When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing. ~Enrique Jardiel Poncela
Sometimes when I read those craft books that tell you exactly how much work it takes to write a novel I get tired. I just want to write and in my head everything will fall into place. I don’t want to interview my characters, structure my plot, yes, I know all about the hero’s journey but that’s a lot of work. I’m kind of lazy. But then I think wait a minute, my manuscript hasn’t really moved forward very much in the last year, yet in that same time period other writers I know have cranked out three books. If I was really honest with myself I haven’t put in the effort necessary to finish my manuscript this year, I want to do the fun stuff which for me is writing about food, blogging and writing poetry. Not exactly big money makers (not that novel writing is either)…so I’m going to give it a try in February, really put out the effort to finish 2 chapters. I’m pretty positive my manuscript won’t be ready to pitch in April but I’m going to try.
If you were honest with yourself how hard do you work at being a writer? Do you make excuses or do you do the hard work. Today, write 10 ways you can improve your effort in February. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag