I need a warning light and a siren to come on every time I spend more than five minutes on Facebook these days. It’s never been more of a time-gobbler than in recent months. The thing is, I justify it to myself because I find so much inspiration there. Not only that, I make connections with readers, writers, promoters, and generally helpful people. I’m in a few fantastic groups where I’ve found opportunities not only to promote my book, but to get work as an editor. Once I start that, Facebook is going to be off-limits.
I know I should be working on my own novel, but again, I have an excuse. Proofreading takes intense concentration. For that matter, anything I do on my book demands that I get into a certain zone. My family can see on my face when I’m there. I go totally blank. It takes a chisel to get through that sort of zone.
Things should be easier once I have a real job to do and a deadline set by someone else. This working for myself deal is hard! Putting a schedule in place for myself, when I have a family around who needs everything now, is hardly conducive to getting any work done that can be put off ’til later, since it’s only me counting on it getting done. This is why I’m so looking forward to working as an editor.
I need structure in my life. And Facebook ain’t cutting it.
This is very appropriate and it’s a fantastic song:
Thanks very much to Dan Antion for today’s prompt, “Warning.” You can visit Dan and read his latest post (and see some great pictures) here: https://nofacilities.com/2017/01/02/sunrise-photo-shoot/
And of course, join us in Just Jot It January! Go here for the latest prompt and read all the other posts, too: https://lindaghill.com/2017/01/03/jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-3rd17/
January 6, 2017 at 12:52 am
You know all about my issues with Facebook… Sounds like you have some of the same ones.
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January 6, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Indeed. 😛
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January 4, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Working at home as a writer, you have to learn to impose your own deadlines or there will be conflict of scheduling. When I’m writing or editing, I close all my social media notification to avoid temptation. 🙂
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January 6, 2017 at 8:23 pm
That’s a good idea, Debby. One I’ll have to put in practice soon. 🙂 Thanks for the tip.
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January 6, 2017 at 9:03 pm
Glad if I was helpful Linda. 🙂
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January 4, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Facebook, in fact all social media, is a blessing and a curse! I love it, it has been a god send to me in my recovery when the real world and real people were too much and now its become my passion in my blogging and filming. However, it can be so all consuming if one isnt careful and I am always on the look out for that elusive balance! I went on retreat back in the summer, a silent retreat, one whole week, no talking, no phone, no media, it was just heaven and I vowed when I returned home that I would be more balanced. That clearly has not worked out well! At least we know we are all int the same boat!!!
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January 6, 2017 at 8:08 pm
Ah, I love it when I get a few days of silence. It’s been a looong time since I last had the opportunity though.
Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone, Finlay! 🙂
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January 4, 2017 at 1:09 pm
Now see, I’m on Facebook less and less…and still not writing, so I can only blame myself.
The focus thing, though, I totally get that.
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January 4, 2017 at 4:22 pm
I’m still waiting to read a novel from you, my dear. Better get at it. 😉
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January 4, 2017 at 7:19 am
It’s hard putting structure into your day when working from home. Facebook is definitely a major time consumer. Not sure I could go without it completely though. Good luck with the editing job.
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January 4, 2017 at 10:58 am
Thanks, Wendy. 🙂
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January 4, 2017 at 1:46 am
It is indeed so hard to get onto that zone… but as long as those around you are supportive, you can do anything you put your mind to! I know what you mean about FB draining your time though!!!
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January 4, 2017 at 10:53 am
Unfortunately my kids’ disabilities won’t allow them to be supportive. Most of my chances to work come when I’m alone, which doesn’t happen often. However sometimes I can get a few minutes in when they’re distracted, like now… aaand… the kid is teasing the dog. 😛
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January 4, 2017 at 11:51 am
Oh Linda I totally sympathise! Even with able bodied kids.. family and work life leave me with such little time!
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January 4, 2017 at 4:27 pm
But we wouldn’t have it any other way! What a life, eh? 😉 🙂
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January 4, 2017 at 4:43 pm
So true!!!
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January 4, 2017 at 4:45 pm
I gotta ask… did you get a chance to read my entry for yesterday? Warning? Think you May enjoy the giggle! Xx
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January 6, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Not yet – I’ll do it now. 🙂
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January 7, 2017 at 2:55 am
😚
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January 4, 2017 at 4:45 pm
http://butismileanyway.com/2017/01/03/jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-3rd17-warning/
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January 4, 2017 at 12:45 am
I have work days where I will not allow myself to look at Facebook until I’ve worked for 3 or 4 hours on my book, or other project. When I stick to that, it helps a lot. It’s like dessert after a meal, or a reward. But if I slip up and take a peek, no telling how long I’ll get sucked in for.
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January 4, 2017 at 10:49 am
That’s a fantastic idea, JoAnna. I might just adopt that one. Thanks! 🙂
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January 3, 2017 at 11:13 pm
I agree about Facebook. Before you know it an hour has gone by and the manuscript is still waiting for attention.
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January 3, 2017 at 11:24 pm
Yep. Yep yep yep. It’s just so shiny! 😛
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January 3, 2017 at 10:59 pm
I have the same issue right now. I am doing a 30 day challenge along with 15000 other individuals and the FB page is so time consuming. I’m thinking of just avoiding the FB page as much as possible.
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January 3, 2017 at 11:23 pm
I have ditched Facebook before and it was a heavenly couple of weeks. But now I have potential income coming in off it. What do you do when the bane of your existence is also your livelihood? 😛
Thanks for stopping by, Sue! It’s great to see you again. 🙂
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