It's hard to believe that we're almost two weeks into the new year. Did you make any resolutions? Have you failed them yet? Perhaps it's time for options, if the resolution doesn't go quite as planned.
I had a ton of writing resolutions for the new year. Like every writing goal I make, I think I plan a little more than I can do. It's not a bad thing, but it can be overwhelming.
This year, I made lots of goals, but something changed about my perspective of them. I'm not sure what it was exactly. Maybe with age comes wisdom or perhaps I'm almost finished my second year as being a writer. Yes, that special anniversary comes tomorrow, but that's besides the point. I've come to realize it's the small changes that will add up more than any big changes I do.
I wanted to write/rewrite three chapters a week in my 2009 NaNoWriMo novel, Virtuoso. I started out with high hopes. After all, I wrote the entire novel in 29 days, so how hard would it be to rewrite it in two months? It's much more difficult than I expected. I'm editing as I go. I'm slower in thinking about my words. How do I phrase this sentence? Should the scene diverge this way in the new version? I've come to realize that for a second completed draft, I want quality over quantity. It may take me a little longer to write it. I may only get two chapters written a week instead of three, but in the end, it'll be a much better novel. Who could ask for more?
The key is in the little changes. Write a little bit a day, read a bit more, edit more. It'll get done if you are persistent and dedicated. Eat an apple with caramel instead of cookies. Or walk up the stairs once in a while instead of taking an elevator. No one runs a marathon the first week of exercise, so why should we expect to write the next best seller in a week either? We shouldn't.
So, if you have planned for more than you can handle, don't worry. You can go with option B. We won't judge you. *smiles*
5 comments:
I love this post. It really is the little things that make a difference. When losing weight, most dieters want instant success. But those pounds that are quickly lost are also quickly regained (plus a few more for good luck!). Slow and steady always wins the day. (Ouch! That was a cliche, wasn't it?)
Great post! The little changes add up to big change. You're doing fine with your writing. Look how much you've accomplished. I think you're cruising on high speed to success!
Stina - Thank you! And, don't worry about the cliche. Yeah, yeah, they're supposed to be bad for you, but they wouldn't be cliche if they weren't just so good to begin with. ;)
Aubrie - Thanks! And, it's thanks to you and others that inspire me to cruise on high speed. :D
Oohhh kitty in a basket!
I definitely need a bigger basket. So far, I haven't been keeping up with my writing goals, either. Thanks for the inspirational post and can't wait to read Virtuoso.
Lisa - When I saw that picture, I knew you'd like it. And, I'll be sending you Virtuoso in a couple months, hopefully. I'm slowly working on it. :)
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