I blinked and the weekend vanished. It was a busy and mostly good weekend–just a lot of running around. And, yes, I got in some Baby Slayer time 
Today I’m home and really striving to write. It’s been such a struggle with crazy life stuff happening and the nerve pain/tinnitus making concentration difficult (and sleep nearly impossible!). But you know what? I’ve fought through challenges before and I’ll conquer this. I’m seeing two more doctors this week…
Although I’m starting to think that I need a witch not a doctor
Anyway I was thinking about how all this happened suddenly and stopped my writing. While it’s true that I was working long hours, and dedicated to getting three books out in the year, that’s NOT what caused the underlying bulging discs. In fact, Wizard and I were just talking to our doctor about causes for this, and he assured us that it’s generally age and genetics that contribute most heavily to this kind of thing. Physical injury could have caused, or exacerbated, it too. In my case, the underlying neck problem has been brewing for many years.
In other words, my passion for writing didn’t hurt me. I never want newer writers to feel like I’m waiving some kind of caution flag on their dream. If you want to write, go for it! Work hard. Yes, of course it’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally, but it’s also crucial to be passionate about writing, especially in the early years when we have such a big learning curve.
I believe in enthusiasm, hard work and long hours to get that story out. I want to support the dreams of new authors, not discourage them. Don’t let any fears stop you.
I just felt like I had to say that today.
So that was my weekend and rambling thoughts (seriously, I’ve had a totally of may four hours sleep this weekend, but I think I’ll sleep Sunday night.)
April 9th, 2018 at 9:01 am · Link
I hope you slept last night! Working on a computer (or any repetitive motion) can cause problems but there are ways to alleviate any damage. Getting up, moving around, and exercising also helps. I’m way too sedantary and I have a lifetime of repetetive motion to contribute to my problems. But I’m a writer. If I had to learn to dictate into a voice recognition program, I’d figure it out because I can’t imagine NOT writing. Not even on my most procrastinaty of days. Like all last week. LOL
I vegged this weekend. Baseball, cold weather, a series of good books on the Audible app–most of which came from either Audible Romance or the library because my book budget is tight. I did get the beginnings of a sexy bit sketched out yesterday. Once I get off the internet, I’ll be finishing that sucker today, along with filling in that chapter, then revising what was the first chapter and will now be the third. Then it’s a synopsis and off to New York after some heavy editing. That’s my goal. Plus coffee. Lots and lots of coffee!
I hate that you’re hurting but sometimes, our bodies just won’t cooperate no matter what we do. Hang in there. Work when you can and live your life to the very fullest! You have such a wonderful family and so many exciting things happening with them.
Okay. One more blog and then time to work! After I refill my coffee cup.
April 9th, 2018 at 11:37 am · Link
Silver, a lot of good advice! Moving around can really help plotting too. I’m thinking about dictation, I really enjoy the process of writing though. But I will if I have too!
I’m also going to experiment with some white noise to block the ringing too. First we have to make sure it doesn’t have a physical cause.
I hear you on the book budget. i’m listening to more audio books and they ding my budget but keep my sanity.
Sketching out a scene is a good chunk of work. And you have a heavy day of work today, so yep, lots of coffee. You can do it!
Thank you on my family, and same to you!
April 9th, 2018 at 2:57 pm · Link
I am so sorry that you can’t sleep. I hope the docs you see this week offer some relief for the tinnitus. I was thinking on the same wave length as Silver and get up and move around. Try to wear yourself out to where your mind ignores the ringing.
I tell my cat every day that it stinks getting old. All the wear and tear and aches and pains. Just stinks!
How was Baby Slayer this weekend? Just a thought, but is Wizard going to be the Manny like my hubs is :)?
It has snowed every single day for a week. When the day breaks there is always at least a 1/4 in of snow outside. This weather is really strange.
I hope you have a great afternoon.
April 9th, 2018 at 4:48 pm · Link
Viki, I actually am more active than ever because the tinnitus drives me crazy if I’m still. But it’ll all work out. I just don’t want others worried that my work did this. Anyway, I see the ENT tomorrow.
LOL on telling your cat! I tell Maggie all kinds of things like that. She’s listens but rarely answers
Baby Slayer is awesome! He’s gained a full pound since birth and the pediatrician proclaimed him healthy. Wizard probably isn’t ready for Manny duty yet, but when he’s a few months older, he might be up for it! Bet hubs loves it!
I see on FB a lot of people are perplexed by the weather in April! And it’s 90 degrees here
Hope you have a great evening!
April 10th, 2018 at 5:13 am · Link
Sorry I’m late. I’ve been working on something for the other job that’s got my brain all sorts of distracted. Everything else is getting shoved to the back burner so I can get this done before my edits come back for Early Grave on Thursday.
I’m so sorry health issues are getting in the way, but you’re the rock star who shows new writers what it might take sometimes to get the writing done. It isn’t all ‘words flowing freely from my rapidly flying fingers’. Sometimes it’s ‘slogging it out despite physical limitations’. And the book will be more special because we all know what it took to get it out into the world. :hugs:
April 10th, 2018 at 1:45 pm · Link
B.E., I hope you can get the other job issues squared away before edits arrive or that will add to your stress.
Thank you :-)!!! I hope I can help other authors! Everyone writes differently, and everyone has hills to climb and obstacles to surmount. Every now and again, we crash and burn, then pick ourselves up and get back to the job we love!
Have a great day!