Got Somethin’ Better to Do?

There’s a lot to writing a book and having it published.  I always imagined authors sitting at their desks, madly pecking away on their big, clunky typewriters as they created a work of art that was sure to win the Pulitzer, or at least be in the running.  They’d type, “The End,” and triumphantly rip the paper out of the typewriter.  Then, they’d put the manuscript in a big manila envelope and send it off to their publisher who was anxiously awaiting the next masterpiece.  After that, they’d put on their silk robes, go into their massive libraries, and sit by their fireplaces, smoking their pipes while money poured into their bank accounts.

I may exaggerate a little, but for the most part, that’s what I envisioned.  I knew my experience wouldn’t be anything like that.  I’m well aware that I’m not (and never will be) one of those best-selling, pipe-smoking authors.  Also, I don’t even have a silk robe or a library.  Most importantly, the work doesn’t end once that manuscript gets put in the mail (actually, it’s usually sent via email these days).  I’m not complaining at all—I’ve learned a lot in the past year and I find the whole process fascinating. 

Yesterday, I was at the bank setting up an account for the purpose of keeping the book expense (and hopefully sales) money separate from my personal account.  The lady at the bank said something I’ve heard a lot in the past year.  When people find out you’ve written a book, you will hear this phrase often:  “I’ve always wanted to write a book.”  That phrase is usually followed by, “But I don’t have time.”  I get it.  I felt the same way. 

During one period of my life, I was working full-time, raising a child, taking care of a house, and trying to maintain somewhat of a social life.  Plus, I was still drinking, so I had to keep up with that, too.  There was no time to do anything else.  Then one day, I realized that I was wasting time.  I spent my small amount of free time going out and drinking, socializing, or watching television when I could have been using that time to do something that would serve me well later.  So, I went back to school. 

Once I finished school, along with a few other goals I’d set, I found myself sitting around, watching TV again (I’d quit drinking by that time.)  So, I said to myself, “Why not start that book?  You have nothing better going on at the moment.”  That was over a year ago.  Within the next couple of months, I’ll be holding my book in my hand—shoot, I might even sleep with it next to me.

I don’t know the bank lady well enough that I would have felt comfortable replying as candidly as I wanted to when she said, “I’ve always wanted to write a book; I’ve just never had the time.”  But I feel like I’m close enough to you to speak candidly (I’ve shared some pretty personal stuff here with you, so I think we’re good like that).

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but instead, you spend hours sitting on your couch watching reruns on TV while scrolling through Facebook?  If so, don’t end, “I’ve always wanted to blank,” with, “but I don’t have time.”  Turn off the TV, get off of Facebook (or whatever other time-wasters you’re engaging in), and hop to it.

Time refuses to stop moving, so why not spend it working toward that thing you’ve always wanted? 

Or have you got somethin’ better to do?