"Interruptions can be viewed as sources of irritation or opportunities for service, as moments lost or experience gained, as time wasted or horizons widened. They can annoy us or enrich us, get under our skin or give us a shot in the arm. Monopolize our minutes or spice our schedules, depending on our attitude toward them."
-William Arthur Ward
We all know that interruptions in writing are quite temperamental. Sometimes the break is what we need, allowing us time to reflect and see what we have missed; then dive back in. Other times the interruption shines light on the fact that we are completely lost within our current projects. Who ever said writing was easy never understood interruptions.
You see, we all have them. They may come in the form of persistent children, slightly neglected housework, husbands hungry for supper, wives wanting to go out rather than sit in while their husband writes and of course the need to be interrupted can arrive straight from the author's own mind.
Most of you know that I am definitely a glass half full girl, or really a 3/4 full girl ;o). This is something that can come in handy when dealing with interruptions. Just last night I needed to work on a chapter in my WIP. I sat down and began to type, twenty-five minutes in my dog scoots next to me. He rolls over and puts his belly up to be scratched. I look at him and tell him give me five more minutes. He lays there tail wagging, patiently hoping that my fingers discover his stomach is much more pleasing than the keys. After eight minutes he flops onto his paws and tries to crawl on top of the computer.
Yeah, he likes to do this.
I quickly hit save before his paws type the dog version of my story and I look at his face. I have been traveling for pretty much the past eight days. I have not been home really more than seventy-two hours during the last eight days. I decide to let his interruption occur. Even though I KNOW that while traveling I did not get to put as much time into my work, this interruption is worth it. I set the computer aside and for the next thirty minutes I pet him and watch Big Bang Theory on my DVR utterly relaxed.
Honest to goodness after the show he hopped up and went to sit on his perch in the window, allowing me to open the computer and start working again. That thirty minutes did not hurt my progress, nor did it hinder the nights events. It actually allowed me a little down time and I found myself putting more productive energy into my work. Rather than be aggravated by the interruption I just dove right into it. Sure, it was thirty minutes rubbing a dog that loves me unconditionally but to be honest it could have been a load of laundry or a trip to the store and I still would not have let it become a hindrance. It is all in how you approach/react to the interruption. Let it in but don't let it control you. Let yourself enjoy it but don't forget that work is still waiting.
Sometimes I live for interruptions, memories are made with interruptions, characters are discovered, locations realized, and life enjoyed. So when you get bogged down, you shut the door, you only have enough light on to see the keys, you have your mug of tea or coffee and you feel like the world is separate from your hole; remember that interruptions can fuel your work if you let them. They can become food for thought, they can let your dog enjoy some me time, they can let your family know that you aren't a zombie or that dinner will occur before the kids are old enough to own their own restaurant... ;o)
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Since yesterday was a spotlight on author day I am doing my link list today!
Check out a few of today's awesome posts:
So do you FREAK OUT about little emergencies? If so check out the Book Snipers post!
Shannon Messenger asks if anyone else needs to join her at Downloaders Anonymous
The always amazing author Shannon Hale discusses Banned Books
The adorable and fun Sara McClung is about to start querying...yep that means a Deal with the Universe! But wait she is crazy enough to let her writing buddies select what the deal will be! Go vote - any of them are bound to make you smile!
The Alliterative Allomorph is hosting a contest! Yep - with some awesome prizes - check. it. out.
If you did not get to see all the Recommended Reads from over 60 bloggers yesterday, be sure you do today!
DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY THE DARK DIVINE SWAG CONTEST!!! either via THIS LINK or the sidebar photo link on the right ;o)
Have a Terrific Tuesday!
