ktgrok Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I have a deadline in a few weeks. I'm VERY behind. It's just so hard to switch gears from mom to romance writer off and on all day, and yes, I have ADHD probably as well, and well, I'm behind. My husband will take the kids out of the house or I can leave, but then I feel guilty after a while. And there is the time getting ready to leave, etc...bedtime, it just never is enough. I'm seriously thinking about renting a hotel room this weekend and locking myself in and writing. Is that crazy? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 No. Writing=money. I'm not published, but I have a hard time writing in short time blocks. I need several hours by myself to concentrate. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 would you use the time to write? is it less hassle than your dh taking the kids and going somewhere else? consider it an investment in your contract. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Totally not crazy! Do it. It is so hard to write when you are constantly interrupted. There are a hundred things interrupting them when you are a mom at home, phone calls, texts, oven timers, kids needing just one thing, kids needing just one more thing, dogs barking, mailmen knocking, dishes.... Do it for your fans. :) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I think a hotel sounds like a good idea because it's uninterrupted time and you're not worried about the family returning at a certain time. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink and Green Mom Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I would do it in a heartbeat. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Maya Angelou did it! Sometimes she paid by the month. http://www.businessinsider.com/maya-angelou-writing-process-2014-5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 If you will actually write in a hotel room, I'd do it. Arrange to be gone for whatever time you can, rent a hotel room and sit down and Get'er done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 You're renting short term office space :) 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) Rent the hotel room. Do whatever it is you have to do to overcome your ADHD in the room if the new environment will distract you. Make a schedule, bring music from home, whatever. This is your job and you need to get it done. There's a reason people *go* to work--no distractions from the work. Edited March 29, 2016 by Garga 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) Not trying to shoo you away, but you should probably redirect your board time, too! Imagine all your last week's words here added to the word count of your manuscript. 😆 ETA I'm not fussing at you - it's just top of mind because it's how I recently reprimanded myself. Edited March 29, 2016 by Seasider 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Not trying to shoo you away, but you should probably redirect your board time, too! Imagine all your last week's words here added to the word count of your manuscript. 😆 ETA I'm not fussing at you - it's just top of mind because it's how I recently reprimanded myself. True! Limit your electronic distractions as well. Maybe keep a not-very-good book on hand if you need a mental break from writing. Something you can easily put down and get back to work after a short break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Absolutely a good idea...you should do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Sure, I think it's worth a try. On the other hand, if it weren't super productive, I would probably look to other cheaper strategies next time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tangerine Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 There is a Big Magic podcast, one of the very first I think, about this very thing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Do it!! But yes, I'd have to hide my phone and limit electronic distractions...those have been bad for me lately! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Not a bad idea at all. Whatever it takes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Do it! Consider it an investment in your business! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 A small dissent: if you feel guilty being gone for (presumably) just a few hours, why would you expect it to be less troubling through a whole weekend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I believe JK Rowling ended up renting a whole floor when she was writing HP 7 Do it! It would be totally worth it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) DP Edited March 29, 2016 by Okra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 If it solves the problem in a financially responsible way, then it's not selfish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 It's not crazy. I have done similarly to write uninterrupted, and even to read uninterrupted. One time, I drove to the Atlantic Ocean early one morning (3 hour drive), just so I could sit on the beach and read all day. I drove back home at night. Okay, that probably was kind of crazy! When my family goes on ski trips, I bring my laptop and write while they ski. I don't like skiing. I like writing and this gives me several hours uninterrupted in a comfortable setting where I can't be distracted by laundry or cooking. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I know several full time writers who do mini retreats a few times a year....a weekend, three or four days, or a month somewhere so they can focus on writing. I think it's a good use of time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Would the cost of the hotel room be worthwhile? Would a free location work just as well? Café, library, home of a family member, etc? I'd weigh all the options and ask my dh how he felt. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) It is not selfish to take time for yourself. It is a requirement for a healthy life. It is not a waste of money to spend a little money to meet a contractual obligation that... brings in money. It is not crazy, nor should you feel guilty, for your children's father to be the full-time parent for one weekend. It'll be good for everyone. I know an author who does the same thing. She only has one, older (13), fairly self-sufficient child at home. She still needs the change of pace and distance from home/to-do list to concentrate fully on her work. Edited March 29, 2016 by fraidycat 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 Thanks all! I'm going to think about it. As for distractions, I have apps on my computer to limit my hours online, and I just started using them again. So that will help. (expect to see me less!) I may do a free place, but the library is just not very comfy (uncomfortable chairs), and Panera is a bit better but you can only sit there so many hours without feeling weird. (usually about 4 is my limit). on the other hand, the hotel room check in is 3pm, and I am not a night person, and would have to check out at 11am, so not sure that would be the best use of my productivity. I may just get up early and go to Panera, then the library, then starbucks or something. Or I could go to my mom's for the weekend, but I'm not sure my parents would'n't be more of a distraction really than my kids are. Plus I'd waste 3 hours driving round trip. I'll keep thinking. But at least I know I'm not being selfish or crazy :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) I typically have an off-limits desk in my room that I use. But I am totally in love with this big room at one of our state parks. I have this fantasy of going there one day and just staying in that room, hogging one of the huge tables all to myself, and writing for hours. Beautiful view of the valley below the window, big fireplace, and 40's music always playing. Heaven. Edited March 29, 2016 by Critterfixer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Can you go to a local university library? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) Thanks all! I'm going to think about it. As for distractions, I have apps on my computer to limit my hours online, and I just started using them again. So that will help. (expect to see me less!) I may do a free place, but the library is just not very comfy (uncomfortable chairs), and Panera is a bit better but you can only sit there so many hours without feeling weird. (usually about 4 is my limit). on the other hand, the hotel room check in is 3pm, and I am not a night person, and would have to check out at 11am, so not sure that would be the best use of my productivity. I may just get up early and go to Panera, then the library, then starbucks or something. Or I could go to my mom's for the weekend, but I'm not sure my parents would'n't be more of a distraction really than my kids are. Plus I'd waste 3 hours driving round trip. I'll keep thinking. But at least I know I'm not being selfish or crazy :) Go Friday-Sunday. Relax Friday night in the solitude to get your creative juices flowing. Write and relax all day Saturday and Sunday morning. You can go to Saturday night mass (if available) or the latest mass available on Sunday if you feel you can't skip that too. You can pack your picnic basket/backpack/duffle bag with whatever food that meets your dietary needs/restrictions if you'd feel bad about also spending money on eating out or room service. Edited March 29, 2016 by fraidycat 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 DO.IT. Seriously. Go. Create. Write. Enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 You can request an early check in or late check out. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Can you go to a local university library? This was my first thought as well, but I'm not sure what rules are on use for community members vs students. I remember as a student I liked the third floor. Less distractions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinmyboys Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 If you live near a decent sized city, you could use Priceline to get a hotel. We have done that several times and it has always been a good experience. I haven't paid more than $70 for a hotel and they have all been very nice (I have done Kansas City, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, San Antonio, Dallas, Indianapolis, etc. I'm sure there is nothing like that in Chicago, LA, or NY). I usually bid about 50-75% off the list price of the hotels. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davysmom Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Ask for early check in. Sit in the lobby or Panera before check in. Request late check out and stay in the lobby after check out. Then go to library, Starbucks and/or Panera. You could squeeze in a lot of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theelfqueen Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Every time i see this thread title, i think "I need to schedule my pedicure" - thats a selfish waste pf money and i am willing to embrace it. But your question. No, work must be done, whatever it takes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 Every time i see this thread title, i think "I need to schedule my pedicure" - thats a selfish waste pf money and i am willing to embrace it. But your question. No, work must be done, whatever it takes! Well, I did get my nails done today too :) In my defense, I have acrylics and they were lifting at the corners, so it needed to be done before moisture got in there and I got an infection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRobinson Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 It's not crazy. I have done similarly to write uninterrupted, and even to read uninterrupted. One time, I drove to the Atlantic Ocean early one morning (3 hour drive), just so I could sit on the beach and read all day. I drove back home at night. Okay, that probably was kind of crazy! Ummm... no that sounds absolutely lovely. If I lived in driving distance of a beach I would do that for sure! Sigh. Maybe someday... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davysmom Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 (edited) Double post Edited March 30, 2016 by Davysmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyGF Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 My friend is an illustrator for a well-known children's Bible. In order to finish, her husband sent her from the midwest to San Diego for 8 days. He wondered why someone was ordering animal crackers and orange juice from Amazon. It turned out she wasn't leaving her room, just illustrating! He ordered her to at least eat one meal out of her room daily. :-) So you won't be the first person to do it! If you can afford it, go for it. Finish. Emily 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Who was it that used to post about getting a hotel room for a weekend to plan out curriculum and schedules for the school year? If it helps, do it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 IDK where you live, Katie, but I hear Peace Hill Farm's BandB is lovely this time of year! Baby twins when you are taking a break... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I ditto the college or university library. Here they don't require id to walk in, you just can't take anything out without id. Headphones, water bottle, work. Set phone on silent & use the Forest app.One of my local uni libraries is currently open for 24h/day as we're heading into finals. I do know authors who do the hotel room thing & it works for them but I know I would just ppv or rearrange the mini bar or play with all the toiletries.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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