You Gotta Get Out More

By Gail Richards - Mar 31 , 2008

Too much TV isn’t good for anyone. Too many drinks; not a good plan. Too many DoubleStuf Oreos? A less than stellar idea, I suppose.

But is there really such a thing as spending too much time on your book?

There’s a reason the old adage, “Everything in moderation,” is an old adage. It’s the truth. Too much of anything, good or bad, typically doesn’t end well. Case in point: Too many of the aforementioned DoubleStuf Oreos and my waistline. But I digress.

Yes, you can spend too much time on your book, and it will be at the expense of your concentration, your health, your family and social life, your sanity and, ironically, your book. It may seem like you are doing the noble thing as you spend more and more time immersed in your book, but without the balance of daily life, you simply are drowning.

I can hear some of you balking in disbelief: “If only I had enough time to spend too much time on my book!” and “If only I could discipline myself to sit down and write just once a week!” This article is not for you. This article is for the people who become so immersed in their books that they lose track of time and self. You really don’t want to be them, even if they seem to have the time issue somehow solved.

Here are some things to consider if you think you and your book may be spending a little too much time in each other’s company:

Spoiler alert: You already know you should be doing these things; there’s nothing new in what follows. The trick is in taking action.

Take real breaks. And I don’t mean five minute ones. I mean more like five days. This allows your mind to clear, your ideas to crystallize and your focus to return. It doesn’t mean you won’t think about your book—you may even find that some of your very best ideas percolate to the forefront.

Switch gears. Leave time in your day for a re-energizing activity that 1) has nothing to do with your book 2) does not involve reading or writing and 3) is in no way, shape, or form a chore or responsibility. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time. The important thing is that you dive into something other than books with the same passion you have for your own book for some period of time.

Seek face-to-face connection. There is a danger in spending too much time solo. When you do talk to people it’s usually on the phone on the fly. Others get random vignettes of what’s going on with you and it’s usually the abridged version: highs, lows and things that annoy you– the things that are at the very top of your mind and thus easily accessible. Life is more about rhythm and flow than highs and lows. Make it a point to connect regularly with people you admire, respect, and trust. Do it in person, if possible, and do it outside of your home and/or office. If you must connect via phone—step away from your computer and find a comfortable spot devoid of distraction so that you can truly tune in.

How many hours each week do you spend focused on your book? Include in your calculations writing, researching, blogging, and daydreaming. It also includes any educational time spent on writing and publishing.

Compare this to the number of hours you spend doing everything else that is important to you.

Make a pie chart to illustrate how your time is divided between book, family, work (if different than book), household tasks, fun, and sleep.

Ouch. Any slices you might like to change?