I used to believe in writer's block, but as I've gained a more professional view of writing, I've decided that's just an excuse not to put out some words. Sure, the words may be crappy, but I've found the best way to get past a writing hurdle is to plow right through it if you have to. You can always go back and fix it later, sometimes it's more important to get it all out on "paper" first.
To mend my need to be lazy (which is when I claim writer's block), I have set out goals for myself each day. Right now, I live by minimums, since my kids take up so much time. I write at least 1,000 words a day. I am happy if I get more, but I force myself to write at least that. Sometimes it's tortue, sometimes I think the words are pure crap, but I'm always happy I trudged along a got something done! That's 7,000 words a week, I say to myself, that means I could finish my first draft in a month!
1000 words a day? I'm so impressed.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, sometimes it's utter crap, but it gets done.
ReplyDeleteBefore I had baby #2 I was doing 2,000 in attempts to finish before her due date. Obviously that didn't happen.
I found your blog through Nathan Bransford's place and I can tell from reading only two posts that it will be an invaluable resource for me.
ReplyDelete"Sure, the words may be crappy, but I've found the best way to get past a writing hurdle is to plow right through it if you have to."
ReplyDeleteExactly. Or as my workshop teacher once said, "You can't think your way out of a writing block, you can only write your way out of a thinking block." I'm still more lazy than productive, but at least I've adopted the right view! (Right?? ... OK don't answer that.)
rüya tabirleri I agree . Great!!!
ReplyDeletethanks, very good application
I love it! What a great idea. Simple, fun...I like it!
I set up similar goals when I'm in first draft mode, but I often don't know how to set those goals for the revision process. Just curious, when you revise, do you try to set some type of limit? Like page or time spent?
ReplyDelete