A Writing Schedule … Write Everyday!
Yesterday, my writing routine was interrupted because of several things, none which were avoidable or changeable. And this is okay because it is important that we be flexible with our writing schedules. Afterall, we’ve got families and friends, most of us have jobs or other commitments, sometimes we get sick, etc.
Usually I write for two hours every morning but yesterday I had to miss those two hours.
I know, I could have gotten up early and gotten in those two hours but I really wanted to stay in bed and sleep. Anyway, just missing those two hours really threw me “off”. I felt as if something was missing all day.
Okay, I’ll forgive myself but it made me realize just how important my writing “schedule” is to me. It helps me stay focused.
Before I finish writing for the day, I always know what I’m going to write the next time I sit down to write. Sometimes I actually quit writing in the middle of a scene so it’s easy to pick up where I left off.
If you are waiting to write until the “muse” knocks you over, or someone gives you an assignment … well you are going to wait for a long time. And I can almost guarantee that you will never finish a screenplay or, if you do finish one, you will never get through the first or second rewrite. It’s hard enough to get a first draft down, but with all that rewriting… You just gotta sit down to write to get it done.
My advice is to develop a schedule which will “usually” work for your life, but make sure it’s flexible for those days when you’ve got to work extra hours, or your kid needs to be driven to a party, or you’re sick and just can’t get off the couch without throwing up!
A writing routine is important if you want to be a successful writer. Create a flexible schedule that meets your needs. Watch your writing improve when you write everyday!
November 7, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Amen!! I’ve been working on my second book (my first fiction) and set a flexible schedule this time. The first book took me two months to finish, but I just about killed myself trying to work on it and take care of my family (and everything else!). This time I’m trying to work smarter, not harder, by giving myself plenty of time. Either way, though, writing every day is a must! Thanks for saying it again.
November 7, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Setting up the initial “schedule” was hard. But, I found that once I got in the routine, it’s harder to stay away. Thanks for stopping by! And best of luck with your writing!