I’m in that writing pact that Julie talked about a few days ago. We are trying to get our manuscripts done by the end of August otherwise we have to write a check to the *other* presidential political campaign.
It’s impossible, it can’t be done, there’s just not enough time.
And yet, because of this agreement, you’ll find me spending my evenings writing simply because I do not want to write that check. It started off as a joke (what’s the worst punishment you can think of if you lose) but Julie and I have somehow managed to stumble on some incredibly strong motivation that is really spurring me on.
Each night, I bring my computer and take 1 or 2 of my girls, (who are under strict orders not to bother me) and we spend a few hours at our local library. The girls play on the library’s computers while I park myself at a cubicle and write, write, write.
And guess what? Something amazing is happening. Progress, real progress is being made on my book. Each evening when I pack up to leave, I’ve noticed that my page count is that much higher than when I arrived. It’s kind of amazing.
Who knew that a Presidential campaign would finally give me a legitimate reason to write?
Trust me, I know, it’s always easier to say that there are priorities that come before your writing than it is to actually sit down and write. There is always, always something else that needs to be done, right?
But guess what? Giving your writing a valid reason to be done, makes it appear to be valuable work to other people. The Presidential campaign is what is finally doing it for me.
My kids are not whining because I’m spending a few hours away from home writing each night, instead they are cheering me on. They don’t want me to lose.
And neither do, I which is why if you need me, you’ll be able to find me at the library tonight working on my manuscript.
What’s the reason you have that gives you permission to write?
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Wendy Thomas is an award winning journalist, columnist, and blogger who believes that taking challenges in life will always lead to goodness. She is the mother of 6 funny and creative kids and it is her goal to teach them through stories and lessons.
Wendy’s current project involves writing about her family’s experiences with chickens (yes, chickens). (www.simplethrift.wordpress.com)
I’ll be in the back corner, bring cookies.
I love it! Nothing truer than “writers write,” is there?
That’s awesome! What’s ironic is that building our legacy is more important than all that “urgent” stuff that we use to get off the hook. It’s just like in 7 Habits, where Covey discusses the difference between “urgent” and “important.” Your novel is important!
The reason I MUST keep writing is that the Holy Spirit simply will NOT leave me alone: be careful what you pray for!
I’m working under a similar, if self-imposed deadline, Wendy. I leave Sept 25 for a month in Milan for research on my international thriller. I spend two hours a day studying Italian on a great web site, two to three hours a day reading a stack of books related to my topic, and write another two to three hours. Making progress on all three tasks because I must be fully prepared for interviews of contacts / sources I’m developing with the assistance of guides / translators.
I have an attitude of commitment, but also ‘liberation’ that nothing is going to get in the way of producing my book.
I’ve publicly declared myself a writer with a specific deadline. After years of hedging around my desire, I made a commitment to myself.
I understand the deadline bit. I’m a pack rat and we’re having an inspection the last day of this month. We have a new manager and she hates clutter. So I’m really trying my best to get it done so she can even look in my closet. Just not my drawers, please! LOL Then back to the writing bit. I have been working on my business card and I think it will be really sharp! Keep on writing!!!!
Wonderful…I am inspired!
Great post, there are so many great motivators out there and it sounds like you’ve stumbled across an excellent one. Keep it up! Cheering you on!
My “permission” is telling myself that I was a writer in my heart and mind long before I ever became an instrumentation tech in the physical world, and that I’ll never feel truly accomplished until I get something published.
I’m getting too old to waste time.
I waited too long to start and now it’s make-up time. Am I writing as much as I’d like? No. “Stuff” still gets in the way, but I am also making progress.
I love progress. You go get ‘em, Wendy!
No…wait…you go get ‘em Julie!
No…wait…go get ‘em girls!
During one of my purging sessions, I found this article and thought it was too good not to share some of it with you. “Change isn’t an event; it’s a process. Think about a child learning how to walk. There’s no single moment when he learns how to do it. He staggers and struggles until, finally, one day he takes a few steps–and then falls down. But he doesn’t give up. He tries again and again, and before too long, he running.” The article appeared in Parade Magazine, Jan. 3, 2010 and was adapted from “Switch: How to Change When Change is hard,” by Chip and Dan Heath.
Interesting post! I’ve always thought that if you want to write you should have a powerful motivator, whether it be emotion or an opinion. It’s also nice to see that you’re able to negotiate your life around writing. I’m never able to do that! Lol.