Friday, April 08, 2011

A-Z Blog Chain: Get a Life!

I'm interpreting Cole's question a bit loosely so I can combine the Blog Chain and the A-Z Challenge into a single post. She asked us:

What hobbies, tips, or techniques do you have for keeping your writerly battery charged?

In other words, how do we get a life outside of writing?

I have to admit that what with work, taking care of the house/daily chores/my son, and writing, there's not much time left over for other hobbies. I've already discussed my Beatles obsession and crocheting for the A-Z challenge, so I don't want to do that again. I don't think playing Facebook games counts as a hobby either. However, my family does make sure to drag me away from the computer. I take Alex to the park or playdates, and when we're home, we read or play with his toys. My husband likes to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden or other attractions in the area. This year, I plan to plant a flower/vegetable garden in the backyard, though I'm a little worried that my thumb may be black instead of green.

Cole asked her question in the context of taking a break from the Internet. I admit I find the Internet too useful/entertaining to take a complete break from, but I try not to let it take over my life. For example, I don't use Twitter because I find it too difficult to keep up. I also plan to take a blogging vacation the first week of May; I think I'll need one after finishing this challenge!

Although it takes a lot of sitting down at the keyboard and banging out text to become a good writer, sometimes it's necessary to get out and live a little so that you have experiences to write about.

To follow the rest of the blog chain, check out Kat's and Kate's posts.

12 comments:

Trisha said...

Sometimes life is forced upon me, which I resent at the time as it takes me away from my writing :P But I'm glad my entire life isn't writing, or I might grow into my couch. LOL.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I love posts like these because I can read between the lines and see that you're an excellent mother and role-model for your son. People in this day and age are really selfish...I see it everywhere...whether it comes to wanting to do their own thing at the expense of everyone else, or cutting in front of you in a line or bullying you in a parking lot. It's so refreshing to read a post where someone admits that they would like more time but realizes the responsibilities they have and puts things like writing (that can truly wait) on the back burner to enjoy a day at the park with an offspring.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Trisha--Since writing is a sedentary occupation, I think many writers, including me, have to worry about growing into the couch. ;)

Michael--Thank you very much for the compliment. We're probably only going to have one child, so it's important to enjoy each stage of his childhood as it comes.

J.L. Campbell said...

So true. The computer and the internet takes up a large chunk of my time. It's good to do something different every so often, not to mention how good it eyes to avoid eyestrain.

Michelle H. said...

Yes, the computer does take a lot of time. There's no break for me, since this is how I earn my living. So it does get a bit overwhelming now and again. Watching b-movies does help to take a break. And visiting facebook and emailing friends.

Susan Oloier said...

You're so not alone. It is hard to find a good balance. But I can see you are managing just fine: playdates, gardening, playing with your son. You sound very centered to me.

Shelli said...

In "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, she recommends a weekly artist date. Just something fun you get out and do all by yourself. I haven't been very good at it, but the times I have gotten out have been fun.

Eric said...

I think you're the first one on the chain to admit to liking the Internet too much. I can probably be included in that category too though, so I completely understand what you're saying. Nice response - oh, and you're doing great with the challenge!

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

I also haven't joined Twitter because I don't feel like I can make the commitment. And I love the occasional internet vacation too... as long as I can still check my email;)

KjM said...

I am not sure I can take a break from the Internet - although, on the computer I use mostly for writing I don't do facebook, twitter, email. I get too easily distracted.

Music, listening rather than playing - I can't even bang a drum with any efficacy, is a balm for me from work, writing, the world.

Christine Fonseca said...

"getting a life" is so darn important!

Cole Gibsen said...

Such a great response! It's so hard to keep up with work, family, and writing - not to mention hobbies. I definitely agree with taking what you use from the internet and leaving the rest! :)

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