Just Do It
One thing I've discovered since becoming a published author is that I look for any excuse NOT to write. I sit down with good intentions, then the buzzer on the clothes dryer goes off and I take half an hour to go do laundry. I notice a hangnail and search for my emory board so I can file it off and while I'm at it I get out the buffer and polish. I get up for more coffee and notice that the dishwasher has finished its cycle....
Often I'm actually looking for distractions. Why is it? I wonder. I like to write...once I'm involved in the process. But thinking of doing it--that's what gets to me. I look at the whole enormous picture, creating a 300+ book with interweaving themes, astounding characterization, mind-numbing plots and I get completely daunted. How could I ever accomplish something like writing a book? Even after all the books I've written and edited, this thought persists.
I'll tell you how. One sentence at a time. And if your writing is awful on the first draft, which it almost always is, you can make it better on the second, third and fourth drafts.
The point is do it!
One thing I've discovered since starting is that I'm motivated by a couple of things. 1. Money--when there are bills to pay I get down to business much faster! 2. Hiring a babysitter--even if I'm not paying the babysitter, knowing that someone else is investing time in helping me get my books written moves me to write. 3. Leaving the house helps me a lot. The distractions of housework and childcare are gone. My public library is a great place to write!
Hang in there. Boy, it looks like my coffee cup is empty!
Traci
5 Comments:
I can relate, Traci!!!
I enjoy your blog, Traci. I just want to read more. :) I love hearing about the writing of Christian fiction, and the editing side, and the publishing house stuff. Thanks for a great post.
I can relate! It's definitely difficult, some days, to actually put words on the page. My favorite procrastination excuse is "I'm still researching." I could just research forever and never write the book!
I've found that part of my procrastination actually helps me. As my deadline gets closer and the pressure mounts, I seem to work better and better. I have a hard time with a "relaxed" schedule.
But I know what you mean about the distrac -- hold on, I need to go put the laundry in the dryer!
Traci - I too enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. Just today, I wrote for four hours at my favorite coffee house. I found an inexpensive mild blend that keeps me going. Aside from the pedestrian traffic to and from the counter, I am able to focus on my stories and just write from 1-5 every Saturday.
Just finished my first novel. Your experience reinforces me to go at another. I tend to want to wait and see if it publishes. Glad to know one with more time in is still daunted by the enormity of the task. Thanks.
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