How do you handle your deadline if something *big* happens in your life? There was a season in my life when I struggled to write anything because of Covid, along with several major life changes. I put writing on my to-do list but realistically, I was too exhausted to think. So I'm curious how you handle your deadlines when you get really sick or some other unexpected life change occurs. Do you keep things flexible? Lower your expectations? I always wonder how published authors handle these things.
Cross fingers, my health has been pretty solid. I've been traveling a lot lately and I had to scramble for a few guest posts, like scribbling at 11 pm in a hotel room, but I made it work. My mom passed during Covid (not due to Covid), in Europe, and I had to make all the arrangements and decisions remote. It was very disturbing and intense, but I kept working on my manuscript, every day (something I don't always do) - it was an escape, of course, a way to put myself somewhere else.
You hit the nail on the head, Martine - Substack is fantastic for setting ourselves deadlines and sticking to 'em. "Lamb" would probably still be a glimmer in my mind's eye if I hadn't decided to serialize it, though whether I will be doing it again for the next one, who knows?
I'm happy to hear it gave you the push to get your writing out there. So, maybe, you'll submit to magazines next? There are more people eager to read you, in the wild.
I should, there's a certain mindset and I'm not sure I'm quite ready to write things with a more universal tone - I like my quirky bits - probably I'm just making excuses. I'm planning a series of articles which I'm hoping to have that more "journalistic" tone, so we'll see how that goes. ;)
Themed submission calls can be a great boost to productivity. Of course like you mention, sometimes there’s too much time to get something in. But in shooting for a deadline one at least gets something written (with any luck), and if it’s good enough someone will take it at some point (with any luck!)
I have a couple of those ping pong balling in my head right now. Haven't written a word yet, but the mysterious chemistry is doing its work. In a couple of weeks I'll start feeling the bite... deadline approaching!
My many incomplete manuscripts and aborted attempts at writing a cohesive piece are paper dolls scattered before me naked and cold. Until I impose a deadline. Then I finally get to the end and my dolls are dressed and ready for the party. DEADLINES! Yes!! Good reminder, Martine.
It's weird how much less a problem procrastination became for me once I retired. When I was in school, I was a champion procrastinator. I couldn't do anything unless it was the last possible moment. Same with work. I would finish the day's lesson plan while walking from my office to the classroom, sometimes putting on the final touches of my lecture as the students were settling into their seats. But once I retired, with no deadlines to worry about, I suddenly became disciplined in a way I'd never been before. Maybe it was because with no one telling me what to do, I finally had to take full responsibility for myself. Or maybe it's just that if I don't write, I'll feel obligated to help with housework. Yeah, that's probably it.
I totally relate. Deadlines help so much! I use them on myself, and with few exceptions, I meet my own, self-imposed deadlines. It's a strange hack that seems to work well.
I go by that Stephen Fry quote: "The worst you can do in life is set yourself goals." Not a luxury most can afford but it works when you can have it.
Thank you, Mr. Fry, you just gave me permission to go back to bed! ... yeah, not gonna happen, unfortunately, lol.
How do you handle your deadline if something *big* happens in your life? There was a season in my life when I struggled to write anything because of Covid, along with several major life changes. I put writing on my to-do list but realistically, I was too exhausted to think. So I'm curious how you handle your deadlines when you get really sick or some other unexpected life change occurs. Do you keep things flexible? Lower your expectations? I always wonder how published authors handle these things.
Cross fingers, my health has been pretty solid. I've been traveling a lot lately and I had to scramble for a few guest posts, like scribbling at 11 pm in a hotel room, but I made it work. My mom passed during Covid (not due to Covid), in Europe, and I had to make all the arrangements and decisions remote. It was very disturbing and intense, but I kept working on my manuscript, every day (something I don't always do) - it was an escape, of course, a way to put myself somewhere else.
You hit the nail on the head, Martine - Substack is fantastic for setting ourselves deadlines and sticking to 'em. "Lamb" would probably still be a glimmer in my mind's eye if I hadn't decided to serialize it, though whether I will be doing it again for the next one, who knows?
I'm happy to hear it gave you the push to get your writing out there. So, maybe, you'll submit to magazines next? There are more people eager to read you, in the wild.
I should, there's a certain mindset and I'm not sure I'm quite ready to write things with a more universal tone - I like my quirky bits - probably I'm just making excuses. I'm planning a series of articles which I'm hoping to have that more "journalistic" tone, so we'll see how that goes. ;)
Themed submission calls can be a great boost to productivity. Of course like you mention, sometimes there’s too much time to get something in. But in shooting for a deadline one at least gets something written (with any luck), and if it’s good enough someone will take it at some point (with any luck!)
I have a couple of those ping pong balling in my head right now. Haven't written a word yet, but the mysterious chemistry is doing its work. In a couple of weeks I'll start feeling the bite... deadline approaching!
My many incomplete manuscripts and aborted attempts at writing a cohesive piece are paper dolls scattered before me naked and cold. Until I impose a deadline. Then I finally get to the end and my dolls are dressed and ready for the party. DEADLINES! Yes!! Good reminder, Martine.
It's weird how much less a problem procrastination became for me once I retired. When I was in school, I was a champion procrastinator. I couldn't do anything unless it was the last possible moment. Same with work. I would finish the day's lesson plan while walking from my office to the classroom, sometimes putting on the final touches of my lecture as the students were settling into their seats. But once I retired, with no deadlines to worry about, I suddenly became disciplined in a way I'd never been before. Maybe it was because with no one telling me what to do, I finally had to take full responsibility for myself. Or maybe it's just that if I don't write, I'll feel obligated to help with housework. Yeah, that's probably it.
I totally relate. Deadlines help so much! I use them on myself, and with few exceptions, I meet my own, self-imposed deadlines. It's a strange hack that seems to work well.
I can relate. Procrastination should be my middle name.
Btw, Just ordered Love You Till Tuesday on Amazon!
Oooohhhh.... don't delay too much reading it, lol. Thanks Jim!
Yes.... we are selective, lol!