So how was your first week of September?
Mine was okay. I cashed in a bunch of loose change that I've
earmarked for the purchase of an updated version of Syd Field’s Screenplay and other writing-related
books. I also brainstormed ideas for one of my TV pilots. I even know the line
of dialogue that ends the first act of the pilot episode. Now I just need to
actually write these ideas down instead of keeping it in my head.
I think what I need most is to reestablish a writing
routine.
Now I've never quite had the best writing routine. I tend to
write in long spurts under tight deadlines. Paper due tomorrow afternoon? By
all means, let’s start it at 10 the night before. Supposed to submit a story
for fiction workshop on Tuesday night? It’s only Saturday, I can watch one more
episode (or six) of Friends and still
have something to pass out. Draft of thesis project? Um, let’s not go there. J
I’m not sure why I’m so reluctant to committing myself to a
routine. Perhaps it’s because I’m so busy planning the forest and the
surrounding areas; including the castle and the river, that I run into trees
and shrubs that trip me up. Or I spend time constructing metaphors for the
simple fact that I keep ignoring: To be a writer means you have to WRITE.
It’s such a novel idea. Writers write.
So my goal for this week is to:
1. Take a few minutes and write down the ideas.
2. Set up a mini routine for the week. Pick a time and write
for at least ten minutes each day at that time. Start rebuilding the muscle
memory of writing.
My question for you this week is:
What is your writing routine? When do you write? Where do
you write? How long do you write for? Are you aiming for a certain number of
words, pages, or minutes?
Do you have any advice for establishing a writing routine?
What works? What doesn't work?
And what’s the best excuse you've used or heard for avoiding
writing?
I have some very cool ideas for giveaway items including a
WRITE bracelet and cool bookmarks. I’ll post pictures of the prototypes next
week. My friend and sometimes writing partner, Jenn has graciously agreed to
make these items.
Hope you have a great week full of fantastic writing
sessions and amazing reads. I just finished reading my fifth Andrew Smith
novel: 100 Sideways Miles.
Even though it’s been more than 1.7 million miles since I read
the final line of the book, I’m still lost in its world, and wish there was an
additional chapter hiding beyond the final blank page. I love it when books
stick with you for hours, days, and even years after you read it. I hope someday
a reader will feel that way about my own book or screenplay.
I usually schedule in my writing or else it doesn't get done. Tomorrow I'm scheduled to be at the coffee bean & tea leaf. Hope to work some magic on this new beginning!
ReplyDeleteHow did I manage to be first here again this week?
ReplyDeleteWe just returned home Saturday evening from a 2-1/2 week holiday. As mentioned last week, I haven't set any earth-shattering September goals for myself, but have been puttering along on my WIP. On the weekend I realized I have less than a week left until a contest deadline, so I've abandoned my other writing in favour of a non-fiction piece. So far I managed 500 new words on it today. Only about 1000 more to go. :)
I wasn't first, after all. And I forgot to mention my scheduling. I write every day. I do a little most mornings (after I've had my orange juice), but it's not my most productive time. Evenings after the house is quiet I write until I'm too tired to continue.
DeleteI don't have much of a routine. I blame that partly on being a shiftworker and partly on lack of discipline, haha.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's important to "honour my process" and do what's right for me. That means I don't write every day. I do set deadlines for projects, but no daily word count / pages goals. I'm good about meeting deadlines, and the freedom to work a little or a lot on any given day/week keeps me relaxed and able to approach the work with joy.
I share a home office with my husband, and usually work at my desk. But I go in phases of working on the couch, too. Music when first-drafting, quiet when revising. (Mind you, I can work in absolute chaos, too...a learned perk of having four kids, I guess!) ;)
Ugh, it's been an awful week writing-wise. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say, I had a bunch of stuff that I'm responsible for ALL come in at the same time. I haven't written in something like twelve days now, and I usually get grumpy after a two-day hiatus from writing, so you can imagine what I'm like now. Grrrrr. As for schedule...I do keep one, but if I talk about it now, I'll probably end up throwing something, because, well, the schedule is not working at this point.
ReplyDelete! Thanks for hosting and I'm glad there are other positive folk around here to balance me out :)