A Writer's Journey Continued

Thud. Thud. Thud. Crack.

That's the sound of my forehead beating against my computer screen. I returned from a week's vacation and simply cannot regain my writing focus.

Maybe it's the four thousand e-mails awaiting my response. Or the overdue newspaper columns. Or preparing for the 5 speaking events looming. Or perhaps the untitled, unfinished, unorganized book manuscript taunting my name. Overload. Danger, Will Robinson, danger!

So what's a poor writer to do when facing more mountains than she can climb?

1. Quit whimpering, sniveling and whining. The only way to get something done is to get off the floor and do it.

2. If you can't skirt the mountain, start ascending step by step. Begin. Now. Break the mammoth task down into small, accomplish-able goals: spend one hour on e-mails, then one hour each on columns, presentations and book. Then go for a walk. Breathe. Scarf chocolate. If not cross-eyed, repeat process.

3. Quit obsessing over distractions. You can't change life. It will never be a perfect writer's world. You must work. You must feed your family. You mustn't live in a pig sty. You really should go to the funeral of your friend's mother that will eat up many precious hours of your writing time. Go. It's the right thing to do.

Okay. I have a workable plan. Now I just have to replace my cracked monitor, strap a cold compress over the knot on my head and take the first baby step. Here I go!