Summertime is usually a difficult time for writing, especially writers who are moms. Somehow having all those kids home isn't really conducive to the writing process. As you all know I'm in the middle of drafting the third book in my Hostage Negotiation series and so I have to motivate myself to write this summer. I've been analyzing what's working for me lately and thought I'd share.
1. The Notebook
The computer isn't available to me on a regular basis during the summer because 1. kids need my attention during the day and 2. because I'm not willing to get up early and use it like some other highly motivated (read: crazy in my book!) writer moms I know. And sometimes when I do have the computer time, I get in the zone only to be interrupted to referee an argument, answer questions, or help someone with something. So, in order to get something done, I've been going old school. I take my notebook everywhere---to the pool while I watch swim lessons, to the table while the kids are coloring or writing letters, and I've even read some of what I've written for storytime. (My poor kids! No, I'm at a really exciting part so the boys love it.) Then, when I have the computer, I just type in the scenes I've written (and add, revise, and edit at the same time so win/win!)
2. Walking
There are studies that prove that exercise increases synapses to the creative side of your brain and I believe that to be true because whenever I get on my treadmill, the ideas really flow. So, this summer I have started walking a couple miles a day to work out plots, characters, and dialogue. It really does work, and although I have to carve out the time, it's so worth it for both my waistline and my storyline!
3. Accountability
I have to have you guys on my blog every Wednesday and my critique group twice a month check in on my progress. If I know I'm going to have to report to someone, I'm much more likely to get down to the nitty gritty and get my goals for the day/week accomplished. Very motivational. And then when I achieve my goals, I've given myself little rewards like buying a new book or something like that.
What's keeping you motivated this summer?
I'm an award-winning romantic suspense novelist, but in my free time I love to review books and my fave TV shows, as well as pass along great book deals, and eat Canadian chocolate---not necessarily in that order.
4 comments:
My mom is my accountability person- she’s also a writer. She knows to expect 3000 words from me by midnight every Saturday night. I’ve been going strong for about 6 weeks now, so I’m about 1/4-1/3 of the way through my novel! So far, so good!
That's awesome that your mom is not just a cheerleader, but she knows what it's all about, too. =)
I could use some motivation myself. It's funny, Julie. I have a notebook at work, at least 2 in the car, one in my bag, 2 at home... and I hardly ever use them. Hmmmm.
Kasey, that is awesome!
Jon, I love my writer's notebooks. It's fun to go back and see the bits and dialogue of previous books and see where I was stuck, how far I've come, and of course I love it because it's saved me on more than one writing occasion. You should use yours! I bet you'd like it.
i like to write late at night when it's too warm to sleep. Not had many opportunities so far this summer though.
mood
Moody Writing
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