From Kate’s Writing Crate…
I gave up filling a notebook a
month in June. I thought it would give me more time to work on my other writing
projects, but I just proved to myself again that it is not more time I need,
but more deadlines.
Deadlines and pressure are my
driving forces to write. If I have a deadline, I don't miss it. Projects just
for fun or on spec don’t create enough pressure although I enjoy finding out
what I have to say. I need deadlines.
I’ve now given myself a nine-pages-a-day deadline—three to fill a notebook a month and six on other projects.
These can be handwritten or on the computer as my muse
demands.
Cheryl and I are discussing
working on a project together so I’m adding that to my list. I finished
a short story. I’m working on my book (90% completed), my screenplay, essays, and
another short story.
These nine pages are in addition
to my monthly articles and essays for the magazines as well as my editing
responsibilities.
I’m a writer/editor. All of my
working time and some of my spare time should be spent writing and editing.
It’s what I do. It’s who I am. But it’s not enough. This nine-pages-a-day
deadline is the only way I’m going to accomplish my project goals.
