Ever have trouble sticking to your writing? Every writer does. It's human nature; we get distracted easily. We all have undiagnosed A.D.D. It's just how we are.
One of the most popular ways to stay on track is to make goals, both large and small. Many authors try to have a minimum word count per day. As well as a daily work count minimum, many writers make long-term goals, either for a month, a season, or until a set date. Sometimes people like to make a time line of their progress so they know how far along they are and how much more time they need to reach their goals.
The old "rewards and punishments" comes into play as well. I've met people (such as on the lovely Quill and Ink forums I moderate) who punish themselves for not reaching their goals. People cut away their favorite snacks or hobbies.
There are always small time slots for you to fit in a couple hundred words here and there. Free period in school? Definitely. Fifteen minutes before leaving the house? Can do! If you can compile the few minutes we waste in between activities, you could have a thousand words without even trying!
Well that's all for this week. You are feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com if you have any questions or comments. I'll respond as soon as I can. I would love to hear what you think about this topic! Now it's time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Ever feel like you just can't write anymore? How did you overcome it?
There are some days when I think I just can't write another word. Maybe I'm stressed. Maybe I'm tired. Maybe I'm just feeling lazy. I take a solid hour to do nothing but nap, meditate, surf the Internet, or whatever else strikes my fancy. And then I park my butt in the chair and try to get in my daily 1,000. :D
ReplyDeleteI try to set daily goals, even if I can only get in that 1K a day. But, really, I just write when I can. I'm not too agressive with my goals unless I'm on a deadline (kind of like I am right now...erp! Better get back to work!).
Fantastic post! :D