So here I am, designing a slice of a galaxy, running on fumes and caffeine, feeling my nearly 59 years,racing to finish a monumental task in what feels like an impossibly short timeframe. I’m not going to lie—this week after our vaction to the beach has been a blur of deadlines, drafts, and way too many cups of coffee. When you’re averaging less than three hours of sleep per night, everything starts to get a little... fuzzy. But somehow, despite the madness, life keeps rolling on. And, of course, so does family life.
This morning, my wife Jiraporn, the ever-amazing, hyper-organized Government Officer woman that she is, canceled her before sunrise morning jog to give me a few extra hours of precious sleep. I’m pretty sure she saw the zombie-level exhaustion on my face and decided it was time to take action. She even arranged for my older son Prom to take a yellow truck jitney into the city rather than my driving him by car for the usual drop-off at his Academy. Bless her, because that extra sleep? Lifesaver. In this chaotic whirlwind, those couple of extra hours meant the difference between functioning like a sleep-deprived lunatic and merely feeling... well, human.
You see, the reality is, I’m not just pulling insane hours to finish this project. There’s the school run, the family dinners bought from the market to save pennies, the general chaos that comes with kids, a spouse, and a busy life. I’m still taking the kids to school, but thankfully, my wife is making sure the kids' homework is done, and I am somehow... somehow pretending I’m not slowly turning into a pumpkin at midnight (or 3 a.m., depending on how long it takes me to knock out the latest edit).
And why all this madness? Well, I’ve got a massive social media push to finalize, and it’s crunch time. Between writing, editing, and prepping social media posts, it feels like my to-do list just keeps growing no matter how much I cross off. Thank goodness for my social media manager, Amy Firpo, who’s been my rock this month. Together, we’ve been pushing through late nights and early mornings, strategizing and planning every single post to make sure everything aligns perfectly.
And then there’s the writing itself. I’m hammering out what feels like endless words, and when I’m not writing, I’m editing—sometimes in the dead of night when the house is finally quiet, and the rest of the world is (mercifully) asleep. It’s funny, you’d think I’d get used to this by now, but nope. Every major project feels like a wild ride that tests my stamina, creativity, and sometimes my sanity. But hey, isn’t that part of the fun? Or at least that’s what I tell myself as I sip on my third cup of coffee before 11:30 a.m.
At this point, everyone around me is concerned. Friends, family—even the people who only know me through Facebook or Instagram—are dropping hints like, “Maybe you should, I don’t know, sleep?” And believe me, I get it. I know it’s a bit extreme. But right now, I’m in that phase where I just have to get it done. The countdown is real, the deadline is looming, and as always, I know it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Somehow, between the sleep deprivation, the family hustle, and the mounting pressure, I’ll cross the finish line. And after this marathon? I plan to pass out for a week, play some zombie survivl game on Steam.com... and then prepare for book two launch. 😅
For now, it’s back to juggling all the things—work, family, and, of course, trying not to fall face-first into my laptop.
A Space Opera Writer's Tips for Surviving Crunch Time:
💥 1. Breathe and Take Breaks:
No matter how tight the deadline, don’t forget to take small breaks. Stepping away from your screen for a few minutes can give your brain a much-needed reset, helping you stay sharp and creative. 🌟
💥 2. Prioritize Tasks:
When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Focus on the top priorities first. List out your tasks by importance and tackle the biggest ones first—you’ll feel more in control and less stressed. 🎯
💥 3. Fuel Up:
Coffee is a lifesaver, but don’t forget the essentials: stay hydrated and grab quick, healthy snacks. It’s amazing how a glass of water or a piece of fruit can recharge your brain! 🍎☕️
💥 4. Celebrate the Small Wins:
Finished a paragraph? Scheduled a post? Checked something off your list? Take a moment to celebrate those small victories—they add up and keep you motivated through the marathon. 🎉
💥 REST! (Maybe… later):
We all know rest is essential, but when the pressure’s on, it’s often the last thing on the agenda. That’s okay, just make sure to plan for some recovery time after the deadline hits. Your brain and body will thank you! 😴
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