Finish that Novel (or Novella, or Short)…
So the unofficial theme this week seems to be along the
lines of getting that first draft done quickly and efficiently. We talked about
writing sprints. We talked about the old practice makes perfect adage. It all
adds up to one thing: Butt in chair, and get writing.
I’ve had many people this week tell me, “Oh I would love to
be published, but….” Ten guesses what that last bit is (and the first 9 don’t
count.). Right… They haven’t found the time to finish a story.
That’s what holds back the many many dreamers. The idea of
writing is a fantasy. They envision themselves almost romantically scrawling
away with pen in hand under the light of a flickering candle. Writing the next
great American novel and instantly finding publishing success. The truth just
throws a cold bucket of water on those ideas.
The truth of the matter is this… Writing is a grind. A daily
bleed of words on the page. To do it well takes time, dedication, and love. The
romantic notions are far from the actual truth. Writers are often alone,
staring into the blank abyss of an empty page, struggling to make it into
something worth reading. And not everything written is worth reading. But we go
on. We write more. We perfect what can be perfected. We delete thousands of
beloved words that just don’t work. We push ourselves through sleeplessness,
backaches from hunching over a keyboard or pad of paper, migraines from the
computer screen, and the constant fear of being ridiculed for not being good
enough when a reviewer finally does read our work.
That’s the real life of a writer. But, though it sounds
terrible in that light. It is all worth it when you see the fruits of your
labor come to light. Holding that printed and bound book in your hand for the
first time… priceless. When a reviewer gushes over your characters and begs you
for the next book. When an agent offers representation for your book. When you
see that royalty check come in (even if it will only buy you a pack of gum.)
Those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
So, for those of you who haven’t run screaming in fear, and
for my author friends silently nodding their head in agreement, I pose this
challenge. Let’s stop talking and start writing. Finish whatever project you
are on… as quickly as possible.
For the new writers: Make a goal. A daily word count goal.
And achieve it.
For the old pros: Word sprints! How fast can you get 1k
words.
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