I’m not making New Year’s Resolutions this year; we all know how that goes. (By mid-February, or sooner, they’re dust in the wind). Instead I’m making a few changes to the time I traditionally do (or don’t do) things, and the place I do (or don’t do) them.
The first question: Does it matter what time of the day I write?
Last Saturday I spent the day with 20,000 other readers and writers at the Union-Tribune Book Festival—an all-day literary extravaganza at Liberty Station. There, in Authors Alley, I shared a table with my dear friend and sister writer, Jill G. Hall. Her half of our eight-foot table graced by her beautiful books and a pair of silver shoes, and my half littered with a couple of my books and a small replica of a typewriter.
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a disorder in which the bones become increasingly porous and brittle. My skeletal structure is more subject to breakage than others who don’t have this condition. A small seashell I keep on the windowsill next to my kitchen writing table reminds me of my “lacy” bones, and to take good care of my physical architecture—take the medication, do weight-bearing exercises, use caution with certain yoga poses.
As for structuring my days, one of the greatest takeaways I got from participating in Creative Mastermind groups with Dan Blank, is the idea of “time-blocking.” Time blocking is how I can structure the parts of my day when I don’t have a regularly scheduled obligation. If I want to work on a new project—block out the time, if I want to write a blog—block out the time. Design a new workshop, prepare a class, study a book—block out the time. Time blocking works. Especially if you do it! (I’m still working on this one, Dan.) (PS Dan is starting a new group July 1. Go here to find out more.)