Procrastination is like masturbation. At first it feels good, but in the end you're only screwing yourself. ~ Author unknown
I find myself writing this article during an extended period of procrastination over my current manuscript (MS).
And when I say extended, I haven’t actively typed a word for over three months. I used to spend every available moment writing, even making time to visit the library on a weekly basis, where I would make considerable progress with writing and editing.
Various factors have affected my productivity such as; Christmas, a new job and trying to be an active member of my family. But I’m convinced the number one factor is having to make edits to the first chapters of my MS. Who would have thought that such a task would have stopped me in my tracks.
I entered the first three chapters into the Romance Writers of Australia STALI competition and received some awesome feedback I want to incorporate, but have found the task quiet daunting. Perhaps it’s because I don’t really know where to start. Does this mean I need to do a course? Or will it just come to me in time? Hence my stalling tactics.
I now have to re-read everything I’ve written before I can continue on, not only do I have to get my thoughts back in order but I have delayed the finishing of my MS, which I wanted to polish off by the end of the year.
While I have enjoyed the break, it’s far past time for me to put my fingers back on the keyboard and get cracking. I still have a passion for writing I just need a kickstart. And in all honesty I’m hoping this article will be my reality check.
It seems all writers suffer from this particular ailment for various reasons. Characters misbehaving, plot gone awry or a bigger and better idea is causing a distraction. Oh and did I mention editing?
What’s one of your favourite devices for time wasting? Social media, visiting friends or perhaps shopping? I’ve even stooped so low as to do cleaning. (Yes you read that right).
I find myself writing this article during an extended period of procrastination over my current manuscript (MS).
And when I say extended, I haven’t actively typed a word for over three months. I used to spend every available moment writing, even making time to visit the library on a weekly basis, where I would make considerable progress with writing and editing.
Various factors have affected my productivity such as; Christmas, a new job and trying to be an active member of my family. But I’m convinced the number one factor is having to make edits to the first chapters of my MS. Who would have thought that such a task would have stopped me in my tracks.
I entered the first three chapters into the Romance Writers of Australia STALI competition and received some awesome feedback I want to incorporate, but have found the task quiet daunting. Perhaps it’s because I don’t really know where to start. Does this mean I need to do a course? Or will it just come to me in time? Hence my stalling tactics.
I now have to re-read everything I’ve written before I can continue on, not only do I have to get my thoughts back in order but I have delayed the finishing of my MS, which I wanted to polish off by the end of the year.
While I have enjoyed the break, it’s far past time for me to put my fingers back on the keyboard and get cracking. I still have a passion for writing I just need a kickstart. And in all honesty I’m hoping this article will be my reality check.
It seems all writers suffer from this particular ailment for various reasons. Characters misbehaving, plot gone awry or a bigger and better idea is causing a distraction. Oh and did I mention editing?
What’s one of your favourite devices for time wasting? Social media, visiting friends or perhaps shopping? I’ve even stooped so low as to do cleaning. (Yes you read that right).
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