Monday, November 9, 2009

Words: Don't Fail Me Now

I can be talkative. I can be detailed. I can be wordy. And I'm really counting on that as I implement a new system to increase both discipline and output.

As of late last week, I'll be allowing myself internet access only after meeting a word count of 1000 words each day. No e-mail, no Facebook, no blogs. Writing first.

Thursday, my first day, had me off to a good start with 1200 words. Friday saw 1900! The weekend was a busy bust like weekends often are, but today is a new day, a new week. (I should be launching into today's production soon after this post publishes.)

I'm excited, I'm hopeful, I'm ready to get this rough draft done. By Christmas.

It can be done, I think. Because words and me? We're likethis.

***

What do your goals look like for the next little bit?

Do you have a system for your writing, and how does it break down?

32 comments:

Rebecca Nazar said...

I try my best to write something, anything between the hours of 10-2. If I write 700 words I'm content.

Anonymous said...

Finish NaNo, which means increasing my output to about 2k+ words a day and finally get that first book ready for querying. I keep procrastinating and it is driving me nuts.

Kristen Painter said...

Keep up the good work! My goal this week is to write 10k. I did 12,500 last week, so I'm hoping to maintain that momentum.

I do have a process, but I hope to blog about it soon.

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Congrats are accomplishing so many words each day! Way to go!

I'm in the process of yanking out everything in my files, rewriting/editing what has possibilites for submission, submitting to some contests, shredding the yucky stuff and making notes on new writing projects to start the first of the year.

Jessica Nelson said...

LOL! I love the 'likethis'.
Super congrats on the wordage. My system stinks. It's morphed into something I can't handle, so I need to think up something new.

Tess said...

off you go...good luck! that is a worthy goal :D

me? I need to do something like that...

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

GOOD FOR YOU! That's a really hard thing to do.

I really wanted to finish all the edits by November, but last night I had an idea of something to work into the story. If I use it, it'll take longer. But I think it might be worth it.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I usually start with one goal and the closer to the finish line I bump it up and put more pressure on myself. I don't know why I do this. I had a goal to finish my WIP by Christmas. Now it's moved to less than two weeks from now so I can weed through it on a long car trip.
~ Wendy

Deb said...

I do best when I set a daily word count target. Now, I need to find a way to motivate myself for revisions. Good luck with the draft, sounds like you have a good plan to reach your goal!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

You and I already talked about this, and your method works well for me. Once I realized that the internet would not fall off its axis without me, it was easier to stick with that plan.

Now that I'm looking for jobs I choose a couple days a week where I have to apply & follow up to jobs before doing anything else. That's what I did this morning and the sense of accomplishment makes it very worthwhile.

Susan R. Mills said...

I want to finish my rewrites and edits by Thanksgiving. It doesn't seem possible at the time, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Lynnette Labelle said...

"Because words and me? We're likethis." Too funny! Congrats on meeting your goals. I don't dare to place that kind of pressure on myself. I've tried it and the whole house suffers. My life is just too hectic. Sometimes I have more time to write, so I make sure to take advantage when I can. Otherwise, I just have to wait patiently for those moments to come. ;)

Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Sounds like a great way to get your words in. I usually try to make a goal for getting my entire manuscript done and it's usually about three months. Then if I find I'm getting off to a slow start, I'll set specific word goals for the week or for the day to get me motivated.

Patti said...

I did that a few months ago and found it really worked. A little mini reward.

Kathy said...

I think you have a good system going.

I don't really have a particular plan. I like to be spontaneous.

Good luck, Janna!

Spy Scribbler said...

That rocks! I need to write a ton. I'm trying to write 500 words each hour, before I putz around the internet. :-) I really need to be putting in 5K a day, but I don't have kids or second job, so it's no biggie to work for 10 hours.

Tamika: said...

NaNo has me implementing a new system, and I love it. Making a commitment to write 1600 words is not easy, but I'm learning it can be done.

I reward myself with blogging so I write first.

Terri Tiffany said...

Good for you! I'm trying to do that too! I can't wait to see if you make it!

Deb Shucka said...

Good for you! Every time I think I've settled into a routine, something tips it upside down. I write every day - just not always as much as I'd like.

Nadine said...

I really need to follow that same pattern, because as of late, procrastination has been the only thing I have succeeded at.

I'm out of town the next two days, but come Thursday, I'm going to try it! Thanks Janna!

Karen said...

Wow, that's great. I fight the "g-oal" words all the time, but know they are good for me. Oh, stop by my blog, I have an award for you.

septembermom said...

I think this sounds like a great plan for you. If I ever get around to writing formally, I know I would benefit from setting aside pure writing time. Good luck Janna! You'll do wonderful.

Jill Kemerer said...

That is awesome!! Woo-hoo!!

I have to put limits on myself or I don't meet my goals. I, too, get my writing done before blogs, and I've found that I can double my output if I do this.

Congrats!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Go Janna! I can't wait to see how your writing comes along with this new organization. It's hard when life pulls ya away from blogging, but I'd imagine it'd be a nice temporary shift if writing goals were involved. :)

Amy DeTrempe said...

Good luck on reaching your goal. My current goal is to get the first draft of my current WIP done by the end of November. I didn't participat in the NaNo because I had already started my story, but I am using the month to get it finished.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work!

Melissa Amateis said...

I guess the only system I really have to combat staying off the 'Net and write is that I write on my laptop when it's not hooked up to the Internet. It helps a lot. Plus, being on the computer all day at work (and doing a lot of surfing during our slow periods) makes me burned out on the Internet by the time I get home.

1000 words is completely do-able. I have faith in you!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks for all the comments, everyone! I'm sorry I haven't gone through and replied individually, as is my norm. Will try to get back to that within the next post or two!

Joshua said...

way to go cousin! proud of you

* said...

My goals for the next month are to write an essay for a contest, and to submit some of my poetry to a magazine. After that, to return to my WIP like a mad woman writing a black streak into the heavens & beyond. We'll see where we get!

Ellie Kings said...

I think most writers are talkative, aren't they?! We always have something to say! I have only one... to finish what I started,even if it takes a little longer than you all. Good luck with meeting your goals!

Anonymous said...

I think many forget that RESEARCHING is even more important than writing. Being resourceful and doing your homework, makes your written words stand out immediately. Quality over Quantity on any day.

Both pay well, but quality (which could be time-consuming) gets you much further.