We can easily chat with published authors, aspiring-to-be-published authors, and every stage in between. We set goals and benchmarks, which are all fine and good, and arguably necessary. But we also compare ourselves. We worry. We might even panic.
When is it my turn?
The question might actually be, when is it time to slow down?
Wait, no. Not slow. Fast! Everything in publishing is slow. That's why I need to finish my book fast or it will another one/two/five/ten years will pass.
Am I the only one?
I've been reminded lately it's okay to take time with writing. I still have my goals and deadlines, but that panic I feel to get XYZ finished, where does that panic source from? And what's the hurry?
Now, if you're on an actual deadline from a publishing professional, or even with a critique partner, obviously we need to be mindful. But for me, I'm learning to balance downtime--personal stuff outside of writing, reading for enjoyment--without feeling guilt that I'm not one of those writers who writes every day with a set wordcount. I write most days. Some days I stare at the screen awhile and then go write a blog post instead. Some days I move the same two chapters around and edit the same three sentences.
And that's okay, too. Someday I'd like to be that writer who gets up at 6 am and writes exactly 1000 words a sitting, then goes about her day. I am not that person right now because there are days I stop to read a book about plot when I can't solve a plot problem, or I lose focus and need renewed inspiration. Sometimes that inspiration takes five minutes, or it might take five days.
What have you done to slow down? What pressures do you feel to finish a project?
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For the first time, I actually shelved a WIP to start another story. I had to tell myself it was okay to let it go, for now. I'm one of those obsessively goal-oriented people. But I'm with you on the exact word count. I won't do that to myself! I write until I'm stuck, need to read for more inspiration or called away on an emergency--my boys play football;-)
ReplyDeleteI've shelved a few. Tough, but each book gains you experience!
DeleteI'm reminded of a quote from Gataca: "I never so far from my dreams as when I was standing right beside them." (It was something like that, can't remember it verbatim).
ReplyDeleteI like that movie; I haven't seen it in ages.
DeleteI know the need to rush feeling. I feel like I need to get stuff down so I don't forget and lose the momentum. All of my deadlines are self-imposed, too. And then when you say it out loud (read: announce on your blog), then you have to follow through! I'm beginning to learn how to be easier on myself, though. Between the day job and my goals, I'm working 60 hours per week. And I'm not a high energy person. LOL!
ReplyDeleteJust set reasonable goals and be kind to yourself when it just doesn't work.
Oh, the day job. I think working full time helps to set goals because I have to work around that to do my second job of writing.
DeleteIt's ok to take things slow--if you try to rush through writing a book, chances are it won't turn out very well.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to write in the mornings as well. Then if things went well I'd have all day, or if not, I'd have least gotten it out of the way first rather than skip an entire day. Unfortunately, my schedule right now calls for afternoon writing sessions.
ReplyDeleteI gave up a long time ago in being "that kind of writer." I tried it for a while but what I was producing was meh. I've since learned that spontaneity is best: your characters sound more real, and the story more authentic. So now I write when I'm inspired and if I'm not I try other things that will make my muse come back. :-) So, don't despair and do what works best for you. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice :)
DeleteGreat reminder! I put that pressure on myself, too, to get it done now! super fast! and it's just not worth it to feel like that. I'm more of a slow but steady kinda gal. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know what slowing down it, but that's mostly my daughter's fault.
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by my blog!! Downtime is very important. Too many times I get caught up in my writing that things fall apart! I am a night person and would prefer to write after everyone is in bed. I also can't just write 1K and call it good for the day. I'd have to write 1k here, 1k there and then dive in when the kids are abed!!!!
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Amen! Whew. Deadlines are the worst, but beyond that, we do put too much pressure on ourselves. Real life has to happen around writing too, right? And sometimes writing has to happen around real life. =) I'm of the opinion we should set goals and go forward, but they need to be flexible and we have to let ourselves break sometimes.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because writing is a craft and it takes so long on the front end to get a grip on how do finish a cohesive novel. My first 3 novels really feel like practice novels, like I'm still figuring things out with each draft.
DeleteWe have to find the right rhythm in all things. For some it's slowing down. For others, downtime. When I'm working on a project, I do produce hard and every day, but then I'll go months in between without writing.
ReplyDeleteRefreshing to hear, thanks :)
DeleteSuch a great post!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I am doing. At times I feel I should slow down. Sometimes I feel I should hurry up! It is especially hard right now, during Pitch Wars season. So much still to do.
Well, if you're ready or prepping to query, you've already accomplished a lot! Sometimes that's a good time to slow down since once your MS is out there, you have space to do other things or start on a new project.
DeleteYou summed it up exactly. The rush and fear we're falling behind some way. Where's the finish line? Did I lose the race?
ReplyDeleteWe just need to keep going instead of worrying about how long it takes. Writing is a journey not a destination (ugh...I can't believe I just wrote that).
Excellent post. Now I'm going off to write 2000 words or else I'm not allowed any dinner. HA!
Leanne Ross ( readfaced.wordpress.com & @LeanneRossRF )
Gotta have incentives! Not arguing that at all.
DeleteWhoops! Lost that comment...hope it doesn't show up twice :)
ReplyDeleteI've learned that I have to take time away from writing. If I try to write everyday, I burn out and start feeling like I don't measure up. Now, I take one or two days a week to work on my WIPs and the rest of the week I work on other projects. When I do come back to the computer, I find that I'm refueled and relaxed from NOT writing and the words come easier. We get inspiration from life and life was meant to be lived. Find what works for YOU and do that! Great post and thanks for stopping by my blog! ~ Jen
It's perfectly fine to have "slower" days. We are human, after all. =) On slower days, I like to read, connect with others, and just take more time to observe what's going on around me.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking my time with one manuscript because it needs a lot of research and I need to figure out a few more things, but other projects I'm comfortable fast drafting.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a teacher, I have this rush during the summer to use my time for my writing. I push myself to draft 2 or 3 manuscripts, but one of them usually turns out to be an unusable dud.
Wow, 2-3 drafts sound awesome! At least the dud can help you grow.
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