Greetings, all! When it comes to freelance writing, I pride myself on working efficiently and producing high-quality results. However, it seems like whenever I pull out my fiction projects--which aren't paying me a dime--the right side of my brain seizes up and refuses to cooperate. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm a recovering procrastinator. *sigh*
Fortunately, all is not lost. I've discovered a simple treatment for my condition, one that makes it much easier for me to release the stories inside me that are just dying to get out. I need accountability. That's why I've been able to commit to this blog (more or less) for the past month, even though I've failed at every attempt I ever made to keep a journal. I don't love writing any more now than I did when I wrote my thoughts in a secret notebook. I just keep at it because I know someone out there is watching me.
It's also the reason I've done so well during National Novel Writing Month. Although I've never "won" by writing the full 50,000 words, I write more during that contest than at any other time of the year, simply because I have a support system. I have people cheering for me, urging me forward, and I do the same for them. We all have the same goal, and we're rushing towards it at full speed.
Well, now I get to have that experience all over again, thanks to fellow writer Melissa Marsh. She created an event called the Just Write Challenge, and I like to think of it as a smaller, more customized version of NaNoWriMo. Instead of everyone pushing to write 50k, we each get to set our own writing goals for the month. Those who reach their individual finish lines will receive fabulous writerly prizes. It's like a marathon where you can run as far and as fast as you want; in the end, everyone wins!
I love the concept, so I jumped on board as soon as I found out about it. My goal is a simple one; I want to write 1,000 words per day on my current WIP, a YA sci-fi novel that I started last November. I'll be chronicling my JWC adventures here at RLGL throughout the month so you can take part in every step of the journey.
Thanks a bunch to Angie Ledbetter over at Gumbo Writer for spreading the word about this great event! Check out the JWC info page on Melissa's blog for all the details. It's not too late to get involved. I just got plugged into the JWC blog yesterday, and everyone there has been wonderful. So, what do you say? Are you up for joining me in the Just Write Challenge?
You are so sweet. And I know you're gonna meet your word output goal!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, L.C.! Very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to do the Challenge because I love the idea of NaNo, but I wanted to tailor it to my needs specifically. For example, I was in the middle of writing my book and didn't want to stop writing on it during the month of NaNo and start a completely new manuscript. Plus, November is a horrible time of the year for me to commit to writing 50K.
I also liked the idea of doing this in the long, cold winter months of January and Feb (and hopefully March, too) when people are inside, no holidays to really prepare for and celebrate, and you actually have time to write. (Well, at least I have more time during those months!)
Who knows? It may become a yearly thing! I'm so glad you decided to join us!
Angie,
ReplyDeleteAw, shucks :-) You're making me blush! I'll do my best.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteNo problem, hun! Your reasoning makes perfect sense. As much as I love NaNo, I agree that it's tough for a lot of people (me included) to do that much writing at that time of year.
The winter months are the perfect time to get a lot of extra writing done. I only wish I'd thought of it first! LOL! I hope it becomes an annual event, and I'm happy to join in on the fun :)
That's awesome! Accountability does help. I'm behind in my daily count for January. Oh well. New month! Time to get things going!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, L.C.!
Spy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support! Best of luck to you as well! I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting caught up this month. Like you said, it's time to start fresh.
I love the JWC! I did it in January and met my goal. It was so awesome! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea! I have the novel in my head - even the ending. But I don't make time for writing it. Great idea to take this in chunks. A thousand words are like a blog post to me. LOL
ReplyDeleteJenn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the well wishes! I didn't know you did the JWC in January. I'm glad it was a good experience for you! Here's hoping it turns out well for me, too. I'm on a roll so far :-)
Lori,
ReplyDeleteGo ahead and write that novel! Like I said in the post, accountability is a wonderful thing. It helps you find time you never thought was there before. 1,000 words goes by fast when you're in the zone.
I hope you'll consider joining us. It's not too late to sign up, and I know everyone would love to have you!