I read Wendy’s post “Manuscript–ngh. Time to Face the Music” tonight, right before I started this post. It was a great post. And she will get it done.
I am pushing forward, still working towards the Friday deadline. I’m not making it easy on myself. I’ve changed three character’s names. I am playing with the plot, and timing. I’ve taken one character out completely. And I’m changing the motivations of a couple of others. But I am going to forge ahead and try to make the deadline for a couple of reasons.
First, my life is on a school schedule. Next week I start teaching again (I teach a class a semester at Emerson), and I have to write my syllabus this weekend. I run a service organization for the theater community, and the fall theater season starts next week. StageSource has a couple of big events in late September/early October, and I am trying to close a budget gap. All this to say, this week is as free as it is going to get for a while. So I keep moving forward.
Second, as hard as this is, I am having a good time. I am making changes that are making my book better. I am enjoying tweaking my characters, and spending time with them. I am cleaning things up that bothered me. I am clarifying setting, and making it more of a character. And I am tightening it all up. The entire book takes place over four days. Or it will, hopefully.
Third, one important lesson I have learned this month is the value of consistent writing time. I should know that already, but writing (and exercise) are the first things that go when my life is crazy. But spending time every day working on this novel has been a great experience. I don’t lose
This week I am setting up a new planner for the school year. And I am determined to schedule regular writing time. But life gets in the way. I know that well. So I am going to do my best to finish this draft by September 1.
*********
J.A. Hennrikus is the Executive Director of StageSource. She is a mystery writer who has her story “Her Wish” published in DEAD CALM, an anthology by Level Best Books. She is a huge social media fan, and tweets under @JulieHennrikus. She wrestles with allusions of athleticism, is an avid theater goer and a member of Red Sox nation. Her website is jahennrikus.com
And I am thankful that August has 31 days.
Ha! This resonates exactly with where I’m at right now. It’s good to see others face the same challenges. Firstly, finding the time to write! And secondly, when you find the time, drawing the balance between ‘I just want to get it done’ and ‘I want it to be perfect’. I’m sure there’s a happy balance somewhere, but so far it’s eluding me
So true, Julie! Writing and exercise… I’m closing in on my first 50 pp deadline, and they are tighter and overall better. When I started the challenge, I really loathed the state of the ms; but after spending some time with these folks, and improving them, it’s all clearer. (I won’t mention the condition of the rest of the ms, post the first 50 pp…yikes, it’s only 1 draft away from NaNoWriMo draft) Good luck!
Wow! This really hits home for me. I want a writing career, not a writing hobby. Ms is my first priority, however my social platform is important as well. Finding the time to fit everything in the day is a daunting task.
Thanks for your insight!
Great to schedule regular writing time every day–this is what I am doing this very instant–minimum writing time Monday through Saturday–10:00-12:00!!!
Great affirmation and reminders here. I’m actually pushing forward to a Friday (THIS Friday!) deadline myself for completion of the first draft of my second novel. I’m pretty sure I’ll make it but the absolute key has been making the commitment to set aside time daily for the last couple of months as opposed to the spottier routine of my past. It works!
If I could have put words to my manic deadline rush..yes these would have been the result……