This September I will be attending my first ever writers conference. So if you happen to be in Utah on the weekend of September 16-17th I would love it if you came so we can chat!
As I noted on Saturday, I created a new Life List. My first goal was to re-write/edit at least five and a half pages a day. The reason I choose this amount was so that I could be finished with the first edit in time for the writers conference. I think it will be more enriching to have at least a sensible story in hand.
You know what I've discovered? I work well under a deadline. Having something to look forward to, and wanting to show something for it, it's really pushed me. There will be no more I can't do it posts, although I won't go so far as to say I won't complain. Sometimes editing hurts.
I kinda feel like I'm about to go to my first day of school. I've always loved writing, but I've never focused on it like I am now. I know I've talked about this a lot but it really has changed me.
Do deadlines work for you? What are you looking forward too?
18 comments:
I work well to deadlines but only if they're set by someone else, otherwise I tend to move the goalposts :)
Goodluck! Yes, sometimes goals are good cause they can motivate us into working. Wish I could go to the conference but it's not possible for me at this time. Maybe next year when I'm more prepared and ready for it. ;) Have fun writing/editing!
I HAVE to use schedules/deadlines/goals (for writing and editing). I try to keep them small and managable, so I don't get discouraged. Sometimes I get a little behind, because some chapters need more work than others, but I try to stick to it.
I thrive off of deadlines and goals. I really don't think I'd get much done without them. When I don't organize my time and prioritize what I need to get done...I procrastinate. Then I feel guilty for procrastinating.
Goals and deadlines prevent that. :)
Good luck! Keep to it!
I am with Sarah. It doesn't work for me unless it is someone elses deadline. I am still trying to find some sort of structure that works for me.
Good luck with your conference, it's always a great experience:)
Deadlines definitely help me. I tend to put things off without them. Posting a page on my blog for my book has made me actually get my butt in gear as well. No point promoting a book I don't have finished.
Deadlines work for me but i hate them because i always do things at the last minute or not fast enough...I am so busy.
I am so exited for you!! You will have a blast!
Deadlines work for me mostly but I hate it. It makes me feel so tensed. And how many times will you edit your book? lol. Just kidding. It's great that you're keeping a deadline. It'll stop you from feeling lazy and 5 pages a day is not bad. :)
Cheers!
I love deadlines - but they have to be real. Self-imposed targets don't have the same impact for me.
I thrive on deadlines, too. Which bugs the heck out of me, but I'm a planner, so it seems everything in my life has a time line--that goes for books and edits, too.
ENJOY the conference. I was terrified when I went to the first one. I felt like I was a kid playing dress-up...trying to convince these people I was a "writer"...ended up meeting some awesome writers/agents. Just soak it all in--and be yourself!!
I Hope you enjoy the conference. I attended my first writers' conference in Huntsville, AL a few days ago and it was an awesome experience. I made new friends, learned lots in the various workshops, and came away recharged and highly motivated. I think your setting a deadline for your editing is a great idea and I wish you luck. I've edited/reworked my own manuscript many times over the past several months and appreciate what a sometimes painful but always vitally important process it is.
I enjoy your blog. Mine is similar at www.michelle-lowery-combs.blogspot.com
I love deadlines, and that's how I organize my worklife. I always meet them, even if it involves a little stress and suffering. As a terrible procrastinator, I need them to get things done!
Deadlines work for me. :) I'm 43,680 words into finishing a 50,000 word novel in 31 days, meaning the whole month of July. If I don't have a deadline, things will rarely get done.
I'd love to go to a writer's conference and there's one in St. Louis in September I'd like to go to, but I don't have the money or a car to drive there. Darn. Have fun at yours! You'll have to tell us all about it.
I used to have self-imposed deadlines all the time. Lately I've slacked off and don't have much to show for it. I think I need to get back on the deadline wagon. It really did work wonders for my motivation. Great post, and congrats for finding your rhythm!
I deeply and truly hate deadlines. They don't help. They just make me nervous. Enjoy the conference!
Writing deadlines seem to be different from any other deadline for me. They only work well with me during NaNoWriMo or sometimes if my friends and I are all doing a different writing challenge together.
Now, editing/revising deadlines...THOSE I can do much more easily.
Yes, this is a great habit to get into. And so important. You will need it in your future as a published author:)
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