"When writing is easier said than done. Try setting a timer for 1 hour to see how much you can get written." ~ Rogenna Brewer
You have all week to comment here and let us know how it worked for you.
One name will be drawn for an anonymous 5-page Super Critique.
24 comments:
Rogenna, that was the tip you passed to me from your *blog on the spot*. Gave it a go today and, once I stopped feeling like it was a race (lol), found it worked better to have the goal. Thanks :)
I set the timer on the oven! I got 1,500 words done in an hour. I also use Write or Die sometimes, if I need an extra push to make it to my daily word count goal.
I don't think it would for me. I'll leave that tip for the authors. I tend to be by the seat od the pants person.
I don't think I have a timer. Hmm...I'll use the oven or microwave like Sarah.
I'm actually taking a break from writing today. Today will be a lot of thinking about what I've written, and all the loose threads I left lying about in the story. I'm bad about that. So to add in on Rogenna's tip and to make jcp feel better for not wanting to time herself...don't forget to think about the story (aka analyze plot). I've been trying on a writing schedule and find I have to take a break. So Friday is break day. Off to Hobby Lobby. I'll think on the way :) Hopefully, I'll come back to the writing brimming with ideas.
Great tip, Rogenna! I don't often write to a timer by myself but if I need a push, my CP and I will do a Timer session then compare notes on how we did *g*
Although I have to admit, sometimes we end up chatting more than writing :-)
Interesting, Beth, to do this with a partner. I could see that jump starting my work. I'll have to try it!
Sarah--I don't know what Write or Die is, but I'm intrigued. I'll go look it up!
I seem to live my life in 20 min. segments. Work on the laundry for 20 min, tidy the house for 20 min.... It seems to work well with writing too.
Love the new blog. All these wonderful authors in one place! Looking forward to more.
I've got a couple of friends that use this method. I'll try it and see if it makes a difference in my word count. Thanks for the tip!
And turn off the editor while you're at it ... Good tip, Rogenna!
Can't believe this is the first time I'm here, but it's been such a crazy, crazy week. Deadlines, family emergencies, yada yada. But it's gorgeous!
You've done such a beautiful job, Rogenna!
Happy Friday, all!
I constantly time my writing all day. It lets me know when I am being distracted and not being as productive as I need to be.
Because of this I know when I am in the zone and when I am bored and need to simply start over.
I like the idea of using a timer. I am constantly stressing over not having enough time to write. I try to squeeze it in here or there. Maybe if I shut myself off for an hour, my family will leave me alone knowing there is an end in sight, and I can come back refreshed knowing I have at least done some writing that day.
If the fear of starting for the day is holding me back I tell myself 'just an hour, just an hour' (I don't have timer. I watch the clock). Sometimes I only do the hour if the words are being stubborn and sometimes I get lost in time (as in forget to look at the clock on the wall).
Marcie
I don't write fiction, but I find myself being able to write better when I'm under deadline. Don't know why as it would be a lot less stressful to have completed a report before the deadline looms!!!
Still can't figure out how to get this post except anonymously! Snookie/Papaya
Eeeww that sounds tough. I'm not a writer so you don't have to enter me I just stopped by to say GOOD LUCK! ;-)
XOXO~ Renee
I use a timer these days. I set it for 30 minutes and away I go. Usually when it beeps my hand reaches out automatically to reset. I find that writing within a time frame somehow frees up my mind inside those boundaries. That probably makes no sense to anyone but me! Sometimes the words flow like a raging river, sometimes they dry up to a trickle and we have to dig deep to find the well head.
I am not a writer but it sounds like a good way to take the time to write. Don't worry about entering me for the critique. Good Luck everyone!
Oooh, what fun! NOT! ;) Since I have a short attention span and tend to rebel against structure, I think I'll adopt Kristen's idea of 20 minute spurts. And I agree with Helen -- this will definitely help quiet my internal editor.
I've heard this before so I will give it a whirl this week and see how far along I get. This is a great new blog and I have a feeling it's going to become one of my favorites.
Having limited time keeps me focussed and prevents procrastination. Having said that, some days are better than others.
@Ellen Hartman: In case you haven't found it, Write or Die (http://writeordie.com/) is software which is designed to make writers more productive. You can decide how many words you want to write in a specific amount of time. There are three modes to choose from. Depending on the one you opt for, there are various consequences which will befall you if you don’t type fast enough to keep up the pace necessary to meet your goal. I usually opt for Normal Mode which plays warning music if you start to fall behind the pace you need to maintain to reach your goal in your chosen time. The most extreme is Kamikaze which eats your words if you slack off.
I don't use Write or Die all the time but it's great if I'm a few hundred words away from my daily goal and flagging.
I love the timer trick! I bought a number of cheapies from Ikea and have them all over the house. I'm competitive so like to 'beat the clock!'
Sarah--I will have to look for that software. It sounds like a ton of fun. I'm a procrastinator, but competitive. It's possible that combination is Write or Die's perfect target audience.
I wonder if my teenager would like to try it for his homework. Might be interesting.
Thanks!
What a fantastic idea!!
I tend to do twenty minute blocks. An hour is too long for me to sit still for!
Write or Die for twenty minutes, ten minutes break, another twenty minutes, another ten minute break. I managed to first draft a whole story in ten days that way. Of course, the story needs complete rewriting - it's my first SuperRomance sub that was very rightly rejected for goal-less characters!
I do find time pressure makes me more productive. I've committed to writing everyday on my daily commute, with a 500 word target, and I've exceeded that each day. No internet distractions helps too!
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