Never Mind the Motivation, I Want to Get it DONE

Mustang · Jan 4, 2007

I have a WIP.

My problem is actually sitting down to write the darn thing.

Once I get into it I'm like a steamroller, I just keep writing till something stops me.

The problem is, something always does. Kids, husband, life in general.

I was wondering what others do to get their novels written?

Do you hire a cabin in the woods alone?

Do you have a timetable you stick to, or a DO NOT DISTURB sign you stick up when you're writing, or do you just resort to getting up in the middle of the night to write? Then not be able to function the next day cos of lack of sleep .. sigh.

What have your solutions been and how did they work out?

Cheers!

Misty_Blue · Jan 4, 2007

That's why the words 'discipline' and 'dedication' matter. One thing is being constantly disturbed, and another is not having the 'will' to get going (the latter being worse in my opinion). If you really want something, you try your hardest to get it no matter what, same with writing! A timetable often works as if its a feasible one, and you're still missing the deadlines, you might have to explain to yourself what the 'real' reasons are for such avoidance. Best of luck!

Gabriel · Jan 4, 2007

The answer is simple my friend. You sit down and write and when you do so the world must be clear you are GOING to to do it. Perhaps sit in a room on your own with the door closed (Both metaphorical and otherwise)
My own family/girlfriend know better than to talk to me when I'm writing mostly because I cease to exist for those hours each day.
You could always retreat to an abandoned bomb shelter but then I'd fear you may emerge as an evil writing genius!!! :tongue

Willowmound · Jan 4, 2007

Avoid having a life, kids, spouse. That's what I do.

(Gives me time to work on insidious schemes as well. But that's another thread.)

Chasing the Horizon · Jan 4, 2007

Well, I don't have kids, I don't answer the phone, I ignore my friends and my parents know the only way they're ever going to get the money I owe them back is if I get an advance on my novels, so they don't bother me. I can sit down for ten hours straight and not get interrupted by anything. But I'm really lucky. (And bad things happen to things/people that disturb me.)

I think it also comes down to a matter of being willing to sacrifice. I've given up my friends, time with my family, and having money to pay my bills in order to have enough free time to meet the insane writing goals I set for myself.

I've always believed that once you know what you want, you go after it whole heatedly and don't let anything or anyone stand in your way. Things and people will always try to get in the way of you getting what you want in life. Push them out of the way. Use a bulldozer if you have to.

If you don't want to be a writer bad enough to make some sacrifices, then you just don't want it bad enough. (I'm sure a few people have gotten published and sold well without having to make any sacrifices. They are incredibly lucky.)

PeeDee · Jan 4, 2007

Writing, like reading, is something that is helpful to be able to do in little sips as well as big swallows. That way, if something pulls you out of it, you can get back in.

But, barring that, I find that sheer bloody minded stubborness and locking oneself in a room does wonders. Have an empty bedroom? Shut the door. Sit on the floor if you hav to, just get away from everything. I've used the laundry room on occasion, or hallways, or sitting out doors in the car with the heater turned on. Whatever it takes.

Barring that, why not go off to a coffee shop for a couple of hours? The disadvantage to writing at home with your family is, you may be off doing your "job," but you're still just sitting there. It doesn't seem real. Especially if you're not a writer. If you set two hours (or whatever) a few days a week when you will go off to write, and you worry about being late like you would at a real job, then it has the advantage of being taken seriously, as well as getting you out of the house and away from distractions.

Mostly, it's just discipline and stubborness, though.

farfromfearless · Jan 4, 2007

I've been sticking to a 1 hour a day rule (I read about it somewhere), but it seems to be working for me - I find that committing to at least 1 hour is manageable if I do it over lunch periods at work, before bed, or getting up a little earlier in the morning. In my case, life always intrudes no matter how hard I try to avoid it - wife, work, freelance work, other crap. Still 1 hour is a small commitment.

I prefer not to set a word count as my goal, simply because it's a psychological thing with me: 1 hour seems less daunting than 1,500 words. I can produce anywhere from 500 to 2.5k in a good sitting. And there are times where I write longer than an hour or am inspired and produce 5-10K. To me 500 words is just as good as 5,000 words - like a good bowel movement, I'm pushing something out on a regular basis

zornhau · Jan 5, 2007

One houre a day seems to work fine for drafting. I've discovered it's a mistake for revision since one's viewpoint ends up too granular.

In general, to make space for writing, cut out other stuff, e.g. TV, computer games, boring friends or social events.

BTW Being married with offspring has the double advantage of enhanced life experience and emotional grounding.

VeggieChick · Jan 5, 2007

Hmmm... I write better under stress. If I have enough free time, I tend to use it on something else. It's when I have a crazy schedule that I become incredible productive. Or when I need money. That works too.

Example? About a year ago, I actually rented a cabin in the woods for a week (and then sold an article about it to Adirondack Life

). I took plenty of pens/paper (no electricity, so no laptop), thinking the solitude would inspire me to write. Boy, was I mistaken. It was the most amazing vacation I have had in my life. I loved the place, the silence, the hiking paths... and I completely forgot I was supposed to write. Then came back home and wrote like a madwoman for 30 hours straight. So sometimes it's not a question of finding the perfect atmosphere, but of having the right mindset.

Zolah · Jan 5, 2007

I think sometimes you just have to get firm. Set your hour a day, and tell EVERYONE (friends, kids, spouse, pets) that this time is not going to be interupted, no matter what, because it's really important to you. If you greet any interuptions with consistent ruthlessness (by either ignoring or snapping at any visitors) then after a while people will just stop bothering you. I know that sounds really harsh, but one single solitary hour a day is not an unreasonable request - and if your family can't get that, they deserve to be snapped at or ignored for an hour. Obviously you make it clear that in the case of emergency you're available - fire, flood, blood, whatever. But otherwise, they're to pretend you're not in the house and are unavailable. I had a friend once who locked herself in the bathroom for her hour - she put pillows in the tub and sat there with her notebook. It worked.

Mustang · Jan 5, 2007

Hmm I might get a laptop and go to the library every day for an hour after dropping the kids off at school. I think I can manage that.

Thanks for the tips. There are some really good ones in there that I just might try before purchasing a laptop.

Appreciate it folks!

Cheers!

johnzakour · Jan 5, 2007

All the above are good ideas.

If you really and truly have the motivation to write a novel then you find a way to get the job done.

It can be as simple as getting up a half hour before your family and going to sleep a half hour after your family.

FergieC · Jan 5, 2007

If I have enough free time, I tend to use it on something else. It's when I have a crazy schedule that I become incredible productive.

I'm like that too. Or if I really, really hate the job I'm in, that motivates me. But yeah, if I put aside too much time to write, I become sort of complacent and never manage to get round to doing it. When I don't have time, I'm up at 5am and scribbling away in time I've stolen to slip off to a cafe or bar!

What really bothers me is new relationships though. How do you tell a guy sorry, I'd rather spend tonight/this weekend with my imaginary, fictional characters so would you mind not coming round or phoning? It makes me feel like an utter wierdo.

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 5, 2007

Mustang said:
Hmm I might get a laptop and go to the library every day for an hour after dropping the kids off at school. I think I can manage that.

Wait? You have time to go the library during the day?

I assumed you had a full-time job in addition to your family obligations.

Because I have both and I have to wait until everyone is asleep before I can write, which does ean staying up late at night and functioning on just 4 or 5 hours of sleep the next day.

My family doesn't understand that to be a successful writer (one day) I need privacy. On the other hand, I also like to be with my kids when they're awake. That time when they are young is so short I don't want to look back and realize I missed it. So yeah, in my case, lack of sleep has become the norm.

TsukiRyoko · Jan 5, 2007

Mustang said:
I have a WIP.

My problem is actually sitting down to write the darn thing.

Once I get into it I'm like a steamroller, I just keep writing till something stops me.

The problem is, something always does. Kids, husband, life in general.

I was wondering what others do to get their novels written?

Do you hire a cabin in the woods alone?

Do you have a timetable you stick to, or a DO NOT DISTURB sign you stick up when you're writing, or do you just resort to getting up in the middle of the night to write? Then not be able to function the next day cos of lack of sleep .. sigh.

What have your solutions been and how did they work out?

Cheers!

I have the same problem. When I finally get the time to sit down and write, it's like a chain of fire. It just keeps going and growing, and I get excited and all these amazing ideas swarm into my head. I write for four hours or so, completely immersed in my own little world, then something comes up and I have to drag myself out of it, and sometimes it's days before I can get back into it.

I think a secluded cabin in the woods would be a great idea. Just you, a can of beans, and a computer or your medium of choice. Ah, bliss....

Alex Bravo · Jan 5, 2007

The only thing I don't agree with is completely shutting yourself off, forever, to keep writing. Actually going out to live life, and OBSERVING EVERYTHING, gives you ideas and information to use in your own writing. The problem with young people trying to write about life is they haven't lived enough of it.

My work is wonderful, because I've observed the most ludicrous behaviors. Sometimes I have felt that people just don't act that way, and yet people do all the time. One person at my work, really did sleep under his desk. A lady who didn't get a raise, laid down in the middle of her office, spread eagle and refused to do anymore work.

Again, you don't have to work, but you can experience life just by going out.

So, how do I get to writing when everything is in the way, usually by taking care of everyone and then going to write, or um, cough, cough, cough, calling in sick or using vacation time, so while everyone is away I write, write, write.

When I was really dedicated, I would write during my lunch break, taking a pad and pen and writing.

Actually, this gives me an idea for another thread...

Jamesaritchie · Jan 5, 2007

Cabin

Actually, I do rent a cabin deep in the woods, but I don't get to use it nearly enough.

But time for writing isn't something you find, it's something you make, and you do whatever is necessary to get the writing done. Other than the cabin, I have also rented a cheap apartment, and a motel room, to get in the needed hours.

And many's the time I've grabbed a backpack and trekked off into the closest woods for a day or four.

I've also holed up in the quietest corner of the library, and sat there writing for hours.

When I had to write at home with kids underfoot, I laid down the law. These hours are for writing. Period. If no one is bleeding from a major artery, or if the house isn't on fire, then leave me alone.

I do think a room of your own, one with a door you're willing to close, is important, but door or not, room or not, making time to write always means setting aside blocks of time for yourself, sticking to your guns, and making everyone understand that you are to be left undisturbed during these hours.

steveg144 · Jan 5, 2007

>>>
Hmm I might get a laptop and go to the library every day for an hour after dropping the kids off at school. I think I can manage that.
<<<

My laptop has been the biggest single boost to my writing productivity that I can think of. I pop it open in the morning when I'm watching the morning news and drinking coffee; drag it to work and get a solid hour of uninterrupted work done in the break room at lunchtime; and pop it open in the evening after my wife heads to the shower and squeeze in 30-60 minutes then. Highly recommended.

Julie Worth · Jan 5, 2007

Mustang said:
I have a WIP. My problem is actually sitting down to write the darn thing. Once I get into it I'm like a steamroller, I just keep writing till something stops me. The problem is, something always does. Kids, husband...

The answer is to kill them. Then you can write your novel in your cell at government expense, the prison postmark will make it easy to get an agent, and the notoriety will insure a spot on the NY Times list.

spike · Jan 5, 2007

I get up at 4 am so I can get in about 2 hours writing before everyone gets up.

The rule in my house is: Unless you are broken, bleeding or on fire, do not bother me.

I like writing at the library, and I do that when I have to wait for my kid's lessons or other crap.

MidnightMuse · Jan 5, 2007

Julie Worth said:
The answer is to kill them. Then you can write your novel in your cell at government expense, the prison postmark will make it easy to get an agent, and the notoriety will insure a spot on the NY Times list.

You SO stole my idea !

Mostly it's a simple matter of: Just Do It. If you want something bad enough, you find a way to get it. Lock a door, sit in the car, wait till everyone is asleep - library, coffeehouse, lunch hour - whatever works. We all have our methods, and they all vary from each other, and sometimes vary from day to day or week to week.

I've only just realized every Friday I can go to Starbucks for an hour and a half and get serious writing done - where before I thought that would never work for me. Turns out, it works great. No distractions, a comfy chair with my back to the window, coffee - - and when I'm done for the evening, two martinis await me down the road at Applebees

johnzakour · Jan 5, 2007

The thing is, we're writing, we're not performing brain surgery or even doing minor surgery.

At least in my case I can safely say I've never written anything so crucial I couldn't take a break and attend to whatever had to be attended to with my family (or whoever). Once the matter is taken care of, I pick my writing right back up again from where I left off.

I’m not that smart so it’s not that hard to do.

If we say, we don’t have time to write because family and life get in the way then it becomes a crutch and an excuse not to write.

If you really want to write you’ll find time to get it done.

The only writing rule we have in my house is when I'm writing don't come in look over my shoulder, read it and then say, "Douglas Adams was funnier." (Yes it may be quite true but I don't need to hear that from my son.)

PS: I write full time now, but when I wrote my first novel I was a husband, dad, full time worker, graduate student, EMT and Judo instructor. So it can be done. (Especially when you learn to get by on 5 hours sleep.)

sfecphory · Jan 5, 2007

I ended up changing my expectations of what "writing my novel" should entail. I never had "hours" to accomplish anything, so I never accomplished anything. When I finally realized that even 30 minutes writing was 30 minutes of accomplishment it felt much more productive. I also spent less time trying to get into a groove when I got my 30 minutes every day.

I'd suggest you try to strike a deal with everyone in your family. You get 30 minutes of no interruptions, and they get something in return (I have no idea how old your kids are, but would offering them 30 minutes of undivided attention in return for 30 minutes alone be possible?). Your spouse will also have to be willing to give you that 30 minutes, otherwise you might end up having to get up when no one else is and type quietly, then sneak back to bed.

Mustang · Jan 6, 2007

Shadow Ferret, my husband is a shift worker and works the afternoon shifts usually. That means that he is able to interrupt me constantly in the mornings.

In the afternoons, I have the kids home from school.

ChaosTitan · Jan 6, 2007

Mustang said:
Shadow Ferret, my husband is a shift worker and works the afternoon shifts usually. That means that he is able to interrupt me constantly in the mornings.

Put a pair of headphones on, tell him that you want forty-five minutes of uninterrupted writing time, and ignore him until your time is up. Sooner or later, he'll get the point and quit bugging you.

In the afternoons, I have the kids home from school.

Write while they are sitting down doing their homework. Write while they are playing a board game (or video game, I'm not sure what your kids do for fun). Kids are masters at entertaining themselves, and as long as you can keep an eye on them, put in a few minutes of writing.

Write after the kids are in bed. Get up half an hour before they do and write. There are ALWAYS ways to squeeze in writing time, if you are serious about it. Even if it's half an hour a day, that's half an hour more that you've accomplished toward your goal.

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