tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post2765150202976249673..comments2024-03-21T17:22:02.012-05:00Comments on Musings of an Elf: The Job of “Writer”: There is No Clocking OutChristine Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-79223676827152404932017-08-16T17:22:10.892-05:002017-08-16T17:22:10.892-05:00Tehehehe! Yeeeah, I was kind of overwhelming MYSEL...Tehehehe! Yeeeah, I was kind of overwhelming MYSELF writing this post. But goodness, we writers have our plates full!<br /><br />Same, same! I'm in a constant state of needing to get things done but also needing to spend more time with family. It can be such a hard balance to find!<br /><br />Awwww! YOU ARE SO SWEET, ALLISON. It makes me all giddy that you're enjoying my posts! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-7757279080701827332017-08-16T17:19:24.255-05:002017-08-16T17:19:24.255-05:00LOL! Awwww! I'm glad it was relatable! Writing...LOL! Awwww! I'm glad it was relatable! Writing is just such a DIFFERENT job than most others, and it's really hard to explain to other people that, yes, you do actually need to be on the computer for a few hours each day. Especially when you're not published it's hard to get that across!<br /><br />That is so sweet and makes me happy! It's true, no matter the trials or judgement, we write because we love it. That's that. And isn't it just wonderful pursuing a career we honest to goodness LOVE? ^_^<br /><br />Ah, yes, balance. The thing I'm forever reaching for but never...quite...grasping... But I'm LOVING how you squeeze things in! I need to do that more often--use the free in between times and make sure I'm getting things done. I do that to some degree, but I'm not nearly as disciplined with it as I'd like to be. You're doing amazing, Tracey! I know it's not ideal, but I so admire how you use your free time purposely!<br /><br />(Oh, but I LOVE discussing these things with you!)Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-11011011367875749392017-08-15T23:22:29.065-05:002017-08-15T23:22:29.065-05:00I read this post alternately groaning and laughing...I read this post alternately groaning and laughing at how accurate this is (and those hilarious gifs)!! Next time somebody implies that writing isn't a full time and enormously hard job - I'll show them this post!!<br /><br />Yes - SO HARD to balance life and writing sometimes - I've really had to fight lately to spend time with my family instead of just writing and social media - but so important!!<br /><br />You are an amazing writer, Christine - all your posts are so well written.Allison Tebohttp://allisonswell.website/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-51548785132465799772017-08-15T22:39:12.362-05:002017-08-15T22:39:12.362-05:00SO MUCH TRUTH. If anyone ever tells me to my face ...SO MUCH TRUTH. If anyone ever tells me to my face that writing isn't a real job, I'm sending them this post, lol! I've thought about it often, the way there's no time clock to punch as a writer, but I haven't actually listed out alllll the things we actually do! It's kind of crazy!<br /><br />But I love where you ended this post. We live the writer's nonstop life because we love writing. And because God's called us to do it. My heart felt like it was expanding--*smiling,* really--when I read that part!<br /><br />And balance! Such a tricky thing, that. My schedule has never been constant (as a kid, my mom's job was shiftwork; and now so is mine), so I've just learned to fit things into the empty spots of my day. I work a day shift? Okay, that gives me the evening to write. An evening shift? Then I use the morning to whip up a blog post. A few spare minutes of a lunch break let me check social media, or a full day off gives me time to devote to whatever the most pressing pursuit is. Is it ideal? No, I'd rather have a predictable schedule that allowed me to structure my free time better. But I guess this jigsaw sort of life teaches me a different form of discipline!<br /><br />(Wow, I got off on a tangent again. Haha, oops!)Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-2945775813485116532017-07-19T22:02:11.520-05:002017-07-19T22:02:11.520-05:00It so is, yes! We writers have to master the art o...It so is, yes! We writers have to master the art of juggling. ;)<br /><br />It's funny, I used to think I HATED editing, but these days I'm starting to like it more than first drafts. Which is weird, because first drafts have always been my favorite! But both can definitely be difficult and cause their own kinds of headaches.<br /><br />It sounds like you're doing great! Every single minute you spend with it helps. Even ten minutes of writing a day can make progress! And I admire how you also take time out for your other hobbies. That's so awesome you play three instruments! I play the piano, but once I got real serious about writing my piano playing has...decreased, almost to zero. Heh. Writing seems to have taken over my life. Buuut I'm mostly okay with that. ;) Still, balancing each part of life is super important! (And something I'll probably be trying (and failing) to master for the rest of my life.)Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-18504090868391578272017-07-19T21:56:48.266-05:002017-07-19T21:56:48.266-05:00I'm so glad you did! ^_^
It really is! It'...I'm so glad you did! ^_^<br /><br />It really is! It's so the worst when people don't take it seriously. That's why we writers gotta stick together!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-77064305011097594362017-07-17T13:52:53.743-05:002017-07-17T13:52:53.743-05:00It's definitely difficult to get all the diffe...It's definitely difficult to get all the different facets covered. The writing part is typically the toughest part for me and the part I get the least done at. I'd much rather be doing the editing than the original writing, much of the time. I'm working on my momentum, and it's building up some. I'm finally gaining some traction on a novel (most of my work is short fiction), though my output per day is still low. I'm looking more toward working with literature than writing as a career (we shall see if that works out or not), but I would like to make a lot more progress as a writer. For me right now, I'm just trying to reconcile it, to make sure that what time I'm putting into it is well-used. That works itself over to the time spent on all these other things more than just the writing itsef, of course. I also play three instruments, and I'm trying to not neglect those too much. It gets to be difficult, but I'm just trying to press to get as much done as I can without getting too distracted.Patrick Stahlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690555802232025818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-86733686624747041252017-07-17T12:14:44.926-05:002017-07-17T12:14:44.926-05:00Love this post! Write is so a real job and I hate ...Love this post! Write is so a real job and I hate it when people say it isn't.<br /><br />storitorigrace.blogspot.comVictoria Grace Howellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01849013182543674707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-72848729733412894972017-07-16T20:40:25.499-05:002017-07-16T20:40:25.499-05:00@Olivia - We do sound totally alike! I love it! ;D...@Olivia - We do sound totally alike! I love it! ;D (I mean, you can NEVER go wrong with glitter.)<br />Ooooh! I didn't know you had a blog. FUNNNN!<br /><br />@Sophia - It's really weird how rewrites can feel like first drafts, even if you're working on a story you've had for ages. But it's kind of fun to completely remake something new! (If not occasionally headache-inducing...) But TIME TRAVEL!!! :D You can never go wrong with time travel!<br />I've actually had a TON of breakthroughs for my novels at church or during my Bible time and such. I don't think that's bad. We just tend to become more creative when we're really focusing on God. We're pulling creative energy from HIM, because He created us to be creative! And what better creative wellspring is there than God? ^_^ But anyways, I'm glad you had a breakthrough. That's always so exciting!<br /><br />Glitter, photographs, and villainy. Bwahahahaha! I LOVE IT! Three of the best things. >:DChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-37318634674097508632017-07-16T19:20:53.721-05:002017-07-16T19:20:53.721-05:00Deborah: It's weird how everyone individually ...Deborah: It's weird how everyone individually seems to be behind, but the collective cabin stats are three days ahead. Hopefully this week things will pick up. Next week my sister *ahem* is gone at music camp, which means I'm doing all her chores for her, which means, of course, less writing time. <br /><br />Christine: I'm rewriting a story now, and putting in some completely new scenes, so though I've been over this ground before, it's still mostly new, and it feels a lot more like a first draft than the third draft it really is. Not to mention that it involves time-travel, and I'm a lot blurrier on the details of the modern day, not the other way around, which is weird, so things keep going from weird to weirder. I had a breakthrough on it during the sermon today, which sounds awful, but the sermon (on Psalm 90) actually had a lot to do with the theme.<br /><br />Bear: if you *will* introduce yourself so explosively, expect nothing less than your nickname plastered on the interwebs. <br /><br />For those interested, she has an alter ego, Villiam the Villain, who, er, /advises me/. Sometimes. I don't always take either of their suggestions. Yes. This is my sister. Glitter, photographs, and villainy.<br /><br />https://ofdreamsandswords.wordpress.comSophia Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10393680730064003675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-5400070612647058422017-07-16T19:18:33.895-05:002017-07-16T19:18:33.895-05:00HI! *jumps up and down and tosses glitter everywhe...HI! *jumps up and down and tosses glitter everywhere* <br />Yup, we're sisters, and if you ever saw us you'd know ;) ! And yes, I take all the pictures, though not all of them are beautiful. :) I have my own blog at<br /> <br />http://aglitteringjumbleoforder.blogspot.com/ <br /><br />I keep telling her she needs to link to me more so I get more readers! :) Sisters are handy that way! Oliviahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00726489240346042414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-37455128570185118072017-07-16T18:37:48.203-05:002017-07-16T18:37:48.203-05:00OHMYGOODNESS. HIIIII!!!! You're Sophia's s...OHMYGOODNESS. HIIIII!!!! You're Sophia's sister, right? The one who takes all the beautiful pictures? She mentions you a lot on her blog. It's nice to "meet" you! :DChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-33145813836847648372017-07-16T16:54:01.858-05:002017-07-16T16:54:01.858-05:00Gahhhhhh. Those weird black question marks look li...Gahhhhhh. Those weird black question marks look like smiley faces on my end.... not sure why they translated that way!Oliviahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00726489240346042414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-38218480031697973102017-07-16T16:52:54.026-05:002017-07-16T16:52:54.026-05:00And I'm her *real* cabinmate!! Only we live in...And I'm her *real* cabinmate!! Only we live in a farmhouse, not a cabin, but ya get the idea ��. <br /><br />By the way, Sophia tells me we are a lot alike when it comes to all caps and smiley faces and exclamation points.... �� !!!!!Oliviahttp://www.aglitteringjumbleoforder.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-58343719251873005302017-07-16T11:57:04.346-05:002017-07-16T11:57:04.346-05:00WELL YOU ARE JUST THE NICEST THIIIING. Thank you s...WELL YOU ARE JUST THE NICEST THIIIING. Thank you so very much!!! ^_^<br /><br />Welcome to the blogging world! :D That's so exciting you've started a blog. Your blog looks GORGEOUS!!! I am kind of just drooling over here over your design. So clean and fresh and aesthetically pleasing. I love it!<br /><br />The best advice I can give is to just have fun and be yourself. I know that sounds like a Disney slogan or something, but it's true. XD Once I decided to let my full personality loose on my blog and stop trying to put on some internet facade is when everything clicked. Don't ever be afraid to let your personality shine. People gravitate toward real and honest people.<br /><br />And I've also learned with blogging that there are no rules. You blog the way YOU want to. It doesn't have to be any set pattern.<br /><br />So just have fun! For me, my blog has been one of my biggest blessings because I've met such wonderful people and have a space I can let loose all my crazy thoughts. Blogging is amazing! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-79371204778663156112017-07-16T10:28:33.196-05:002017-07-16T10:28:33.196-05:00I just stumbled upon your blog, and I love it so m...I just stumbled upon your blog, and I love it so much! This is such an awesome and relatable post.<br /><br />I'm a fellow writer who's new to blogging, and I was wondering if you had any tips for newbie bloggers.<br /><br />If you have the time, please check out my blog @breenysbooks. I'd love any feedback. Have a wonderful day.<br />Breeny's Bookshttps://breenysbooks.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-69654666516742540062017-07-15T21:32:42.330-05:002017-07-15T21:32:42.330-05:00Awww! I'm so glad! (Because I feared I was rea...Awww! I'm so glad! (Because I feared I was really just stressing everyone out with this post. XD) I feel ya! That endless editing can be brutal. Z_ZChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-27504909616164917952017-07-15T19:51:10.089-05:002017-07-15T19:51:10.089-05:00This was so inspiring!! I personally love the firs...This was so inspiring!! I personally love the first draft stage and the making a platform part of being a writer. But editing three million times for twenty years gets old lol.<br />Amanda<br />www.skgfun.comAmanda Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07204022528736135180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-62680417145009252182017-07-15T15:40:04.923-05:002017-07-15T15:40:04.923-05:00*squeaks excitedly* MADELIIIIINE. YOU ARE SO SWEET...*squeaks excitedly* MADELIIIIINE. YOU ARE SO SWEET.<br /><br />Yes to ALL the things you said! It can be such a hard struggle. And even though we know deep down writing is important and IS a real job, those doubting voices can really get to us. Especially when the world is doubting us! And yes, staying at home and writing books is amazing. That's what I do and I love it, despite all the disapproving looks I get from people. Heh.<br /><br />Hahahaha! I always feel like a crazy person because I constantly have people chatting and arguing in my head. We writers are just naturally insane, comes with the title. ;D<br /><br />*griiiins* I couldn't help myself! XDChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-52930358009044717322017-07-15T15:35:57.107-05:002017-07-15T15:35:57.107-05:00Awwww, thank you so much! And I'll certainly c...Awwww, thank you so much! And I'll certainly check out your blog! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-33044661701800659502017-07-15T12:59:40.462-05:002017-07-15T12:59:40.462-05:00Oh my gosh, I LOVE THIS POST TO DEATH. *hugs it fo...Oh my gosh, I LOVE THIS POST TO DEATH. *hugs it forever*<br /><br />I've struggled with the mentality that writing isn't a "real" job so many times. And when people ask what I want to go to college for...it's even harder, because I don't necessarily WANT to go to college. I want to stay at home and write books for a living. XD <br /><br />It definitely isn't easy, but I love it anyway. I totally agree, the writer's life isn't a choice, it's a calling. And it's a good thing too, otherwise I might have just grown with dozens of little people in my head, talking to me until I go crazy. XD<br /><br />Also, this ~> "With writing, you keep learning until you’re in the grave. (And at that point you’re doing some great research on how all the characters you killed off feel, so even more learning!)" I'M LAUGHING SO HARD RIGHT NOW. XDMadeline J. Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14651322832150574847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-81346699347513139912017-07-15T12:41:52.916-05:002017-07-15T12:41:52.916-05:00Great blog!
I would sincerely appreciate it if yo...Great blog!<br /><br />I would sincerely appreciate it if you checked out my book reviews blog at https://elsbookreviews.blogspot.ca/ and possibly give it a follow as well! Excited to read more of your posts!<br /><br />- ElAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04826213831533713360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-60955937072604308672017-07-12T19:41:57.089-05:002017-07-12T19:41:57.089-05:00Meee too! It was pretty nice to have no obligation...Meee too! It was pretty nice to have no obligations and just write for the fun of it. But, really, I think I like these days better. Where I respect my writing and pursue my dream, instead of just doing it occasionally for fun. It's my passion now, not just a hobby, and that makes it special. ^_^<br /><br />I did the same!!! I've been writing since I was 9, but I didn't take it seriously until I was 18. Then, trying to find that balance and discipline took over my life... Heh. I'm still working on it, too! All. The. Time. XD<br /><br />Yes! I'm discovering I actually sorta...ENJOY editing. o.O So weird! I thought I'd always hate it, but, like you said, it's fun to see the story get fixed and improved. But then there are DEFINITELY those moments where you realize you're going to have to change like...EVERYTHING and it gets so overwhelming. And I know what you mean about discovering something whilst researching that breaks everything. UGH. That's the worst.<br /><br />I have a love/hate relationship with platforms. I LOVE connecting with people, but it also can be soooo overwhelming and time-consuming. I think I often spend far too much time on social media and ignoring my writing which is a problem... :-/<br /><br />LOL. I don't think the plot bunny plague can be cured. The curse of us writers. XD<br /><br />Thanks for your precious comment, Jameson. Made my day! <333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-68512433774549458222017-07-12T10:52:57.066-05:002017-07-12T10:52:57.066-05:00I remember those days when writing was just a hobb...I remember those days when writing was just a hobby... *stares wistfully into past*<br /><br />But I still love it even if it's more than that now! :) I think one of the biggest changes for me was finally making the decision that I wanted to be a published writer, and then adjusting to the amount of discipline that required (especially about blocking out time to write and balance that with everything else). I try to give myself deadlines and work toward those, even if I fall behind where I'd expected to be. It's still a really unbalanced process, but I'm working on it. :)<br /><br />Plot holes the size of Texas <-- AMEN TO THAT. Editing is that weird thing that sometimes I like, because "Hey I'm fixing things and it's improving!" but also that's the phase where some of my biggest doubts come in. I like researching, but sometimes you find that one fact that kind of tosses half your plot idea out the window...<br /><br />PLATFORM. *hisses* I still struggle with this one. I agree it's best to have a few that you really enjoy focusing on, rather than being on every platform and feeling exhausted all the time. I love blogging, and I'm working on really getting back into it and the community. :) I like Instagram and Twitter as well (though the latter can be a stressful place from time to time). I especially like doing hashtag games or photo challenges—they're a really fun way to network with other writers and readers. <br /><br />If you figure out the secret to taming plot bunnies, please share it! They are my weakness. :D <br /><br />"If God puts a passion in your heart for writing, then you write." <--YES. That is so true! Jameson C. Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14273414704624735740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-44369548558829704852017-07-11T11:24:19.337-05:002017-07-11T11:24:19.337-05:00Exactly! XD
LOLZY. I think we do that, too. Tehe....Exactly! XD<br /><br />LOLZY. I think we do that, too. Tehe.<br /><br />GAH, CELTI. YOU ARE SO SWEET! <333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.com