Yesterday was my first day back at work. Over the holidays, as usual, I spent a lot of time thinking about how to balance my working day, how to mix my different responsibilities. The aim, as always, is to find more time to write. Because if I had more time to write….ah, well.
How much money does it take to be happy? Ask anyone that question and they’ll usually answer with a figure that is just a little bit more than they earn now. The amount of money they need is always just out of reach.
The same applies to me and writing time. If I just had a little more… And then I read these wise words from Julia Cameron:
“The myth that we must have ‘time’ – more time – in order to create is a myth that keeps us from using the time we do have. If we are forever yearning for ‘more’, we are forever discounting what is offered.”
I felt a shiver when I read that. She continues:
“The ‘if-I-had-time’ lie is a convenient way to ignore the fact that novels require being written and that writing happens a sentence at a time. Sentences can happen in a moment.”
I love this – it is so bloody true. Cringe….says she, mucking about on the internet instead of writing…slapped wrist.
Oh dear. Now hurty wrist stops me writing….
Hi Vanessa, I only just saw that you posted this comment. Thanks for taking the time!
Ms Cameron’s books – or the two I’ve read – are peppered with painfully accurate quotes like this one.
Reading her is part inspiration, part flagellation. The mix varies, depending on my mood.