Many think that the life of an author is oh so easy. Sitting for countless hours typing away on a computer, sipping lukewarm tea, but what I’ve discovered as a full time writer is that it’s a pretty tough gig. The aching thorn in my side is passivity. Passivity is so inviting, so alluring. It beckons me to relax even though I have only written 100 words for the day. Passivity encourages me to ‘go and play’ and deceives me into thinking I’m missing out on all the fun to be had with family and friends.
While I’m happily (or lazily) playing the day away, I’m missing valuable time to:
- Network
- Create Content
- Update Blogs
- Engage on Social Media (I’m not talking Candy Crush)
- Research
- Marketing
What I’ve come to realise is that by falling under the spell of passivity, slowly, but surely I’m killing my writing career. When passivity reigns supreme, I can kiss those dreams of soaring to the top of the bestseller’s list good-bye.
The key, I think, is to find a healthy balance between work and play. When I work, really work, I can then play, really, really hard. Being a successful author takes much more than just creatively writing a book. It takes the fortitude and the drive to stop passivity in its tracks.
I’ll use the following as an example of the choices I can make:
I can wake up when the mood takes me, go out on my boat (it’s a very small one – think rowing boat, not a yacht :)) – and while away the hours with a bottle of wine.
OR
I can wake up much earlier to start writing and deal with the business side of things. Finish by 1pm THEN head off down to the marina for a spot of lunch and that much needed glass of wine.
Lately, I prefer the latter of the two, but if you’re battling with the same thing you have a choice: Let passivity into your life today and watch the demise of your writing career tomorrow.