Writing can be a tormenting occupation; you love it, but sometimes you feel chained to it, driven always by deadlines, by the sheer volume required of you, depending on how serious you are, and how much you anticipate ahead.
I love researching. As a result I have read many books by writers about writing books, about blogging; about strategies to have more people read and love your work out there. The frustrating thing was, something always seemed to go right over my head. Somehow I just couldn’t identify with the successful strategies and tips from others.
But, I have started reading it. Nick couldn’t stop me from doing that!
This very black-on-white, white-on-black book titled...
THE PRODUCTIVE WRITER: 2015 Productivity Planner has quickly become a great asset, even as I type this blurby-blog.
Trying New Ways
I always get up at 4 am. And yes, for those of you concerned with my health, I generally go to bed early too. But I’ve never before today planned 2 hours of writing without also trying to multi-task on things that need to be done around the house.
Nick says you have to focus, focus on your writing. Elementary, my dear Watson. But how many of you just write and refuse to be interrupted! Uh-huh . . . Not many who have a household to run, and mouths to feed!
As of today that is my commitment.
Enough wailing to myself and anyone else that would listen that I don’t seem to have enough time or thoughts to continue meeting my self-imposed twice and sometimes three times weekly schedule of publishing my blog.
This resolution was initially a terrifying thing, because I’ve never been a highly structured person. Once it becomes a habit though, you feel compelled to write on schedule and it becomes easier.
Forget burnout, just write!
The quotes, the thoughtful and thought provoking passages intermingled with the nitty-gritty slogging of writing daily, weekly and monthly projects, schedules and goals are of huge value to any writer, blogger or author.
In addition there are wonderful, motivational stories and articles by other writers.
They are there presumably to keep you going back to them in times of need, drawing on the down to earth wisdom of those who've walked in your shoes, and helping you to come out triumphantly waving a Published flag!
My new coach...
I’ve often felt like you do when you’ve had too much to eat -- lethargic, unwilling to work.
Now I have the coach, and it arrived yesterday. At this time, right after publishing yesterday, I would normally be viewing the next blog topic with apprehension. Not so today. I’ve already completed three quarters of my planned work!
I think Nick may be out of planners for 2015 now. Very sad for those of you who missed out.
But maybe next year he'll print twice as many. I'll keep you updated on how it works for me.
It's low tech, and there's something quite nice about actually putting pen to paper. Incidentally, apparently Nick uses one himself, otherwise he'd not have found the inspiration to design and print this useful spiral-bound treasure. The pages lie flat, so you never lose your place.
The Week . . . in just a few more words!
I was inspired to review a doggone wonderful business in Sechelt, British Columbia after seeing what a dog bakery is all about. I can tell you it's all about fun and yum!
Oh yes! As this was an invited guest post, you can read it on the Pumpkin Run Pulse via the flashPress website, the online-home of author and photojournalist, femmeflashpoint (Angelia Phillips). She's my very professional and helpful website designer, and now my webmaster!
Tell you, I love my site, my virtual home, and everyone deserves one! Look right and there she is! ►►►►►
Yes, that's her, and if you want to read that dog bakery piece just click on her ad there. No worries, it's all free!
Have a great week, and many thanks for readiing here! As always, your comments are valuable and appreciated!
Vicki