New Question for the Chics

I know a lot of authors out there (whether they are new or experienced, published or unpublished) have bouts of frustration in this career - I mean, really, it can be nerve-wracking - and I think that this week's question for the Writer Chics will help a lot of people.
What is the hardest part about being an author and how do you keep going?

Lucky Curse

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a multi-tasker. I keep pretty busy at work everyday, but I'm also constantly thinking about my books. Some days, I feel lucky that I can do that; other days, it feels like a curse. Because of this lucky curse, my mind doesn't know how to shut down. Like I said earlier, I keep really busy at work, and even though I'm working on reports or trying to troubleshoot a system issue, my mind constantly plays out the stories that I need to write (or parts I've already written). I have the same problem at night when I'm trying to sleep. I'll lay in bed, close my eyes and try to drift off, but instead scenes will start playing in my head. And sometimes those scenes just keep on going, its like my own personal  movie that I can't type fast enough to keep up. Many scenes are from future books that I haven't even started writing yet, my characters are just getting impatient and want me to get with the program.

And that's not even the worst part!

My Paranormal Romance series is the main one that I'm trying to write - let's face it, they characters in that series are the loudest - but, I have two other series that I started writing months ago. They're both YA, and they only randomly pop into my head. Well, now they're pushing really hard, and I'm afraid that being pushed in three different directions, by oh, so many characters might just make my brain go on strike. Here's to hoping that I don't go crazy. Why aren't there more hours in the day?

Motivation

I think Leesa's last two posts lead to the perfect question for this week:

What motivates you?


As for me, music is the force that drives me. I can hear a song and see an entire scene unfold in my head. So far in my writing career, nothing else has been as strong of a motivational tool as music. I've even created a folder in my iPod for songs that I've found to work the best for me. Try it, it might work for you too! :o)

Have it your way

One of the most appealing concepts of being an author is that I get to work in the way that best suits me. No one is constantly looking over your shoulder, there are no set hours, no employee evaluation reports, no going in to 'the office', no dress codes, or even hygienic suggestions...just freedom to write in the most effective way depending on your personality. Trial and error (really trial and failure) have taught me how I accomplish the most work: early in the morning I can work for hours, in the afternoon and evening, I can only sit for short sessions punctuated by various other activities to keep me alert and focused. Those interruptions are usually food breaks, not very healthy, I know. That means getting up at four or five am and working until noon or one with few breaks is the most effective way for me to write. And now that I've found my groove, I encourage every writer to find how they work best and then, with sweat pants, unbrushed teeth and whatever else helps you hone in and give your characters voice, write.