| It's true... I like to use song titles if I can when coming up with new subjects. Today I wanna tackle the issue of time and time management for writers. Or at least this writer. I've often had to resist the urge to spork someone in the eye when I hear the following out of people who find out I'm a writer: "Oh, I'd write a book if I only had the time!" As if time were the only requirement! But today, let's say it is. If you're an unpublished author, you are afforded the one time luxury of taking all the time in the world writing those first works. Dead to Me, for instance, was written over a period of three or four years, which would have taken maybe half the time had I not decided to switch it from third to first person halfway through. Book 2 in the series, however, is not afforded that luxury. I had a year to turn it in, which meant I really had to pay attention to time. Here's how the schedule breaks down:
So setting aside the time and planning out a manageable schedule, as you can see, becomes a necessity... but you need not wait until your published to start thinking of time management. Why not start now? If you're really decided in your heart of hearts that you want to give writing a real shot and are committing yourself to it, start today. Plan out when is the best time to write for you? Then put yourself in that seat and write. If it isn't coming, tough! Stay in that seat til you train your brain to perform during that time. Teach it to salivate to your Pavlovian bell of writing time! And for those of you married or co-habitating, make sure to come up for air once in awhile to say hi to the spouse, loved one, or to pet the cat. And eat and pee, not necessarily in that order... or if you are in a groove, comfortable Depends may be your answer! Just remember to thank me in your acknowledgments for all this helpful (and free!) advice! |
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I'm trying to get ahead by working on book two while still basking in the sale of book one . . . it's not working so well . . .
I think you have a good idea finishing before book one comes out (maybe it's a deadline thing.;)) so that you have time to enjoy that and promote like crazy!
Ah, Anton... ever the wise ass... err, wait... nah, that sounds right. ;)
I'll put you in my acknowledgements when you let me beta read for you. *evil hand rubbing* Muwahahahahaa!!!
mapey-
It's odd to try to write an uber funny follow up book when the first has yet to prove itself in the marketplace, but again, I can haz deadline!
missy-
your sass has been noted. No galley OR manuscript pages for you!
See, Anton, you're so sweet, reminding us to say hi to the spouse, kids, and pets. Mine are lucky to get a grunt-as-hello from me most of the time.
Book one was funny. There's your validation. Now get to work.
I think "making time," to get back on topic, is the key for new writers. Anton has some really good points. Even if the writing isn't the best work and you're not feeling all that inspired, it's still incredibly useful to put words on the page. My writing has gone from "atrocious" to "laughably bad" just from the practice of writing the ideas in my head onto the page.
Speaking of fanmail, I forgot to find a tacky postcard at the shopping centre today. I'll find one this week, and with luck it may travel from Australia to the US before your birthday. But I don't have a lot of good luck ;-)
Have a lovely day! :-)
TM- thanks! Sweet, delicious validation!
And fear not.. soon you will move from "laughably bad" to "wincingly mediocre"! Baby steps, man, baby steps...
Mmm, ground hog. . .
But seriously, good points.