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Post by gerarddemarigny on Jun 12, 2011 14:37:45 GMT -5
If you want to be a successful author, IMHO, you have to approach it like a job. You come to work at a set time, do your research and writing, take regular breaks, and end when you've done your day's work. I included research because I think that's as important as the part about getting the words down on paper. Totally agree broth! I don't get out of bed without a plan - and I've approached everything I've done (for profit) in my life as a job - one I own and operate - starting with my first Kool-Aid stand. It doesn't matter what I'm doing - I'm at my desk at 5am (don't think I'll ever break away from Eastern Time, even though I live out west now). I only get up to use the facility (I don't eat during the day) and I usually "clock out" between 4pm-6pm (according to the needs of my 4 boys and wife ... I homeschool the boys too) Research definitely takes up a chunk of my writing time - since I write thrillers and I only enjoy ones that are dead-on accurate, I can spend up to 50% of my total writing time researching.
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Post by gerarddemarigny on Jun 12, 2011 14:40:14 GMT -5
Not everyone can do their work at a set time. Some of us have to work around other obligations. Any way you get the words done is the right way. I think this is true for everyone - I was really talking about "the plan." I'm a person who plans my days - so I like to start with a plan ... but you're right, life happens and things have to be done (other than writing). That's exactly why I'm asking others.
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Post by gerarddemarigny on Jun 12, 2011 14:43:06 GMT -5
Just don't write while on the clock for a day job—your boss would then have legitimate cause to claim ownership. (Not saying you're doing this—just getting the thought out.) But our bosses (and everyone has a boss, even business owners) can't stop us from thinking up our storylines, characters, etc. Personally, I do a lot of thinking when I'm using the facilities ... but that's a story for another thread! haha ...
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Post by jeanfrese on Jun 13, 2011 21:25:06 GMT -5
I have a word limit for 6 days a week. I take one day off or it will kill me. I also give myself permission to have blocked days, but I must attempt to make up the words later. At least once a week I've been finding I have a good day and can do significantly more than my alotted limit. This excess does not count toward daily goals unless I'm having writing issues another day.
I'm usually turning ideas over in my head during any down time I have, unless I'm stuck. If I'm stuck it's time or a break and I deal with other things. usually in a day or so my problem works itself out and I have an idea for getting out of the issue. If It hasn't happened after a day or so I'll talk to my sounding boards.
I find my sounding boards to be critically important. Usually they either toss out bizzare silly ideas that lead me off on a worthwhile rabbit trail, or they ask a question about the reality that I haven't thought of that supplies me with the answer.
That's an interesting point, now that I think about it. Does anyone else use a sounding board? what do you think of them?
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Post by thomaskcarpenter on Jun 14, 2011 12:41:35 GMT -5
I have weekly goals and "usual" days and times I get to write, though I'm not above fitting a little extra in if the wife and kids are out of the house. I average about 5-8k a week and that's been pretty consistent for the last few years. And honestly, I feel crabby if I'm not meeting my goals for the week. As for tracking, I use a little Excel spreadsheet. Nothing fancy but it give me stats and progress. The key to big projects is to break them down into small goals and using the spreadsheet does that. But in the end, it's really a matter of fire in the belly. Either you're going to do it or you aren't. Tom www.thomaskcarpenter.com
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