By Kathy Carlton Willis
“Strive for Progress,
not Perfection.” – Unknown
I write 3-4 books per
year. Other writers ask me how I’m so productive. What works for me might not
work for you, but here’s my secret. I always have projects on every “burner.”
On my front burners are items that have the most urgent deadlines, or have the
most prep already done. This one can cook! But on the back burners, I have
other projects in various stages of completion. I’m aware they are there, but
they don’t get my front burner attention.
Every time I get a
brainstorm or run across something that will work with a back-burner project, I
add it to the pot (actually, a computer file). When it’s finally time to bring
the project to the front burner, it’s ready to cook. There’s nothing worse than
staring at a blank screen. That’s how writer’s block happens. But I never have
a blank screen since I’ve been compiling the ingredients already on the back
burner.
Keep in mind the Law of
Inertia. An object at rest stays at rest. An object in motion stays in motion.
A locomotive that stopped for a break takes more energy to get going again that
the train that’s chugging along. So keep at it, don’t be waylaid by social
networking, website tweaking or some other shiny thing that distracts your
attention. Notice I said distracts rather than attracts.
Perhaps it could be said
the difference between writers and authors is that writers explore the process
of writing so much that they get trapped in perfection and procrastination. An
author pursues making progress, productivity and creating the end product.
Sometimes, exploring
different ways of writing your material is simply another way of
procrastinating clicking send. Declaring a project complete is
so liberating! And if you insist on toying with your wording longer, you might
find yourself trapped in the vortex of writing for a while. Develop a sense of
urgency, even if you have to insist on a self-enforced deadline.
To start or kick start a project, the end goal has to mean more than the snoozing lull of procrastination. Then you’ll be able to move forward and not feel stuck.
To start or kick start a project, the end goal has to mean more than the snoozing lull of procrastination. Then you’ll be able to move forward and not feel stuck.
Review These Important
“P” Words for Writers
· Process. Explore various styles and voices in
writing.
· Progress. See measurable advancement toward
completion.
· Perfection. Process of delaying progress in
pursuit of the perfect paragraph.
· Product. Pursuit of the end goal more than the
process.
· Procrastination. The art of delay due to fear of
failure. You say you’re enjoying the process of writing. But really, you are
struggling with hitting send because it’s not perfect enough.
· Purpose. Stay true to your voice, your brand,
your audience, and your goals.
· Proofreading. The ability to self-edit your work
or accept the changes of an outside editor, knowing the work will be enhanced
by the corrections or suggestions.
Once you mind your P’s,
you will enjoy seeing your work published. How convenient—another P!
______________________________________________________________________
Kathy Carlton Willis
spins many plates as writer, speaker and coach. She has a toolkit full of
resources and is frequently invited to coach writers one-on-one or at seminars.
Kathy serves on faculty with CLASSeminars and is a member/trainer of Advanced
Writers and Speakers Association. Kathy writes and speaks with a balance whimsy
and wisdom. Speaker to Speaker: The Essential Speaker’s Companion releases
soon through OakTara. Kathy serves alongside her pastor husband, Russ, in
ministry. Network with Kathy at:
Website: www.kathycarltonwillis.com">www.kathycarltonwillis.com
Twitter: @KCWComm
Facebook pro page: Kathy
Carlton Willis Communications
LinkedIn: Kathy Carlton
Willis
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