For the first time I’m under 6 deadlines at once. I’ve never felt this scattered before, and my usual writing habits are interrupted by other thoughts, phone calls, interviews, deadlines. My brain is operating like a small madhouse, and my bedroom has turned into “the place where all the paper is kept” the floor is overflowing with highlighted transcripts (for the SPCO book project) and random newspaper clippings, ink pens, dust, and an overbearing collection of stiletto heels.
Monday was the wildest day. After spending Sunday night up making word count for the middle chapters of the book for deadline, I almost fell asleep working on edits for Newsweek’s “Current” magazine. The phone rang with calls from New York editors, and my stomach was aching. I hope this time does pass, that the madness dies down for a day or two before the weekend.
The biggest problem, however, is not the calls and e-mails and deadlines but my own lack of organization. The portion of the house that used to be my office, is not defunct. The wide desk where I kept files and had room to pen things is replaced with a new printer, scanner, copier. My cute desk tools and lamp have been moved to a closet, which leaves me working on my bed at my laptop in the afternoons. This causes: working in pajamas, making phone calls while laying down, falling asleep while reading copy and getting frustrated when things fall on the floor. I need another office space! A large desk, a phone, a lamp, a file cabinet, and a soft chair.
