Guarding Writing Time by Setting Boundaries

It seems I need to take my own advice from my previous blog: carving out writing time. I try, but always something comes to interrupt me. However, recently I’ve been trying to implement stricter boundaries. Writing time is sacred. It is valid and valuable. Most of us have someone or something that acts as an energy vampire and needs to be pushed behind the boundary lines. 

I work as a teacher by day, and even though we’ve wrapped up most of the school year by now, we still have teacher workdays. I’ve recently gotten an epiphany: next academic year will be different because I don’t get paid extra outside of work to stay up all night or to sacrifice my weekends and holidays doing school work. There has to be limits for work hours not only so I have time that can be used with my family and in relaxation as well as with hobbies that make me happy, but also there must be limits so I have enough  time to manage both physical and mental health. 

Many of us tend to take care of others first, and we push ourselves like machines trying to keep everyone happy at work or even at home. However, I’ve realized that if I don’t take care of myself, then who will? And my job could replace me easily if I collapse, so why am I working like a racehorse? 

In order to draw up boundaries at work, I need to change my mindset and the perspective of others at work that I’ll always be at their beck and call. If it’s outside of business hours, it’s my time. And I need to guard it. I do know that I can’t get an assistant, but I’m going to get what I can do at work done, and then they will have to wait for me to finish within a reasonable amount of time. Some deadlines will have to be met, so there might be occasional work to take home, but not everything is an emergency. So, I’ll be marking down urgent activities into more realistic activities and asking for either more time to get them done or for the easiest way to implement them. 

It is the natural right of my spouse and family to have me present with them. My body has the right to rest and relax. And my mind needs quiet time for meditation/ prayer and just for chilling out. And in my free time, I should be able to work on hobbies or projects that I’m passionate about so that I feel fulfilled. I’m not a robot; I’m a human being. 

Boundaries are healthy ways to live life. Boundaries are not only for work and supervisors but also for family and friends. Life needs balance, and yes, we should spend time with our loved ones, but we can’t spend every single minute with them. Sometimes being alone and working on a project recharges our hearts and souls and will lead us to be happier and more pleasant to be around.   

Media distractions also suck out our energy. We have to choose wisely what we let in and make sure it is truly beneficial to us. Sure, sometimes we need a break and to enjoy some downtime, but it should not consume us. We must be determined to set limits on media time, so we can have peace and quiet as well as to find stillness in our souls. We can devote this extra time to rediscovering ourselves and the activities that truly make us happy and fulfilled. 

So, these boundaries can be set. Time can be scheduled in an actual planner. Reminders can be placed. The important goal is to stick to the schedule. Organizing time makes more time for everything we need to get done as well as the activities that we desire to do. 

For me, creating a new project lights me up with purpose, and I want to share my insights with the world. If writing is truly like breathing to me, then I must protect my sacred scheduled writing time. And that means setting boundaries that others might not like, but if I am firm in my resolve, then others will have to get on board. Those who love and support me should assist in protecting my sacred writing time while honoring it. Plus, the golden news is that I can choose both what writing time is best for me as well as when is the best time I can find a quiet and peaceful environment while others are busy doing their own activities.  

In the end, sometimes there has to be compromise, but I shouldn’t sacrifice my boundaries and my goals. Otherwise, one day I will be filled with regret for not even trying to achieve my dreams.

Carving Out Writing Time

To be a successful writer, much of your time should be spent writing— actual writing. Add onto this, any needed research. But what if you can’t find time to write?

By hook or by crook, you need to carve out a consistent writing time, even if you feel you are writing at a snail’s pace. As they say, “Slow and steady wins the race.”

It is true, sometimes our job and life obligations get in the way of writing. Personally, I know this very well. However, if we truly love writing and feel it in our bones, we must find a way to facilitate a regular writing schedule as well as learn how to keep multiple projects in the pipeline.

Here’s a list of writing tips that I’ve discovered over the years:

1. Find your best time of the day to write whether it is as a night owl or an early bird. You could wake up an hour early to write or push bedtime back a bit for at least 30 minutes before sleep. Explore which one works best for you and makes you more productive.

2. Schedule writing time that you treat as sacred as you would a doctor’s appointment.

3. Set realistic goals; have weekly and daily writing goals. Tick it off the list.

4. Steal extra time. Whenever there is a day off, a holiday, a vacation, or any spare time, schedule some extra writing time and stick to it.

5. Be kind to yourself. Things always come up, so if it can’t be avoided, then try to reschedule and give yourself grace. You are only human.

6. If you are unable to write, then at least read. Reading is a crucial step in writing.

Sometimes you might get a ton of ideas at the same time. You have to be realistic. Jot down your ideas into a list. Prioritize. Choose the one that motivates you the most. Then, let the ink flow.

Also, you can keep projects in the pipeline by writing on one, researching another, and editing the other. Though I do suggest focusing on them one by one so you can finish quicker.

Some writers edit as they go along, but I find it is better to get the main idea out as best and as quick as you can. You will have to go back to do some rewriting and editing anyway, and you’ll probably do it multiple times. However, be cautious not to overdo this. Eventually, your “baby” has to go out into the world. Keep in mind to do a great job but remember nothing is perfect.

Even if you only get 30 minutes to an hour each day, just keep consistently showing up to add to your chapter, to tweak some dialogue, or something that adds value to your book. Just keep moving forward.

If you are having some “block”, try a writing prompt exercise (there are many listed online). Possibly take a quick walk. Maybe read a chapter in some other novel. This might get you relaxed and ready to write. Again, be kind to yourself. Occasionally, you might just need the day off.

Writing needs discipline and not excuses. It depends on how badly you want to write. Is writing to you like breathing? If it is, then you have to create a way to forge forward no matter what.

Writer Rainer Maria Rilke advises, “Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write.”

Maybe you write to express yourself or you’re on a journey to guide others in life. Maybe you have a message or a story, and you feel in your soul it is a mission to write. If this is true, never give up, even when it gets tough.

Writer Agatha Christie shares that she turned from being an amateur to a professional writer by sometimes writing “even when (she) didn’t want to.” Sometimes you must give yourself an extra nudge, and once you get started you should pick up momentum.

In the end, despite writing being tough at times, it should bring you joy and relief— even a catharsis. Playwright Henry Miller states that “writing is its own reward.”

Quotes from:

Gnomes, Rubina G. “24 Quotes on Writing for Y our Writer Soul.” Medium, June 7, 2022. www.medium.com

Giving Our Characters More “Character”

As writers, most of us focus a lot on our characters. We want them to be the best they can be (or the worst they can be when creating villains). Yet, how can we make our characters reflect more “character”? We need to give them habits or styles/ preferences, body language and movements, and accents and catch phrases that are unique to them and tell us more about their natures.           

 The first category that most of us can easily employ is habits or styles/ preferences. Our character might have a daily ritual of a black coffee and a croissant for breakfast. They might often wear a fedora, a baseball cap, or a do-rag. They might find the smell of pumpkin spice delightful (or they might despite it). Maybe they love black licorice while everyone around them turns up their noses at it. Thus, we’ve completed the entry level to characterization.

The second category is only a step up as we envision our characters as if watching them on a projector screen playing out in our minds. Our characters might show nervousness through twisting their hair, biting their nails, or even biting their lips. They might even drag on a cigarette. Also, pacing can show nervousness or anxiety (or even impatience). Our character might sit silently with crossed arms in the corner, as they try to close themselves off from the pain of the world. Or, we might have a character sporting an expressive, sunshiny smile who walks with a bounce in their step, thus highlighting their optimistic nature. We see our characters in our minds and jot down their descriptions and behavior; they almost “write” themselves.

Then, there is the third category that might be the hardest because it might require deeper research and more analysis, meaning we might need to develop accents and catch phrases for our characters. Now, it is true that we could go overboard as we might not want every character to have a different accent; this might tire and confuse the reader. That is why many stories have a straight-forward accent only with a few catch phrases sprinkled in for particular characters. However, incorporating some local accents, depending upon the character and the region that is being written about, might add the right kind of flavor to the character and the story. This can be done through research as well as personal experience, if one possesses that knowledge. However, we should always make the speech clear enough for the reader to follow. Also, we should be consistent on parts we decide to put into a local accent like keeping the same spelling throughout.

We can check the accent by reading it aloud to ourselves. Is what we hear truly being reflected on the page? It can be a combination of some accent to create the atmosphere and some catch phrases of a certain character or even local, colorful words of the region. For example, I’m currently working on some Appalachian characters, and I have been going over some local phrases and even idioms of the region. I want to work the phrases in naturally and only use them if they are needed. We should never force conversation but let it grow organically. We should also not shy away from making our characters truly our own unique characters by developing our own vision or interpretation.

So, whenever we are developing our characters, we should concentrate more on bringing out the full “character” in our characters through all the tools we have at our disposal like habits, body language, and accents as well as catch phrases. Our characters will thank us for bringing them completely to life.

Hollywood and Bollywood Epic Heroes

Movies offer us not only entertainment but also lessons and hope. Movies have the power to inspire us whether they are fiction or based on true events. Most of us become attached to characters, if the storytelling is done right. The foundation of any great film is a good story and then a well-rounded main character. Today, we want more out of our movies, and still there are writers and directors out there who are giving us some powerful movies whether in Hollywood, Bollywood or some other country. Recently, I’ve discovered the beauty in many Bollywood films (of course with the subtitles). I’ve been thinking about some larger than life types of characters that remind me of an epic hero.

But first, what is a hero? It is someone who saves or helps others. This could even be a doctor or a firefighter. An epic hero, however, is a bit different and is usually the main character of an epic poem like Beowulf. However, the meaning can expand to include any hero of superhuman strength who strikes awe into those who witness their amazing feats. Superheroes could even be considered epic heroes. Sure, sometimes they get help, but they do well on their own overcoming super villains.

What are the characteristics of an epic hero? An epic hero is a champion of freedom who has lots of courage and super strength. He usually has a high sense of justice while being devoted and loyal. And in many cases, he fights for the glory of putting his name down in history. Of course, he might have weaknesses. No one is perfect, but, in general, the epic hero is willing to sacrifice himself in the protection of others and always tries to honor his promises.

This does sound like a tall order, right? But this is what makes the epic hero so amazing! Some examples of an epic hero in Hollywood movies would be:

•       Maximus in The Gladiator (Russell Crowe)
•        William Wallace in Braveheart (Mel Gibson)
•        Nathan Algren in The Last Samurai (Tom Cruise)
•        Leonidas in 300 (Gerard Butler)

 

We can even put Captain America and Superman into this epic hero category. These are strong, honorable, and ethical heroes. They almost seem perfect! And there are so many other inspiring, heart-pumping movies of the epic hero.

One equivalent film that stands out is Baahubali (Parts 1 and 2) featuring actor Prabhas as the epic hero, Baahubali.  This movie has an excellent storyline, vast settings, amazing cinematography, skilled acting, brilliant directing and powerful music. I highly recommend this movie, as it will inspire you!

Still, there are other types of heroes who may have vices or bad habits. They start out looking the opposite of a hero, but as we watch their story unfold and see them struggle with their conscience or overcome obstacles, we cheer them on as they become heroes-- anti-heroes.

We can put Ironman and Batman into this category due to their complexities. Even Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean is an unlikely hero. Others who fit into this category would be Mad Max, Rambo, and Harry Callahan from Dirty Harry. They are not perfect, make mistakes and on occasion do some questionable things, but at their core they have a heart or a conscience that sticks to some kind of code of life, and they become the hero that is needed at the moment. An anti-hero is relatable to us because we like to see the human side of a hero and to see they have their struggles and demons to overcome. It makes the story more interesting. Also, it’s better than putting someone onto a pedestal where they will eventually fall off. It also gives us hope that the average person might be able to become a hero, too.

Recently, I viewed an intriguing character in a Bollywood movie (I’m using this term broadly as the film is actually from Kannada region in India). An unusual idea came to my mind while watching the film KGF: Chapter 1 (Kolar Gold Fields). The main character, “Rocky” portrayed by Yash, is an “epic anti-hero.” The reason I add “epic” to his description is the way his character behaves and the way the other characters view him. “Rocky” (the nick-name he chose reflecting a movie poster of Rocky Balboa) starts out as an orphan who has to struggle in the streets; he was left only with his mother’s advice that no matter what “die as a very wealthy man.” 

Rocky becomes strong both physically and mentally. We see in one scene that the mention of his name causes characters to panic and to shake with fear. And we see those who doubt his strength pay in a big way. Yes, he is a criminal, but we see indications of a soft spot or a kindness in various scenes whenever he remembers his mother and whenever he stops to help those less fortunate. Rocky is tough and practically invincible; he’s like a one-man army. And we watch his transformation as he is placed into situations that lead him to become the hero-- the epic anti-hero that is needed.

I’m anxiously waiting for Part 2 of this movie. It was supposed to be released this October, but due to Covid-19 and other issues, it has been delayed, and so far the release date is for January 2021. I recommend KGF: Chapter 1, as you will enjoy the unique character and storyline.

By the way, I’m hoping that Part 2 will lead Rocky to be the anti-hero that he can be; my fear from some of the rumors is that he might not do what we are expecting. Hopefully, his conscience will lead him to do the right thing so he will become the epic anti-hero we are waiting for. We will just have to wait and see.

We all need heroes, even epic anti-heroes, who give us hope that we can overcome evil and injustice in this world. Let us be inspired by the heroes of Hollywood, Bollywood and any other place that is producing such magical movies.

Surviving Isolation

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Hey, Everyone! I hope that you are safe and well. I know that times are tough, and we are all in this difficult situation together. The most important thing we can do is to stay home and stay safe, if at all possible. And we need to pray for not only ourselves, but also for the rest of the world while keeping in our prayers those who are on the front lines trying to help us and to keep us safe.

How are you handling staying inside? I know that for some people it might be easy, but for other people it is difficult, especially those who are used to socializing and being out. But we can do this! We have to for our safety and for the safety of those we love as well as everyone else.

Below are some suggestions that I hope might help you stay busy so that you forget you are isolated, well kind of forget.

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Some ideas for staying inside might include:

• Calling and talking to a friend or a loved one (either by phone or video chat)
• Doing activities or games with those living together (cards, board games, PS4/Xbox)
• Cooking a new recipe (desserts sound delicious)
• Exercising with a video or on a treadmill (we need to stay in shape after eating the dessert)
• Reading books (one of my favorite activities)
• Watching movies or shows (also something I enjoy)
• Listening to some songs that you like (create your favorite playlists)
• Drawing or painting (even if you’re not Picasso, you can still just enjoy it
• Making some kind of arts and crafts (this could be fun with kids)
• Repairing or cleaning up around the house
• Working from home (at least some of us)
• Writing (those who enjoy writing can keep a journal or write a bit of poetry and stories)
• Watch videos about anything you want to know more about (a time to learn new things)

*As for me, I like watching videos on every aspect of filmmaking, as this is my passion after writing.

I’m teaching online for the time being during this crisis, so you can imagine the homework I have to grade. At least it keeps me busy.  I’m sure many of us are now starting to get used to working online. Some essential workers still must go out and brave the world, but most of us are stuck either working from home and probably learning some new skills.

While I’m resting and sometimes getting bored at looking at the four walls, I do try to do some of the things on my list, and it does help. I also spend my time writing. I’m rewriting and editing one novel, and I got inspired a couple of weeks ago and started a new novel. At least while writing, I can escape to another world and live with my characters.

Whatever works to de-stress you and help you through this isolation period, then please do it, and I hope you enjoy it. Below are suggestions of some movies, series and books that I enjoy, and believe me it was hard to limit these lists as there are so many amazing books and fantastic movies/shows out there!

We should really thank all of the artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, game designers and all creatives who give us such amazing things to watch, play and read. We would be completely bored without their efforts and creativity.

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My top movies (different genres, as I like variety)

Forrest Gump

The Godfather

Knives Out

Joker

The Bone Collector

The Dark Knight

The Avengers (all of them, especially the first)

Black Panther

Iron Man (all of them)

Venom

A Few Good Men

Django Unchained

Angels and Demons

Murder on the Orient Express

Lord of the Rings (the whole Trilogy)

Harry Potter series

Monster-in-Law

My Best Friend’s Wedding  

The Matrix

Hannibal

It

Us

The Conjuring (both 1 and 2)

The King’s Speech

The Post

Spotlight

Braveheart

The Last Samurai

Creed (1 and 2)

Star Wars

Pirates of the Caribbean (all of them)

The Hunger Games

Any Jackie Chan movie (He is amazing!)

Older movies:

Casablanca

His Girl Friday 

Any movie by Hitchcock

Some Great 80s Movies (for memories):

The Breakfast Club

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 

Back to the Future

The Lost Boys

The Terminator

The Princess Bride

Beetlejuice

The Karate Kid (the original)

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Dead Poets Society

The Color Purple

Field of Dreams

Movies for Kids (I like them, too)

Aladdin

Brave

Beauty and the Beast (cartoon form)

Megamind

Shark Boy and Lava Girl

Spy Kids

Paddington

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The Lion King

Charlotte’s Web

The Wizard of Oz

Harry Potter (again as it fits here)

Bollywood (get the subtitles in English):

Bahubali (1 and 2; excellent: story, cinematography, music, acting, etc.)

Sanju

Munna Bhai

3 Idiots

Dangal  

My top series

Stranger Things

Mindhunter

Hannibal

Dexter

Peaky Blinders

Dawn til Dusk  (I liked the series better than the movie)

V-Wars

The Mist (Stephen King is good any time)

Sherlock

Witcher

Taboo

Vikings

Supernatural 

The Sinner

Vampire Diaries

The Originals

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My top books (or writers)

Classics by Jane Austen, Ernest Hemingway, Charlotte Bronte, Shakespeare, etc.

Who doesn’t like a good Shakespeare? Lots of drama with murder, love and mayhem!

Janet Evanovich (any book, especially Wicked Appetite and Wicked Business)

Dan Brown (Da Vinci Code; Angels and Demons)

Stephen King (all of his books)

Anne Rice (Wolfgift is my favorite)

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Highly recommended Indie Authors and those from small Publishing Houses (also my friends):

Norma Beishir (Chasing the Wind and The Unicorn’s Daughter)

Eve Gaal (Penniless Hearts and Penniless Souls)

Lorelei Bell (all of the Sabrina Strong series: Trill, Nocturne, Caprice, etc.)

Mark Richard Hunter (Storm Chaser and The Notorious Ian Grant)

Cameo Renae (Hidden Wings series and ARV-3)

Mary Ting (ISAN: International Sensory Assassin Network)

Cathy Jackson (Five Coffees)

Brooklyn Hudson (Wishbone series)

Cyn Bagley (She Called It, Wolf)

Lin Robinson (Bailin’)

Angie Fox (The Accidental Demon Slayer series)

Susan Finlay (Liars’ Games: Project Chameleon)

*Note that some of these authors are currently having special deals on their books, so check them out. Some of the best stories I’ve ever read are by Indie Authors.

Whatever you do to help you survive the isolation, I hope you find something to read or to watch from my suggestions. Stay safe and enjoy!

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