Discipline

[impressive]

No, not the BDSM kind. I'm talking about writing discipline.

Do you set standards for yourself? If so, what? A certain # of words daily? A period of time?

What GETS you focused? What KEEPS you focused?

Inquiring minds wanna know.

 

[rgraham666]

Myself, I've gotten into the habit of setting aside time for writing around meals. So before lunch, after lunch and after dinner.

I make sure I spend at least an hour each time. Usually do more as I don't pay much attention to time once I start working.

What's got me motivated is I do want to make a living at writing, not being able to hold any other sort of job.

What keeps me motivated is the same, and my mildly compulsive personality.

 

[matriarch]

I've hardly written anything except my holiday journal since the start of the year.

The word discipline doesn't exist in my vocabulary.

I'm the laziest creature alive.

*sigh*

 

[TxRad]

Does spanking your muse count????

I used to do most of my writing at work but since we have mostly full time Internet now.....

Now I have to make myself leave the net off and write.... I'm to easily distracted by bright shiny minds and good discussion....

Motivation.... simple, I need to get the story out of my head... it's like a bad song that gets stuck there.....

 

[Fenikkusu]

I set a goal of 2,000 words at a sitting minimum. I do a lot of writing for my job, or will be doing so. Pleasure writing is a set goal when free flowing.

 

[carsonshepherd]

I've hardly written anything except my holiday journal since the start of the year.

The word discipline doesn't exist in my vocabulary.

I'm the laziest creature alive.

*sigh*

No!! NO, ME!!!

 

[impressive]

Myself, I've gotten into the habit of setting aside time for writing around meals. So before lunch, after lunch and after dinner.

Any particular reason for surrounding meals, Rob? Is hunger (or satiety) a factor?

I need a system ... a routine. I'm thinking mornings are my most creative times, or at least, the most energetic.

 

[impressive]

I've hardly written anything except my holiday journal since the start of the year.

The word discipline doesn't exist in my vocabulary.

I'm the laziest creature alive.

*sigh*

You've had quite a bit on your plate -- with two moves, job shit, and ending a long-term relationship.

 

[impressive]

Now I have to make myself leave the net off and write.... I'm to easily distracted by bright shiny minds and good discussion....

I hear that! It's easy to get sucked into here *sings* where everybody knows your na-aa-aame.

Motivation.... simple, I need to get the story out of my head... it's like a bad song that gets stuck there.....

I've had stories like that, but I wanna know how to push it when the story isn't all that compelling (or hasn't yet spoken) to you -- for momentum/practice, if nothing else.

 

[impressive]

I set a goal of 2,000 words at a sitting minimum. I do a lot of writing for my job, or will be doing so. Pleasure writing is a set goal when free flowing.

I'm considering a 1,000 word minimum (for starters) per sitting -- with at least 10 sittings/week. Not sure I can maintain that, though, with family & other commitments.

 

[TxRad]

I've had stories like that, but I wanna know how to push it when the story isn't all that compelling (or hasn't yet spoken) to you -- for momentum/practice, if nothing else.

On stories like that i read them every other day and that seems to stimulate my muse into whispering to me.....

Otherwise try spanking her..... the yells and whimpers sometimes jump start a story as well...

 

[Fenikkusu]

I'm considering a 1,000 word minimum (for starters) per sitting -- with at least 10 sittings/week. Not sure I can maintain that, though, with family & other commitments.

You will be surprised how quickly you can achieve that when your chi (muse) is in tune.

 

[McKenna]

Hi Imp-

I find a "set" time of day works for me. (For me, it's usually in the mornings.) I seem to get my best ideas then, and feel "fresh" enough to write something less than drivel, be it ficition or non-fiction.

With non-fiction, I usually have an outline or chapter guide to help me along. I know what needs to be written and when I need to have it written by. I imagine applying the same practice to ficiton could work equally as well if you had your plot outlined. Sort of like "plug and play" writing. Word count is tough to go by using this method; if the section you need to write is 500 words or so, then of course you won't make your 1000 or 2000 word goal.

One thing, though: My writing time is sacred. My husband is learning (if he doesn't already know) not to bother me while I'm in the middle of something. If I'm on a good run, time runs away from me and I forget ALL else. Thankfully he's patient and understanding ... and he can cook! I would suggest to let your family know that when Mom is writing during her "set" time of day, NOT to disturb her unless there is an emergency.

What gets me focused is usually what I'm writing; it also keeps me focused. When I can't get focused, I slip into the habit of writing and eventually that "focused" feeling catches up with me.

Hope this helps. If not, you could always put in an ad for a personal writing trainer. "Whip my writing ass into shape! I'm all yours!"

 

[impressive]

Hi Imp-

I find a "set" time of day works for me. (For me, it's usually in the mornings.) I seem to get my best ideas then, and feel "fresh" enough to write something less than drivel, be it ficition or non-fiction.

With non-fiction, I usually have an outline or chapter guide to help me along. I know what needs to be written and when I need to have it written by. I imagine applying the same practice to ficiton could work equally as well if you had your plot outlined. Sort of like "plug and play" writing. Word count is tough to go by using this method; if the section you need to write is 500 words or so, then of course you won't make your 1000 or 2000 word goal.

One thing, though: My writing time is sacred. My husband is learning (if he doesn't already know) not to bother me while I'm in the middle of something. If I'm on a good run, time runs away from me and I forget ALL else. Thankfully he's patient and understanding ... and he can cook! I would suggest to let your family know that when Mom is writing during her "set" time of day, NOT to disturb her unless there is an emergency.

What gets me focused is usually what I'm writing; it also keeps me focused. When I can't get focused, I slip into the habit of writing and eventually that "focused" feeling catches up with me.

Hope this helps. If not, you could always put in an ad for a personal writing trainer. "Whip my writing ass into shape! I'm all yours!"

Hmmm .... and then there's time for RESEARCH!

Thanks.

 

[rikaaim]

I've hardly written anything except my holiday journal since the start of the year.

The word discipline doesn't exist in my vocabulary.

I'm the laziest creature alive.

*sigh*

I second the motion. Now...all those in favor say I.


*raises hand* I.

All opposed say neigh.

*listens to silence*

Motion is voted and passed. Everyone now cease and disist in the use of the word discipline and become lazy creatures whose sole purpose is to mate. Just like every other creature on this planet.

 

[impressive]

I second the motion. Now...all those in favor say I.


*raises hand* I.

All opposed say neigh.

*listens to silence*

Motion is voted and passed. Everyone now cease and disist in the use of the word discipline and become lazy creatures whose sole purpose is to mate. Just like every other creature on this planet.

"I" and "neigh" ... rika, you are one of a kind.

 

[rikaaim]

"I" and "neigh" ... rika, you are one of a kind.

To be honest I was expecting a "neigh" from Shanglan.

 

[impressive]

To be honest I was expecting a "neigh" from Shanglan.

My thoughts, too.

 

[Guest]

 

[rikaaim]

I think I'm lazier than Mat, carson and Rika rolled into one.

My journal gets updated every day or two, but disciplined, story-type writing is a very hit and miss thing.

Hell no you're not.

I'll take you up on that challenge.

The challenge:

No writing for a year.

 

[SophiaY]

A page a day (that would be around 400 words or so I believe).

However, once that page is finished, no rewriting.

 

[impressive]

A page a day (that would be around 400 words or so I believe).

However, once that page is finished, no rewriting.

I think I can put out a bit more than that.

 

[SummerMorning]

What gets me focused is usually what I'm writing; it also keeps me focused. When I can't get focused, I slip into the habit of writing and eventually that "focused" feeling catches up with me.

Exactly - you have to sit and tough it even if you don't feel like writing at all.

Which reminds me...

 

[rikaaim]

I think I can put out a bit more than that.

I was just thinking...I'd really like to see just how much you can put out exactly.

 

[Guest]