Of course you all know from some of my recent posts how I’m struggling through finishing my first draft. I know it’s because I’m making excuses, but I seem to have gotten stuck in some sort of sick cycle where the excuses just keep coming…
Anyway, while I was reading agent Nathan Bradford’s weekly publishing links, I was directed to a post by one of his clients, Jennifer Hubbard. What she said somehow finally broke the cycle of excuses: Just. Write.
That concept is something I keep failing to grasp. I’m always second guessing my plot and where my story is going, which is probably why it’s been nearly two years (more if you count the whole pre-planning stage) and it’s yet to see the words “The End” grace the page. And because of all the second guessing, I get frustrated with the book and avoid it.
For some reason, the ONLY time I’m able to take those simple words to heart is during NaNoWriMo. The rest of the year, I’m struggling to follow it.
It’s like there’s some psychological block that prevents me from continuing.
Anyway, I need to stop finding excuses. TODAY. 😛 So, starting next week, March 30, I will be working diligently on my novel. I’m making a word count goal for myself too–I must write at least 500 words every day.
I’m calling this Project Keep Writing. This is also an open invitation to any writer out there who also feels like they’ve stagnated in their first (or second or third) draft. Basically, it’s to get me (and anyone else) in the habit of writing EVERY DAY. Think of it like a variation on NaNo, only there’s no word or time limit. It’s basically to finish whatever project you are working on (or whatever project you want to start), whether that’s the first draft of a novel or nonfiction book, editing a second or third draft, finishing a short story, or compiling a poem(Also for those of you who have a project idea but have yet to put the words on paper, here’s a way to finally start!)
Obviously this isn’t very strict on rules or guidelines, but I figure that even if one or two participate, it’s more likely for all of us to keep the habit up 🙂 It’s kind of like the whole strength in numbers thing and also a way to keep one another accountable. 🙂
There’s no time limit for this; it’s basically to keep up the habit of consistent writing. I’ve found that once I stop that habit (like when Dec. 1st rolls around at the end of NaNo), it’s much harder to start up again.
So, loyal blog readers, can you help me stay accountable? 🙂
Feel free to join me on this little project, too. I’m already looking forward to it!
Tales from the Writing Front 
Comments on: "Project: Keep Writing" (8)
Good for you Dara! It’s so important to just stick our booties in the chairs and write. There will be plenty of revisions later, no matter how perfect we try to make the story the first time around.
So be free! Write whatever you want. Doesn’t have to be perfect, though I would bear in mind your character’s motivations, just so they don’t do something crazy that has no basis. 🙂 Good luck!
I keep telling myself the same thing – just write. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work 😛
Great goal! I know when I’ve done the whole process of sitting and just making myself get it out, it works and tada- there’s a book to edit. Hope to see Project Keep Writing be successful for you!
I’ll help keep you accountable. I’m pretty good at writing every day, but I’ll certainly help keep you on track because I know that once you form the habit it’s actually a hard one to break! It’s all about finding the right daily goal for yourself, one which is achievable most of the time (so that you set yourself up for success), but also one that pushes you (so that on the days you feel like doing nothing, you still have the will power to get in and get it done).
There is nothing more wonderful than realizing that you don’t need a ‘challenge’ to get you writing, and once you’ve cracked that there will be no stopping you! So go for it 🙂
sounds like a great plan!! 🙂
Great plan. I think I’ll try to follow in your footsteps this week and quit using the I’m tired excuse.
I’d love to join you on this. I set the same goal for myself over the weekend, so I love the idea of being accountable with someone else.
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