Being someone whose life is ruled by deadlines, this post resonated with me immediately. Deadlines for artistic and communications work can sometimes make it feel like I'm parked at my computer every day for way longer than I want to be.
Today, as I write this blog, I'm smack in the middle of the last third of book three in the Beat Street series (no title yet for the book). And what I'm having to do is STOP thinking about deadlines, and rushing through something that is very, very important to me.
Because I do want to get the first draft done sooner rather than later, so I can start editing and polishing and revising. I'd love to have something ready by the end of this year, and at the same time I know that hurrying your book is the kiss of death for it.
So yes, deadlines are important BUT when you have an open timetable creatively, you need to give yourself time to create the very best work you can. A friend told me once that Flannery O'Connor wrote for two hours a day and no more; and I believe you can see that in her meticulous writing.
At this point in my book, I am finally starting to see where I'm going and where the chapters are leading me. (Funny how you can get through the first two thirds without knowing). Another friend told me to go as slowly as I possibly could when writing my own work, to make every word count.
This weekend I had to clean out my pantry from top to bottom, which meant pulling out every piece of food, vacuuming every tiny sliver of a crack, washing every shelf and wall with vinegar and then spraying with peppermint oil. In some ways, I think that's what it takes to build a story as well--examining all your nooks and crannies and secret tunnels and trying to clear the walls of your head so you can find the light you're looking for.
Reminding me again, two or three pages a day can be more than enough.
Happy Fourth, everyone--and happy writing.
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