OK, the decision has been made. It's time to get writing on this blog of mine. And not just because writing a blog post is easier than buckling down to start the next novel - no, that's not it at all. Hey, I'm a writer - I do stuff like this every day. Starting a new book? Ptcha! (dismissive noise) Setting up a cast of new characters and finding them something to do holds no terrors for me, no siree. Devising a fresh and ingenious narrative is my bread and butter. Why, there's absolutely nothing stopping me from opening a new file right now and making a start on the next Sunstrike novel. I could do it, you know. Just like that. *clicks fingers* But I want to get this blog started first.
Oh, wait - was that an email arriving? Excuse me while I check what it is. Someone may need instant action. No, false alarm. But since I've stopped, I'll just check Facebook while I'm there.
Twenty minutes later.
Ha ha! Oh man, that kitten was SOOOO cute! The way that fluffy little thing just stared into the camera and tipped over the glass. I'm still laughing.
Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yes, getting on with writing. You have to be really disciplined to succeed at this game. It takes grit to sit down at the keyboard every day and just write, no matter what. You have to get the words down even if the story seems lame and you know it's not quite right. Then at least you'll have something to edit. Gotta have that first draft done before you can work on it. Every day, pick your time and stay at your desk until you've completed your allotted hours or the number of words you set as your target. No distractions. No excuses. Unless you need a snack, right? Writers are supposed to drink coffee, aren't they? You're allowed to stop for coffee.
Forty minutes later.
Can't believe how untidy the kitchen was but it's all tidy now, and I got a load of laundry started as well.
Yes, writing has to take priority in your life if you're going to take it seriously. You'll be giving up TV time, family time, even relaxation time in order to make space for it, but remember, if you write 1000 words every day you'll have a novel in less than three months! So no more excuses, just plunge right into your next piece of writing and make it happen. Stay with it, stay focussed. You'll be glad you did.
So, that's a blog post done and dusted. Hah! That wasn't hard at all. Don't know why I procrastinated about it for so long.
I could make a start on the novel now.
I could.
Oh thank god, it's lunchtime.
Oh, wait - was that an email arriving? Excuse me while I check what it is. Someone may need instant action. No, false alarm. But since I've stopped, I'll just check Facebook while I'm there.
Twenty minutes later.
Ha ha! Oh man, that kitten was SOOOO cute! The way that fluffy little thing just stared into the camera and tipped over the glass. I'm still laughing.
Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yes, getting on with writing. You have to be really disciplined to succeed at this game. It takes grit to sit down at the keyboard every day and just write, no matter what. You have to get the words down even if the story seems lame and you know it's not quite right. Then at least you'll have something to edit. Gotta have that first draft done before you can work on it. Every day, pick your time and stay at your desk until you've completed your allotted hours or the number of words you set as your target. No distractions. No excuses. Unless you need a snack, right? Writers are supposed to drink coffee, aren't they? You're allowed to stop for coffee.
Forty minutes later.
Can't believe how untidy the kitchen was but it's all tidy now, and I got a load of laundry started as well.
Yes, writing has to take priority in your life if you're going to take it seriously. You'll be giving up TV time, family time, even relaxation time in order to make space for it, but remember, if you write 1000 words every day you'll have a novel in less than three months! So no more excuses, just plunge right into your next piece of writing and make it happen. Stay with it, stay focussed. You'll be glad you did.
So, that's a blog post done and dusted. Hah! That wasn't hard at all. Don't know why I procrastinated about it for so long.
I could make a start on the novel now.
I could.
Oh thank god, it's lunchtime.
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