The hardest part of writing isn't trying to get ideas. I can think of six book ideas before breakfast. The hardest part is focusing on the idea and sticking with it. I should know. I've been writing on and off since 8th grade without completing a novel yet.
After making lots of detours through life, I'm now struck with the realization that I am actually almost done with one novel. The thought is sending me into a panic because now I have to pick my next project soon and start the process again only faster. Also, I have to accept that a project that I have been working on most of my adult life won't be apart of my day to day life anymore. It will be going out into the world to be enjoyed by others. (I wonder if this is how my mum felt when I moved out of the house. If so, I need to at least treat her to a nice lunch because this feeling sucks.)
I am having to ask the dreaded question...Now what? That is followed closely by 'Will I be able to complete another book?' and 'What if I'm just wasting my time because I'm writing crap?'. From what I can tell, these are normal worries for any creative person. So, that makes me feel better at least. Knowing that I'm not alone with these questions.
The focusing I'm getting better with. After some false starts and misinformation I found my system. It involves many lists and alarms. I also use friends and family to remind me the goals I set for myself. It's not perfect, but I would still be stuck on page 30 if it wasn't for all of this. Still, there is a lot of room for improvement. Don't get me wrong. I still have moments of distractions. I probably always will. The important part is that I'm working on it and doing my best to keep focus on my writing projects. At least I'm not James Joyce freaking out for the whole day because I can't figure out in what order I should put six words together. So, I say I'm doing good.
If you want to share your tips for keeping focus and on task, leave a comment.
After making lots of detours through life, I'm now struck with the realization that I am actually almost done with one novel. The thought is sending me into a panic because now I have to pick my next project soon and start the process again only faster. Also, I have to accept that a project that I have been working on most of my adult life won't be apart of my day to day life anymore. It will be going out into the world to be enjoyed by others. (I wonder if this is how my mum felt when I moved out of the house. If so, I need to at least treat her to a nice lunch because this feeling sucks.)
I am having to ask the dreaded question...Now what? That is followed closely by 'Will I be able to complete another book?' and 'What if I'm just wasting my time because I'm writing crap?'. From what I can tell, these are normal worries for any creative person. So, that makes me feel better at least. Knowing that I'm not alone with these questions.
The focusing I'm getting better with. After some false starts and misinformation I found my system. It involves many lists and alarms. I also use friends and family to remind me the goals I set for myself. It's not perfect, but I would still be stuck on page 30 if it wasn't for all of this. Still, there is a lot of room for improvement. Don't get me wrong. I still have moments of distractions. I probably always will. The important part is that I'm working on it and doing my best to keep focus on my writing projects. At least I'm not James Joyce freaking out for the whole day because I can't figure out in what order I should put six words together. So, I say I'm doing good.
If you want to share your tips for keeping focus and on task, leave a comment.