Tuesday, February 4, 2014

A Pen and a Phone

Today is IWSG day.  IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can follow other IWSG members here  and on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have an active Facebook page.

Our purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

I'm not feeling insecure, but I'm not accomplishing much in the way of writing since we've moved from Oklahoma back to Louisiana. Maybe I'm feeling a little weak. I can't really put my finger on why I'm not writing. I've turned in my assigned articles to Southern Writers Magazine simply because I always meet my deadlines. But when  it comes to sitting down and reading through two manuscripts for final edits before submissions, I haven't done it. I have two nonfiction books in various stages but so far, not motivated enough to finish them. Sure, when I sit down and force myself, I get excited about them all over again, but it's the actual sitting down to work that seems to be the problem. There are so many other things that need to be done.

I'm on the 2014 Bayou Writers Group conference committee, trying to line up speakers for approval, but that's like breathing to me. I don't mind researching speakers and sending invites.

It's the day to day stuff that interferes with my writing life.

We've been pulling wall paper off the kitchen and bathroom walls. Yeah, okay, I know, we're the only people in the country who still have wall paper; so we've been told. Anyway, we're starting the renovating process and trying to do some of the mindless, hum-drum work ourselves. Our contractor will oversee the new floors, baseboards, new showers, kitchen counter tops and appliances and paint throughout, along with a few other improvements.

Add to that ... daughter is engaged. We're planning an August wedding.

No wedding planner for us. I'm calling florists, venues, photographers, bakeries.
And, writing checks.
Yes, I have a pen and a phone and I'm using both.

Any tips on how to juggle writing, weddings and home renovations? Your thoughts are appreciated!