What Me Worry?? by Jacqueline Luckett

This picture has nothing to do with writing--though it's inspirational. It has more to do with procrastination. And, when writers can't write, we do whatever we can to keep us from writing, including searching through vacation photos. 

I love deadlines. They make me work harder and faster. They’re like a lovely little itch in the middle of my back—I have to find a way to scratch (translation: write, write, write) before the darned thing (translation: deadline) drives me crazy (No translation needed: hot water with an editor, yikes!). And, sooner or later, I do.

Believe or not, deadlines push me and when I’m stuck, a big push is exactly what I need.

Right now, I’m stuck. Yes, we writers get stuck. 

I read a post today by author Trice Hickman . After many years of writer's block, Trice made herself write every day and soon that writing became a novel, then another, then another. Her story speaks to the power of determination. As writers, we must believe in our stories and ourselves. We can't give up.

I’d love to finish my third novel soon. I’m trying to finish my third novel soon. Without a contract, I feel unfocused. I don’t feel the obligation or need to meet a deadline. What works for me? Sadly, I confess that I’m not entirely sure what will get me to the finish line sooner rather than later, but here are several steps that I’ve taken this year to help (and in my book, something is better than nothing).

1— Enrolled in a once a week, online class that focuses on just writing. The obligation to meet my commitment works.

2—Connecting with my writing group (or writing buddies) if not on a scheduled basis, then as often as possible.  Again, it’s the obligation and deadline.

3—Calendaring writing times and days.  I’m not one for a lot of structure, but I’m finding that even if I don’t stick to the allotted times, I’m getting work done—and that’s the point. 

4—Trying not to be hard on myself.

5— Resisting the strong (and frequent) temptation to compare myself to other authors more prolific, regimented, successful; wealthy, tall …

6—Resisting the urge to bail on one or all of the above.

That’s what I’m trying. So far so good (refer to number 4 above!). I'll keep you posted and let me know if any of these steps work for you.

 Jacqueline Luckett has proved, at least twice, that not only can she write, but she can meet deadlines. She's the author of two novels, Passing Love and Searching for Tina Turner. She's currently writing her  third novel and working to expand her writing career by studying Screenwriting/Playwriting at the University of California, Riverside/Palm Desert MFA Program.