PHOTO CREDIT

In many ways I’ve succeeded as a writer. In other ways, I’ve failed. Without question, my biggest failure is my inability to devote a set amount of time to writing. It’s not taking me three years to finish this novel because I didn’t know what to write. It’s taking me this long because I let everything interrupt me. It’s time for a change, and I’m inviting you into my challenge.

N is for Not Now!

I know it’s meal time, bed time, nap time, bath time, workout time … but when is it writing time? Beats me. In the morning I have too much energy and want to do chores. In the afternoon I get drowsy and can’t focus. In the evening my hubby comes home and I want to spend time with him. Boy can I come up with excuses.

I’m really getting sick of it.

I don’t want to work on this novel anymore because I’ve been writing it for so long that I’m sick of it, but if I could just commit to a certain amount of writing every week, I’d be done in no time. What I need to do is institute the ‘Not Now!’ policy.

Need to answer an email? Not Now!

Answer the phone? Not Now!

Do the laundry? Not Now!

Eat some chocolate? Of course, I’m not crazy, but I can always type while I savor.

It really is time to put my foot down, and it’s time you do it, too. Don’t wait three years, or three months, or even three weeks. Decide right now when you’re going to write, and stick to it. If it’s too hard for you to say, let me know. I will happily make and mail a ‘Not Now!” for your office door.

QUESTION: What can you put off until tomorrow so that you can write today?