I'm finishing the last chapters of my novel, and I've given myself a deadline. It's far different from the days when I meandered through the week, writing when and if I felt like it. I was always surprised at how little I accomplished. The idea of actually getting published and then having a deadline for the next book was scary. Scary enough to make me question if I had what it took to be a writer.
I just received my May/June copy of Writer's Digest in the mail. My favorite column is Breaking In, where three debut novelists are interviewed. This month, I was intrigued by what Anne Lyle, author of The Alchemist of Souls said.
When asked what she learned, Lyle says, "The change of gears from working at my own pace--even on a self-imposed deadline--to working to order. I went into this three-book deal with only one book finished, which means I have to be highly disciplined and write whether I feel like it or not." If she could do it again, Lyle would have started seriously writing much sooner.
Great advice. And to keep myself disciplined, I've been reviewing some advice meant to keep my nose to the grindstone. Like these:
Randy Ingermanson's Tactics of the Winning Novelist
Kenda Turner's Aim, Shoot, Bull's-eye
Timothy Hallinan's free Finish Your Novel course
In the same Writer's Digest issue, author Lisa See mentions her mother's practice of writing one thousand words every day before doing anything else (her mom is author Carolyn See, who wrote Making a Literary Life).
So what do you do to make yourself write on a regular basis? Is it a schedule? Having others hold you accountable? Or do you have another secret you're willing to share?
Feeling convicted about writing these days. I just saw something that says, "You can tell how serious a writer is by how selfish they become with their time. Let me put it bluntly: if you still have a life, you're probably not a serious writer. You have a hobby that may or may not pay off." The quote is credited to Cheryl St. John. I think I have a hobby. Until I figure out how to use my time better, I won't get much beyond that.
ReplyDeletethanks for the post, good information and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI have to treat it like a job. I'm blessed in that I don't have to work but if I don't have goals I get bogged down in reading and playing video games (yes, I am an adult). So I treat writing as my job. I sit down and write from when my husband leaves for work to when he comes home at night. I also discovered a while ago that in order to be a writer, you actually have to write (profound, eh?). Funny enough I did a post about that last week. Must be on the brain. http://kendramerritt.com/?p=105
ReplyDeleteSorry...my comments were published on another post. The A to Z blogging challenge, and the 12x12 PB manuscript challenge is sharpening my skills. I have an article due to be published in a popular home school magazine in July. Thanks for the links!
ReplyDeleteI keep to a fairly rigid writing schedule - 3 000 words a day Monday to Thursday. If I fall behind, then I have a Friday to catch up. If I manage to keep to task, I get a lovely long weekend to let ideas percolate in my head.
ReplyDeleteIt's worked through 10 manuscripts, so I'm sticking with it!
You guys are motivating me! I've been writing all I can this weekend in between family stuff. Love all your ideas!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I got the first draft of my novel done by writing 2000 words a day first thing. Gulp. Now I can't imagine how I did it. But since I'm working on a second one, I think I'll institute the 1,000 words a day rule. It really does make a difference when you've got a deadline. Rooting for you as you work!
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Charlotte. With a previous novel, I adhered to a steady schedule of up to 3 & 4K per day. Somehow it's harder with this novel. Thanks for your encouragement!
ReplyDelete~Debbie