This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join. You will also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out like Kate and Rebecca who inspired me to begin). The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.
This month’s insecurity (inspired by Annalisa Crawford over at Wake Up, Eat, Write, Sleep): I’m not balanced in my life. Should I care?
All I really like doing is writing. I have little interest in going out with friends, shopping, exploring new restaurants (though I do like eating), relaxing, taking long walks. I’ve recently stretched myself to attend webinars, tweet-ups and online meetings, but going out for drinks after my Monday writer’s group–still on hold.
My primary daily activity is writing. As a break, I pen articles for ezines. When I get writer’s block, I switch from my fiction book to non-fiction endeavors. If my hand hurts too much to type, I read until I can start again.
I’m not balanced in any definition of the word. Is that a problem?
More IWSG articles:
Am I good enough? Does it matter?–#IWSG
Fear of Saying Dumb Things Scares Me to Death
#IWSG–The World is Changing–Can I keep up
Will I Find Employment if I’m an Older Job Hunter?
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. In her free time, she is editor of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a techno-thriller that should be out to publishers next summer.
worddreams.wordpress.com 
I love that your not balanced who’s to say what is the right balance for anyone. Individually doing your own thing and plenty of people are envious of that Jacqui.
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Truth–that’s what I’ve always thought, but reality often disabuses me of that conclusion. It could easily be called ‘obsessed’ when you don’t balance interests.
Oh, well.
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I would be this person, if not for four kids to “keep me balanced,” ie do things beside writing. But someday I will be living my dream holed up in a room with a computer and all my BIG ideas. I can’t wait!!! You’re living my dream Jacqui!!!
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It’s all the sweeter because you waited for its time to arrive. Something to look forward to.
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This is wonderful. I wish I wrote every day.
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That, I love. I can’t get enough of it–so happy when I have nothing going on except writing.
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Just because you spend most of your time writing doesn’t mean your life is unbalanced. Balance will mean different things to different people. As long as you’re doing what you want, as opposed to what you have to do, I don’t think there’s any problem with what you’re doing.
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I like that. It’s all in the definition of the word ‘balanced’.
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It’s harder to write without actively living life, but I’m just as unbalanced as you are. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
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Today is going to be seriously unbalanced. I may eat at my computer!
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I wonder if all of us who write are looked at as being dysfunctional. My husband says that there are times when I’m too much into my own head. He’s probably right.
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Good point, Glynis. Maybe that’s one of our defining characteristics–that we’re comfortable in our own heads.
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If it keeps you sane and happy, and is sustainable, i.e. in the bill-paying sense, what can be wrong with it?
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Well, I don’t do the small things like shopping, cleaning the house, talking to neighbors, stay in touch with friends, get stressed over politics. My husband does–says I’m doing ‘God’s work’ (with his tongue in his cheek).
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Your imagination is a wondrous place, Jacqui. Balance is for sissies…and gymnists. Write on!
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Love that–balance is for gymnasts.
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I’m right there with you! I’m a freelance writer, so if I’m not writing articles, I’m working on my novel or blogging. When I do have to get out around people, I find I have a lower tolerance for annoying things than ever before, like crowds and rudeness! As Sheryl Crow sang, “If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad!”
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Good Sheryl Crow reference. That explains why most of what I do revolves around writing!
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Reblogged this on Maryde and commented:
I found this a really thought provoking post. And I have to say I am guilty of having many of the same traits. How about you? How do you share yourself around? Thanks for letting me share Jacqui Murray 🙂
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Thanks for the repost, Mary. So far, it all fits in one day, but I work fast and focused. Don’t know what I’d do if that changed.
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Hmmm I think Focused IS the key word here 🙂
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I don’t think you are imbalanced – if anything I see soooo many similarities in myself it’s scary. BUT I did find that being an artist as well as writing and the day job – I was also ashamed at how much I was neglecting my family & friends – that side is really important to me as well. So I’ve tried to set aside OUT-TIME for those who want to connect in the REAL world with me … most weeks it works – still get pulled every which way though – haha great thought provoking post!
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I want to know who defines balance? For me, it’s one thing. For you, totally something else. I say if it works for you – go for it, my friend!
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You are right. I live by the mantra ‘perception is greater than reality’. As Shah said above, He** yeah.
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If I’m not writing, I’m thinking about it 😀 I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all! It shows how much passion you have.
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Based on how much you turn out, I can’t imagine you aren’t writing 24/7. Otherwise, I don’t know how you do it!
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It’s lucky we love writing so much for it to take over our lives 😀
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I think all writers are going to think it’s great to write so much–haha. I’m no different. The more I spend time in my imaginary world the more I like it. Every once in a while though I do think I have to force myself to take breaks, get perspective and enjoy the real people I love in my life. Sunshine and fresh air are good things 🙂
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And you have this admirable love of history. I can imagine how tempting it would be to get lost in those by-gone years and people and their lives.
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I’m REALLY lost in their lives–I WANT my characters to be real in some other universe I can’t see yet. What if you were inspired to write fiction but it was already someone’s reality? My brain is never turned off. No matter what I’m doing a character will pop in and I’ll think about how I can use the moment in my writing. Every historical thing I read is just a way to unearth more of my characters’ lives. It’s VERY addictive.
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I like that thought–that the fiction you write is someone’s reality. I have a historic fiction story I’m writing I feel that way about. Just hadn’t phrased it quite so succinctly.
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I like social events if they’re with a specific selection of people: husband, family, very few friends. Otherwise, I’m uncomfortable. Someone more extrovert might think that’s unbalanced, but I disagree now. Likewise, if you are happy, you are balanced. You cannot live to someone else’s template.
shahwharton.com
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The older I get, the more I live by that sentiment, Shah. No one cared when I followed the template and they won’t care more if I don’t. One thing I love about growing up.
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Hel yeah to that 😉 x
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Lol, it’s good to be an inspiration! As someone who watches even my favourite TV programmes with my WIP open, I so get this – any moment away from writing is a moment too long. Think of meals, drinks, shopping, long walks as research!
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Oh, I love that–having the writing open during shows. I’ll find my mind wandering, get a stroke of genius (of course) and email myself during the show.
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I don’t see an imbalance. I see you doing what makes you happy. What gets you out of bed.
I’m similar in my likes. I’d rather be home, without radio, TV or phone disruptions to write and read. I force myself to go out into the outside world because I feel I’ll become boring otherwise, but I rush home with glee.
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That’s the key–becoming boring. So true. Even going into stores I haven’t been in for a long (long) while is an odd feeling.
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I know what you mean.
OMG, you too? If I didn’t need to eat, I wouldn’t go into grocery stores and hold out as long as I can. ❤
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Aloha Jacqui,
Well you sound really balanced to me !!! I’d love to be able to write much more than I can and you switching it around to keep you going is a great idea:)
I’d say keep on keepin’ on… but you should try the after-meeting drinks thing at least once… writers in a bar are some of the funniest folk I know 🙂
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You’re right. I know it. I almost did it last week then chickened out.
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