(This post is a direct continuation of yesterday’s post.)
Method #11: Keeping notes, Q&A sections, and other such extras help me feel better prepared for writing a scene.
Type: Helps me get back to writing my manuscript.
Speed: Tortoise.
Analysis: Sometimes, I need a warm-up before I start typing fiction. Loosening my fingers with some non-fiction about the scene I’m going to write can be very tortoise or very hare, depending on whether or not I’m using this as an excuse to not get started with the actual writing, vs. methodically planning things out.
As I’ve continued to hone my craft, I’ve noticed that I depend on this method less and less, and that I’m able to figure out more of the scene as I write it versus pre-planning.
GOAL: While useful, I should do this less often and keep it less detailed than I have in the past.
Method #12: When I’m stuck and can’t move forward in a story, thinking about the problem while showering or mowing the lawn helps me puzzle it out.
Type: Helps me get back to writing my manuscript.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: Getting stuck is almost always what ends a nice long run of consecutive writing days.
When #8 fails to get my tires out of the mud (breaking scenes into smaller components), this method will almost certainly do the trick. So I should waste no time and hop in the shower or get mowing.
Like I said, if it works, it works. Not to mention my “eureka moments” tend to come through this method. Eureka moments often require judicious rewrites/edits to make them work, so it’s better to have them in mind sooner than later during the drafting process.
GOAL: Momentum is valuable and should never be taken for granted. I need to avoid losing my writing streaks at all costs.
When I get stuck, instead of putting the solution off, I should strive to put #12 and #8 into immediate action.
Method #13: Listening to audiobooks while mowing help me figure out random scenes.
Type: Helps me get back to writing my manuscript.
Speed: Tortoise.
Analysis: This is a bit of a weird one. I normally don’t like to write non-sequentially, but it sure is nice having a boost once I’m ready to write a scene. There’s no harm in using this method whenever I’m not stuck and have to mow the lawn, anyway.
GOAL: Do this whenever I’m not stuck at a tough part in my WIP … and the lawn needs mowed.
Method #14: I write without page breaks, and without caring about page count or wordcount.
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: #14 is something I always do because I already know it works for me.
I don’t want to risk burning myself out or feeling bad because I failed to reach a wordcount goal.
When I refuse to focus on wordcount, sometimes my writing sessions can “explode”, to the point where I’m writing three or more scenes in one sitting.
GOAL: I should avoid groups and competitions that are wordcount goal oriented.
Method #15: I stay focused on real story progress instead of arbitrary measurables (introducing a character, completing a scene, etc.).
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: Focusing on story progress is rewarding. The small victories are worth celebrating, and make the goal feel all the closer.
GOAL: None.
Method #16: Write one word a day (because writing can be like eating chips).
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: When I actually do this, it works great. And this goal is so achievable, there’s no excuse to not do it.
GOAL: Make it a mandatory part of my daily ritual, even if I really do only end up writing one word.
Method #17: Get involved with a crit circle or find a crit partner.
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: It’s not easy finding a reliable crit partner, but it’s well worth it. In the meanwhile, there’s always crit-based websites, though I’m burned out on them at the moment.
Those who love to write meet other authors. I’m confident a worthy crit partner will inevitably come back into my life.
GOAL: Same as the method title. I’m sure as I branch out on this journey and find new writer friends, more opportunities will come with patience.
Method #18: Find a small, tight-knit writing group that focuses on my genre.
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: Easier said than done.
GOAL: Keep on the lookout for such a group.
Method #19: Find a way to turn my writing into a video game RPG.
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: A gamification in the truest sense of the word, it would bring two of my favorite pastimes together.
If someone could figure out how to truly “Skinner box” the art of writing, that would be a perfect storm for me. I admit #19 is more of a wishlist item, but I’m sure in time something will come along that will be better than 4thewords, be it a piece of software, a website, etc.
GOAL: Find an alternative to 4thewords.com.
Method #20: If I have two or more reasons for doing something, I tend to do it.
Type: Helps me get back to writing my manuscript.
Speed: Tortoise.
Analysis: #20 is vague. It mystifies me. I typically use this quirk for editing projects, but perhaps there’s a way to leverage this aspect of myself toward writing.
GOAL: I want to figure out a way to use this quirk to keep me writing.
Method #21: I likely need a hard deadline or hard goal, along with a dangling carrot to be truly prolific.
Type: Keeps me on-task.
Speed: Hare.
Analysis: I do have a few untested ideas, but I still haven’t figured out exactly what an effective carrot is (for me) yet, and I’m unsure who can hold me to task for a hard deadline or goal. Utilizing this method feels like it will be key in ensuring I one day become prolific.
GOAL: Figure out the who and what, and test my untested ideas.
Method #22: I like to keep a steady flow of negative feedback and honest criticism to help me stay stubborn and steadily improve as a writer.
Type: Helps me get back to writing my manuscript.
Speed: Tortoise.
Analysis: Everyone can develop tougher skin, even the toughest among us. I want to use this to keep catapulting me forward, but it’s unreliable since this kind of thing happens sporadically. I can’t sit around and wait for someone to insult me before I get back to work.
GOAL: Ensure whatever groups I end up joining encourage brutally honest feedback.
That concludes my analysis. Hopefully I can figure out how to tie it all together in tomorrow’s post.
Nick Enlowe 