Back in the writing business

I need to get back into the writing business.  Since I am taking a writing class again this summer, I need to write, and write more.  About what doesn't matter -- just do it.  It seems like the day-to-day business of librarianship consumes so much time and effort, that I don't slow down enough reflect on what I've done or accomplished.  Lately, I've been stressed and self-critical about how much I have or have not finished, what projects need to get started, who needs to be in the loop, who doesn't, and its all overwhelming.  Time management will always be a issue for me (and, really, what parent doesn't have that issue?  Some are just better than others at organizing or using their time) and what I'm beginning to realize is that I don't have to get it all done in a year, or 2 years, or even 3 years.  That much of what I am trying to do is a long-term project and it will take much longer to realize those plans. 
This is really hard to visualize for someone who is very task-oriented and feels much more comfortable with those "quantifiable" milestones and deliverables than with hazy future goals. 
So, even with this realization, I do realize that I want to write an article this summer; I have a lot of ideas but I'm not sure what will be "readable" or not.  I'd like to write an article about how we are re-doing the gifts management program and using LibraryThing to do it more effectively; I've got some ideas for an article about our new purchase request workflow, ideas about collection development but no firm article in sight.  I guess for now I will just practice the writing and let it go from there.

Comments

[T Scott]

I think the trick is finding a set time during the day that you sit in front of the keyboard (or with pen in hand) and force yourself not to get up until your assigned time is done, whether you write anything or not. For me, for many years now, it's been the first ninety minutes of the day. I'm not 100% -- some days the work pressures impinge and I spend my "writing time" catching up on work. When I'm traveling its tougher 'cause I'm off my regular schedule. But most days when I'm home, I can count on spending an hour more or less making sentences.

Undoubtedly, Griffin makes the scheduling immensely more difficult, but it can still be managed.

One of my favorite quotes is a line from the great critic Randall Jarrell. He said that a great poet is someone who, in a lifetime of standing out in the rain, manages to get hit by lightning two or three times.

I can't do anything about the lightning, but I can sure as hell make sure I go stand in the rain every day.

[Kate Pitcher]

Thanks -- that is really good advice! And, you are right about the managing part; I just need the commitment and will to do it.