Juggling: A Guide For Teenage Authors

Adults try to split apart a teenager's life into two parts: School and After-School. But only a true teenager knows how false that statement is. It's more like School, Work, Homework, Social Life, at least thirty minutes of T.V and your passions.

And especially when you have a passion as time-consuming as writing, it can get especially difficult. So here's how you can work on your latest project, keep your grades up(somewhat), and still have time to catch up on The Office.

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Compromise:

Compromise is key when you want your A's(in my case, B's) and still work on your book. And I know, I know, who wants to give up their YouTube?

But just imagine what that finished book will feel like in your hands, the texture of your words on paper! Or if that's not enough, remember the people who thought you couldn't do it because no matter how many people say love is the most powerful force; anger has a power of its own.

As a girl who has taken her fair share of hard classes, I know it can be done. And I know it's hard. But, again, just imagine the sound of paper from your own book rustling.

Focus:

I'm definitely guilty of drifting off into space during my History notes or checking Insta when I'm supposed to be developing my protagonist's character development. But this horrible habit can be detrimental to your book.

I bet that you don't need 20 breaks during homework to check up on your favorite celebrity. One thing I've seen that helps is music. Quiet music in the background while you finish up your notes and when you write can keep a lot of you focused(emphasis on how I didn't include everyone). Old favorites are perfect at this time, the songs you know well enough that you can focus at the task at hand but still not get bored.

If music is a distractor, obviously don't use it. I know of friends who munch on something while they work, take organized breaks, or do work in places where they won't get distracted(i.e kitchen counter where mom's watching/glaring while you work).

People are different, so experiment. And once you got something that keeps you on task, implement it instantly.

Breaks:

Now don't take advantage of this, but a strategically placed break can do the mind wonders.

Maybe after Bio worksheets, go downstairs and talk to your parental units. Or if your anti-social, like me, maybe walk around your room for a bit to clear your mind after you wrote a page.

Or you could think about it differently, maybe take a break from writing for a day. Forcing yourself to write everyday isn't efficient, it just ends up with you staring at your computer screen blankly. Plus, a free day can give you time to collect your thoughts and plan ahead in your book.

Most of my best ideas have come when I'm doing something random. Just make sure to note it down so you don't forget it in the near future.

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I might have not touched on many things that might work for you, or somethings I said distracts instead of aids. But if it helps you get that book out sooner, then it's a win. So get off of YouTube and go finish up your homework or figure out that plot twist!