A good friend of mine,
Selah, recently asked me how I keep to my writing schedule so well, and another good friend,
Lauren, was also interested in knowing the answer since most of my Twitter posts are about just that: my writing and the schedule I use to do so. I decided to write a post about it in case anyone else wanted to check it out and see if any of these things work for them. What I love about writing is that everyone has their own routine, but sometimes seeing how someone else does it can help improve yours.
Typically when I get an idea I love it takes me no time to sit down and start writing. I usually create a rough outline first once I get the characters and plot to a point where I think it's ready. Breaking down the synopsis into chapters, I add the stuff I know I want to happen and in what order. During the actual writing process, however, scenes can change, be moved around, new things could be added, and some may be completely deleted. When I say "rough" outline it's basically my way of getting the scenes out of my head and onto paper where I can see them. This way if I happen to get stuck I consult my outline.
Once the outline is finished I make sure my characters are developed enough and get all my notes (whether typed or hand written) together in one folder. That folder becomes the designated folder for this particular story. Everything I write about it goes in there. Even if I jot a quick note down on a post-it or piece of scrap paper, I make sure to put it in the folder so I see it every time. It's then that I take a day off. To me, this is really important because it helps relax/clear my mind. I know tomorrow is going to start the grueling rough/first/shitty draft and there are going to be times when it will drive me insane. Thus, a day off to gather my motivation, create a playlist, and do anything else unrelated to the story is a must. On that break I mostly read. I try to avoid working on another project right before I start a first draft of another one because if I do my mind may want to move right into it and forget about the one I want to start tomorrow.
Day 1 of writing arrives . . . And I just go for it. I sit down, make myself a cup of coffee or tea, open up my notes, a blank document, and type CHAPTER 1. I personally like to set a 1,000+ word goal each time I sit down to write. Sometimes I can bang out a full chapter, other times I can only do half. It all depends on how much time I have (seeing that I have a full-time job in the morning, I write in the afternoon or at night). But I am usually able to get between 1,500 - 2,000 words done with each sitting. I keep track of my word count by using a separate day planner.
I actually got this idea from another writer so you see what I mean about sharing ideas and helping each other out. As you can see I'm not able to write every day and that's fine. Life gets in the way. Don't be upset if you miss a day or two. Just be sure you get right back in it when you can.
Side Note: IN SCHOOL is the tentative title of this story. It's the horror book I'm currently working on. I'm going back and forth between IN SCHOOL and FINAL DETENTION for the title.
Now onto the real reason for this post:
How do I keep to my writing schedule? For starters, I hate starting things and not finishing them, despite my Aries nature. And when I really love a story I dedicate myself to finishing it. This, in my opinion, is a big thing:
love. As writers we all love writing, but writing a novel is different in that you must not only love the story, but the characters, the process, and the agonizing realization that it's going to take a lot out of you. If I think of a story, but don't see it going anywhere, don't start it. Put it on the shelf and let it breathe for a while. Maybe you just need a couple days away. There have been plenty of times when I've come up with a really awesome plot, but hated the characters and another idea where the plot was weak, but the characters were great. What did I do? I fussed the awesome plot with the awesome characters and ditched the poor stuff. Never be ashamed of throwing away ideas because there are plenty waiting to take its place. Not everything can be developed enough to make a 60,000+ word novel.
In regards to my schedule, I don't necessarily set up a crazy, strict deadline. For the first draft I just tell myself, "Get it done then take a break." I can typically punch out a first draft in 2 - 2 1/2 months. How do I do this? I remind myself that it's not going to write itself and the more chapters you get done, the closer you'll be to finishing it. Turn off the inner editor, turn off the doubts, turn off everything and anything that will make you think you're not good enough to write it.
YOU ARE! Just sit there and write. If you're feeling mentally drained take a day off, but tomorrow get your ass back in the seat and back in the story. Leave notes all around your house/room/car/etc that says, "You should be writing!" Set up a reminder in your phone. There are so many ways to tell yourself it's time to write. That's probably how I stick to my writing schedule so well: I see how many words I wrote yesterday and think, "Let's see if I can beat that today." I look up from my computer and see these:
In case you can't read the one quote, it says, "
Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." It was said by Louis L'Amour. Perhaps my favorite quote ever about sitting down to write. And I see new books published every week. This, above all, pushes me the most because I know one day I will have my own novel up there next to them. I just can't ever give up and have to
KEEP WRITING!
It's hard, I know it is, to maintain a writing schedule. Trust me, it took me years to come up with the routine I have now. But I swear once you find a routine you are comfortable with, it'll happen naturally. Just stay strong, know you are good enough, and write.
