Sunday, February 6, 2011

Ditching the Super Bowl to Write

I've been swamped at work and haven't been able to write any night before 11pm or later. So, when Grandpa offered to watch the kids on Sunday, I jumped at the chance. I figured I could watch Green Bay squash The Steelers (The 49'er's are my favorite team, but Green Bay is my backup). There's just something about the intensity of the championship game that makes it so exciting to watch. Then last night, inspiration hit, I found the missing piece to my current WIP.

I wrote down a bunch of notes and had trouble sleeping because I kept thinking about how it would all fit together. So, as I'm writing this I can hear the coin toss in the other room (I'm going to have to close the door), but I'm just about to lay pencil to paper (or rather fingers to keys) and knock out the final pieces of my manuscript.

Make no mistake about it, I'll take a few breaks to check the game, but this is the first time I remember missing the Super Bowl since I was 12.

I know in the scheme of things, missing one Super Bowl isn't such a big deal. But when I think of all the hours I've spent trying to master the craft, it really adds up.

What's the biggest thing you've given up to pursue your writing?

10 comments:

  1. Whoa, MISSING THE SUPER BOWL?? You're serious about writing, aren't you?? Well, when inspiration hits, nab it. You could always tape the game. Hope you made good progress on your WIP! I'm inching along in mine too, 3/4 done. Keep up the great work!

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  2. I missed all of last summer to pull the first draft of my latest WIP together. First year since I moved into my house that I actually let the garden go to weeds. Here's to hoping I get revisions done before Spring and start querying. (Hugs)Indigo

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  3. I've missed lots of sleep and like Indigo I let my flower beds go to weeds this past summer. I am watching the Superbowl.

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  4. I say good for you. They'll be showing the highlights and stuff all week so you can always catch up. I used to give up date nights, no more though because date night is movie night and/or dinner too and I don't want to lose that time with my husband.

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  5. My social life!! But when inspiration strikes you can't ignore it and must capture the moment or it;ll be lost, super bowl or not! Take care
    x

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  6. Wow! It was a pretty good second half too...I'm impressed. You are officially a writer when you volunteer to miss an American institution like the Super Bowl to write. I don't even like football that much, and I watched it.

    Congratulations, my friend. Can't wait until you get the big pay-off! You deserve it and my hat's off to you!

    As for what I've given up, I no longer watch television, with the exception of Jeopardy and Top Chef (okay, and the occasional American Idol episode...I know, I know...cringe away).

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  7. That's a big decision, to miss the super-bowl. Your committment to the art is commendable!

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  8. Wow, that is some dedication. I heard somewhere recently how the Super Bowl is one of the only remaining spiritual experiences in the US.

    But when I have to get something done, I put a set of blinders on, too.

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  9. Have turned OFF the tv! Amazing what you can accomplish when you stop watching America's Next Top Model! In all seriousness, though, as I'm not American so dont know anything about the Superbowl, if you love it and give it up, then I call that dedication!!

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  10. I wanted to update everyone; I did get lots of writing done, though I keep sneaking peeks at the TV (with good timing--I saw two Green Bay interceptions). However, Grandpa got sick of watching the kids and returned them before the 4th quarter. Oh well, I tried.

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