Pacing Yourself as a Writer
When 2012 began, I set a goal to write three novels this year. So far, I've written four. My pace picked up to an insane speed. I couldn't stop writing. But then editing jobs forced me to take a break because I can't edit and fast draft at the same time. When I fast draft, I like to have nothing else on my plate.
Well, after I drafted manuscript four, I realized I couldn't keep up this pace or I'd burn out before September. So, I did something I never thought I'd do. I took a break from writing novels. I focused on editing and writing short stories. Now, I'm getting that itch again. But I can't give in to it. Soon, I'll have edits coming in for the sequel to Touch of Death. My summer is going to be busy, but not in the same way as when I'm drafting.
Still, I'm trying to hold off on this new idea I have. I'm plotting it and attempting to keep from drafting until my daughter starts school at the end of August. The question is, can I make it?
How do you pace yourself so you aren't writing too much or not enough?
Well, after I drafted manuscript four, I realized I couldn't keep up this pace or I'd burn out before September. So, I did something I never thought I'd do. I took a break from writing novels. I focused on editing and writing short stories. Now, I'm getting that itch again. But I can't give in to it. Soon, I'll have edits coming in for the sequel to Touch of Death. My summer is going to be busy, but not in the same way as when I'm drafting.
Still, I'm trying to hold off on this new idea I have. I'm plotting it and attempting to keep from drafting until my daughter starts school at the end of August. The question is, can I make it?
How do you pace yourself so you aren't writing too much or not enough?
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Michele wrote: "Hi Kelly,Great topic. That was a very intense pace you set for yourself. I can relate. I'm a professor and this past year because of a teaching award, I had a sabbatical from the classroom. I had ..."
My problem is that I LOVE when I'm drafting. I'm in heaven. But it takes a toll on me too because I lose sleep and start to feel run down. I think come September, I'll get on a better schedule because my daughter will be in school full-time and I won't need to stay up late to write.
You set a goal to write three novels, but have written four so far? That's incredible! But I understand how that can burn you out. The summer NaNo challenge was awesome, but it also drained me. Now I'm taking a short break so I don't lose my patience or my love of writing. Good luck with your edits!
Beth wrote: "You set a goal to write three novels, but have written four so far? That's incredible! But I understand how that can burn you out. The summer NaNo challenge was awesome, but it also drained me. Now..."Thanks, Beth. Congrats on doing Nano!
Great topic. That was a very intense pace you set for yourself. I can relate. I'm a professor and this past year because of a teaching award, I had a sabbatical from the classroom. I had so much pent up creative writing demand that I drove myself pretty hard most of last year. And, yes, you can get burned out even while doing something that you love. I also felt that I was giving in the to very competitive and pushy part of my inner self (that believes more is better), rather than my inner wise self that is an ally in the creative process (and is nonjudgmental). Now, I am better about writing in small bursts as opposed to driven manic ones.