Power Writing
April 27th, 2009 by Kathleen Bolton
My deadline to deliver the next draft in the misadventures of the President of the United State’s daughter looms in about four weeks, and truthfully, I’m freaking out a little bit.
This is the point where the rubber meets the road. No more frittering time away. No more research wormholes to go down. Crunch time.
I’ve found a system that helps me buckle down and power out, and I thought I’d share with you. Nothing earth shattering here, but they help me.
1. Change your writing style. Normally, I’m a tortoise when it comes to writing (slow and steady), and a morning person, but I don’t have that luxury any more. I’m writing when ever and where ever I can. I have to admit, the change has done me some good. I don’t have time to get fussy that my cuppa coffee isn’t at my right hand, nor that I’m missing the evening news. I’m getting on with it, and the words are still coming to me.
2. Block distractions. My current Adam Lambert obsession excepted, I’ve gone cold turkey on t.v. and other forms of what Hal Duncan calls “the purple crayons”. Put them down and step away. The withdrawal gets easier moving forward. When I get tempted to surf online, I tell myself I can do all I want after the deadline is past.
3. Set a doable goal. Setting a goal is crucial in staying on pace for a deadline. It’s calming to see the goals met, and when I have a moment of panic, I can look at them and remind myself that I’m on schedule.
4. Push past the comfort zone. When I spend myself on writing, I get sleepy. Don’t know why that is. Maybe when my brain has emptied out, it needs downtime to recharge. Or maybe I’m still infantile. But I’ve found that I can push a teeny bit past the sleepiness and eke out more pages. This is the point where training in your craft pays off, because even when you’re tired, basic skills are met and what you’re drafting out is still competent enough to become the basis for a good rewrite.
5. Take breaks. I don’t care how close the deadline is, when I’m tapped out, I’m tapped out. I don’t feel guilty for taking a break as long as I’ve met a reasonable goal. A life still has to be lived.
What are some of the tricks and tips you have for meeting a looming deadline? Have you ever pushed yourself to meet one and been happy with the result? What works best for you?
10 Responses to “Power Writing”
Kath, feel free not to answer this until you are less busy. But I was wondering how hard it is writing books about the president’s daughter now that we have sasha and malia? living in d.c., I see/read – the poor girls get a lot of attention, including girl groupies that want to meet them, be their friends, go to their school (sidwell friends) and hang with them in general. I fear for the obama girls in many ways, even though i find them pretty normal and adorable.
These are great tips, thank you!
I don’t have any tricks or tips, lol, so I’m going to steal yours! (Thanks!)
thea! Great question. The only thing it’s affected is now I have more information on the inside workings of the White House as it pertains to families. Malia and Sasha are younger than the Morgan character, but the pitfalls of being American royalty are the same. Luckily, the press has so far respected the boundaries since the Clintons drew the line in the sand with Chelsea.
As hard as it is for these kids to be stuck in The Bubble, they are also incredibly fortunate and will have access to things most kids only dream of. It’ll be fun watching them grow up, won’t it?
i’m reserving judgement on the next 8 yrs of their lives. d.c. is a cruel town. just last week the wash post had an article about all these little girls who are obsessed with all things sasha and malia. if i were michelle obama, i’d be horrified. as many letters to the editors indicated, i’m not alone. imagine not knowing whether someone wants to be your friend without knowing the real you? their parents will really have to stay on top of this. like they say, every rose has its thorn!!
Good post. For the sleepies, I take cat naps. Not everyone can do 20 minute naps, but they really help me extend my writing day.
Good luck. Right there with you.
You’re the consummate professional, Kathleen Bolton, and–to quote another favorite reality TV personality–I’m sure you’ll “make it work!”
Thanks for the power writing tips, and good luck with the draft!
Writing has many creative challenges, but when a writer is confronted with a deadline it can certainly compound it. Sometimes, it feels like running a marathon of which there is no end!
It definitely takes discipline to change your routine and adhere to a schedule that will help you get the deed done, but in the end it’s all worth it!
Good luck with the draft as you approach that finish line and thank you for sharing your writing tips, Kathleen!
Since ever, I am a last-minute-writer. ;-)
It’salwaxs been the most effective way to defeat the fearful inner editor. But essentially it works good only for articles.
Sofor long pieces of writing, I make a monthly plan wiht daily goals.
That strange sleepiness I know too. It afects me at every time of the day – even at eleven a.m..
I learned to ignore that whisper that tells me, I would write nonsense if I go on: The first draft would be also nonsense, if I take a nap. ;-)
Annemarie
Thanks, everyone. As for the sleepiness, it’s also hotter than bejeezus in my neck of the woods, contributing to lethargy, but I refuse to turn on AC in April. :-)