I want to impart to you an invaluable writing lesson, which many years ago my friend, the NY Times best selling author, Stephen Coonts offered to me.
Mr. Coonts calls it: My five-by-five, daily writing ritual. Steve writes (as I now do) for five concurrent hours, on five consecutive days, during each weekday.
For me, this personal writing contract has become an integral part of my work day and the terms are non-negotiable. All of my friends, family, business associates, etc. know this as fact. They are fully aware that I will not deviate from this routine; except for an emergency, which requires my immediate attention.
As I write full time, those amount of hours spent per day writing may not be doable for the non-professional writer. But, in moderation this discipline to your writing is still applicable, and well within reasonable limits for anyone to accomplish.
My modification on Mr. Coont's advice on writing is that even though you most, likely cannot write for five hours in any given day, do set aside at least one hour (at the same time of day/eve), five days a week.
Before you sign your own personal writing contract, be sure to let everyone you know that this is your writing time. And, that you are not to be disturbed for any reason; excepting of course as in my case as well, an immediate emergency. Believe me, they'll survive without you for ONE hour a day.
And, I trust with that personal commitment to your writing and public affirmation to others, you will be more motivated and dedicated to write. Also, don’t be surprised when you find that you have produced and completed much, more work than you have ever done before.
Good luck to you all in your own writing!
Thanks for your post. I need this reminder to get back to work, and I believe you that a scheduled time will make a big difference in my writing.
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome, Will. This is the advice I give to all my writing coach clients and it works well for all of them.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing!
Jeff
You know, it's always so hard to get away for more than 10 minutes at a time. I know my husband loves me, but he can't survive with the baby, LOL. I try to write throughout the day, but then it seems I don't have time for anything else. Maybe when the baby is older, things will be calmer.
ReplyDeleteDear Rachael, I totally agree with the frantic pace we all endure every day, esp. with a baby. I'd suggest that instead of trying to "write throughout the day: you set aside a specific time, each day, perhaps when the baby is napping to write. Best wishes and keep writing!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Jeff