Tuesday, August 20, 2013

How to Tame the Post-Deadline Bear

by Rachael Phillips
 
Two weeks ago, I emerged from my writer’s cave after finishing a book. Friends and family urged me to celebrate the accomplishment. Those who know me best, however, stayed out of my way because I resembled a grizzly bear that awakened from a long hibernation—groggy, growly, and ready to snap at anything that moves. Not only could my appearance, as well as demeanor, have terrorized the neighborhood, but my writing ability plunged to an all-time low.

Now, having recovered somewhat, I join my husband in offering a few survival tips for those near and dear, including critique partners and writing friends, in how to tame a post-deadline writing bear.

Let the bear sleep. In fact, encourage the bear to snooze extra minutes in the morning, to retire early at night, to take naps. Nothing will increase the life expectancy of those in a writing bear’s path like a few additional zzz’s. Conversely, nothing will guarantee the loss of at least one limb like the question, “Why are you so tired? You don’t work.”

Give the bear some honey. In the face of bared fangs, this presents a challenge even tougher than letting her/him sleep. But trust us, it works. When insecurity looms 3.5 seconds after the author hits send, pour on reassurance: “You’re a good writer. You worked hard on this book.” Even better: “We prayed about this book. God will use it.” Accompanied by bear hugs (also chocolate and other sweet things), this approach can’t go wrong.  

Kick the bear in the butt. Only use this tactic when the other two have been applied assiduously. If, after generous amounts of sleep and support, the bear remains unbearable and spends valuable writing time playing infinite games of free cell or watching Saved By the Bell reruns and the insurance channel, do what you’ve been aching to do for months. Give the bear a good boot in the bootie: “God has gifted you. Is this the way you propose to use His gifts?” Then again offer honey from the Rock in the form of questions like “What would you really like to write? What has God been saying to you that should come out in your next book?”

So far, these tips have helped tame this writing bear recover. Any hints on how to handle the animal at your house?  

 

 

 

 

 

8 comments:

  1. I LOVED that creative blog, Rachael. But no bear picture? Not even a teddy bear or a college mascot? I just can't bear the absence of a bear photo! This zoo-oholic needed his daily critter fix. Now I'm the upset grizzly! (Though maybe I'm more like a sloth bear, or with my glasses a spectacled bear.)

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    1. Sorry, Jeff! Tried to download one, and my computer wasn't in the mood! Glad you enjoyed the blog, and thanks for sharing it!

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  2. Rachael, you're so funny. I always love reading your posts. My problem is that my deadlines are so back to back my family is constantly miserable living with me. The poor dears! And I think the best way to handle this bear is to just steer clear and hide all the breakables. I hate that about myself but I'm learning to be better! One thing they could do for me is to provide me a rocking chair in a dark room and let me stare off into nothing for a day or two...

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  3. Karla, That's been the story of my past four years! But I have a little breathing space now. Maybe a week or so of the rocking chair/stare therapy might cure me of my grizzlies!

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  4. What a great post, Rachael! I try to do the first one on my own, but since I live alone, the other two are more of a challenge. I definitly need someone to apply the third from time to time!

    Write on!
    Because of Christ~

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    1. Thanks, Sharon! Christian critique/prayer partners are great for applying #2 and #3. I know I couldn't do without mine!

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  5. Coming late to the comment game, but Rachael this was exactly what I needed today. Also thanks for the great Christmas gift idea. (I think I'll print it out in Super Large Font and frame it for a particular Loved One who is sometimes at a loss as to how to treat me in this situation.)
    Are you going to conference? I sure hope we get a chance to chat. You're one of my Favorite Writers.

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  6. Coming late to the comment game, but Rachael this was exactly what I needed today. Also thanks for the great Christmas gift idea. (I think I'll print it out in Super Large Font and frame it for a particular Loved One who is sometimes at a loss as to how to treat me in this situation.)
    Are you going to conference? I sure hope we get a chance to chat. You're one of my Favorite Writers.

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