I'm Having the Time of My Life

Howdy,
  Pamela Tracy here, and yes it happened again.  I was sitting with a group of people, and one of them said, "Hey, I hear you're a writer."
  I nod, smile, mention Harlequin.
  They nod, smile, and mention that when they have time, they're going to write a book.

   I find time an interesting concept.



   If I had waited until I had time, I'd still be on chapter one of the first book I ever tried to write (It, btw, wasn't a romance.  It was a Star Trek TNG.  Guinan was the main character, and the Furengi were the villains - go figure.)

  Wait!  That wasn't my first book.  The first book I started was while I was in college (the first time).  I wrote a Sci Fi novel along the lines of Kurt Vonnegut (I was so in love with his and Douglas Adams' writings).  

   For that Sci Fi book, I was a full-time college student who was a full-time waitress and who cleaned apartments on the side.  No time.

  For the Star Trek book, I was single, teaching elementary school, waitressing at night, and played competitive softball (Hah, something you didn't know about me.  Before the chub came, I was athletic.)

Here's the truth.  Time didn't land in my lap, ever.  I made time.  I got up early, stayed up late, and carted notebooks and/or laptops to coffee shops and libraries.  I wrote on my honeymoon (I was late on a deadline because I planned a wedding instead of a black moment.)

Today, I'm busier than ever and for the best reason of all....

My advice to you, if you're going to write a book, write a book.  IN the time it took you to tell me about it, you could have had 500 words.

Now, hanging my head, here's how I've been spending my time lately when I should have had my butt in the chair working on my next Heartwarming!

Two nights a week, I'm sitting on a hard bench watching Mike at dive practice.
He's the small dot straight ahead on the three meter.
I think about bringing my laptop but I can't balance it on my knees and type.
I'm not that gifted.

One weekend I went to Tucson to give a talk.
There I ran into other Heartwarming authors like Roz Denny Fox, Patricia Forthyse, and  LeAnn Bristow
I think they're getting more writing done than me.
Hmmm, I'm jealous.

One Saturday I saw saw Marshmallow man from Ghostbusters.
I'm trying to figure out how to work him into my newest Heartwarming, but he's just not suspensy enough.

On Halloween, I had to spend time at a Haunted House.
I wish I'd found a haunted typewriter that would finish the D*#@ book for me.

No, Donald Trump did not visit my house to check on my writing progress.
This is one of Mike's friends disguised as Trump for Halloween.
My husband said, "He'll either get a lot of candy or none."

I was on the Day on Writing Committee at my school.
We brought in Marshall Trimble, state historian.
Yes, I got to pick the speakers.  Way cool.

I'm involved in Youth Leadership Training for Christ at my church.
Actually, they put me in charge of puppets and drama.
They said something about not trusting me to cook.


I also helped plan pseudo Grandma's 80th birthday just a few weeks ago.




Ah, I need to sign off and go write a little romance... How about you?




Comments

  1. Your post made me smile, Pamela, and it was terrific getting a peak at how you spend some of your time!

    I heard on the radio a couple of years ago that somewhere in the range of 86% of the people in North America think "they have a book in them." Your advice is sound. I believe it was Nora Roberts who said at an RWA conference that her advice to anyone who wants to write a book is to put your butt in a chair and write!

    Thanks for the fun post, Pamela!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've heard that, too, and I've also heard that only one in ten people who start a book actually finish. I love statistics :)

      Delete
  2. After reading your post I'll think twice before saying I don't have time. I'm amazed by how many writers have full time jobs and/or other heavy responsibilities, and still churn out great books. I admire that. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so looking forward to when writing is my only job :)

      Delete
  3. Lol. What a shortage of books there'd be if writers waited until they had time! I loved your post, Pam.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pam, I think about this time concept often. I've also had a lot of people tell me they'd like to write if they had time. I gently try to explain this fact to them, that it's about making time. I love to cite examples from my own life and that of my busier writer friends like you who have kids, gull-time jobs, volunteer commitments etc. Great post! (I'm going to go do some writing now(;

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe busy people get a lot down LOL. But, organized people do too. I'm a wannabe organized person who is too busy to organize.

      Delete
  5. Pam,
    As one of the busiest women I know, who has the greatest attitude for life, you constantly amaze me. We in Tucson were so glad you had "time" to speak to our group. I love that Mike is diving. I love that you find time to write your great stories. Didn't someone important say "if you want something done, ask a busy person"? I know it's because they "find" time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And Roz, you mentored me early on. I've learned so much from you. Talk about a great attitude, go look in the mirror. You trump me.

      Delete
  6. A lovely post. If you want to get something done, get the busiest person out there to do it. You certainly are the busiest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Probably not, I can think of at least three other Heartwarmers who are busier. And, I'm imagining at least ten Heartwarmers raising their hand and saying "ME!"

      Delete
  7. You definitely stay busy! :) But you're right--there is always time for the things you care about. My first full novel was written in university, too. I was working part time at a retail store, studying for exams and attending university full-time. I figured I needed to do something different, so started writing my first (and truly terrible) romance novel. There's always time if you want to do it... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I were still as innocent as those days spent pecking on a typewriter, no spell check, but loads of fun.

      Delete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, Pam! Your post was truly the kick in the pants I needed today. I've been lamenting about how I just don't have time to finish my latest book, too much stress, yada yada yada. I forgot that I have the same things going on now that I did when I sold my first book. So, no more excuses. Back to writing! And I agree with Roz. I'm so glad you found time to visit us in Tucson and I'm so glad that you squeeze in some writing because I love your books. Now I wish I could say I'm off to write, but I have 23 little kindergarten faces that will be eagerly awaiting words of wisdom from their teacher in about 10 minutes, so I'm off to herd cats for a while...er, I mean, teach kindergarten. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, I'm replying to comments between teaching. I've 23 big college students. I'm not sure they eagerly await my words of wisdom, but they pretend.

      Delete
  10. Pam - I'm always saying this, but you are my hero. I applaud all you do. I sent my book off last night (only two weeks late - I don't think I've ever been that late in 33 years of writing!) so from now until Christmas it's just me and the Hallmark Christmas movies! But, about injecting a little mystery into Marshmallow Man - couldn't he be escaping a bunch of Girl Scouts determined to make s'mores? Keep on keeping on! Happy Monday, Everybody.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL You write it Muriel.
      I'm teaching an overload this semester, first time ever.
      I'm late on everything.

      Delete
  11. Ugh, time. I think it might be one of my least favorite four letter words. :) I agree with Laurie and when I think I don't have time, I'll just think of all you have to juggle (and so many other people, do as well). Thanks for the kick in the pants. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always love reading about all you do, Anna. I picture you with your hand up.

      Delete
  12. I loved this, Pam! As I reach the half-way mark for NaNoWriMo, you've inspired me to keep it up. I'm a firm believer that if you really want to do something, you'll make the time.
    Thanks for sharing your great photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm doing Nano too and am behind. I love it though and wish it wasn't just November.

      Delete
  13. I'm always amused that 86% think they have a book in them, but 28% didn't read a single book last year. No time, I guess.

    Thanks for the reminder, Pamela. I'd better get cracking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth, I can't NOT read. I do the yearly challenge on Goodreads. I think I've read something like 47 books so far. If I go a few days without reading, I get grumpy.

      Delete
  14. Pam, you are one busy lady. But just think of all the story ideas all of your activities are generating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, you're right. My ideas scare me sometimes, especially the ones I get when we're in the middle of nowhere camping.

      Delete
  15. And I thought I was busy! lol. Blessing on all you do. And don't you just love it when someone thinks they can just sit down and two weeks later they have a book. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. No, what pisses me off is when someone sits down and two weeks later they have a book. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  17. Pam, you are the greatest! And thank you for sharing. I had a person at work day to me, "You're burning the candle at both ends."
    I said, " Ther's a wick on both ends. They should be lit." But you! You burn a dozen candles at both ends. I need a nap after this post of yours. Big hug!

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's 10:30 and I'm just settling down to write. I got home from work at six thirty, bearing Boston Market because no time to cook. Then, off to Big Five to get the kiddo new tennis shoes - just bought him a pair two weeks ago at Walmart. Never buy tennis shoes there. They don't last. Then, home to walk the dog, help with homework, and watch Get Smart before sending kiddo to bed.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey Pamela, sorry I missed this on your day but it was great getting caught up with your activities and seeing a photo of "grandma" too. You always have so much fun.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment