I have new writing goals for myself, in regards to Lady of the Snow. I’ve set up little “deadlines” and I’m hoping to stick with them.
I believe I have stated this on the blog before but I have issues though with self-motivation. 😛 During NaNo, I’m fine–I meet the goal and often it’s ahead of time. When I was in college and had research papers, I would always do much of the research and writing weeks ahead. I was never one of those that had to pull an all-nighter to get a paper done because I’d make sure it was completed and saved (in multiple places) a week ahead of time.
I’m a procrastinator but if there’s a deadline, I don’t like waiting until the last minute. It bothers me. Of course I’m not like my little sister, who often will have complete research papers MORE than a week ahead of time (she’s much more disciplined in the scholarly area than me). Still, if I have an outside force or reason to get something done, I’ll do it. But with no outer force pushing me along, I have a hard time keeping on track. I know it’s something I need to work on, especially as a writer, and it’s a big flaw of mine that I have to overcome, or at least fight on a constant basis. Yes, I readily admit that I tend to be a little on the lazy side…
Anyway, here are my new goals for my book, although they may change a little. Hoping to stick with them as best as I can though:
Deadlines for Lady of the Snow
- Character names and bios–August 31
- Loose chapter outline–October 31
- 1st draft (50K of it)–December 1
- Completed 1st draft (85-90K)–January 1
I’m hoping that NaNo will help me get a good chunk of it written; it’s helped me to write large sections in the past. I’d really like to try and get all 85K done, but I’ll aim for the lower goal of 50K. It would be nice to get it all done by the first of the year so I can start working on the arduous editing (and ultimately more in-depth research) process. It would really be nice to be able to start the query process next summer…but that will only happen if I’m able to keep on schedule and stop making excuses and procrastinating.
I need to find the motivation. That’s the only way I’ll ever have my book published.
Tales from the Writing Front 
Comments on: "Writing Goals, Yet Again" (9)
True enough! Best of luck in your endeavors!
Good on you, Dara! That’s inspirational. If I can ever find the next story I want to do, I will do my best to mimic you. Right now, I’m focusing so much on finding an agent I’m having trouble going to the next book. I know that’s problematic, but it’s how I’m made. I do one thing at a time. Right now, it seems to be finding an agent via marketing.
Good for you! Research a week ahead of schedule? Eeek! I can’t imagine being that disciplined. You obviously have it in you.
If I had it in me, my book would be half done by now 😛 I have a difficult time with self-imposed deadlines. Hoping I can come close to these…
Yay for deadlines! 😛 Does this mean I have permission to harass you about meeting them…? After all, what are sisters for? 😉
Your motivation is inspiring. I’ll have to come up with some dealines of my own.
I started a little schedule like that and then completely blew it! I’m hoping to get back on track again! *eye roll* GADS! I feel like a frelling ditz!
BUT you’re going to do better than I did! *cheesy grin*
looks like a good timeline. I can’t believe it’s already August, NANO only a few months away!! 🙂
Great timeline. Best of luck!