Weekly Progress Update

Weekly Progress Update

Whew, this weekend’s progress was slow. I got about half my normal output out due to being sick for most of the weekend, though still made sure to write each day at my normal times.

Despite the slow progress, the content I got done (about 1.5 chapters) was enjoyable. There was a small side plot that was mainly used to solidify a certain aspect of the story (vague, I know) and a fair amount of relationship building between two characters.

Anytime I write about two specific characters and their relationship, my wife goes crazy, begging to see what’s going on. It makes it all a bit more amusing, as it helps when writing the scene(s), knowing she’s going to ‘squeeee’ over the actions that are taking place (vague, I KNOW). In any case, it was a good chance to add more meat to an already budding companionship, as well as add a good amount of background to a character that previously had little. 

As I was writing today, I was partway through a chapter and a very important scene that I’ve been looking forward to. My daughter woke up a bit early today, so I had to consider cutting my writing time short. That brings me to a new point that I know a lot of writers aren’t fond of.

When to STOP writing for the day/session?

This is a tough one. I say that because I tend to be at an equal standpoint on two sides, recognizing the benefits of each. 

First, in my opinion, it is best to stop writing at a part you’re interested in! You read that correctly. Right when it’s getting good, and you’re itching to add that next paragraph that will make the scene really come together – STOP!

‘Bernard, why in Bothain’s forge fires would I want to do that?’

Because, it will drastically increase your interest on your next writing session, trust me. Many people, myself included, tend to stop at a threshold such as a chapter, a change of setting, or the ending of a scene. I understand that completely, and my organizational compulsions often force me to do just that. However, sometimes, when you end your writing session on a clean stopping point, it can be insanely difficult to motivate yourself to start the next scene.

The last session had a sense of finality to it and now you’re stuck feeling like you’re starting from scratch. What’s the law? Objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Don’t stop the train at the station, stop it at the top of the hill, so the only way to go is forward. Ride that slope all the way down and you’ll find you’re at the station without ever having to start the engines. (Crappy metaphor, we can’t all be writers)

Anyway, I will be the first to tell you that my compulsiveness often gets the best of me and I write until the threshold. Frankly, my standard goal is to write one chapter each day (Friday through Sunday). I’ve started trying to disregard that clean cut and pull myself away at the height of the scene sometimes, as it’ll help me the next day. But, there’s a risk.

Normally, I stop at the end of the chapter. With me trying not to do so, it actually cuts my progress shorter, where I might end it a few paragraphs prior to the end of the chapter, costing me precious progress. Of course, it certainly helps me get started the next day, but then I cut my progress again to do the same. Overall, I lose about 25% progress, or less, for the week. It’s not too bad. Really, this is more for those who are having trouble staying motivated.

Right now, I’m pretty set in my ritual and don’t have motivation issues anymore, so it isn’t too often I do this. But it can make all the difference if you find that you sit down to write and you just can’t get going. Once you get your ritual (that thing I keep bringing up that will help you succeed), you can end your progress wherever you like.

Overall, there are many different ways to get you going and make sure you work at the time you’ve allotted to yourself. There’s nothing more demoralizing than sitting down, knowing you WANT to work and not finding the words. 

I’ll bring up a few more tips on staying motivated and making sure when you sit down to work, you actually work, so keep an eye out for future blogs (you can subscribe on the sidebar if you want to be e-mailed any time new content is published).