Write Every Single Day, No Matter How You Feel!
By John Irvin
This is something I’ve had to learn over the years since going full-time as a writer-author-entrepreneur. There are days when I do not feel like writing a bit or revising a draft or whatever.
Then I remind myself, you’re an author, this is your job. I show up to other jobs even when I’m sick or exhausted, right? Well, my writing is my job, why shouldn’t it get the same priority?
Like while I’m writing this post, I’ve been battling a sinus infection all week. It has slowed me down a little bit, but I’m so happy to say, I’m still a couple days ahead of schedule for my writing.
Always a good feeling to be ahead of schedule! I hate having to rush things at the last minute. I’m also told people can tell when I’m hurrying through my writing.
The way my schedule is today, I managed a few pages of the second draft for Conspiracy, Volume 5 in the Shattered series. I’ve written in my weekly schedule, “Finish first phase of second draft for Conspiracy” set for tomorrow morning.
My second drafts come in two phases, I don’t remember if I’ve shared this before.
Basically, my steps of writing a book goes: first draft, then I enter second draft stage which is split into the ‘mark’ phase and the ‘revision’ phase, then I go through in a personal edit before sending it to the professional editor.
The mark phase is me printing off the first draft and going through with a pen to mark and underline and blot out and yell at myself in written comments.
Yes, I’m funny like that.
Also, tomorrow, I’m ordering the Boxset e-Book cover for the Complete Collection along with the in-print cover art. I’m so excited to share this with you. This means, it’ll be maybe a week or two and the Complete Collection will be published.
That’s a blessing, because it shows just how far ahead I actually am. On my 2019 Plan Schedule, I have “Publish Shattered: Complete Collection” set for 29 October.
So I wanted to share all this to encourage you. Give your dreams and goals your priority. Do not let a head cold or busy day schedule or whatever the power to keep you from reaching those goals!
Kind of like the old Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron song lyric, “Get out of my way, get out of my face or give it your best shot.” You need to defy life’s punches and punch back.
If you feel stuck, make it your priority to find a way to move. It’s up to you, no one else is going to help. Don’t mean to sound all “tough love,” but it is the truth. You need to set your dream in first place.
After all, that’s what you were put on this earth to do. Those desires burning in your heart were put there for a reason.
That’s all I wanted to say and share. Excelsior!
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