Time.
I don't get much free time. I work 40+ hours a week in a rather stressful job and I try to write or focus on my WIP at least 3 hours a day during the week and far more than that on the weekend.
I did a little bit of math, and I have about 90 hours of "free time" in a week. During that free time I do everything else: promotions for my books, errands, household chores (groceries, laundry), gardening, exercising, socializing, eating, and sleeping.
That just doesn't leave a lot of spare time for TV or movies. I watch about an hour a day of TV (usually on in the background while I do something else) and I do go to the occasional matinee (we usually go to ones where we're the only ones there without kids: Frozen, or How to Train Your Dragon).
I really don't have uninterrupted blocks of time to just view a film (or read a book, but that's another story). I'm sadly out of it when it comes to "water cooler conversation" because I have no idea who's who on Breaking Bad, or Walking Dead, or any other series. I make a conscious effort to NOT watch any series that involves an investment of my time, because my time is more important to me than money at this point.
I don't think that will change when I retire and have lots of "free" time. I'm just out of the habit of being entertained by others, especially when I have so many stories rattling around in my head. I sometimes feel like a Luddite compared to others with Netflix queues a mile long, but hey, that's how it is.
Now let's see ... I think I have some editing to do. Better get at it!
J L
(jayellwilson.com)
5 comments:
We all have to go with what works for us. I'm not a big TV or movie buff either. Keep cranking out those stories, JL.
I never go to the movies. But I do have a few TV shows I'm addicted to. Frequently, it is a matter of prioritizing our free time to make the most of it!
JL, I'm like you, sort of. I work a stressful full-time job and have to fit writing in with all the errands, etc. I get up at 4 a.m. to write and work on my author stuff, but after my day job, I have dinner with my hubby, check email, and then we sit down to watch a favorite show together. I'm usually in bed by 9 o'clock! I don't want to give up those couple hours though, so for now, the evening time is our together time. It's hard finding a balance, isn't it?
I should be more like that, but I love tv and movies too much to give them up. Three hours a day on writing, wow...I'm impressed. Leah, 4 a.m.??? I've been trying to make myself get up at 5 to write, but don't do so often. You've inspired me, though, and I'm going to resolve to make that a habit.
I love movies. Always have. Along with books, movies are my escape. Now that we're retired, Hubs and I frequently go to the show to see first run movies. If we miss them, we'll get the DVD. For me, mornings are for writing when I'm fresh. Evenings are for movies or TV. Everyone has to find what works for them.
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