One of the main reasons I started this blog was to hold myself accountable to my writing goals. I’ve dreamed about writing a novel for a LONG time but all I’ve really done is think about it.
A few years ago I got about 1/3 of the way through a draft of a different story, but the process I was following (another writer’s) didn’t work for me and I started to really hate it. I learned very quickly that I need some sort of structure or plan, rather than trying to just wing it and make up the story as I go along. Instead of starting over or try to rework that project, I gave up.
I think the poetry book and award gave me some confidence back, so I decided to start writing another story that’s been bouncing around in my brain for a while. My goal is 5000 words per week so I can finish my draft sometime in mid June. Look at that – I’m already ahead of the game at 5195!
I’m really focusing on working writing into my daily routine, around my job, fitness routine, family, and my daughter’s rehearsal schedule. So today while she’s rehearsing for Beetlejuice, I’m at Panera plunking out my draft. I’m shooting for 1000 words a day, 5 days a week, which gives me some flexibility to get caught up on weekends if I need to.
The bottom line is, I’ll never write a novel if I don’t put in the work. Thinking about it doesn’t get the book written. I know this won’t always be easy, but I have a good system in place and checking in here with a word count each week will help me to stay on task. I will continue to share about my process and provide updates as I move through this first draft.
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