Time to Write
Needless to say, I'm a busy person. Oh, wait. You all don't know me. So I do need to say it. I-am-a-busy-person. I like it that way, but I often complain that I'm so busy there isn't enough time in the day to do what I want to do. Which is a lie I tell myself, because I do things I want to do right along with things I committed to do that started out to be things I wanted to do, and I do things I need to do so I can do the things I want to do, and I do things I hate to do, but some of those things I hate to do, I would like to do if I didn't have so much to do.
Here's my life encapsulated in what may sound like bragging, because you might think I'm rubbing it in your face that I actually do all that I'm about to tell you. My point is not to toot my own horn, it's to make a point about priorities. Here goes.
Private Investigations
I own and operate a detective business. I work solo now, because I got rid of my big office and employees 10 years ago, and keep on four independent contractors to help me in the field operations. I answer my own phones, make my own files, create my own cross-reference system to keep track of closed files, post revenues, pay the bills, balance my checkbook, do the quarterly tax returns, deal with licensing and other governmental agencies, work and case direct all the investigations, and consult with clients and prospective clients. And I write every report for every investigation--5-10 a week.
Time: 32 hours per week average
Theater
I've served as the Artistic Director of the Elite Theatre Company in Oxnard, CA for 5 years. I read 20-30 plays a year, including original scripts. I put together the season of five plays, hire the directors, and oversee the artistic quality of each production. I attend auditions, rehearsals and provide support, advice and oversight for each director and his or her staff.
I direct three plays a year at three different theaters. Each play requires that I read and study the play, conduct research in some instances, particularly on highly technical or period plays. I work with a staff for several days before auditions, then, after casting the show, I'm in rehearsal for 6-7 weeks for 4-6 nights a week.
I produce three or more plays a year, which involves doing all the behind the scenes work to get a show up. That's publicity, hiring production staff, dealing with all the problems that arise in the course of casting, hiring, marketing and keeping a show on track to open as scheduled and to get audiences in the seats.
I act in one play a year (most years), which requires learning lines, studying my role, being in rehearsal for 6-7 weeks, 4-6 nights a week, then performing for the run of 5-6 weeks on the weekends.
As a member of a county wide theater awards committee, I attend about 2-3 play per month around the county to judge the plays, actors, and technical artistry, then I director the awards event in January.
Time: 8 hours per week average
Private Security
Four nights a week I coordinate a team of off-duty and retired law enforcement officers providing private security at two private boarding schools.
Time: 14 hours per week average
Writing
I'm writing a memoir for a writing client. I'm re-writing my play, American Write, which premieres in April, 2010. I'm writing a final edit on my new novel, The Plunge. And now I'm writing this blog every day.
Time: 18 hours per week average
Golf
I play golf once a week.
Time: 5 hours (6 if I stay for the 19th hole)
That's about 77 hours per week, or 11 hours a day. And I still have to help take care of my daughter still living at home, drive her to school, make her lunch, do grocery shopping (which I love to do!), spend time with my wife and daughter, and go to church on Sunday.
So. Priorities. We make our priorities. When I have to work a 40- or 50-hour week as an investigator (long surveillances usually), the priorities shift that week, but not much. I still do everything else...somehow.
So. Priorities. And resolutions. I resolved a long time ago that it wasn't fair to my family to pursue something that didn't bring in a paycheck...like acting, directing, writing...so I work. But I resolved a long time ago that I'm not just a husband and father. I'm an artist. So I write, act, and direct theater.
And I am happy. Exhausted a lot of the time. Frustrated some of the time. Ready to give up on occasion. But I know if I don't find the time, I won't do that which I need to do. And I need to write.
I encourage you this coming year to never say, "I don't have the time." Because you do. If you want the time.
Happy New Year Writing...or Singing...or Knitting...or Film making...or Hiking...or Biking...or just staying healthy.
Here's my life encapsulated in what may sound like bragging, because you might think I'm rubbing it in your face that I actually do all that I'm about to tell you. My point is not to toot my own horn, it's to make a point about priorities. Here goes.
Private Investigations
I own and operate a detective business. I work solo now, because I got rid of my big office and employees 10 years ago, and keep on four independent contractors to help me in the field operations. I answer my own phones, make my own files, create my own cross-reference system to keep track of closed files, post revenues, pay the bills, balance my checkbook, do the quarterly tax returns, deal with licensing and other governmental agencies, work and case direct all the investigations, and consult with clients and prospective clients. And I write every report for every investigation--5-10 a week.
Time: 32 hours per week average
Theater
I've served as the Artistic Director of the Elite Theatre Company in Oxnard, CA for 5 years. I read 20-30 plays a year, including original scripts. I put together the season of five plays, hire the directors, and oversee the artistic quality of each production. I attend auditions, rehearsals and provide support, advice and oversight for each director and his or her staff.
I direct three plays a year at three different theaters. Each play requires that I read and study the play, conduct research in some instances, particularly on highly technical or period plays. I work with a staff for several days before auditions, then, after casting the show, I'm in rehearsal for 6-7 weeks for 4-6 nights a week.
I produce three or more plays a year, which involves doing all the behind the scenes work to get a show up. That's publicity, hiring production staff, dealing with all the problems that arise in the course of casting, hiring, marketing and keeping a show on track to open as scheduled and to get audiences in the seats.
I act in one play a year (most years), which requires learning lines, studying my role, being in rehearsal for 6-7 weeks, 4-6 nights a week, then performing for the run of 5-6 weeks on the weekends.
As a member of a county wide theater awards committee, I attend about 2-3 play per month around the county to judge the plays, actors, and technical artistry, then I director the awards event in January.
Time: 8 hours per week average
Private Security
Four nights a week I coordinate a team of off-duty and retired law enforcement officers providing private security at two private boarding schools.
Time: 14 hours per week average
Writing
I'm writing a memoir for a writing client. I'm re-writing my play, American Write, which premieres in April, 2010. I'm writing a final edit on my new novel, The Plunge. And now I'm writing this blog every day.
Time: 18 hours per week average
Golf
I play golf once a week.
Time: 5 hours (6 if I stay for the 19th hole)
That's about 77 hours per week, or 11 hours a day. And I still have to help take care of my daughter still living at home, drive her to school, make her lunch, do grocery shopping (which I love to do!), spend time with my wife and daughter, and go to church on Sunday.
So. Priorities. We make our priorities. When I have to work a 40- or 50-hour week as an investigator (long surveillances usually), the priorities shift that week, but not much. I still do everything else...somehow.
So. Priorities. And resolutions. I resolved a long time ago that it wasn't fair to my family to pursue something that didn't bring in a paycheck...like acting, directing, writing...so I work. But I resolved a long time ago that I'm not just a husband and father. I'm an artist. So I write, act, and direct theater.
And I am happy. Exhausted a lot of the time. Frustrated some of the time. Ready to give up on occasion. But I know if I don't find the time, I won't do that which I need to do. And I need to write.
I encourage you this coming year to never say, "I don't have the time." Because you do. If you want the time.
Happy New Year Writing...or Singing...or Knitting...or Film making...or Hiking...or Biking...or just staying healthy.
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