I woke up at 2 in the morning for a bathroom break. Someone was thumping my chest. It took me a few moments to realize that it was me. My arm had fallen asleep and I was attempting to wake it up by hitting it against my chest.
The things we do to ourselves without realizing it. Thinking that someone else is doing them to us. That we are not the cause of our own problems, of our situation. That events just happen of their own volition.
I can always justify not spending time writing because the bills need to be paid, the laundry needs to be done, the dishwasher emptied. Hey, I can’t shirk those responsibilities now that I am no longer working. Sometimes I just don’t feel well enough to do more than lie on the couch and watch TV. I can always blame it on my cancer. Then I can go to my writing group with a reason (an excuse?) for why I’ve been neglecting Anne.
Yet I’ve always been able to force myself to power through projects. When I’ve had to. But not when I’ve wanted to. Wanting to have something done is not enough for me. I’ve always needed a deadline, a real deadline, not one that I’ve set for myself.
Last night at my writing group I committed to submitting next week. I am going to start with the beginning of Anne and work my way to the end. The end of what will be the second draft. Two down, how many more to go after that?
John suggested that I post my novel right here on my blog. WHAT??? That means going public with my writing, posting it on the Internet for the whole world to see (OK, so I only have 53 followers). Before I feel it is ready. Or before I am ready……
Just 250 words every other day. Yet it feels like a major commitment. As frightening as it is I think it’s a great idea. I’d love to hear what you think!
Tagged: cancer, deadlines, motivation, novel, procrastination, writer, writing, writing group
Karen Whalen 
A deadline imposed by others and it’s for your 2nd draft. That can’t be so bad, right? And so what if you have more drafts to go; that’s part of the writing process, isn’t it? Or do you feel like I do, that I should be able to have it be perfect the first time around? What, is that a family trait or something?
I don’t think posting the whole novel on your blog is the best idea. Maybe a portion of it, like the first chapter (depending on the length of your chapters). It does sound scary but part of being an author is putting it out there for everyone to see and accepting the praise and criticism.
Most importantly, I know you are a good writer and you will succeed in anything you put your mind to.
More drafts is definitely the way the writing process works! I don’t think even the Welch sisters are exempt from that…So why don’t you start writing? You know there’s a novel inside of you just dying to get written!!
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I would love to be able read excerpts of your book. Bring it on!