by Mindy Obenhaus
A writer on deadline can be a scary sight. The red-rimmed eyes from lack of sleep (or crying out a scene), crazed hair from jamming their fingers through it repeatedly, all while wearing the ever popular t-shirt and pajama bottoms.
Okay, so we don't all look that way.However, when a writer is on deadline, they often overlook life as it normally exists and descend into a pit of unhealthy habits.
So what's a writer to do?
Look out for number one. How can you give your best when you're not your best?
Here are a few tips to help you care for your #1 -
Plan ahead - Deadlines rarely show up out of the blue. So before crunch time hits, make a plan. Take care of all those errands you've been putting off. Get the oil changed, schedule the kids physicals/haircuts/dental appointments, make that big trip to the grocery store. Stock up on healthy snacks (we'll talk more about those below), easy-to-prepare meal items and toilet paper. Because let's face it, no one wants to have to take time away from their hectic writing schedule to run to the store for toilet paper. Plan your meals in advance. If you're making a casserole, make two and freeze the second one. Then, when time is of the essence, all you have to do is pop it in the oven and continue writing.
Get up and move - My office happens to be on the opposite end of the house from the kitchen. I'm a big tea drinker and while I contemplated keeping my electric kettle in my office, I ultimately decided the walk to the kitchen would be a better idea.
Writing is a sedentary job, so we need to force ourselves to move so our performance at the computer will be at its best. If possible, wake up 30 minutes early to get in some exercise and get your blood pumping before you put your butt in the chair. If you're stuck on a scene, take a walk outside to clear your head. Schedule a break once an hour and do some jumping jacks. Or, simply walk to the other end of the house for another cup of tea.
Eat healthy - When we're stressed, it's easy to reach for things that aren't necessarily good for us. We keep a bowl of peanut M&Ms on our desk. "It's a reward for every so many words," we tell ourselves. And that "peanuts have protein, so they're good for us." Ah, if only peanut M&Ms fell into the healthy category. I'd eat them day and night.
Even when you're on deadline, you need to eat real meals, preferably somewhere away from your computer. Trust me, the change of scenery will do you good. And as for those snacks, instead of candy, try reaching for just the peanuts or whatever your favorite variety of nut may be. Or, if you really need something sweet, try mixing those nuts with some dried fruit. Cheese sticks are a good protein boost, as is yogurt (look for high-protein varieties), even beef jerky. Apples and berries will satisfy your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar.
Sleep - A good night's sleep is necessary to keep our brains and bodies performing at their best. However, that can sometimes be a challenge when you're on deadline because you're constantly thinking about the story. You wake up at 2 a.m. with an idea and, bang, you're wide awake. Instead of lying there wide awake or getting up and stumbling to your computer, try keeping a pen and paper beside your bed. When those ideas crop up in the middle of the night, write them down, then roll over, knowing that you won't forget that stellar plot twist because you've made note of it. Or, if you don't want to turn the light on for pen and paper, type your thoughts on your phone. If you're like me, it's charging on the nightstand anyway.
Reward yourself - At the end of your writing day, do something you enjoy. Watch your favorite TV show, read a book, play with the kids/grandkids, plot your next book, whatever brings you joy. And don't feel guilty. Remember, you've earned it.
Keep God in the equation - Psalm 121:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth." Talk to Him, allow Him to guide through whatever you're doing.
When you take care of you, not only are you happier, your family is happier and your readers will love you.
So reader or writer, let's chat about what keeps you sane during those times when life gets crazy. Do you plan ahead and try to take care of yourself? Or do you roll with the punches? What are some your favorite ways to stay on task?
Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
These are great common sense ideas, Mind-O! Preparing ahead is never a bad idea... and your words on M&M peanuts are troubling because I love them so much!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this approach to thinking ahead and getting it done!
Ruthy, I have little self-control when it comes to peanut M&Ms. ;)
DeleteI like to walk and pray when I feel overwhelmed. If I can't get out to walk because of the kids, then I usually find some housework to do while praying. There's something about working/walking off the frustration/stress while talking to God about it that puts things into perspective for me.
ReplyDeleteAlthough sometimes I find those yummy treats, devour them, then feel ill after. Then go walking any way. Lol
Thanks for sharing these tips, Mindy!
Lee-Ann, walking is like doing housework in the brain,
DeleteKB
Lee-Ann, I agree with Kathy. I get some of my best ideas so mundane housework. And praying, no matter where you are is always a good thing.
DeleteMindy, planning ahead is what keeps me sane in any area of my life. I live out in the woods and have always had unreliable cars, so stocking up on toilet paper was a "thing" for me even before the pandemic. Now that my husband is retired and we have an adjusted income, it's more important than ever to have stuff so we don't get caught short. PS, we are not hoarders.
ReplyDeleteYes to all of it! I'm a diabetic, so I have to plan meals. What works for me is if I make a salad ahead of time, at breakfast or the night before. Otherwise, alas, there will be no salad.
I'm working with mostly self-imposed deadlines now but am bracing myself for the edit letter for "Redemption's Hope." So I'm doing a lot of things ahead of time and clearing space for that.
I buy Christmas gifts all year round (obviously not for growing children or dieting adults, more generic stuff) and I wrap them as soon as they come into the house. That's kind of psycho, but it does save me stress in December. I also buy my Christmas cards on sale after the holiday, stamp them and put on my return address sticker, and address them some time in September. If I ever HAVE a December deadline, gifts and cards will be the least of my worries.
Mindy, isn't it true that God wants us to be the best we can be? And that includes not being stressed and not letting the stress spill over to our loved ones. I'm older now and I can cheerfully say it's not worth it.
This is my career and I'm serious about it, but at the same time nobody is making me do it and I think we have to keep that at the backs of our minds.
I'm a tea drinker too! I prefer Earl Grey in a bone china cup. If you're ever in Northern New England, I'll take you to my favorite tearoom. Or if we're ever at the same conference again, I'll treat you.
Good post, Mindy, may be back later.
Kathy Bailey
Your Kaybee
Making it work in New Hampshire
Kathy, we are definitely on for tea! Woot! And I'm like you when it comes to wrapping Christmas presents, though I don't start quite as early as you. But wrapping them as I get them makes my life easier. Of course, that's something that is easier to do when you don't have children in the house.
DeleteIt sounds like you are really on top of things. Meal planning is where I struggle. Mostly because I have to take the time to plan. Lately I can't even seem to get myself to the grocery store. I need to correct that. I need to channel my inner Kaybee. :)
You are welcome to all the Inner Kaybee you can handle.
DeleteAnother great post! And I am of the opinion that Peanut M&Ms are THE ONLY perfect food :) This is all really good advice. I'm trying to get back in writing mode and while I don't have a deadline, these are always useful reminders.
ReplyDeleteAnd Kathy, I saw that June is Earl Grey month! That was my mother's drink of choice for many years and what a treat it is, in a bone china cup :)
Glynis, if you're ever in MY area we'll celebrate something with a cup of tea.
DeletePeanut M&Ms are the best on account of the protein. My story and I'm sticking to it.
I can also rationalize dark chocolate.
KB
I'll hold you to that, Kathy! Your part of New England is somewhere I've never seen, but I hope to some day.
DeleteGlynis, I could stand to heed my own advice. Life is kinda wonky right now, but I hope to get things back on track soon. And I love that June is Earl Grey month. Now that's something to be celebrated.
DeleteJune is Earl Grey month? That's my go-to tea!
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice, Mindy. When the crunch comes, I tend to put everything else on the back burner. When I do that, I'm not the only one who suffers!
Planning ahead is the key, as you reminded us so well. And that self-care is all-important! Which is why I'm heading to the garden to pull some weeds before I sit down to knock out my daily word count. I'm stuck on how the next scene needs to come together, so I'll brain storm while I attack the weeds. :-)
Jan, brainstorming in the weeds sounds like a great plan.
DeleteGreat advice, Mindy, and timely since I'm on a tight deadline!
ReplyDeleteHeading back to my WIP! Wishing everyone a delightful day!
Go get 'em, Debby!
DeleteI didn't know June was Earl Grey month. I raise my teacup in a toast!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful that my family picks up a lot of slack when I'm on a tight deadline...my daughter had us over for supper once a week...or just the boys if I was still working, on my last deadline. She's a peach!
Erica, dinner at your daughter's sounds like a great idea. You are blessed.
DeleteI agree totally with Erica - her daughter is a peach! (Her husband is a pretty great guy, too!)
DeleteGreat post, Mindy. I try to plan ahead for when I have a lot going on. I am fortunate in that my husband does a lot of the shopping and cooking when I am working a lot. And peanut M & M's are my weakness, too.
ReplyDeleteSandy, your hubby sounds like a keeper! Don't you love how they support us?
DeleteTerrific post, Mindy thought honestly, the picture of candy had me at hello!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Mary!
Delete1000 words a day, everyday, no exceptions, I'm always done well ahead of deadline. In fact, I like to be done a month ahead so I can step away from the book, usually start another book, then after I've forgotten what I meant to say and can read what I really said, I do one more revision.
ReplyDeleteMary, you've got a good, long-standing system. I really need to consider that.
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