I never met a writer who wasn’t a little insecure in their work. At least that is what they say but like the supermodel who says she can’t stand her thighs, I have my doubts. When authors I admire say they won’t let anyone read their work until they have gone through and edited it fifty times, I think they can’t be serious. But a part of me loves it. It justifies my own insecurities as not because I’m awful at writing but because everyone is nervous to present their creation to the world.
It is for this reason that I’m constantly searching for reassurance and guidance that I’m doing things right. I must preface this with what every successful author tries to impart at their workshops, writing is individual and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. This doesn’t stop me from trying to find the perfect formula. I’m not talking about plot or story structure – that is for another several blogs – I’m talking about the actual process of sitting down and writing and editing for x amount of hours/words/pages at y time of day. It’s like searching for the holy grail of the writing groove. I keep gathering data but really it comes down to what fits my own personal lifestyle and personality.
I have been in the writing zone before, so I know it is possible. But I’m not sure my way was sustainable. I need to find the balance that the authors who consistently produce books seem to have. That’s why I love to hear how they do it and get ideas for myself. Personally, I can say that my all-in approach that I used to finish writing my book was wonderful but as a single woman with family responsibilities, I can’t just ignore the real world every day. Many of you have “day jobs” that pay the bills, so your writing time revolves around that. Whatever your constraints, all the experts (by that I mean published authors) say you should do something toward your writing every day. It can be small goals like edit a page before you go to bed when you have little time. On the dream days of big goals, it can be something like writing a couple thousand words.
For me, goals are a must and scheduling works best. I set aside the time for writing and insist on no interruptions of any kind. I will allow a stretch and message check every 1.5 to 2 hours and warn my family (who are used to me being on call all the time) that I am at work. I may not be an air traffic controller where life depends on my concentration, but my main character might disagree, so I will treat her with respect (plus I’m easily distracted). As far as my goals are concerned, I like to read over and lightly edit what I did the previous day then move on to the new adventures. Sometimes, if I have an idea that has been bouncing around my head ready to get to page, I jump right in and skip the editing. I’m also a morning person so I try to schedule my writing time for early in the day. Let me stop right here and tell you that this is the routine I’ve used in the past and it worked for me but if I hear of a way that sounds better, it will change. I’m a work in progress!
As my blog writing scheduled time is about up, I will end this with a wish for each of you to find your own personal writing groove. Also to suggest you follow Game Of Books, if you aren’t already, so you can get email notifications of all our blogs, quotes and interviews with newly published authors.
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