The Constant Juggling of the Writing Life
By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin
As a writer and editor, my day to
day life is a constant series of juggling between long-term priorities and the
immediate.
Today I am writing a regular
newsletter which goes out every week (a recent new assignment for me). I'm
working with my authors as an editor at Morgan James
Publishing. I'm writing some book reviews (something I do for fun if I read
or hear a book). Plus I'm pitching some article ideas and handling other details
like incoming emails.
It's just a glimpse at my writing
life which to some would be stressful but I've tried to learn to roll with the
changes and attempt to handle each detail methodically and deliberately
(sometimes I succeed better than others). Also I'm constantly working on getting
some regular exercise, hydrating with water, monitoring my food intake and diet
along with other details called life.
What happens when you miss
something? I'm keenly aware of the importance of meeting deadlines, showing up
at the right time and place and keeping things moving with excellence (all key
aspects of being a freelance writer). Yet my actions are not always perfect and
at times I miss something. While I strive for perfection, I don't always achieve
it.
When I do make an error or
mistake, there are several key actions that I take:
1. I admit the error and
apologize. Good communication is always a high priority with me.
2. I attempt to correct the
mistake or error (if possible—and it is not always possible).
3. I resolve to do better in the
future. My attitude is a critical aspect of these situations. To feel bad and
inadequate will ultimately not move things forward. Instead, I try and move
forward—sometimes easier said than done.
While to some people outside of
publishing, the community seems large. Overall, it is a small group of
relationships. Each of us need to maintain, keep and expand these relationships.
Your actions and response is an important part of this process. Part of my
reputation is people know I'm always eager to do whatever is needed and right.
Are you juggling different
priorities and balls throughout your day? How do you handle it? What insights do
you have for this process? Let me know in the comments below.
Labels: apologing, attitude, balanced, consistency, mistakes, perserverance, priorities, relationships, Terry Whalin, The Constan t Juggling of The Writing life, The Writing Life
