In honor of falling back (translation = change your clocks back tonight dammit), I’ve been pondering what I should do with the extra hour. I know, I know, it isn’t really an extra hour. But please don’t crush my illusion. It makes me happy.
My pondering has sparked a question:
If I had an extra hour to write every day, what would I write?
Here’s what I’ve come up with:
1) I’d finish my memoir.
2) I’d write more short stories.
3) I’d write another poetry book.
4) I’d write a fictional blog from the perspective of my pet rabbits.
5) I’d write a new ending for the show Gilmore Girls, just because I think someone should.
6) I’d write a pilot for a sitcom about lawyers (one that wouldn’t suck).
7) I’d write an ebook on how to teach yourself sign language.
Ok, so maybe I’d need 24 more hours each day to get all of this accomplished, but a girl’s gotta dream.
Now, I want to hear yours. What would you write about if suddenly you had an extra hour to write each day? Anyone can play along, but I’m tagging: Katharine, Michele, Jeanne, Lori, Dee, Kathy and Renie.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the tag, Amy! What a fascinating concept! (And thanks for reminding me about setting our clocks back tonight, because I’ve been so busy with my writing assignments, I hadn’t even realized it! I’ll say this: I can certainly use the extra hour’s sleep!)
I have a piece I need to complete for a client today and my church’s sermon summary and small group discussion sheet to write tomorrow, but I’ll get to the meme as soon as I can. (I also already have my next Writer’s Notes post written.)
It was fascinating to learn a little bit about you as a writer from your list of things you would do with the extra hour! We have a few things in common: I, too, write poetry; and while I’ve had individual poems published in a literary magazine, as well as online, I’ve never published a poetry book. I’ve also written a few short stories, with one flash fiction piece winning a short story contest, and I’ve studied American Sign Language–four college semesters of it.
Thanks again for the tag!
Jeanne
Don’t feel bad. I turned my clocks back lasts weekend because I never pick up a newspaper.
I self-published my poetry books, primarily because I was doing it more for fun than for profit, and because I wanted to do it my way. I’ve made some decent money, but I’d probably have made more if I went the traditional route. I guess I’m just not that patient.
Great to know another signer, too! I love sign language. I was fascinated with it as a child. At one point, I was going to be an interpreter, but I decided to work for lawyers instead.
Anyhow, I’ll be happy to see yours whenever you have a chance to post them. I always find it fun to learn something new about fellow writers.
Thanks for tagging me, Amy. I just finished a meme here: http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.
com/2007/11/seven-random-facts-meme.
html
that I tagged you for over at amyderby.com.
I’m going to do the meme you just tagged me for soon, either this evening or in the morning. I’m going to think a little on this one. There’s so much I’d do if I had more time! It’s hard to narrow it down ;0)
Thanks for thinking of me, though, I appreciate it.
Like you, I always enjoy learning more about my fellow writers
Smiles,
Michele
I finished the meme, Amy. Here’s the link:
http://writingthecyberhighway.
blogspot.com/2007/11/if-i-had-e
xtra-hour.html
Smiles,
Michele
Oh, I like your choices, Amy. I don’t watch Gilmore Girls, or any lawyer stories. But a funny lawyer sitcom might entice me to watch. Thanks for tagging me. I will probably do it early next week.
Renie
Amy,
You and I have something else in common: Last Spring, when we were supposed to set our clocks an hour ahead for Daylight Saving Time, I, too, did so the weekend before! (Apparently, we both have a lot on our minds! LOL!)
Jeanne
Thanks for the tag, Amy — and what a great idea for a meme! It’s nice to see one other than the usual, “Tell X number of things about yourself.” ;o)
My response is here.
I actually have plenty of time a day. I think that’s the problem, heh. I used to be more productive when I only knew I had an hour here or 30 minutes there. Too many darned distractions on the Internet.
Oh, the hour change. I got up this morning and wondered why the heck it was sooooo bright outside at 6:30 a.m. already. I’ve already piddled away my extra hour.
I’m the master of wasting time.
Thank you for the tag, Miss Amy. I’ll let you know when I have it up. [this comment has taken a full minute or two of the extra hour
so, there's that.]
Michele,
I still owe you one for the crazy 8 meme. I actually started writing it yesterday, then had to leave for a family thing. I’ll try to finish that one up today and then start on the new one.
Looking forward to reading your answers to this one in a moment.
Michele,
I just read your answers and left a comment, but I wanted to add.. about the nursing home residents, I wish I’d saved all those stories. It would have made a great anthology if I could have gotten people’s permission to publish them.
Amy, I just came across your blogs through your post at Performancing, and wanted to say you’re definitely going into my reader. I’m a tech writer by day, but have always wanted to move into freelancing, whether as a tech writer, or just “regular” writer, so I’ve been enjoying your blogs, and all the information in them.
Keep up the good work! It’s definitely giving me ideas and inspiration to get off my duff and start my freelancing career. Cheers!
Renie,
I will look forward to reading your answers. I picture you would write something very inspirational, although you already write so much inspirational stuff already! I’m curious to know what everyone would write if they really had all the time in the world. I guess an hour’s not enough.
About lawyer stories, I worked for lawyers for 6 years, and I have thought since Ally McBeal (sp?) that someone should write a funny lawyer show that was actually accurate. I will probably never do it, since I have no idea how to write a show script, but I like to dream.
Jeanne,
That’s funny! This is the first time I’ve missed it, but wasn’t the clock change on a different schedule this past spring, too? That’s what threw me. It’s always the last Sunday in October. I guess I don’t adjust well to change.
Katharine,
I liked your answer. Very practical. If I had a horse, I’d probably try to figure out a way to ride and type at the same time. Of course, I’d also have to have extra hands to blow my nose and use my inhaler (I’m allergic to horses).
Annie,
That’s so true. Back when I was working 80 hours a week at an office, I would spend my lunch hour writing poetry. Now that I write for a living, I spend my extra time taking on an extra writing gig.
Of course, if I wrote a cruise blog like yours, I’d probably spend all my time making travel plans.
Dee,
Aren’t you expecting twins? I think you should sleep for TWO extra hours. If you get to eat for two (or is it four with twins?), you should get AT LEAST two hours to sleep it off. It’s only fair.
Julia,
Thanks so much for visiting me here. It gets lonely sometimes.
I’m glad to know someone is reading my posts at Performancing. Ha ha. The guys over there have a TON more experience blogging than I do, so I feel like a dork trying to blend in.
What sort of tech writing do you do? I know a few freelance tech writers who make out like bandits. I don’t have it in me to write tech materials. I’d probably fall asleep half way through my own writing. I do some legal writing, and that sounds boring, but I find it intriguing (yes, I’m twisted). Maybe that’s how tech writers feel about user manuals?
Anyhow, glad you’ve found the blog. And I hope you find it useful.
Hi Amy,
I replied to your comment over at my blog. Yes, you’re right. I think those stories would have made a great anthology. Hindsight is 20/20, right? We can’t go back, but we can always use our wisdom we gain in these learning experiences and put it to good use in the future. So, maybe someday you can make an anthology like this of “new” old people’s stories ;0)
Smiles,
Michele
Michele,
That’s a good idea. Actually, if my anxiety disorder ever gets back under control enough where I can take a trip back to San Francisco, I’d like to do an anthology of homeless people’s stories and poetry. Maybe one day.
Oh, I think that’s a great idea, Amy! An anthology of homeless peoples stories and poetry… I know that would be a very touching book, and I know it’s dear to your heart. I pray your anxiety disorder comes under control and that this idea becomes a reality ;0)
Smiles,
Michele
Amy,
What a great thought provoking question. I’d like to think I’d do something grand…but I had already slept the extra hour away by the time I read this. Rest is good…right??
Grandy,
I’ve gotta say, I’m a big fan of rest.
Amy,
Just wanted to let you know that I’m planning to write my entry to this meme today–hopefully as soon as I leave your blog!
Jeanne
By the way, Amy, I think you’re right about the time change being different this year–both last spring and this fall. (Any excuse will do! LOL!)
Jeanne
Hi again, Amy!
Just finished my entry to your meme. Here’s the link: http://www.writersnotes.net/end-of-dst-meme-what-id-write-if-i-had-an-extra-hour-a-day/.
Thanks again for the tag!
Jeanne
Amy,
My actual extra hour on Sunday didn’t see writing or extra time with Panama. Instead, I ended up driving around a lot in order to rescue Michael… You can read about it here.
Your comment made me laugh. I actually have considered taking my laptop to the stables with me, and finding someplace to sit and work while Panama gets some time out of his stall. In fact, if it were a little warmer I probably would do just that. ;o)
Jeanne and Katharine,
Things have been a bit hectic at home, so I’ve fallen behind.
I’ll be over to read your responses soon. I’m excited to read your meme answers, Jeanne. And Katharine, the “rescuing Michael” thing doesn’t sound good.
I’ll be over to your blog to read about that one.
Hi Amy,
My feeble Extra Hour meme is up.
myextrahour
Thanks for the tag!
And, happy almost birthday! (or is it actual birthday already?)
Dee,
I was just reading your “Oh, Lucy!” topic when I saw the email that you’d commented here. *cues twilight zone music*
Thanks for the birthday wishes. It’s not till the 12th, but I like to celebrate all month. My way of celebrating is to eat junk food, which I actually do all the time. But doing it for “birthday” week makes me feel better. Plus, it’s a good excuse to buy myself books. I get one a week for birthday month. Yes, I’m 4 years old.
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