And now it starts. The desire to write another novel, yet having only the vaguest idea of what to write about. So here I am staring at a blinking cursor…for this blog, not the book.
But first, the table is a mess, and we all know that one can not be productive in a disorganized environment.
Besides, I need some coffee to stay awake tonight, and I’d better prepare something to eat, and ohhh, I need to plan that meeting, and…
Writers Block!
Sound familiar? If you’ve had to write anything-especially facing a deadline-then you know the feeling which is: do anything rather than watch the cursor blink.
It took me eight years to write the novel which is featured on the right side of this page. Procrastination was part of the reason.
So now I will only confront the recalcitrant cursor when I am ready.
This is how I am getting ready.
First-I’ve pledged to be honest with myself and monitor closely the B.A.D. meter.
Second-I am taking my jumbled ideas, sketchy characters, and paper thin plots, and typing them onto electronic index cards. This is a screen shot of the Trello app. I can access Trello on my computer or cell.
Third-I use another program for my day-to-day activities that can be accessed by both my phone and computer. This one is Google Keep.
Fourth (and this is critical) Just because I don’t get everything done, or maybe get nothing done, doesn’t mean the sun will extinguish itself and I will never write again because it’s too dark. I will remind myself that there will always be next week.
Fifth-This whole self discipline thing is like lifting weights, taking out the garbage, or walking the dog; it might not be fun but all it requires is starting.
Sixth-I frequently reward myself.
And seventh: I have a plan “B.” Plan “B” allows me to write this blog, right now, and get paid for it. You see, I made a deal with an employer, and that will be the subject of my next installment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.