I was thinking back to the time when I wasn’t writing - about nine years ago. (I wrote a lot in my teens and early 20’s, but put it on the back burner for a while.) There were a lot of things I did that I just don’t do now. Some of it was fun, but some are necessities that I really shouldn’t slack on.
Let me give you an idea of what I no longer do that I should:
Remember birthdays. If I remember your birthday after the fact, feel privileged.
Keep up with household chores. Hey, a spotless house is overrated.
Read endlessly. I still read, but not as much as I should.
Cook nice dinners for my husband. Pasta takes less than ten minutes and yes, we eat it often.
Keep up with my roller coaster stuff. I’m a fanatic and used to know every coaster in every park and what new ones were going in… LOL! So much for that.
Take photos professionally. Yes, I’ve been a pro photographer for twenty years now, but once book signings and such figured into the equation, my days of shooting weddings and portraits went by the wayside. Okay, maybe that was a good thing…
My list could go on…
What have you quit doing (that maybe you should still be doing) since becoming a writer?
Very interesting to read, never knew so much went into writing professionally, I thought it stopped once the book was published,
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Yvonne.
I don't clean the house any more.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could say I quit doing some of these things like you, then that would mean I am writing at the rate I wish. If it were up to me I'd do nothing but write, read, explore nature, sleep and eat. All chores would be eliminated.
ReplyDeleteNice post.
I don't watch as much TV. When my wife has something on she likes, I can retreat to the basement where the computer is, or sit with her, but type away on the laptop.
ReplyDeleteI probably don't play my guitar as often as I'd like.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch a lot of television anymore. I don't have a book in hand 24/7. I don't hang out on babycenter or any other parenting site. It's all been taken up by blogging and publishing websites:) I don't listen to music (but I never did that much anyay). I'm not obsessed with cooking like I was back when i was a sahm and not writing.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch nearly as much tv. I used to play video games. I haven't played the piano in years. I don't read as much and most birthdays/anniversaries are virtually forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI used to draw and paint a lot. I have a bunch of my old paintings up around the house but I just don't have the time or inspritation.
ReplyDeleteEarly morning gardening. I love to hear the birds sing while I dig in the rich earth. But, this is gone not just because I write, we live in a condo now and I have planters.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Interesting post...
ReplyDeleteYup, my house has gone down the crapper. I don't know what happened to it. I wake up and it's dirty... didn't I clean it the night before or was that in one of my stories?
ReplyDeleteCD
You may not take wedding photographs, but you still take the most fantastic photographs- that picture of paper (?)stars lit from within was taken by you, wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteSomeday, when I have that dream wall where I plan to hang my favourite photographs, I am going to beg you to send me a copy of that.
And ever since I started calling myself a writer, I have started forgetting birthdays- feel less guilty about it now.
You may not take wedding photographs, but you still take the most fantastic photographs- that picture of paper (?)stars lit from within was taken by you, wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteSomeday, when I have that dream wall where I plan to hang my favourite photographs, I am going to beg you to send me a copy of that.
And ever since I started calling myself a writer, I have started forgetting birthdays- feel less guilty about it now.
Oh dear... I'm not sure I want to answer this question! There's so so much. Housework, yes, but then I never actually did much to begin with. I think most of it has to do with wearing normal clothes and brushing my hair on a regular basis!
ReplyDeleteBirthdays, phone calls and deep housecleaning have gone by the wayside.
ReplyDeleteGoogle reminds me one week ahead for birthdays so I can get cards or gifts. Grandkids remind me to send them or hand them out. Ringtones single someone important. The poor house only has a chance if I trip!
Mary
Since I've started blogging I haven't done any knitting or crocheting. I have a cousin who is expecting a baby soon and I haven't even started on knitting a baby blanket for her. LOL Can't image if I was trying to write a book.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
I've, uh, given up sleeping so much since I took up writing. Who needs more'n 4-5 hrs a night? Pfft. Sleep is for losers.
ReplyDeleteI don't read nearly as much as I used to either. This makes me sad. Then I have another vodka and get back to writing, which usually makes me feel better. :)
I don't work on cross stitching anymore. I have several unfinished projects.
ReplyDeleteMy pile of mending has also gotten out of hand. That will be a good project to work on the next time I watch a movie. Maybe then I won't fall asleep.
I have three large wooden barrels on my front "patio" that I usually garden in. Didn't plant anything this year. : (
Hmm ... my comments are not posting today. Let's try again. I'm learning to play the cello. I can rent one for very cheap, learn the basics on YouTube, then pay for lessons.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
Will, I was lucky that I never watch TV either.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you're an artist? You should do a special post sometime with your paintings.
Clarissa - LOL!
Rayna, I think the birthdays are the first to go!
Simon, we'll sleep when we're dead.
LOL Stephen, the question was what AREN'T you doing!
Good post Diane. Okay things I do less... cleaning, complicated cooking & baking, drawing, correspondance... Yup, there's a lot.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to think of what I used to do that I don't do now but can't come up with any difinitive answer. Oh yes! I used to act, like in student movies and plays and stuff like that, but I don't have time to devote to it now. The only time I get to perform is when I'm doing public speaking.
ReplyDeleteJai
Oh gosh. I used to be a musician, write songs, and perform them live. I haven't touched my guitar in over a year (sad, I know) nor have I sung, or played live. I also used to make jewelry!
ReplyDeleteDon’t forget about my CONTEST!
Cooking full meals and cleaning house - not that I miss those. And I'm writing less than I used to. Other things like blogging have taken up time.
ReplyDeleteI don't sew or do handiwork that I once did. Like Helen, I don't cook much either. I'm not sorry. Never did like cooking and I think writing is more creative (for me!) than sewing, needlepoint, and embroidery.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Carolyn
I don't crochet anymore, don't exercise as much as I should, totally neglect my garden and my flower beds, and don't travel as much. I used to spend hours reading, and now I squeeze in 30 minutes or so and think I've done well.
ReplyDeletePatricia
The house has kind of went to pot. I used to craft and sew a lot, but that also has slowed down to almost nothing. I need to get more organized, it would be nice to be able to do all the things I love (except I never loved housework).
ReplyDeleteSounds like the cleaning industry must hate writers, as we never clean our houses!
ReplyDeleteLike others I don't watch as much TV. I also haven't been reading as much as I should (except blogs).
ReplyDeleteI don't talk on the phone as much, which means I haven't been keeping up with friends as much as maybe I should.
I don't get out of the house as much. I really should go more places if for do other reason to do real life research.
Lee
Tossing It Out
I sleep less when I'm writing, or go to be earlier.
ReplyDeleteI also try not to drink the night before, if I know I'll be getting up to write the next morning.
Other than that... I'm not sure what I sacrifice. It's such a huge part of who I am that I'm not sure what I'd be doing if not writing.
I didn't write much in college, but that was because I was a Chemical Engineering major and working my way through and testing out that new Shiner Bock beer that invaded Austin in the 1990s...
High school and after college, though, it's always been game-on for me.
I don't watch much television, but I never have. I don't consider that a sacrifice at all.
- Eric
Just reading all these comments makes you realise how much we do all give up to write - we have to as there's only so many waking hours in a day and I definitely need more than 4 hours sleep a night. I don't read so much but still more than I should, but I'm still learning as much as I can. Housework, I do it twice as fast as I can't relax and write if it needs doing. Not that it's perfect! Great post..:)
ReplyDeleteI rarely play video games anymore. And my wife is thrilled!! :)
ReplyDeleteI read differently. It used to be pure pleasure, but now I can't stop myself from analysing characterisation, plot arcs, pace, etc. It's still fun, but not the same escapist type of fun it used to be.
ReplyDelete