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There is still so much to learn regarding the elements of writing fiction, but recently I’ve
been asked, “How do you keep to a writing schedule?” So, let’s go beyond the sale of your first book, or even the completion of that book. Once you finish a manuscript, set it aside for a couple of weeks before going back to it.
Once that book is finished daily routines are thrown out of kilter. The structure of writing, revision, polishing, cutting and production, breaks down. Immediately start a second project, delve right into writing again.
Most beginners will swear that once they learn to write a story everything will go smoothly. We professionals know that is far from the truth.
In truth, writing can get harder as you go along. With learned skills
will also show painful deficiencies. We become more critical of our work. Which
can slow us down. Some tips:
- Work regular hours. I have a very productive writing friend who divides her day into thirds.
She once showed me her day planner-A.M. write, Noon-3 time for talk shows and promoting her latest book, P.M. research
and more writing. This works well for her, she has 6 books coming out and 2 movies. You have to find what works best for you and don’t be afraid to take some time
for yourself. You know yourself best. Are
you more productive in the morning than the afternoon? Do you need absolute quiet
to work? Do you work longhand or on the computer?
There are no right and wrong answers. Just make sure your family and friends
respect your hours.
- Set up a quota. This simply means to finish what you’ve started. If
you set a goal of 3 working pages in the morning and 3 in the afternoon make sure you complete this goal before quitting. Or choose 1000 words to complete. In
the planning stage? Count that as a goal for the day. If you set a number of hours a day for work, use those hours wisely and finish…don’t just sit
there doing nothing. Start with minimal demands and work your way up.
- Have a place to work. This is a given. When you enter your work area become professional
even if you are in sweats, pajamas and slippers, or torn jeans. Be comfortable
but professional in attitude. At the end of your day put things away so you’ll
be ready to start fresh the next day.
- Eliminate distractions. Are you a day or night writer? Are you an early riser to get
your writing day started or prefer the solitude of night? Again, this is a personal
decision. At the moment I have to write when I can find the time. However, I carry a notebook with me at all times so that when I’m in a waiting room I can jot down
my ideas, or even complete a scene I’ve been working on. I prefer morning
time, but there was a time when I had to wait until kids were off to school.
- Don’t push too hard. Even the best of writers who push themselves toward a deadline will soon burn out and get bored if they
don’t watch it. Like our plots reward is what we seek. But press too hard and force the issue you may end up in real trouble.
- Stay alive.
When you aren’t writing travel, shop, visit friends, go to sporting events.
Make time for yourself to mingle with others, sit at a mall and watch everyone.
As we age we forget to mingle with the younger set. So how can we expect
to know what today’s generation is all about or even think they would be interested in what we have to say? It’s easy to sit at our computers and keep our own company why not share our company with others.
- Exercise.
I admit, this is easier said than done. Writing is an appallingly sedentary
occupation. This tip can be combined with staying alive, walk the mall, you don’t
have to buy anything. Grocery shopping is necessary so don’t include this
as exercise…but diet choice instead. Find a walking buddy that perhaps
will listen to your new book idea, or you listen to theirs
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