Which story or article should I work on? Which character needs a bio now? Which scene should I start?
Inspiration for a productive writer is welcome, but it does not constitute a plan.
I'll suggest some criteria for choosing what to work on in my next blog, but it is best if you come up with your own list. Once you do, it can be a tool for making your decision. But whether you are methodical in making your choices or you rely on intuition, make a commitment to tomorrow's writing today. In that way, you have a chance of beginning your work as soon as you sit down. (I like to have the decision made, and the first sentence written the day before.)
Knowing what you are going to write isn't the only way to prepare (and, for some, it is a given). More on that in the future. In the meantime, how do you prepare to write?
I write down several ideas for the week then pick one to work on the night before the blog. Marian
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea, Marian. It can speed up the prep process. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePrepare to write?? LOL!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to do more of that. Unless you count daydreaming while driving, I don't have any tried and true writing preparation methods.
In fact, writing in the morning first thing when I get up--sometimes even before coffee--seems to work best for me. Cold Turkey. Before I have a chance to think of excuses not to write!
Stephanie Queen
Hi, Stephanie Whatever works for you, works for you. Don't mess with it. I am a morning person, too. Rolling out of bed to make notes or plunge in fits my style. For me, as someone who always has too many projects going, having a direction forces a focus, but that isn't true for everyone. I'll have more on prep, but please let me know if you have anything specific that seems to be slowing you down. I may have some useful ideas. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePeter
I like the idea of planning your next day and creating that topic sentence the night before. I'll have to try that. I've had so much difficulty buckling down and getting away from the gazillion other tasks I have screaming for attention that usually when I do get to my WIP, the scene that's been rolling around in my head for a few days is screaming to get onto the page.
ReplyDeleteThere is no better situation than when the scene is all there. I've had the words come in such a rush that my hands ached when I finally stepped away from the keyboard. Tasks screaming for your attention is no fun, though. I challenged students in my online class to find 15 minutes a day so they could keep their momentum. "Fifteen minutes? What can I get done in fifteen minutes?" If you're prepared,they found, quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteOnce I think of something to write, my mind tumbles forth with all the stuff that I should write. When I wait and try to come up with it later, it won't come forth. I'll wrack my brain and feel like beating my head against the wall, but it's lost. I'm better off to spit it all out, then edit after a short cooling off period (3 days if I can get it). Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteWhen it it clear in your mind, you need to capture the ideas. When the answer isn't obvious, a wait (often accompanied by something physical) can help. I think your process is basically good.
ReplyDeleteWhen things are not captured and lost, though, it usually is a difficult situation. Often, you don't get the exact same thing back. But it amazing how often you get something better back. (It may seem to be inferior, but I think that is an illusion.)
If I'm not catching your point, could you provide an example?
Peter
Peter
I think you know what I'm talking about. I'm not sure it comes back better, tho I always taught my sons that (mostly to make them feel better about having to rebuild something) so I must have been drawing on some experience I had where the second "build" was better than the original.
ReplyDelete