Today’s word count: 2,286 words
NANTUCKET total word count: 74,647
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Today’s been filled with lots of work; out of two deadlines due tomorrow, I have one completed, the other still to go. I’m tired, though, and have decided to call it a night, trusting that I’ll have no problems finishing up the second deadline tomorrow.
One of the things I’ve been finding helpful when it comes to work is, surprisingly, the fact that I’m making my writing a priority and writing first, before I start working on my deadlines.
I never realized before how much energy I used to put into being bothered by the fact that I wasn’t writing.
And now, I seem to be working more quickly and more efficiently, simply because I’m not always thinking, in the back of my mind, “I hate doing this. I should be writing instead. I mean, I AM A WRITER. I should be writing. Not working on these assignments. Not tackling these work deadlines day after day.” And so on.
I never realized how draining it all was.
And now? I’m actually enjoying my work more – because I’ve gotten the important-to-me stuff done. I think what’s happened here is, in making my writing a priority, I’ve basically made ME a priority.
This is my “insight du jour”, as my good friend heartsdeesire likes to call it. Now my work deadlines are simply what’s before me to do; not only that, I am enjoying doing my work much more than I have been. Because I’ve already done the important stuff first.
I’ve already written.
I really like that.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m so glad that putting your writing first is working out so well for you. I need to start writing first thing too.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..This One is Mine, by Maria Semple =-.
It’s been such a fabulous feeling, Nicole, putting my writing first. I can’t figure out why I resisted doing this for so long. I’m already feeling like “this is simply what I do” – no need to worry about making it a habit! Good luck with your writing goals!
That makes sense, getting your writing done first. I find I’m usually thinking about my writing while doing other things so I can see getting it out of the way would help you to stay focused (and content) with doing assigned work. (Of course I’ve broken the first rule and started checking my reader before doing any writing today. tisk tisk!
.-= Carrie Anne´s last blog ..Next Steps – July 20/09 =-.
Carrie Anne, I think the most surprising thing for me has been this feeling of contentment when I finally settle down to work on paying deadlines. And I can’t bear to not check email and Twitter first
– I’m definitely not as disciplined as that!!
Sounds like a great way to think about it!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong Landed on the Moon =-.
rhapsodyinbooks, thank you for all your comments on my posts about my writing – I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while now how much I appreciate it!
Thanks for the reminder of that great feeling when writing is the TOP priority. Like Carrie Anne, I too often fall into checking my reader, email, and soon my time has slipped away.
.-= Cathryn´s last blog ..Cushy Situation =-.
Cathryn, I write before I work on any of my paying assignments, but I don’t think I could write before checking my feedreader or email or Twitter! On the other hand, I seem to now be categorizing working on my novel as being as fun as doing all of those things, which is definitely a step in the right direction for me.
It is so good to follow a blog written by someone who also knows this desire to write fiction! And somehow your success and your consciousness about what works for you are useful for others!
Today I am a bit washed out, but it doesn´t matter, because yesterday I wrote a short story. Well, I had a ´starter´, one of my writing exercises, but starting with 291 words and reaching 2400 words in one day – the first draft of a complete short story – is an amazing day for me. I know that I thrive on success & encouragement so I have to remember to give myself a hug on the days when no one else does.
.-= Dorte H´s last blog ..Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed… =-.
Thanks so much, Dorte. I’ve actually been thinking about not posting about my writing (or at least, not posting as frequently about it!) because I haven’t been sure it’s all that interesting to others; it’s so internal to me and I sometimes wonder whether it’s rather on the boring side to others.
And congratulations! It sounds wonderful, to complete a short story in a day. I’m giving you a big hug from here. Have you seen the contest being sponsored by Writer’s Digest? (I’m assuming you’ve written a mystery, so if you haven’t, please just ignore this, or keep it in mind for if you do write a mystery or suspense short story soon). Here’s the link: Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Short Story Contest. There is an entry fee, but Writer’s Digest is so well-known, so it’s definitely legit. I have been wishing I had something to submit myself!
I think the number of comments prove that your readers ARE interested in hearing about your progress
And thank you very much for telling me about the contest. Of course my story is a mystery. I am not sure it is exciting enough, though, and it is not written in English – I suppose I could do something about that, if I decide to try my luck. I have bookmarked the contest page just in case …
.-= Dorte H´s last blog ..Mary Stewart, Wildfire at Midnight (1956) =-.
You write so well in English, Dorte, I keep forgetting it’s not your native language! I think your stories would translate well.