Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
So, I’m writing that book. Twelve chapters down and twelve to go. My deadline? Two weeks. Now, I’m not great with math, but I’m pretty sure that’s not an enviable situation. Perhaps my method of writing is the problem. It goes something like this…
Walk the dog, make the lunches, pack the bags, get the kids dressed, drive them to school and come back home.
Open up the computer and write a sentence.
Suddenly, see an e-mail alert. Know I should ignore it, but what if it’s important? It would be irresponsible not to at least check it.
See that it’s a Groupon. Maybe not vital, but certainly time sensitive. I debate for five minutes if saving thirteen dollars at a restaurant I’ve never planned on eating at is worth it. I decide that, indeed, it is.
Purchase the Groupon.
Tap nails on the keyboard while waiting for the credit card to clear.
Crack a nail. Dammit.
Head upstairs for nail file and pass a towel on the floor.
The towel reminds me that I have laundry in the washing machine which needs to be dried.
Put laundry in dryer.
Empty lint tray.
Take lint into bathroom to throw away and glance in the mirror. Shit, when did my eyebrows start looking like that?
Pluck. Pluck. Pluck.
Study face. Is that really what I look like?
Note to self: Invest in some wrinkle cream, STAT.
Wrinkle cream is expensive. Need to make money. Ahhh, the book. Have to write the book to get the money. Crap.
Go downstairs and stare at previously written sentence. Doesn’t seem so genius upon reflection. Delete it.
Write another one.
And another one.
Watch me go! I’m in the zone.
Another sentence.
Was that noise my stomach? Yes, it was. Suddenly, I’m starving and can’t possibly concentrate.
What do I want to eat? Maybe I’ll go on to Twitter for some lunch ideas; I haven’t been there all day.
Log onto Twitter.
Get sucked into the Twitter abyss for 15 minutes. Head starts to pound. Need food.
Make a turkey sandwich and use the last slice of bread.
How do I need more bread already? Jot down a note to stop at the store on the way to get the kids.
Check the fridge and pantry to see what else we’re low on. Quite a bit, it seems. Rewrite list on larger piece of paper. Bread, milk, paper towels, laundry detergent and Cheerios.
Stomach again.
Need drink with lunch. Open soda. Put can into recycling and notice it’s overflowing.
Take out recycling.
Notice plants are dying and water them, reflecting on what a terrible idea plants are for a mother of three.
Sit back down at the computer with soda and sandwich.
Realize it’s been five days since last blog post.
Attempt to start a post.
Nothing.
Go back to the chapter.
Nothing.
Check Facebook.
Check e-mail.
Check confessional.
Check community.
Comment, delete, delete, comment.
Bounce between post and book for nearly an hour, completing neither one.
Notice that it’s time to leave to get the kids and I missed my window to grocery shop. How did that happen?
Still have no chapter, no blog post and now no food.
Vow to be more productive tomorrow.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Lord, help me.
{ 156 comments… read them below or add one }
Does this mean you don’t check on the MB?? Awww :(
Jenn recently posted..Thanks, I had a horrible time
I totally check on the boards- unfortunately, they are the biggest time suck, so I’ve been limiting my time these days. Two more weeks and I’ll be back!
Hilarious! This is exactly how my days go. Now I know why I never get anything completely done!
I practice what some in the writing world call BINCFOK, which sounds vaguely dirty but really isn’t. BINCFOK (butt in chair, fingers on keys) works well around deadline time, especially when I allow myself little rewards for making word counts.
Good luck! We know you can do it :)
Chelsie recently posted..Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
OK, so I am not writing a book or anything, but you are still way more productive than I am in a day. GL to you, can’t wait to read it.
Not Winning Mom of the Year recently posted..Three
So that’s how you write a book…. I think I’ll give it a try lol
Amanda recently posted..Dove Hunting Season is Here
You’ve got 12 chapters done already. You will get through the rest. My days are painfully similar – distraction after distraction. I don’t think mothers of 3 should have plants, either. I’ve got two potted mums outside clinging to life. They look awful.
Stephanie recently posted..Things I’ll Never Apologize for Again
Right? Fish and plants, I just can’t handle either one. Don’t we have enough on our plates?
You had me at pluck, pluck, pluck.
I adore you.
(But you already know that. ;) )
Loralee recently posted..How to get the new Facebook Timeline Profile. (Tis AWESOME, people!)
HAHAHA – Oh my gawd, that totally nailed it.
I am the procrastination Queen.
Unless there’s only 48hrs to the crunch time, I’m hopeless. But in my defense, I shine under that pressure. (Or at least I’d like to think so)
4 week deadline? WHAT THE EFF AM I TO DO WITH MYSELF? Seriously? Eyebrow plucking it is.
Lady Estrogen recently posted..Milking the Moo Cards
Eyebrow plucking always takes priority. Period.
We’re all pulling for you. Just write. Don’t edit while writing. You can sit down with the editor to fix things after the deadline. Everything else is cat vacuuming.
maddie recently posted..not a must have but definitely cool
That’s a really good point, thanks!
I so know this. But rather than writing a book, I’m drafting legal documents. Or I should be. Instead, I’m commenting on your blog post….
Natalie @ MamaTrack recently posted..Tips for Transitioning a Toddler to a Big Bed
Well, THAT is FAR more important. Obviously.
exactly my strategy….
angelica recently posted..On why Ikea furniture should be used for job interviews for anything from astronauts to taxi drivers,but specially for aid work
This is my life every day.. “oh I’ll just check Twitter (or something else on the computer) really quick and then get back to the laundry.” Thirty minutes later I’m still on Twitter.
SO super excited to read your book…
Carrie with Children recently posted..Wordless Wednesday *Linky* My Favorite Picnic Spot
Hey, your writing method looks eerily similar to my magazine-article-writing strategy. In what I’m sure is a totally unrelated point, I have a constant recurring nightmare involving nothing but deadlines and editors who hate me.
I tried looking up “How to be productive” and “ADD writers” one of the times. It was counterproductive, shockingly.
Kimberly Hosey (Arizona Writer) recently posted..Monday goodies: Great blue herons
That’s pretty much my day too, but instead of writing a book, I should be writing essays.
Also, I’m a mum of two and have tons of plants that are doing rather well. Considering not having that third kid atm, lol.
That’s my life. Except for writing the book part.
Julie recently posted..Feeling Honored. I Think.
You are going to have the most fantastic book! I can’t wait to read it. I am so happy for you Jill!
Life with kaishon recently posted..Kittens & Hamsters {Oh my}
Thank you, Becky!!!
http://www.omnifocus.com Jill, my life is less ADHD because of this app. It changed my life. Only for macs, though.
Anthony from CharismaticKid recently posted..Brilliant Sixteen-Year-Old Severe Stutterer and His Advice to the World
I’m a mac girl. Will check it out- thanks!!
I’m not even writing a book and this is all too familiar. No wonder I don’t get anything done!
Leigh Ann recently posted..A WTF trip to the store with #iPPP
And despite all the distractions, you will STILL manage to pull off those last 12 chapters and produce a fabulous book that you’ll let me review and your publisher will be forced to do a second printing as soon as the first run is hot off the presses.
Carolyn (temysmom) recently posted..AMERICA’S SUPERNANNY NOW CASTING!
I like the way you think. :)
12 Chapters down, that is nothing to sneeze at (and then blow your nose, and realize you need to empty the garbage, and then notice the floor around the garbage needs vacuuming . . .). Congrats, and keep it moving! Just think, the pressure will be off in two weeks!
Good luck!
sharon
Sharon {Grumpy, Sleepy, and Bashful} recently posted..Menu Plan Monday {September 26, 2011}
I am LIVING for 2 weeks from now when I can sleep again.
Geez, we must live in a parallel universe.
You’ve got 12 chapters down doing that?! That’s pretty awesome. Only thing is, you can’t do that until after these next two weeks are over. Good luck! You got this!
Alicia @MommyDelicious recently posted..The Preschooler and Penis Touching Predicaments
Too funny! This is me just about every day, just add fall asleep minutes after baby! LOL
My plant watering schedule is similar. Only water when we have sad leaves.
12 chapters in two weeks…whoa. Yet I distinctly remember when you got the deal (which feels like it was 15 min ago) and you’re already halfway done! You deserve a few good plucks for that sister. Best of luck, we’re all anxious to read the finished product.
Julie recently posted..5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Take a 5 Year Old to See Captain America
Wasn’t it 15 minutes ago? It totally feels like it was.
I pluck in the school pick-up line. Every time I remember to bring my tweezers (which is once a week) in the car, I end up avoiding all red lights on the way to school.
I should remember to bring my tweezers every day and that way I would not be late to the school pick-up line and could check in on twitter more often.
OHmommy recently posted..A preschooler & her dog
I do that too! Remember the days when you could bring tweezers on airplanes? That was the best light for plucking.
Must be something in the air tonight. Forget the book; I spent an hour trying to begin a measly blog post. Instead, I emailed another writer friend about my inability to begin. She was alphabetizing her spice rick rather than working on her book. Eventually I did “get it up.” The blog post, I mean:
Dammit. I forgot that I do need to alphabetize my spice rack! That will now top my list for today.
Ohhh…you are so good. I am in the exact same position, and felt every word like a hammer. You get a lot of stuff done–but not the stuff you NEED to do, and I am the exact same way. The dryer lint…the email and Twitter and Facebook vortexes…ack!!! I have 4 kids, by the way, so I feel your pain. I’m so absent-minded sometimes I remind myself of an old man, constantly scratching my head and mumbling, “Now, what did I mean to do…” And procrastination? Hah! Crown me! In fact, look at me now, case in point: a gajillion articles to write, plus my own book to work on…and here I am, reading and commenting on completely unrelated stuff instead. But it’s ok, because I think you’re fabulous and need to know you’re making an impact, that you’re also an inspiration. You’ll get the book done, and when you have, you’ll sell it well, because there’s lots of us out there who appreciate you and love your words. Keep it up!!!!
This is your own personal “if you give a mouse a cookie…”
I’m just in awe you managed to write 12 chapters already.
I know you can do it!!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..The Loves of His Life
This is my life … without the book deal. You, I know, will rock it.
anymommy recently posted..Life, listed
I didn’t see anything in there about coffee. Perhaps that’s what you need to stay focused. Just sayin’. :-)
Just Jennifer recently posted..Don’t Be a Self-Absorbed Harpie
Coffee, yes. There has been plenty of coffee. Thinking I need an IV drip, though.
I’ve just finished a book, and I can only recommend Jonathan Franzen’s advice: “It’s doubtful that anyone with an internet connection at his workplace is writing good fiction.” Go to a coffee shop (one without a wireless connection, obviously). Works for me. No housework distractions, someone else is providing the refreshments.
That’s exactly what I need to be doing, but an afternoon without the internet? Gasp.
I am definitely going to want to read your book! If you need a reviewer, I gladly volunteer ;)
Meanwhile I need to work on my book. And my fanfic. And my stack of review books to read & review. And my blogs.
Oh look! Something shiny! lol
Good luck–I have every confidence in you!
Headacheslayer recently posted..Headacheslayer’s Fieldtrip: To The ER
I’ll need all the readers I can get!!
what a waste of time .
Um, yes. Clearly. Thanks.
You’re half way done and your glass is halfway full. You should take a mom vacation and finish it there.
Luna recently posted..Massages R Fun
And we say we have no time to scratch our asses?
HerMelness Speaks recently posted..Kids, At What Point Do We Stop Blaming Mummy And Daddy?
I absolutely adore your blog and have been following it since your write up in the Baltimore Sun. It’s just amazing what needs to be done when a writing assignment is looming over me. My house is always much cleaner when a paper is due. I’d really much rather to anything than write.
Well, in 2 weeks you may not have 12 chapters written – but it sounds like your Fall cleaning will be done!
Domesticated Gal recently posted..A Denim Affair
Please tell me that your book will be available in countries other than the US? Please tell me they’ll ship to Belgium…
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently posted..Marathon Lasagna
I hope so, but if they won’t ship a copy to you, I will get you one. :)
BOOM – I think you just wrote a chapter here. Love it and cannot wait to read your book.
tracy recently posted..What I Wore Wednesday – JEANS and Non-Jeans..
Story of my life…and that is why I love you.
I am willing to wait for your book – truth be told…I would pay an exorbitant amount of money just to read the daily happenings of your life….That is how much I think you RULE!!!
Now…go check your e-mail:)
Reluctant Momma recently posted..Hurts So Good
12 chapters in 2 weeks = 1 chapter a day + 2 bonus days to lie around on the couch and eat Cheetos. I think you’re totally set :)
Jen @ Mommy Tries recently posted..How Not To Raise an Extraordinary Child
Oh, that sounds utterly familiar. Well, except I don’t have anyone who wants to buy my book yet…hence, no deadlines, so it is so easy to push off writing for yet another day.
I once saw some program that will block you from the internet for a specific amount of time. It was aimed specifically at writers, to remove the temptation so you could actually be productive. Damned if I can find it now, and I’ve been searching.
Good luck. You can do it. You don’t need sleep, right? Cheers.
Vinobaby recently posted..Wordless Wino Wednesday: Christmas in September?
Hahaha! Sounds like my day…..except for the whole having a book deadline thing ;-) Hang in there Jill! You are going to get there.
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..The Odds Were Against Us {Million Moms Challenge}
ahhh yes I thought I recognized the ADD thing we often seem to develop. And I notice you forgot Twitter ;)
SoberJulie recently posted..ShesConnected Conference
Good Luck!!! No plants for me either. I am the same way. You’ll bust it out on time you just need the pressure to bring out your best!!
Jesus it’s like we are living the same life…except I am not writing a book. So not the same but still.
PS I cannot WAIT to read your damn book!
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation recently posted..The MOST Creative 40th Birthday Party Invitation
This is exactly how I spent my days freelancing… But somehow I pulled it off and SO WILL YOU!!!! Of course it is absolute Hell when you’re in it! If you’re looking for another distraction, I’m available for an impromptu power walk around the hood – I’ve got nothing else to do. ;)
I can completely relate! I had to come upstairs yesterday 3 times to get the same thing because every time I got side tracked in to doing something else. Sounds like you might need to check in to a hotel for a few days. :) Just make sure they take out the TV before you check in ….
Kim recently posted..Bobby Pin Set of 3, Black Rosette, Wood and Metal Button, Blue Flower Cabochon
While I haven’t written a book, I often find that the closer a deadline gets, the more inspired I become. I predict you will be pulling all-nighters the last couple of days…and what comes out will be genius. Of course.
Amber recently posted..Just Write: The Worry.
I’ve been working on my dissertation for 11 years. I blame laundry.
Your day sounds like “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”. Maybe you should write children’s books?!
I dream of being more productive, but I am an ADD mom.
Seriously Sassy Mama recently posted..Why Won’t He Look At Me?
totally feel your pain. everyday i work from home is just an excuse to do no work and tackle laundry and make dinner. anybody who is productive from home is a super hero in my eyes. i think i need accountability in an office setting. maybe you need to borrow jeff’s office for 2 weeks!
lol
And yet you’ve managed to crank out how many chapters? I can’t recall exactly, but I know one of your recent Twitter or FB posts about the number of chapters you’ve completed nearly threw me into a week-long depression. Because after a year of off-and-on work at my own book, I have precisely one and a half chapters and a preface. A LOT of interviews done, but dip squat for chapters. You’re rockin’ it, I assure you!
Dana recently posted..Hip Hip Hooray It’s Their Birthday
Just to clarify: obviously you said 12 in your first sentence! I meant, I can’t recall how many it was you mentioned when you threw me into a tailspin. But I think it was a lot less than 12 which means you’re churning out multiple chapters per week. Yes? You are my superhero!
Dana recently posted..Hip Hip Hooray It’s Their Birthday
This is exactly what Virginia Woolf went through.
Marinka recently posted..Happy Sale
Hopefully my story won’t end quite like hers.
The SAME, Jill. I procrastinate to the last hour, but I get it done, and you will too.
“Watch me go! In the zone.”
Love it.
Erin I’m Gonna Kill Him recently posted..I Was Unaware We Should Have Things In Common
–>That sounds like me when I’m home minus the book writing part. Wait, maybe we have that in common too?
:-)
WebSavvyMom recently posted..Random Thoughts
Wow — this is sounding eerily familiar… :)
Heather recently posted..scenes from the baltimore book festival
It is amazing how the day passes and how all the little things end up taking up SO much time.
You can knock it out in time. I can feel it in my bones.
Here’s to kicking your book’s ass!
liz recently posted..I wish they came in my size
I am available for hire as a ghostwriter. I am good and more than a few people have complimented me on story writing skills.
Now you may be concerned that I am male and my perspective would reflect that. In my defense I’d like to say that I have been called a mother something or other on multiple occasions.
Not to mention that I know mothers. I can complain about man colds, kids that don’t listen, husbands that make me throw my hands up in exasperation and all that other jazz.
In fact, I’d say that I am a much scarier mommy than you are.
And now if you’ll excuse me I’ll go back to my own writing where I really am on deadline. It is time to drink the 198th cup of coffee.
Keep plugging away. I look forward to reading your book when you are done.
Jack@TheJackB recently posted..Timing & Time Management
This sounds like every single one of my days, except I’m not working on a book I’m just not getting anything done while seemingly doing everything. Its amazing how that happens isn’t it?
Marta recently posted..Listography – 5 Celebrities I’d Like to Have a Beer With
Here’s another way to think about it. You could have wasted so much more time writing these last 12 chapters, but you are instead super efficient and will get it done in only 2 WEEKS. Because you will, of course, get it done, laundry and plucking and Twittering be damned.
Why? Because you have a whole audience of readers anxiously awaiting the book release. Bring it on home, girl -
Nancy Davis Kho recently posted..Spiders, Oak-town style
Yup, I’m pretty sure that’s how all books are written.
Reading (and chickens) recently posted..One Time I Went To Florida
I am still stuck on the fact that you were able to spend ONLY 15 minutes on twitter. You will get it done and I will be in line to buy a copy.
Jessica recently posted..Cooking Without Kids
I think you could spin a chapter off this post!
The Mommyologist recently posted..No, I’m Not Preggo. I Have My Effin’ Period, Ok?
But, you’re DOING It.
Like the ladies out there walking with ski poles …I WILL NEVER ridicule, because they are DOING IT.
One foot in front of the other and YAY for you
I need to do some serious self butt kicking and get it going on, too.
NOTHING lands in our laps.
Alexandra recently posted..A ScaryMommy
Though I am without the book deadline, this still sounds eerily familiar. How can a day pass and yet nothing aside from eyebrow plucking (or chin hair plucking, as my case may be, ew) gets accomplished?
C @ Kid Things recently posted..Twitter, Fun for all Ages
hahaha Story of my life. No wonder I never get anything done.
Carri recently posted..#iPPP: You Have Something on Your Face
I’m fighting so hard against my natural instinct, which is to now send you a distracting e-mail.
Megan (Best of Fates) recently posted..Do You Have Male Genitalia? Be My Friend.
Add in a baby at home and subtract the dropping off of kids and this is my day. I so totally get it.
Good luck writing the book! I know you can do it. Even if you don’t sleep for the next 2 weeks.
MomEinstein recently posted..Apple Picking – Wordless Wednesday
Writing is the most difficult task – especially book writing (I say as if I’ve written a book).
But YOU CAN DO IT! I am nothing if not good for pep talks. Your book will be written with caffeine and adrenaline and nerves. It’s gonna be awesome. And I’m gonna buy it.
You live in a parallel universe to mine. I do the exact same thing – except in an office setting.
It’s a constant surprise to me that ANYTHING ever gets completed.
Gigi recently posted..Flummoxed….or if GMAC is looking for a spokesperson, I’m available…
Sounds like my day! Only thing is I am at work attempting to get actual paycheck, only I can’t log off! Ahh!
Megan recently posted..Working it out
After frustration taking over during dissertation time, my brother lend me an awesome book. ‘How to Write Lot’ By Paul J. Silva. One BIG BIG thing he says is when you write NO INTERNET. It’s pretty dam hard but the proof is in the pudding (of text). I’m still struggling myself. Turning off the wireless helps, you have to make a bold movement to regain access, usually before you’ve done it you know its bad. Kinda like that chocolate cake in the fridge! GOOD LUCK. God knows I need it!
I think (but I’m not sure) that all books get written one sentence at a time.
And yes, I’m a smart ass.
But you’re doing great! :)
Ryan (The Woven Moments) recently posted..7 Random Facts and 10 Awesome Bloggers
True that but you can control your word flow to your advantage with less cake (distraction) and more discipline. I’m trying and the weirdest of things distract me.
Karuna @ Painted and Patched recently posted..Comment on Je T’adore… by Karuna
You work exactly like me! I need an office that’s not at my house.
crap. Are we twins?
vodkamom recently posted..Watch what you say, cause they hear every single word.
So, your saying its not going well?!
Good luck.
Jen recently posted..Our Story
thank you for for providing a rare glimpse into the life of a working author, as glamorous as i always imagined!
good luck can’t wait to read your book!
This is what I do at my job every day. I have no idea how to break this habit. I’m seeing a therapist about it. For real.
Jennifer recently posted..Making Friends
My best friend tells me that I am chronically late because I do unnecessary things on my way out the door. They don’t feel unnecessary when I am doing them but in retrospect maybe cleaning the splat of ketchup off the cabinet/sorting my daughter’s school art/adding to my calendar the party we just got an invite for/changing purses when I was already late for a lunch date was probably not absolutely required.
I even procrastinate things I want to do. It’s a sickness.
Carabee recently posted..My Daughter, The Pre-Schooler
At least you’re getting it done in there somewhere. This is my life WITHOUT writing a book. ;) xo
Elaine recently posted..Green, Green, It’s Green They Say…
Maybe you can write a book about how not to write a book?
Jessica recently posted..Where I’m From
Brilliant idea!
Karuna @ Painted and Patched recently posted..Comment on Je T’adore… by Karuna
I can totally relate to your plight, Jill! Keeping writing!
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..In a fog
The writing process is like some sort of medieval torture or self-flagulation. It’s sick, really, what we do to ourselves when something needs to be written.
Team Suzanne recently posted..Clumsy birds, dead birds and GNR
new ‘fan’ here in toronto. thank you for sharing all that, scary mommy! i was smiling-laughing-smiling-LOL-ing all the way through because you made my life sound so a-ok normal, even humorous instead of sorry-ass pathetic. on a day like this, reading your words is like starving me having my mouth open receiving manna from heaven. cheers! aka. momster to 3 munchsters
Sound like me when I am trying to do anything. Good luck with your book!
Paula @ thewilyweez recently posted..I Would Be A Terrible D.A.R.E Spokeswoman
Halfway done though! Huge accomplishment! Getting distracted a thousand times is just part of the writing process…right…?
Lord knows I am not the expert but here’s what I have on my plate and how I handle it.
Release of current novel in full swing;
Writing second novel that publisher moved up to release in March of 2012;
and screenplay for first book due by end of November
That being said, I check email and comment on a few blogs before the kids go to school (time permitting) then I come home and sit my butt somewhere and don’t allow it out of the chair for anything (snack, bathroom etc) until I hit 1000 words. Then I get a small snack, like a dog, before sitting myself back down until I reach 2k. This usually takes about 3 hours. Afterwards I do all the fun social media stuff guilt-free. Also, I never read what I just wrote because my inner-editor is a cruel bitch. Saving the editing for later means I’ll actually finish the book and have a completed first draft.
Oh BTW! A big congrats on being half-done. It’s a milestone and I’m sure you’ve got a bottle of champagne tucked away for the finish line, right!?!
Johanna recently posted..Drama Dilemma
This is exactly why I might never finish my book :/
Distractions will be the end of my novel.
molly recently posted..Dirt & Lace
When I am writing, I have to turn the Internet off. I close my browser. Now, in the back of my mind I know it is just a quick click away. And I’m not saying I don’t ever stray. ;) But when I need to do serious writing, I pull the plug on any and all distractions. The phone is off. I go in a room without a TV. Internet disabled. All other people in the house gone or asleep! Because otherwise, I could write this same post. LOL
Good luck! You can do it!
dear god…that’s my day in a nutshell. ‘cept without the book deal and minus 2 kids. then add pimple popping to the plucking. i usually look at the glass half empty, but in this case, congrats on being halfway there!
janet recently posted..diva in training
Have you been spying on my? This sounds so much like one of my days, without the book deal.
Michelle Saunderson recently posted..Pray For My Dad
Douglas Adams once said “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” His agent used to lock him in a hotel to write–he never made a deadline. But, no, really, you can do this! You have to do it, actually, because I want to read it.
No Drama Mama recently posted..Fashion Fun Friday: Stripes
That’s me just trying to get one blog post done! I totally relate. :)
I swear I wake up most days feeling like I am the star character in the movie Groundhog instead of Bill Murray. No matter how I try to stay on task, the little things that I have to do every day suck me back in. Good luck with your deadline!
Kristen recently posted..Friday Feel Good…
I know what you mean, it’s always hard explaining to hubby how I had no time to get everything done. It even sounds lame in my own ears. Really, I just sit and eat chocolate bonbons all day. ;)
zeemaid recently posted..Turning the Lights On
I have no doubt you’ll get it done. I already told my mom I’ll be at your book launch in D.C., so go, write, write, write! SO excited for you. You’re my inspiration. (I started writing a book a year ago and I’ve only completed three chapters, so there you go.)
xox
Loukia recently posted..The bully stops here – no more bullying!
yeah this is what I wanted to say to :D
Gayletrini recently posted..Encouraging words
Gee wow this is me…except insert two children crawling all over me some every other sentence LOL
you always make me giggle
Gayletrini recently posted..Encouraging words
Sweet Jesus this is my life! Except no one’s paid me for my book. The one that’s 89 pages long. I suppose it’s a bookitita in Spanish. Thank you for sharing. I feel less lonely and lame. I meant that in a good way.
The Woman Formerly Known as Beautiful recently posted..How To Seduce Your Husband
You got this.
(you can decide what “this” is depending on your mood)
Ann recently posted..Ann’s First Hate Mail!
So glad to know I am not the only one! :)
Paula @ Simply Sandwich recently posted..Fall Inspiration for Your Home Tasks
So first of all, I’m so psyched that you’re writing a book, even if it is a painful process and you’re distracted by your lack of Cheerios and the perpetual lint in the dryer.
Secondly, I am so glad that I am just as easily distracted as you are. Speaking of which…I should be working…now. Grrr. Distracted. Want a candy bar.
Old School/New School Mom recently posted..This One’s For All You Pregnant Ladies Out There
holy shit this sounds like MY WEEK LAST WEEK. dont feel bad and ask Angie ITS TRUE..she’s been waiting on a small file from me for DAYS and just now on saturday night bc i know you guys need it do i get it done by the grace of God….i can ASSURE you, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I get on MY OWN nerves SOOOO bad!!!
This is SO spot on. Meanwhile, I’m VERY impressed with only 15 minutes on Twitter. I’ll go ahead and assume that by 15 minutes, you mean an hour.
Nina recently posted..Why a “No” Friend is the Best Friend
LOL! I’m supposed to be working on the developmental edits for my book sent back to me by my editor, and I checked in here and got lost in your post. My deadline is Oct. 11. So, I’m right there with you…and still hoping when you are done with your book (in 2 weeks?) maybe you will still lend your success story to my book? :~) You can do this…I have faith in you.
I love it! This is how I do everything!! Good Luck finishing up!
With that much dedication to procrastination, it’s official, you’ve got this writing thing down! Look forward to seeing the book.
Sounds like every single workday for me.
OMG – sooooo there with you, ‘cept I can spend hours faffing around without even leaving the kitchen….. so far no blog post and no chapter of my book, but I have commented on a blog totally out of my area of blogging, perused Amazon for 1/2 an hour, namby-pamby’d around a few forums I frequent and got a bit of a crick neck…. hey ho, the writer oh, the bloggers in the poop!
off to make a coffee and find some cake ;-)
Fiona Cooper (@nlpmum) recently posted..Fantastic Stir Fry
How to Write a Book sounds like my daughter’s over-the-top,
maxed-to-the-limit life that still spawns a delightful, often humorous blog almost daily.
Women should have been born with multiple arms like the Hindu goddess Kali who had superhuman powers like those driving you blog ladies and supermoms. ) How’s that for an image of yourself?
Hope your prayer (Lord, help me.) brings you a ghost writer or a super editor. Feel almost guilty taking up your time with a comment.
I don’t have a book deal nor do I blog daily (or even twice a week sometimes) and I don’t have enough time in the day!! Seriously…you have four kids, a killer blog, AND a book deal? Phht, fuh-get about it!!
Ruth recently posted..I am..
oh, thank god. I thought it was just me. Okay, so when will we become really, really rich and famous? When our kids are in college? Or will we just spend the day on twitter?
humanmama recently posted..baby
Great Think that’s nice step for first day’s ..just try..i like this, I thought you mom’s may be interested in the newest kids craze in my town, Patch Hats! Check out a hat you have never seen before here at www patchhats com
Many years ago a forward was circulating entitled “Motherhood-Induced ADD”. This is it exactly!
Oh, to be writing a book…how awesome.You should check out Juicy Pens Thirsty Paper by SARK. Also, I imagine you need to get yourself out of the house, and away from all the distractions.
If I was going to write a book, that’s how I would go about it. There might be a little wine slugging in the equation too.
Good luck with the next 12 chapters, Jill!
JennyBean recently posted..A letter to Jenny from Papa
I see nothing wrong with your writing regime.
Nothing AT ALL.
Which could be part of my deadline issues.
Bugger.
HogsAteMySister recently posted..Bloggess 999,999 Douchecanoe PR 0
You are so real! Thank you!!! That is a typical day for me too. How is it that the time passes so quickly between dropping them off at school and pick up time??? It is like warp speed or something!
Kelly recently posted..Grenade with Wings Necklace
Maybe you need the publisher to send you alone on a private tropical beach vacation to finish. But wait, the kids.
Or, try living out of your car like JK Rowlings. It worked for her.
Either way, I look forward to reading it!
Jen :)
Jennifer Burden @WorldMomsBlog recently posted..BRAZIL: Returning to São João do Tigre
This cracked me up! I can’t wait for your book. AND I hope your nails don’t break again. It sucks when that happens.
Jules recently posted..Weekly Roundup – Starring Jules, as Herself
You’re the adult version of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.”
Good luck with the book — I know it will be scandalous.
Sara @ The Football Wife recently posted..Lessons from a Sunday Afternoon
Umm.. can you skip walking the dog? It might free up a little time. There are dog walkers and there are also horrible owners like me who spend 24/7 with the dogs, but rarely get out to walk them. Good luck on your deadline. Do they give extensions? What if you are late? Do they start taking money away? Burn you at a stake? Put you in time out? Take away your IPad?
JG recently posted..Reasons I Hate Oprah
We have the same the same writing process! I don’t have a dog, but the fish are super high maintenance. In good news, you have the book deal! Me? Still agent shopping/begging! Good luck, mama! You can do it!
Practical Parenting recently posted..Stressed Out Parenting
Oh man, did you just follow me around or something? That’s frighteningly similar to my “process” if that’s what I can dare to call it.
Did you know that if you don’t pull off the stove knobs and really scrub them, they can call at you all day? And what’s up with the way the light can hit a certain cupboard, requiring me to immediately scrub it and then the floor and then where exactly did the day go?
Thank you
Colleen Friesen recently posted..Depression – Natural Outdoor Therapy
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I have tried to use time tracking software to keep me honest about my distractions. Sadly, that just leads to lots of side trips to learn about the best time tracking software and which have apps for my tablet…and so on. Funny thing, I’m never distracted by cleaning chores…weird! :-) Best of luck with the book…yahoo to you!
Maureen Fitzgerald Penn recently posted..The Waiting Room
This is exactly how my blogging goes… (Except I suck at blogging.) And to think I have always wanted to write a book! HA!
I love how close to home, to me, this hits.
So glad I found this site today!
That sounds suspiciously like me. Sans book. Plus cleaning.
Your book turned out great! I’m loving it!
Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom recently posted..Can We Talk? Phrases I’d Like To Banish Forever
Holy Crap! This is so me with working from home! I think I need to get further away than the garage which is where I set up shop. The only time I actually get anything done is around 2-3 in the morning, but then who needs sleep?
Woah. This is pretty much how I spend my day (except we don’t have a dog). Maybe I am secretly writing a book I don’t even know about!
Mommyrant recently posted..Stairway to Heaven
I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your content.
Your article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
how to write a book recently posted..how to write a book