February 3, 2014

How Editing is Like Sleep: ROW80

My husband received a Fitbit® for Christmas. At first, I didn't think I needed one. I'm active, I told myself (and him). I exercise at least 3-4 times a week. 

Not good enough according to Fit Bit. And a lot of days I sit for long periods stuck at a computer. Seeing how hard it was for him to meet his goal (30 active minutes and 5 miles a day of total walking), I decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Man, I didn't realize how hard it was to hit those targets on days where I needed to keep my butt in the chair. But I've made little tweaks to my daily routine to include walking my daughter to school and taking a run after. Overall, I feel less stressed and more eager to hit the computer when I get back.

Another feature of Fitbit® is measuring your sleep pattern (both total sleep and restlessness). My last report...


When I saw this, my first thought was no wonder I'm so tired when I wake up. But my second thought... that's how I feel when I'm editing.

I start off raring to go, then I hit a spot where I can't figure it out. Frustration and a need for sugar often result before I find my groove again. That was today. Off and on emotions... 

I rocked that scene.
I'm never going to get this scene right.
Why won't this character tell me what he/she is thinking?
Why won't another character shut up?
What's the word I want? ARGH!
That's pretty good. Did I write that?
Oh my God, did I write that?

Off and on. It can be exhausting. 

And that's my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) progress in a nutshell. Editing Chasing Shadows. As a side note, I filed my quarterly sales tax return and wrote a few blog posts during those "need a break" moments. Not too bad.

What's the craziest thought you ever had while editing?

3 comments:

mooderino said...

I'm trying to up my exercising quota too. Of course starting is the easy part, keeping at it after months is when it pays off. It does make you feel refreshed when you get your butt back in the seat for writing.

mood
Moody Writing

Jo Michaels said...

I've been exercising with my 8 year old. She's never stretched or moved like that. It's been difficult but we're getting there. Just call me Jillian :) LOL

My strangest thought while editing has been: I wonder if a lot of folks know this word?! Should I use it?! :)

WRITE ON!

Tia Bach said...

Exercise is such a stress reliever for me, and it makes a huge difference in my abilities as a mom, writer, wife...

Blog comments make my day. So thank you!