I've hit another patch in parenting where I don't have much time at all to work. I know this too shall pass, but in the meantime, I'm trying to turn those minutes in progress. Forgive this scattered post - but it's honestly how I work now too:Full disclosure: 1 morning a week I have in-house help so I get a break. Most weeks I escape for a minimum of an hour to a coffee shop to work. I try to make the most of my time. I bring lots of notebooks, sketchbooks, printouts of manuscripts in progress, etc. Some weeks I get stressed that I haven't 'accomplished' enough. But I'm beginning to understand that these little victories do add up. A sketch here, an edit there. Alicia's post yesterday sums it up WAY better than I can, so go watch THIS if you haven't yet.
The above is a first pass at character sketches for a manuscript I've been hammering away at. The idea feels solid, but the words are a wobbly mess. I took a break today from writing on this to sketch a main character.
Today I also cranked out a few versions of a 140 character pitch for a picture book. Are you participating in the 12x12 in 2012 project? Don't miss out on this amazing chance to win a critique from Tamson Weston. It's really also a chance to hone your pitch skills. Or, if you're like me, to give it a first pass.
I'm loving the characters sketches Ggina!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with what you do. You have two little kids and trying to juggle that and work is not easy but any means.. so hang in there. What you are doing sounds perfect to me. Making the best of a few minutes every time you can. That is the way to go.
I see it like this, even though you are not working after those minutes and get on with other things, the subconscious keeps on analyzing every bit of information. That is why we find ourselves thinking about the dummy while waiting for a red light to change or think about a new word for a manuscript while washing the dishes.
Nothing is ever wasted. I am really proud of you because what you are doing takes commitment and effort. You rock! :o)
Thank you so much for this post. So, so much. I could relate with everything and I needed the reminder that sometimes in life we need to progress in baby steps. I am a single mom of a very active tween, working 8-5 and a part-time job while proactively trying to make this illustration dream come true. It might take me two weeks to paint a single image. Now that soccer season has started I have so much anxiety wondering how I am going to fit it all in. Your post has helped calm the nerves and quiet the guilt. Wishing you all the very best in this phase of mommyhood.
ReplyDeleteOh, Ali. You are too sweet. Yes. This is the way it goes.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I'm cheering for you too. I guess the point should be that you can't do it all. At least not on the same day. The house, the laundry, the fun outing, homemade dinner, work, tv, spouse. It's just not going to happen. Pick and choose each day and each hour. Bring a sketchbook or notebook to the field or keep in the car. Whatever works. I think it's important to be honest. It's easy for all of us to see blogs, etc and think we're failing because we're not doing 'enough'. OK - and with that - back to work! Thanks for sharing, both of you.