extreme!!!! My deadline hit April 15th, same day as that trip to Bethany House (I had to go clothes shopping) and just before the release date for Until I Found You. When I hit “send” on that new ms, I curled up on the floor–fetal position. Husband: Honey, are you all right?” Me: I’m great. Husband: “Oh, all right.” He’s lived with me through a lot of books now.
I love what you said about throwing ourselves on God’s mercy. Amen!
And while I’m here, Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Happy Mother’s Day, Victoria! I’m can’t wait to hit ‘send’ on this manuscript. The floor-fetal position sounds welcome. 🙂
Becky,
I’m single without hubby or kids demanding my attention. I just two days ago sent my agent my long-awaited manuscript that an editor has been waiting to read. I couldn’t keep my eyes on the goal of finishing the story sooner because I oversee the ACFW Genesis writing contest and there were some crucial times when I had to set the WIP aside to tend to that. I had a funeral to attend yesterday so today is the first day back to “normal.” I’m about to dive in and sort through the mess in my office, in my car and give my condo a top to bottom cleaning. it feels strange to not have a ms. to edit right now, but soon I’ll be back plotting the next story and beginning the process all over again. But not until I get my neglected home back in shape and my to-do list whittled down!
Enjoyed this, Becky, and I relate! Love the pic of your outdoor “office”–looks so relaxing! My kiddos know when I’m sitting and shouting at the computer screen for hours on end, I’m doing something I have to do and really don’t want to (namely, formatting my book for CreateSpace and Kindle!). Definitely something I want to outsource in the not-too-distant future! All the best w/your future deadlines!
I just have to share my daughter’s Scripture verse for very hectic times. She has 3 sons in school and a teacher husband and all love sports and some weeks they seem to all be going different directions at the same time. She says I Timothy 6:8 is her motto in those times: Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.