This
interruption by life has been happening to me for the past two years with clockwork precision. Parental
health issues are something I don’t grumble about, as health problems can crop
up anytime and for anyone, and also
because I do not want to add to the enormous guilt
they lug around at disrupting their childrens’ schedules. It’s the emotional upheavel and anxiety that we ( children) find stressful and worrisome. But, other issues have me grumbling and cursing my bad writing luck.
Now
that I have started my job as a creative writing teacher in my college, my
personal writing time has come down considerably. Add to that my twice a week
blogging and writing for few Indian newspapers, and reading as many as 80 to 100 posts a month, and posting comments, I
find myself struggling to stay afloat and balance it all. The stack of
books: a part of my to be read pile is tottering dangerously; few
books that have to be reviewed are sending nasty looks my way ( I have
personally hated it when reviewers take their own time to review books).
Perhaps this is God’s way of showing me that
I have to be more understanding and sympathetic.
But I
have learnt to outsmart life. While life is busy throwing obstacles my way, I
am learning to make the most and best use of these obstacles. In every situation I look for the silver
lining (I believe every situation teaches us something). Though I may not be
devoting huge chunks of my day to
writing, I am learning from each situation and every person who I interact with.
From the informative posts my blogging
friends write, I jot down points that I consider crucial to my growth: both as a
writer, and now as a teacher. The people I interact with on regular basis : earlier the staff in the hospital, and now my students, are rich sources of inspiration. I observe
their mannerisms and traits for future character charts.
Even If I am not actively writing I am
constantly thinking of my book: plotting, mentally rewriting, visualizing
scenes, adding unique character traits and personality quirks. Maybe to make up for not being able to write
for longer periods, my learning process has sharpened and I am able to absorb
information quickly. Nowadays whatever little time I get for my own writing I
am able to focus more and with all the
information and experiences crammed
inside my head, my stories are
getting a little closer to reality and the
characters are shedding a little of
their flatness.
Our
writing deepens from our growth and experiences. Every
small incident in our lives is filled with it’s unique
experience that somehow crawls into our
stories.
What
are the techniques you use, when life interrupts your writing? Please
share, we all can learn lots from each others' experiences.
I didn't realize you are teaching writing! How nice! I think that would be awesome to do!
ReplyDeleteI juggle when I need to and if life interrupts which it ALWAYS does, I go with it and pray I can get back on track soon.
You're so cool! I love that you teach writing. I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteEven when life gets in the way, I often can't stop thinking about my WIP, just like you. Sooner or later, I wrestle some time back into my life so I can write. It's hard to deny a passion like writing.
Life is VERY good at pushing it's way into writing time. I write late at night, when the kids are asleep. I've always been a night owl, might as well put it to good use! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for your comment on my post.
Life takes up most of my time :) I often wonder what it would be like if I didn't have to work and could devote more time to writing. Would I use my time wisely?
ReplyDeleteAs it is I've had to learn how to write 'on the fly' as they say. I try to keep my writing portable and grab every chance I get to work on it.
That's so cool about your teaching writing!
Terri, teaching is nice and my students are real darlings, eager to learn and try their hands at creativity.
ReplyDeleteLydia, don't be jealous. On mondays you teach us about medicines, so you are a doctor/teacher for that day.
Alexis,I call myself the nightwatchman, as I am a night owl too. Life is not only pushing its way into my writing time, but dominating it.
Rahma, nowadays I write when ever I can grab those precious moments from life.
I've had some of these interrupted times lately and it can be frustrating. I try and write in small pockets of time, which works well. I also carry a notebook with me wherever I go, to capture ideas so I don't forget them.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
Karen :)
I write anyway! The tragedy in that is it's usually no good, but it does keep me in the mode to keep going. Besides, that's what edits are for. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to keep up with everything, isn't it? I've found that I've learned just a ton from blogging, but if I have to cut back on something, then that's the area I sacrifice. It's hard, because I can't keep up with everyone the way I'd always like to.
ReplyDeleteWow Rachna! Wow! I thought that I was busy. Sounds like you have a full and fun life?
ReplyDelete