Posted by brian on May 24, 2000, at 13:26:01
In reply to Re: Question to writers, posted by Brenda on May 24, 2000, at 12:02:00
Brenda,
Yes, I've noticed that when I tell myself that I'll "just grab a little nap" nothing further gets done. Of course, jumping from desk to chair (my office is in my room) remains ever the temptation.
Thanks for your comments. I understand that this isn't simply a writer's problem. For me, procrastination leads to frustration, then to anxiety and depression. On the other hand, just getting work done lifts my spirits. The key is also the lock -- how does one overcome procrastination, especially in the face of day to day swings in mood and motivation?
Thanks also to Mark. You've got some solid ideas.
Theresa,
Yes, I have an English degree. I've been writing part or full time for about 5 years now. I started out writing fiction for a zine, did some non-fiction writing on the Web, then moved to NY and pretty much went for any writing job I could find. I did some direct mail advertising, Web site content and then 7 months as a reporter/editor at a financial publication. Now I'm working as a contractor, writing online content for a computer company. My progress as a writer is probably typical in its atypicality amongst writers. What I mean to say is that many of us don't follow a linear path. Have you ever been published? Do you have enough material to put together a convincing portfolio? There are a lot of Internet startups that are desperate for content producers. Scour sites like monster.com and hotjobs.com for opportunities. Also, check out major newpapers, like the NY Times. The Internet is a great tool for off-site workers. For example, I live in Brooklyn, my editor-in-chief lives upstate, and our proof readerlives in Texas. You don't necessarily have to go to an office anymore. Hope this helps.
B
>
> Brian, I'm not a writer, but I have my own at home business with deadlines as well. I also suffer from depression and GAD. Yes, there are times when it can be really hard to work when I feel bad. When I feel bad I try to get the minimum work done needed for the day as best I can. Sometimes that means I'll work for 1/2 hour, stop, do something else. Usually, if I can do something else that gets me moving (gardening, whatever) I find I then have a little more motivation to get some work done. That's really all that works for me. If I go back to bed - I'm shot for the day, then suffer remorse and guilt. Physically moving really helps me.
> Good luck - Brenda
> Any full-time freelance writers out there?
> >
> > Just to preface: I've been dealing with depression/anxiety for 8 years. My symptoms range from fatigue to intense worry. Sometimes (like now, for example) words simply don't come. Other times I feel great - at the top of my game. Still other times, I feel so agitated that my thoughts race, my muscles tighten and I grind my teeth incessantly. Of course, the kicker is that I have yet to be able to predict when these various feelings will occur, and why they occur in the first place.
> >
> > My question: how do you stay on task when symptoms flare? I work from home full time. I'm not obligated to work 9-5 as long as I meet the weekly deadline. But as you know, this sort of freedom can be trouble for anyone, especially those of us who have various flavors of depression/anxiety, etc.
> >
> > Any suggestions that might help me stay on track?
> >
> > I have one more question that is miles off the subject. Has anyone read any substantial literature on the long-term effects of febrile convulsions in infants? Just wondering.
> >
> > Thanks
poster:brian
thread:34476
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34506.html