Deadline: Nine Pages a Day

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.

              Since no editor or publication is waiting for my projects, I need to write for more disciplined deadlines. Word counts do not work for me, but page counts do. I write about three pages a day in my notebook to fill one each month—this keeps me unafraid of the blank page and exploring ideas.

              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.