Yesterday, I saw a link to this post on Twitter (Why Programmers Work at Night). I can't remember who tweeted it, but they compared it to writers — and a bell went off for me. Basically, the writer says that the mind is a busy thing and it's easy to get distracted during the day. But at night, when the mind is tired and everything is dark, it's easier to sit down and write code because you're too tired to play.
And I thought, Yeah, that sounds right. Because I've always seemed to work better at night than I do during the day. I can sit and stare at the computer, write some words, surf a bit — and then it's time for the hubby to come home and I'm making dinner, etc. If I'm on deadline, I go back to work after dinner. And work gets done. Much work.
When I first started writing, I was working retail and I had the usual crappy shift. I went to work at 1:00 PM and worked until we closed the store. This usually meant I got home sometime after 10:00. And then I went straight to my computer and often worked until 2 or 3 in the morning. If things were going really well, I'd be at it until 6 or 7. I got a lot done, but I hated the schedule.
Fast forward a few years, and thankfully that retail job is long gone. My schedule is my own. And yet, though I get up early and start to work, I often don't hit my stride until afternoon. And sometimes not until the evening.
So I sent this link to my husband and told him that this was so me. His response made my jaw drop — and made me think. He said, “Bullshit.” He pointed out, quite rightfully, that I work best under pressure. If I have a deadline, I will meet it. I will write non-stop until I do. (I always have a deadline these days, but how far away it is determines my level of panic and productivity.)
And then he pulled out the big guns. He said, and I'm still cursing him for it, “Nora Roberts would say that the best time to write is right now.”
Damn and double damn. I have apparently mentioned La Nora and her amazing schedule one too many times. He's right, curse him. The time to write is now. Not later, not when you feel like it, not when the sun and moon and stars are all in perfect harmony. You may have a natural rhythm, and that's fine — but you have to be able to adapt too. Sometimes your schedule gets thrown off — life gets in the way. Hubby says that if we all relied on the “right time” to accomplish tasks, nothing would ever get done.
He's so right. Doesn't mean I can't make the most of the times I feel super-productive, but it also doesn't mean I have to wait for those times. The best time to write is now. My only problem is getting this damn beginning right. Yes, I am still waffling over how and where to begin this latest book. Some books start perfectly, others reveal themselves slowly. This one is probably the slowest yet. But when it's right, it'll be RIGHT.
In other news, there are some sales on a few of my books. If you missed Behind the Palace Walls, or just want to give it as a gift, you can get it on your Kindle for $2.74 or in paperback for $2.88. And The Devil's Heart is an amazing $1.37 in Large Print paperback!
The Man With the Money is $2.70 on Kindle and $2.70 on Nook. And The Prince's Royal Concubine is free to borrow if you're a Kindle Prime member.
How's that for Happy Holiday shopping? 😉
I’m also a night bird and it’s very family un-friendly. Plus it screws up my sleep patterns. So I try to write in the day but it’s not as easy. I do believe my brain stops mucking around when the dark settles in.
BUT there is a very interesting RWA tape where Elizabeth Boyle and her husband do a workshop that debunks this. Elizabeth Boyle initially follows the line I do about working better under pressure yadda yadda yadda. Her husband sets her up a system…and it seems to have worked. She’s certainly increased her productivity. I’d love to hear a follow up workshop by on the topic!
@Tessa Radley: Oh, I’ll have to look for that Elizabeth Boyle recording! I have a couple of years worth of RWA CDs. Do you know the name of the workshop? It sounds so interesting!
@Lynn Raye Harris: Lynne, I can’t remember the workshop name–but it’s without a doubt one of the most useful tapes I’ve ever listened to!
Me as well………a night person. I get to reading, then get tied up in knots because I’m behind in writing my reviews. I hate letting my authors down, so it keys me up. I’ve been known to have a glass of wine or two. “blushing”
Great article Lynn Raye
! Happy Holidays to all of you. I have an 8 foot tree standing in my living room, no lights, no decorations. Cooking both Christmas Eve and Day (breakfast/dinner) and only have shopped for my mom. Gift cards, I think this year. However, I’ve put a lot of thought into the stocking stuffers. Where does the time go?
Sending hugs to all! 😉
@Marilyn: Wine is always acceptable, Marilyn! 🙂 For once, I am ready for the holidays! Shopping and wrapping is done, decorations are done, cooking is planned. I’m never this organized, so it’s nice. I hope you get everything done soon! And Happy Holidays to you! I appreciate all you do for the authors, so don’t you worry about us. You aren’t letting anyone down. 🙂
Good post for me to read today! I have been a bit slow on the uptick ever since I got my last GH out there. I have worked, but been pacing myself and getting ready for Christmas and Hubby’s return.
But you’ve reminded me that whenever I do have time I should be writing. And that’s what will happen today.
I also write more when I’m under pressure. If I have a fire under me it is amazing how much I can accomplish.
Good luck on making that beginning work for you and Merry Christmas!!
@Christine: I think little breaks are fine, Christine! You did a lot of work getting all your GH entries ready! But yes, have to keep working and not let the habit slip. Merry Christmas to you too! Hope your hubby is home soon. 🙂
Hey Lynn,
I do my best writing when I get up in the morning. But, I do my most productive writing under pressure. I hate being under pressure though. I have been working on my #3 of Conjure man because I promised a friend that I would have it ready for him to read soon.
–Woot – I have a fan!!! 😉
Cyn
@Cyn Bagley: Pressure always works for me! Good luck with the story!
Important post Honey! Most of us are guilty of procrastination (it pays off immediately). When we read an article that seems to agree with our rationalized excuse for not doing something there is a tendency to place more importance on it than it’s due.
As a young recruit in the military, I was “motivated” to do things that I wouldn’t have ordinarily have wanted to do. When we had a person not meeting the standard, it was not because they were inept–it was because they were not properly motivated to do it correctly. Motivation or pressure is the thing that drives innovation and/or art. We must all find our own motivation to succeed lest we be doomed to failure.
Now get writing. 😆
Woe! This post is so timely for me today. As I was driving to work, I pondered this very thing, whether or not I wrote better at night and should I do it on a regular basis. I seem to be more relaxed and imaginative at night.
Then you hit me with your hubby’s statement. Double woe! He’s so right! So, two things: #1 thanks for cueing me in to this article. #2 thanks for the kick in the pants. I’ve been so focused on making Christmas happen lately that I’ve neglected writing all together. Gifts are packaged and mailed. Goodies are in the offing. Decor is at maximum illuminocity. Now all bets are off. The chair calls!