There
is a lot of pressure for authors to produce multiple books per year. For some,
that isn’t a problem. As I am a writer who has written one book per year going
on four years now, I am definitely feeling the squeeze.
is a lot of pressure for authors to produce multiple books per year. For some,
that isn’t a problem. As I am a writer who has written one book per year going
on four years now, I am definitely feeling the squeeze.
Itisn’t that I don’t have the time. With one child in elementary school and one
in preschool, and the luxury of being able to stay home with them, I have at
least a two hour writing window per day. Even more if I can sneak in some
writing time before the rest of the household wakes up.
I’ve
developed a writing style, over the years, which works for me. I like to write
in one-scene blocks. The more difficult scenes often take another pass or two.
Once I finish a chapter, I like to take a day off. I give my characters a chance
to talk to me, tell me where things are going next. Sometimes I feel like a
puppet on strings, but some of my best scenes come when I hand over the reins
and just watch things develop from afar.
developed a writing style, over the years, which works for me. I like to write
in one-scene blocks. The more difficult scenes often take another pass or two.
Once I finish a chapter, I like to take a day off. I give my characters a chance
to talk to me, tell me where things are going next. Sometimes I feel like a
puppet on strings, but some of my best scenes come when I hand over the reins
and just watch things develop from afar.
Now
that I am a published author, my workload has increased. I need to include
marketing and promotion into my schedule. While writing a book, I eventually
get to type “The End”. When marketing a book, it seems like no matter how much
social media wrangling, blogging and review solicitation I do, I could always
be doing more. So, where do I draw the line?
that I am a published author, my workload has increased. I need to include
marketing and promotion into my schedule. While writing a book, I eventually
get to type “The End”. When marketing a book, it seems like no matter how much
social media wrangling, blogging and review solicitation I do, I could always
be doing more. So, where do I draw the line?
My
little guy starts kindergarten in the fall – all day. On one hand I am thrilled
that I finally get all day to myself – to start treating this writing career
with the seriousness and respect it deserves. On the other hand, it means no
more procrastinating loads of laundry, trips to the grocery store or levels of
Candy Crush. Time to step up my game and show myself who’s boss. I am capable
of so much more and I know that once I get into the routine it will get easier.
little guy starts kindergarten in the fall – all day. On one hand I am thrilled
that I finally get all day to myself – to start treating this writing career
with the seriousness and respect it deserves. On the other hand, it means no
more procrastinating loads of laundry, trips to the grocery store or levels of
Candy Crush. Time to step up my game and show myself who’s boss. I am capable
of so much more and I know that once I get into the routine it will get easier.
Learning
to be productive in a self-motivated career field is tough. It’s going to take
a lot of hard work, but with the right organization, scheduling and rewards
(lots of coffee and chocolate, baby!) I know I can do it. I won’t aim for three
books a year just yet. But one day.
to be productive in a self-motivated career field is tough. It’s going to take
a lot of hard work, but with the right organization, scheduling and rewards
(lots of coffee and chocolate, baby!) I know I can do it. I won’t aim for three
books a year just yet. But one day.
Author
Bio:
Bio:
Jennifer
DeCuir writes small town contemporary romances while wrangling two kids, a
husband who acts like a big kid and three neurotic pets. She lives in the
Pacific Northwest, where she can’t get enough sunshine or caffeine. Her series
Scallop Shores, published by Crimson Romance, is based on her hometown of York,
Maine. When she isn’t writing, she is either crocheting or at the craft store
adding to her massive yarn stash.
DeCuir writes small town contemporary romances while wrangling two kids, a
husband who acts like a big kid and three neurotic pets. She lives in the
Pacific Northwest, where she can’t get enough sunshine or caffeine. Her series
Scallop Shores, published by Crimson Romance, is based on her hometown of York,
Maine. When she isn’t writing, she is either crocheting or at the craft store
adding to her massive yarn stash.
Social
Media Links:Twitter: http://bit.ly/160UYHtFacebook: http://on.fb.me/HdgQXiWebsite: http://bit.ly/1bbkFomPinterest: http://bit.ly/1aE8XBg
Buy Jennifer’s books at:
Hi, Jenn! You are so fortunate! Besides writing, I have a demanding day job plus running a household. I don't know what I'd do without a schedule and DEADLINES, in every aspect of my life – from planning meals to completing a manuscript. Even with only 10 to 15 minute blocks of time, you'll be amazed at what you can get on paper writing-wise. (The draft of the book I'd recently sold was finished in 21 days, so I know it's possible!) Good luck to you!
Wow, Melia, 21 days? You are a rock star, woman! 🙂
Melia, you are Wonder Woman! I agree that a schedule is important. So is taking your writing time as seriously as any other scheduled event of the day. Thanks for stopping by!
LOL! I'm definitely no rock star or Wonder Woman. It might take a short time to get the draft out, but the edits — OY! It takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on what curve ball life throws my way! For me, the biggest challenge is finessing the words, really giving the story the emotional oomph that it deserves. That, I've found, can't be rushed, especially when life goes into cray-cray mode! So, I've learned to go with it, you know?
I absolutely know, Melia! I got a couple of dilly curve balls thrown my way this year! I have had to learn patience and that just because I had a release date fixed in my head doesn't mean it will happen that way! Hey, I see you've published with Entangled. If you would like to be a guest on my blog, let me know. Pretty famous name you've got there, my maiden name was Betty Ford LOL
Thanks for having me on today, Betty. I'm hoping I'm not alone in this and that there are other people out there, in any career, that are willing to share tips on how they give themselves that little extra push. Anyone? 🙂
You are not alone! Jennifer, you discuss issues that all of us authors have to deal with.I actually schedule my writing time on my calendar so it is as important as any other meeting or appointment. Great post!