I can't believe how much something as simple as tooth pain can throw a wrench into a writer's life. Since my last post, 03/11/03, I've been in and out of the dentist's chair trying to get this problem fixed . . . all the while missing several days of work. With deadlines looming and clients wondering where the heck I am, this isn't a good thing. I went from corresponding with individuals on a daily basis to not writing a thing for a week. Why? All because of a tooth ache. Turns out I need all my wisdom teeth pulled, which will turn out to be more missed work.
So how am I making up for this missed time?
First, by putting my faith in the Lord: I believe everything happens for a reason. Perhaps this is a forced vacation. Whatever it is, I'm placing it in the Lord's hands in an effort to show me the way in which I should go.
Second, lighten my load. Because I have so much on my plate, I have to pick and choose what needs to be put off and what needs to be completed. With that in mind, letters must be sent out explaining what's going on. Remember, if you're working for a non-paying market (like WTI, for example), the editors deserve notification just as much as paying markets because they have to make up for that missing content.
Third, stay on the ball. Procrastination won't get me anywhere, particularly when facing this type of reality. If I stay on the ball both in terms of my health and my career, this will go a lot smoother! Procrastination is what got me in this mess in the first place!
So, what's next? Prayer and more calls to the dentist! OUCH!
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