Writing Momentum (Part Two)

There are so many valuable lessons that I’ve learned throughout this writing process (some about how to write and the majority about myself as I write).  I’ve shared many of them with you along the way.  However, today’s post is an effort to bring the main insights of this continuing saga into a more condensed space for your review.  I realize that the writing journey is intimately unique for each individual.  And while I don’t expect the “one size fits all” perspective to apply to the writing process, I do hope you can find some take-aways from my writing experiences that can positively assist you in your own personalized writing adventures.  This is going to be a lengthy list; so let’s jump right into it.  Here’s what I’ve learned thus far (as the journey is on-going):

• Having a tentative overall plan for your book is a great way to identify achievable goals to strive for and helps set some book writing activity in motion.  However, it’s important to be okay with the idea that the plan may need adjusting in order to meet your ever-changing needs.  Here are some possible planning items:
  • What format(s) the book will be provided in initially as well as in future offerings
  • If the book will be a stand-alone or part of a series
  • The number of chapters that will be included, which leads to…
  • The approximate number of pages per chapter.
  • If there will be illustrations or not
  • If there are illustrations, who you will partner with to complete the visuals
  • Possible titles for the book
  • The structure for each chapter
  • Possible topics for the chapters in the book
  • The overall number of pages or word count for the book
  • A deadline for completing the book and getting it out to audiences
• Identify your most productive habits for getting work done and then try to work within those habits as much as possible.  These habits can be in the form of your best times of the day to write, the best locations for your writing, and the most beneficial tools and equipment to utilize during your creative process.  For example, my best practices tell me not to write in the evenings (if I can help it).  The evenings are not my most productive writing times of the day.  Early, early mornings are the times when I’m most alert, rearing to go, and have the most uninterrupted time out of all other periods throughout the day.  (Continuity in a creative mode is more productive than multiple interrupted sessions throughout the day).
• Regarding your preferable time of the day to write, just remember that your creative mind is not on your same timetable.  When and where a great idea strikes is not necessarily a scheduled event.  You have to be prepared to capture it when it’s flowing.  Therefore, it’s important to have paper, pen, recorder, or whatever on hand, especially when you’re out and about.  Don’t rely on the mind to store your creative genius until you get home.  It may not be there when you need to recall it later.
• Creating a weekly writing schedule is a good idea, but remember this: the schedule should be “an adjustable framework (like Lego bricks that can be pieced in multiple ways) that accommodates the daily and sometimes unpredictable occurrences in life.”  You shouldn’t sweat the little stuff.  Your overall mindset should focus on getting your weekly work done and not being overly hard on yourself if you didn’t follow your schedule to perfection in order to accomplish it.
• When creating a weekly writing schedule, don’t forget to include all of the “other” repetitive activities/work that must be done within the week.  Factor these “others” into your writing schedule to create a more comprehensive schedule.  All your other activities aren’t going to stop and wait for you to write your book.
• Whenever you have writing set-backs, let them be temporary.  Know that (just like any negative circumstance), they can hit you when you least expect them.  So, be prepared to handle them so they don’t take you completely off course.  Have a contingency plan of attack to soften their blows.  You might use your motivators to create the spark you need to get your engine going.  During such trying times, seeking encouragement from your Accountability Partners is also helpful.
• Organizing your work is quite beneficial for your sanity.  Using lists, planners, calendars, sticky notes, notebooks, recorders, and portable filing systems were some of my go-tos.  But work with what makes your writing process most efficient.  No use in doing things the hard way.  Let what you work with work for you.  (This is one area that I personally struggle with, but I’m getting better.  And yes, I’m still sane:)).
• The word count may matter to you, but the quality of the words is what counts with the reader.  So, redirect your focus and put priorities into the right perspective.
• Use old but unused material or re-purpose used material in your new creative work, where it seamlessly fits.  No use in recreating the wheel if you don’t have to.
• Do chapter outlining in your writing process (sooner rather than later).  Outlining helps organize your thoughts on paper or computer and works toward the evolution of your book.
• Find peace with revising your manuscript multiple times.  It’s part of the writing process and usually results in the most polished outcome of your work than its prior versions.  Look at it this way:  wouldn’t you rather do as much rework while the book is under your tutelage than to have it torn apart during the editing process?  And, I’m definitely encouraging the idea of having a professional editor review your work before it goes to press.
• Research self-publishing versus traditional publishing processes and go for the one that best meets your needs.  Just make sure that you do thorough research so you know what you’re getting yourself into.  Utilize resources available to you, such as internet searches, YouTube videos, books, courses, and first-hand expert guidance, to help with your decision.
• Sometimes, it’s difficult to shut down the writing process.  Creative thought doesn’t ask for the best time to come knocking at your door.  Its visits could happen very late at night or in the wee hours of the morning (which may be the same time frame depending on how you look at it).  Try to find the best way to temper these occurrences.  If a creative thought prevents you from going to sleep or perhaps wakes you up, then you might need to go ahead and tend to it at that moment.  Record your thought on paper or computer and see if your ability to sleep miraculously settles it.  (This method has worked for me several times.  Try it).
• When you have too many ideas for one book, resist the urge to cram your book full of all those ideas.  Readers won’t appreciate a book that is stuffed way too full for its small packaging.  Instead, consider the idea of a book series.  (That’s where I’m headed).  A book series will allow you to get out all of those wonderful ideas, but in a more effective manner.  Just remember to record your overflowing amount of information somewhere handy so you can retrieve it later for your future works.

I told you this post would be long; but what can I say, I’ve learned a lot.  And, I’m just getting started.  I’ll leave you with one last lesson before I go.  My bestest lesson ever is the one that tells you to EMBRACE THE PROCESS, because it’s going to be your constant companion from the moment you start your writing journey until you draw your last breath.  Once a writer, always a writer.