Writing Full Time During the Summer

There’s a tug-of-war within me all summer long. You know, the one that says, “Get to work!” while the other says, “Get out there and have fun!”

It’s especially bad right now. Since it’s the middle of July, I’m hoping my reluctance to stick with my schedule has peaked. I doubt it.

Writing full time during the summer pushes my self control to the limits.

I’d simply rather be having fun. Who wouldn’t?

We’ve been blessed to spend several weekends this summer with extended family. It’s a welcome change from last year when we were isolated. But after weekends surrounded by friends and family, I always need extra time to decompress. And my writing schedule really doesn’t allow much extra time this year.

This is where creating a weekly and daily goal list keeps me on track. The downside? I’m working longer days to make up for the fun weekends. And I would much rather to be out on my deck, soaking up the sun in the afternoons, instead of inside writing!

That’s the thing, though. Just because I’m self-employed and make my own schedule doesn’t mean I can take extended time off. I have deadlines, and they aren’t just suggestions. I don’t mind, though. I’m doing what I love, and I want my career to continue to climb.

There are always tradeoffs. If I scheduled my deadlines differently to allow for more downtime, I would have fewer releases, and I would make less money. No thanks!

At this point in my life, I prefer to forego lazy summer afternoons to release more books and earn more money. In the future, that might change or it might not. But for now, I’m pushing through the middle-of-summer tug-of-war, and so far, I’m winning!

Do you write during the summer? Is it challenging for you? What helps keep you motivated?

There is still time to enter the BIG Christmas in July Reader Giveaway! Go HERE for my blog stop and directions!