Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For July, the question is: “What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Erika Beebe,Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie–Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
My answer to the question (What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?)
Since my memoir Plunge is about me, I’d say quite a few. 🙂 Attempting the “show, don’t tell” technique, I created a character that ranges from sweet, caring, and considerate to being a selfish bitch at times. Nobody is without flaws. My other non-fiction writing usually doesn’t have characters in it.
About reading
The struggle I’ve been having for months – if not years – that I’d like to bring up this month is about not having enough time to read. Reading books, that is. Reading is a requisite for writers, if not a universal law! I feel like I have to pick between the two. Writing always wins.
I don’t watch TV, so my limited reading time is in the evenings. But, that’s when I also try to catch up on emails, social media, and the blogs I follow. Reading those, and leaving comments, keeps me occupied for hours.
Braving a sunny day and crazy crowds to see a spectacular sight. More about our trip east later!
My book progress
In June, nothing happened (again) to my memoir. I collected a few more rejections from agents and that’s it! A repeat from what I (and you by now as well) already knew: being on the road, there is zero time for memoir work. Especially as we’ve been making our way east, dealing with record high temperatures, an overheated dog, sleepless nights, and no or inadequate internet in Canada (without an expensive data plan).
What’s next?
Soon, Mark, Maya, and I will reach our “home base” in Massachusetts, where we will be for at least three weeks. I plan frequent visits to the library to rework my query letter, research more agents and publishers, and resubmit my completed book proposal and finished manuscript.
Blog reading or book reading? How do you prioritize? How do you manage to incorporate internet in your downtime as well as reading a book? Tips?
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July 3, 2019 at 10:31
I’m reading less now that I’m in the groove of writing. I think it’s difficult to do both well at the same time – you just have to go back and forth.
Stay cool – it is hot out there!
July 6, 2019 at 07:25
It sure is hot out there, Alex. The three of us are looking forward to some reprieve soon, after the last two rough weeks in the van. I think you’re right about the writing and the reading and I’m so excited for you to be in that productive groove again. Have a great summer full of 1000-word days. 🙂
July 3, 2019 at 10:54
Reading more helps me to write more. I’m on my treadmill or elliptical every day for one hour, so that’s when I read. I read blog posts when I have spare moments in the day, but that would always come before any other social media. Enjoy your time in Massachusetts, Liesbet. It should be nice there this time of the year.
July 6, 2019 at 07:29
What a great idea, Jill, to combine exercise with reading time. When I read, I always feel like my writing muscles and mind get exercise as well. Reading IS important. With all the distractions and time sinks out there, we should pick one main social media form. I enjoy the blogging part the most as well, but it’s extremely time consuming.
Thanks for the Massachusetts wishes! We seem to hit extreme weather everywhere, so hopefully, this summer won’t be too hot and humid (like our last week in Canada and at this moment in Vermont). I think we’re ready for an air-conditioned room for a little while, especially Maya.
July 3, 2019 at 11:26
I’d have to say that my blog reading (and writing) has fallen by the wayside the past few months. But I always find time to read 🙂
That’s a great picture of Mark and Maya. I’m so glad Maya is part of your lives now.
July 6, 2019 at 07:31
I’ve noticed how much you love reading and do it! You got your priorities right, Ellen. You are writing books. I find that more important than writing blogs. Yet, you seem to keep up with your blogs as well. I have no idea how you juggle it all!
July 3, 2019 at 11:37
Love your travel journey, now with dog, hot weather, and still memorable times. Writing on the road is often a practice of discipline for me, but I generally put reading books over reading blogs! Except for the end of the month when IWSG comes around. Wish we had your cute RV to go day-tripping, and I hope that balance you seek (as well as reliable!!! internet) comes your way.
July 6, 2019 at 07:34
Thanks, Beth. There seems to be no balance when we are on the road, so the solution appears to be a combination between travel and being “settled” for a few weeks at a time. On Monday, we will have our own room – with reliable internet, electricity, and running water! – for a while, so I hope to catch up on an overflowing inbox, blog reading and commenting, and agent research. I wish I had your discipline and could switch to your reading priorities!
July 3, 2019 at 11:58
It is so challenging to fit it all in! I read on the treadmill int he morning and before going to bed.
Good luck with those queries!
July 6, 2019 at 07:36
Thanks, Jemi! You seem to have found the perfect reading moments! I like the reading before bed idea, but then I’d have to drop my diary writing, which I’ve been doing – daily – for thirty years… Priorities, right? 🙂
July 3, 2019 at 13:24
Books for sure over blog reading! I keep those two activities separated into different times of day (blog reading if I can fit it in during the day, and book reading all evening). If blog reading does not happen – more often these days, I must admit – so be it. But an evening has not gone by in my life for many, many decades that I have not read a book.
And as many of my Instagram and former Facebook friends know, social media is pretty much off the daily table. Living my actual life has been so much more fulfilling!
July 6, 2019 at 08:42
I couldn’t agree more that living the actual life is much more fulfilling than being engrossed in the online/social media life, Lexie. Yet, I still feel guilty when I can’t keep up with blogging (mine and others) or social media updates (selfishly, I only post my own stuff the last few months), which is often the case. I’m always behind and have to deal with an overflowing inbox whenever I finally have a settled and focused moment to myself.
Life is hectic and busy enough to keep everything going. I have to shake that “need” to constantly catch up. And then, only then, will I be able to enjoy reading a book in the evening. Of course, there’s always my diary as well, which takes 30-45 minutes a day, based on our experiences, which are many these weeks.
July 3, 2019 at 14:21
Most of us have a nice range of traits. It makes for interesting reading. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
July 6, 2019 at 08:42
Isn’t that the truth. If only I was perfect, though. 🙂
July 3, 2019 at 14:39
Hi Liesbet – Sorry to hear your time in Canada has been too hot (usually we’re known as a cold country!) and with no or inadequate internet. Public libraries offer great and free solutions (with air-cond and internet) so you may want to look out for them. Niagara Falls especially on the Canadian side look spectacular as always. About reading priority, I usually read books in the evening. Other than blogging and quick news scanning, I don’t spend time on tv or social media. Safe travels to your home base in MA!
July 6, 2019 at 08:48
Thanks, Natalie. The Canadian internet problems we had were only due to our own decision to not spend the heaps of money on a data plan. Until recently, we didn’t even have unlimited data in the US, so we are very familiar with libraries throughout North America. But… with our dog now, which we can’t leave in the camper in the summer, libraries are off the table.
To grab emails and send quick notes or research something, we stopped at Walmarts, McDonalds, Tim Horton’s, or Canadian Tire. All offer free internet (if we could find them without having internet). Of course, it’s a hassle to somehow fit those spots into our traveling schedules, so they only served as quick email checks, every other day or so. Soon, we should be settled for a while again and I’ll be able to catch up on work and blogging.
July 3, 2019 at 14:52
A few years ago I started keeping an annual list of what I read. This year I’m well down on where I was this time last year, I have no idea why. I do try to keep up with my blogging friends but I don’t think it’s because you’ve all become more prolific that I’m not reading so many books!
July 6, 2019 at 08:52
Good for you to keep a list of what you’re reading, Anabel. I know a few people who set goals as well. The amount that some read is mind-blowing. It makes me a tad envious. If I can read five books a year (most would be proofreading for fellow writers), that would be something! 🙂 I am convinced that if I wouldn’t read blog post anymore (or stop commenting), I’d be able to add a few more books to the list.
July 3, 2019 at 14:54
I consider both blog reading and book reading simply “reading”. Like you, I don’t watch television, so that gives me extra reading time. Unlike you, I am retired, not currently traveling and not publishing a memoir so that gives me even more reading time. Good luck!
July 6, 2019 at 08:54
Thanks, Donna. I’m glad you understand my feeling of “overwhelmedness”. Have a fantastic summer, with lots of reading time in the yard! 🙂
July 3, 2019 at 16:37
I hope it will be a bit cooler in Massachusetts Liesbet, especially for sweet Maya! Do you have a cooling jacket for her? As for reading, it’s important to me and I always make time for reading a few hours in the evening. I catch up on blog posts, comments and social media several times a day on the days that I’m posting and perhaps once a day on the remaining days. I hope you find a way that works for you! Much love to you, Mark and Maya from all of us here ???????????????? xxx
July 6, 2019 at 08:57
Hi Xenia! It hasn’t cooled off yet in our surroundings, but soon, we will be able to make use of an air-conditioned room. Our last days in the van are being spent on the lush property of our friends in Vermont, with a creek to cool Maya off and water for rinsing as well. A nice reprieve.
We don’t have a freezer in our van and only a small fridge, so the cooling jacket won’t work, but we will shave Maya next week and get a cool mat, plus a small fan for future travels. And, we hope eastern Canada has a cooler climate in August. 🙂
As always, thanks for your visits and suggestions.
July 6, 2019 at 12:00
You might want to check out some of the dog cooling vests and cooling dog mats that are available from Amazon and Ruff Wear, none of them need a fridge or freezer xxx
July 6, 2019 at 12:31
Will do, Xenia! Thanks and have a great weekend.
July 4, 2019 at 05:20
Your post made me smile Leisbet. While I am not attempting to write a book, I am attempting to write a blog. I relate to so much of what you say. I struggle to read as much as I should. Plus I struggle to write as much as I’d like. I think I need an Insecure Writers Support Group 🙂
July 6, 2019 at 09:00
You should totally join the Insecure Writers Support Group, Estelle! Or, we could start a new one called the Insecure Bloggers Support Group. 🙂 Creating blogs as a hobby and at leisure is fun. Once it becomes an “obligation” or a job (hence unpaid), or there is guilt and pressure involved, things get a bit more tricky. Good luck with your blogging attempts and thanks for swinging by and commenting!
July 4, 2019 at 16:21
Travel is always a barrier to writing, Liesbet. I also find too many distractions to reading here at home. I end up reading more at the delta on our weekends when we have down time. I’m sure sweet Maya is a little more of a distraction, but worth it! I’m sure she will inspire more writing as well.
July 6, 2019 at 09:06
I love your use of the word “barrier”, Terri. That’s exactly what travel is to writing. It’s not impossible, it’s just very difficult to combine the two. I hope you’re making progress with your Fitness book at the delta, as well as fitting some reading in. With people around us, I find this hard as well.
Sweet Maya is a big distraction right now, as she’s caused us many sleepless nights and we’re pretty exhausted. We’re ready for a home base for a bit again! 🙂
July 4, 2019 at 21:39
The eternal dilemma! I do a ton of reading to stay on top of industry trends, as well as following the work of bloggers (like you!) who take the time to comment regularly on my blog. With all the other work of self-publishing, that doesn’t leave much time for reading fiction.
I love to read, but I rarely have time for it when I have a manuscript in progress. As soon as I release a book, I plunge into my Kindle and binge-read for a few days! I’m a fast reader, though, so if the need gets too strong I can start and finish a full-length novel in an evening with only minor guilt over losing 4 or 5 hours of potential work time. 🙂
Once I start a book I want to finish it the same day, so book-binging is my vice. Other people I know are happier time-slicing: Reading a few pages or for a specified short time every day. Maybe that would work for you? Or maybe listening to audiobooks while you drive?
Of course, the optimum solution would be to slip a few more hours into each day… 😉
July 6, 2019 at 09:16
You have boggled my mind from the moment I stumbled on your blog, Diane. You are making such good use of your 24 hours and fit in an incredible amount of reading and writing. You are either very focused or determined or talented or all of those.
I think getting a few more hours every day is the solution. If only I could survive on 5 hours of sleep! My problem is that I want to do too many things every day, never succeed, and then feel guilty or frustrated. Creating a time slot to read every day might work, but, like you, I’d rather read a book in a couple of goes. Of course, that never happens. Often, when o pick the book back up, I’ve forgotten all about the already read chapters.
July 6, 2019 at 11:58
That’s what happens to me, too (at least that’s my excuse for not tearing myself away from the book).
I feel overwhelmed and frustrated sometimes, too, because there’s just SO MUCH that needs to be done. I’ve finally developed a system that works: I remind myself that “I can’t do it all in one day”. Then, the night before, I choose no more than three things that are my top priorities for the next day, e.g. “Tomorrow I want to write a blog post, water the plants, and clear my email inbox.” Those are where I start first thing in the morning, and as long as I’ve finished those three things by the end of the day, I feel satisfied that I’ve made progress.
If I finish them early and accomplish the next thing on the priority list, too, that’s a bonus! Then at the end of the day I choose my Top Three for the next day, and so on. Prioritizing and setting short-term realistic goals like ‘only three things today’ really helps reduce my stress!
July 6, 2019 at 12:30
I guess we’re both over-achievers. 🙂 And, we will never be bored in our lives! The top three is a good idea. I’ll have to start with at least a top five, though. ‘Cause… you just never know. 🙂 The key is to set realistic goals, like you said. I need to work on that part. Have a fantastic weekend, Diane!
July 6, 2019 at 13:47
Thanks! You, too. 🙂
July 5, 2019 at 02:17
It’s definitely hard to find focused tome for blog or book reading. When we are on the move I tend to read a book as it’s a more extended kind of grounding … blogs that I follow I sometimes hold off reading and responding till I have the time to devote to them, although I do like to prioritize and get to those that have made the effort to read and respond to our blog….And of course blog writing in and of itself is very time consuming.
(Perhaps you will start by self publishing ?and promoting your book on your blog..? At least then you could save the time on finding a publisher till after the book is written perhaps. But hey what do I know? I’ve mever done either !)
Peta
July 6, 2019 at 09:25
I totally agree with your approach and experiences with blogging, Peta. These days, I don’t have time or internet to read my favorite blogs, so they are piling up in my inbox, as well as emails, and work assignments. It creates an overwhelming feeling, which leads to me not enjoying our travels. Blog and story ideas add up in my notes. And, I often need to catch up on diary entries days later. That’s a reason for me to look forward to house sits (which we might not do anymore) or extended stays with family. A bit of settling allows for playing catch-up. 🙂
Thanks for the book suggestion. My memoir is finished, so I could potentially self-publish (which is a huge endeavor in itself) this summer, but I’ve discovered a lot of agents and publishers don’t want to take on a self-published book. Either way, I’ll have to make a decision soon, if I ever want this thing published.
July 5, 2019 at 13:28
I need to read more. Perhaps I’d be a better writer if I did. I have trouble keeping up with any reading at all. I read more books on the boat – perhaps because there was just more space to have private time or maybe because we weren’t quite on the go full blast all the time like we are traveling on land.
Enjoy Massachusetts and be sure to take lots of time for yourself to read or relax or do whatever you want to do.
PS – I’m looking forward to hearing about the falls – I’m planning a trip there for the fall!
July 6, 2019 at 09:30
I think reading certainly helps one to become a better writer, the easy way. 🙂 I hope you’ll have some time for that this summer, Duwan. And, you’re right about reading more on the boat. I feel like the days lasted longer back then, despite daylight only lasting 12 hours in the tropics. It’s because we were settled for longer periods of time, with the intention to work and live in one bay for a while. Mark could have never ran our business while RVing full-time. Being constantly on the go, means less time for reading and writing as well.
The falls were very crowded, but I think you’ll both enjoy some time there, on the Canadian side. And, fall should be better. I know the perfect boondocking spot for Ballena Blanca. 🙂
July 5, 2019 at 16:54
I love how you get so much done, even if the reading has suffered. I’m the total opposite: never get out, read more than write etc. More strength to you as the writing and socialising and getting around matters more.
July 6, 2019 at 09:33
I know you are right, Roland – we’re having a pretty entertaining and fulfilling life – but fitting more reading and writing in seems to be what my mind craves. It’s funny how we always think the grass is greener on the other side. I hope you are content with your life indoors. Or, at least your mind is. 🙂
July 7, 2019 at 15:23
It’s hard to find enough time for everything I want to do. Lately, my blog has been quieter than usual because of visitors, projects, and just summer. I can’t imagine adding constantly being on the road like the two of you. Hopefully you’ll find some more quiet time when you get to Massachusetts. Fortunately, the hot weather hasn’t hit us yet so I am taking advantage of the moderate temps to get things done.
July 8, 2019 at 12:28
It sounds like San Diego has pretty perfect weather so far this summer, Janis. We seem to fluctuate from being too hot (heatwave in southern Canada) to too cold (last night in Vermont, the temperature dropped to 45F)! Of course all this has gotten a tad more difficult with a dog in tow. Thanks for the Massachusetts wishes. I can’t wait to move into our temperature-controlled room above the garage for a few weeks! 🙂
July 8, 2019 at 19:23
Yes, it’s a whole new appreciation for book writing, trying to do everything else required. Lol. I do my social media replies and personal emails first thing in the morning. I write in afternoons – be it book or blog posts. And blog reading takes up a chunk of my nights. I’ve learned to take 2 nights a week off from blog reading. Book reading is done at bedtime mostly, but if I can get some in on a long car ride, or waiting at a doctors appointment. Hope that helps. 🙂
July 9, 2019 at 08:50
It does help, Debby! Thank you. You have your schedule figured out. I like it. Very defined. My problem is that, when we live in the van (which is pretty much always), our days are filled with driving, errands, and activities. In the evenings, I’m tired, but that’s when all those computer-related tasks have to happen.
I think not getting distracted by the “load” of things to catch up on would help to battle one task at a time. This will be much easier the coming weeks, when we live in a temperature-controlled room with unlimited electricity and WiFi! 🙂 It’s all about routines and sticking to them, which is tough on the road.
July 9, 2019 at 10:39
I think you’re right Liesbet. Once you establish a better routine in a house, not constantly on the road, you may be able to modify it better when you hit the road again. 🙂
July 10, 2019 at 06:36
I hope you’re right, Debby. Usually, the writing routine is only possible when settled. I love travel too much to give up on (parts of) it… That’s basically the bottom line, I think.
July 10, 2019 at 08:50
Choices my friend. Choices. 🙂
July 12, 2019 at 13:47
Always a problem. That’s why we didn’t mind adopting a dog. It reduces our options and choices in life. 🙂
July 9, 2019 at 09:38
I hate life without a book, Liesbet, but it really depends on how involved I get with what I’m reading how much time I spend. If it’s a really good book I can get lost in it. Return visits on blogs can feel like an obligation and sometimes I have to remind myself that it isn’t- it’s a courtesy. I’m not good at time management so it’s a good thing I don’t have a job, isn’t it? 🙂 🙂 I like the outdoor life too much!
July 10, 2019 at 06:35
I often refrain myself from starting a new book, because I know it will take me weeks if not months to finish it. When I know I have a quiet weekend with extra time, that’s when I usually pick up a book. This rarely happens, though. I started one a month ago (it’s brilliantly written), thinking I could finish it in a few days. Ha!
I hear you about the outdoor life – and about being retired. That won’t be for a while, if ever for us… 🙂 I struggle with return visits to blogs as well, since these are so time-consuming and shouldn’t be a priority, really. Plus, I enjoy reading those blogs better when not crunched for time, as is often the case.
July 9, 2019 at 20:51
Hi, Liesbet! I hear you about having limited reading time. My recent obsession is e-audiobooks from the library, and I’m finding that I’m plowing through books by listening to them on walks and while driving. It’s been quite a pleasure. Good luck on your memoir.
July 10, 2019 at 06:45
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. My explanation for having limited reading time is actually very simple: I want to do too much in this short and precious life of ours!
Lots of people seem to enjoy audiobooks. I agree it’s probably fun and entertaining and a great way to multi-task or keep the brain occupied, but is it really considered “reading”? I just love to see the words written on the pages and that’s what I believe helps us become better writers. But, maybe I’m wrong. I’ve actually never listened to an audiobook, so I wouldn’t know.