So, I've been unemployed since the end of August. Since then I've turned into a pretty amazing house husband if I do say so myself, the one thing though...I seem to write less now that I have more time. I do all these other things, you know, like take the kids to school and pick them up, cook and clean, read a lot, take wonderful strolls, etc. Yet, I find it hard to write. I also find that anxiety finds me a lot easier now that my mind is freed up to actually think about things.
I think I need to set myself a strict writing regimen similar to that of work. Get up, get ready, do dad stuff then write my butt off for the next so many hours. Maybe that will help? Then again, wandering around the house aimlessly does have a strange sort of appeal to it.
Don't beat yourself up about this. There's the saying, "if you want something done, ask a busy person". Not having pressure is a great way to fall into the trap of procrastination.
Give yourself a certain number of set hours you are allowed to write and organise things around them.
Welcome to the perils and ennui of being a full-time family caretaker. It can help to change scene. Once the kids are safely in school, take the laptop and go to a cafe or the park or whatever and set yourself a window for writing.
It seems like you've picked up a lot of skills recently, even if they're unrelated to writing. Cut yourself some slack. I haven't written in months because I've been busy studying, but it's like riding a bike. You'll pick it back up again! And don't underestimate the power of wandering aimlessly. I've had some of my best ideas then.
Covid is making everyone reevaluate their lives, Nicholas. But I think you may have a screenplay there. It could be a modern pandemic version of Mr. Mom. If you haven't seen it, it was a 1983 comedy starring Michael Keaton about a guy kinda like you. Check it out, it may help.
CJ - You're right about that. I went back to work for a short period of time and was able to get some writing done. Then, laid off again and no writing UNTIL I told myself just one hour. That's it. One hour of looking at the computer and it worked. Writing another draft (a much better one for sure) of one of my screenplays.
Christiane - I started doing that and it worked well. I would tell myself 1 hour, and I'd go to my local pub and write. Worked out great.
Lucy - My wandering mind has been pretty helpful lately with ideas. And you're right, I do need to cut myself some slack. There's already enough life pressure as it is.
Lance - Yeah, I've definitely had to reevaluate my life for sure. And yeah, I remember that movie, it was funny. If only I could write comedy. I don't think I'm that funny. Still, I think I might go back and watch that movie again, I like Michael Keaton as an actor.