One of my favorite things to do when I’m supposed to be writing is to read about writing. And then talk about writing. And then write about writing. And then I had an epiphany.
Prepare yourselves.
Drumroll, please.
I like drums.
And the people who play them.
A lot.
Are you ready?
…None of that is the same thing as writing.
I know. Sheer brilliance. And they say blogging isn’t productive!
I’m sure that’s not groundbreaking for most of you, but I’m still young and ignorant and assimilating wisdom that most of you have known for years. In the world of writing, I’m a teenager who just earned her driving permit. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are on the horizon, but I still need lots of guidance. I need the wisdom of people older and more talented than me. I need to get on the highway in the middle of Dallas traffic and merge mid-anxiety attack with white knuckles and my mother screaming in the passenger seat.
That scenario is entirely fictitious, naturally.
(No. Seriously. My mother will never ride with me in Dallas.)
But most of all, I’m learning that I just need to turn my key in the ignition and drive.
I’m excited that so many of you are jumping in and taking the big risk with me this year. We’re learning together, we’re writing together, and one day we’ll get our shiny license with the picture that makes us look vaguely leprous.
Has the metaphor worn out its welcome yet?
Last week we made the decision that this year was the year. Let’s make this week the week. Everyone’s to do list is going to be unique, but here’s what I’m doing.
1. Rewriting my plot.
Some of my files didn’t survive the upgrade to the new iOs software. And my some, I mean everything I didn’t update the morning of the upgrade. I feel like I could tell the story I’m writing in my sleep, but it’s the most ambitious plot I’ve attempted (albeit that’s not saying much), and I need to pay close attention to the all of the various threads. I need to rewrite the chapter-by-chapter plot.
2. Write every morning.
I used to stay up until the wee hours of the morning and write. But when I start my day off with writing, I feel better the rest of the day. A plus side is knowing my alarm is going to go off at 5:30 means I’m more vigilant about getting good rest.
3. Finish two chapters.
Rather, rewrite a chapter and write a new one. Sometimes, when I submit my writing for critique in my Saturday morning workshop, I know the work is good. Other times, I cringe when I hit send because I know it isn’t ready. I know there are holes (or it’s just one huge cavernous abyss). The latter is what happened last week. I’m usually a proponent of Keep Calm And Write Forward. But there are some significant issues that need to be addressed in last week’s chapter.
If I meet my goals, I’m rewarding myself with a new book on Saturday.
If I don’t, no Starbucks for the next week.
What are you doing this week? Researching? Brainstorming? Revising?
Awesome post! This week, I really want to go full steam ahead on the novel I’m working on. Piecing it together, working out the kinks, make it all flow perfectly.
Just found your blog…I am a writer too, and this post definitely rings true for me. I have been in the “editing” phase of my second book now for awhile…but usually that involves me sitting in front of the computer doing things other than writing. Setting a schedule and goals seems like a good way to get motivated
The best thing I did for my writing productivity was get a secondary keyboard for my iPad. I can set the iPad a good distance away from me — close enough to see what I’m typing, but out of direct line of contact — and my keyboard and notes in front of me. It sounds simple, but I’ve seen my productivity sky rocket since this weekend.
Happy editing!!
Wow, you’re banning yourself from Starbucks if you don’t?? Ouch!
This week, I’m adding more words to my novel. I edited last week, and the word count got cut significantly. I need to add about 5,000 words this week and 5,000 more next week. Because…February 1st is my deadline to be absolutely, positively FINISHED with my manuscript.
Hmmm…no Starbucks if I don’t??? I think that might just be threatening enough to make me sit down and get it done!
I’ve taken it a step further since I wrote this. No Starbucks until I’ve written at least 500 words a day. I can drink up to my heart’s content once I hit that, though.
You’ll either save yourself a lot of $$ and calories, or you’ll be a prolific writer. No losing ground in that one!
You’re inspiring me. Note to self: Kate, get thy butt off the internet and WRITE.
I’ve been researching self-publishing options like madness. Then I checked my e-mail and realized that there was an e-mail from one of the publishers I submitted a proposal to…and said email was 8 days old, saying they never received my original proposal submission. Sad day.