Post #11 - Discipline and Art

One of the reasons I love writing is that because all things are possible in writing. Through stories, fiction or non-fiction, one can influence change, one can ignite an inner fire, one can inspire. But most writers are self employed and it takes discipline. One of the reasons I believe I am a writer today is because of piano lessons. Having to practice everyday and also round up my younger sisters up to do it, took discipline, initiative and focus. What happened over the years was that it became routine. It was one of those things that just had to get done right after school, even before homework. I knew I had to practice before my mother got home or she'd get upset.

As a writer, there isn't anyone to clock my hours or monitor my breaks or holler. I do it whenever I want to. It's freedom. But freedom also means self government and this requires a certain strength of will. Normally I start writing when the kids go to school. But ever since I took Kai out of daycare and put Koji in piano lessons, I've had to find another time to write. I've had to shift my writing time to an earlier slot. Because I am most creative in the mornings, those hours for me are most precious. Koji practices from 7-8am so in order for me to fit in my writing, I've to wake up at 5am. That's when I work on my novel every day. I do this for two hours and I'm no morning person but it is the best way right now. I may be able to steal a couple of hours later at night but I know my mind won't be as fresh or creative. If I left it all to the end of the day when I have little left to give, my art suffers. The only way it works is if I go to bed at a reasonable hour ~ by 9:30pm. If this sounds difficult, it is. By nature I'm a night person. However, if I was employed someplace where I had to be there by 5am, I'd be there...so why couldn't I do it for me? This is after all my dream job.

As challenging as it is, the solution itself is quite simple. I want my writing to be good and I want my children to excel, therefore I need to give them my best hours. The littler things just have to wait.

It's time for bed. I wish you all goodnight.