I have always been a pro's pro when comes to procrastination.
Whether it has to deal with blogging (yeah, baby), writing a story (awesome, baby), writing a scene (smokin', baby), writing a query letter (let's swing it, baby), synopsis (baaaaaaaaby), or even a hook for the query letter (yo, baby), I've always procrastinating to the point of know return.
For example, when I was trying to write a synopsis for my debut novel, it took me almost two months to write it. First there was research on various writer's websites (i.e. Query Tracker) on how to write a synopsis and what it should contain and how long it should be. Then there was reading a few samples of synopsis on what they should look like. Finally, after about three weeks of serious procrastination, I finally sat my butt down and hammered out a first draft. Then another couple of weeks went by, and after getting some advice, chopped it down from 8 pages to 6, then from 6 to 4, and finally from 4 to the general neighborhood of three.
Even though that was an extreme example of procrastination, I've always had problems in knuckling down. Ever since I was teenager in school, I always had an abnormal fear of failure. So for the longest time, I wouldn't see things all the way through because I couldn't stand what the potential end result would be. Even as an adult, when I decided to start doing this writing thing, I had a major problem in dealing with rejection. So for three years, I procrastinated big time and didn't submit much of anything to anyone.
It really wasn't until 2009, when I decided to get serious about my writing that I needed to stop procrastinating, and in the immortal words of Larry the Cable Guy, get-R-dun.
So from early 2009 to the present, even when there are days when I would rather shove a magnet under my hard drive and floppy discs and just be done with it, I make it a point to do some kind of writing/blogging. Whether it's something simple as applying a couple of edits to my latest WIP, or something complex as writing an intelligent blog post, I make it a point to write at least three times a week.
And for the most part, this has worked for me as I no long procrastinate with my writing/blogging. Instead, I now have issues involving time. Specially, finding the time to write/blog. But that is a subject for another time (eh?) and another place.
(c) 2014 by G.B. Miller. All Rights Reserved.
Oh wow, you really hit me with your best shot this morning. It is the most difficult thing to do when putting off til tomorrow is so much easier:)
ReplyDelete"eh?" What are you, Canadian?
ReplyDeleteG.A.: This is so true and I'm glad that at least once a quarter, I can do Pat Benatar.
ReplyDeleteDebra: Sometimes I channel my inner Bob & Doug.
I should be knuckling down right now but I'm visiting blogs instead.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are doing research rather than procrastinating.
ReplyDeleteYou have friends in your quest GB! I too an afflicted. Somehow it catches up too soon. Writing everyday is taking its toll. But the alternative is to soldier on! Nicely!
ReplyDeleteHank
I have this great thing called Work Ethic which beats the hell out of you to do everything else except your creative work - cos it's not really work is it?! Every week I make a plan for my creative practice in the coming week and every week I get to the weekend with nothing much done.
ReplyDeleteSo it's great to read someone who's actually got around that procrastination bug and made a proper plan that's working ... Thanks for the inspiration.
Fil at Fil’s Place - Old Songs and Memories
Susan: Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI've been going through the same thing as well, although now it's spring calling me as opposed to playing catch up with all my blogs.
Hank: Thanks for stopping by.
It's great to have friends on a quest, that way I have people to talk to along the way.:
Fil: Thanks for stopping by.
I'm pretty much the same way. For example, yesterday the weather was fantastic for early spring, so I was going to sit outside to do a little writing. Did I get any done? 'Course not. I enjoyed the weather more than I did the writing.
Bob and Doug Mackenzie reference! Canadians represent! *fist pump*
ReplyDeleteI don't have much of a procrastination problem. I'm too anxious about not getting things done to leave them to the last minute, eh?
S.R.: I only suffer procrastination when 1} there's something that I need to do but not looking forward to it (like my writing) or 2} when it's something I really don't want to do (like certain aspects of my job).
ReplyDeleteActually sitting down to write is the only way to get it done. Good attitude.
ReplyDeleteJ.L.: Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteYes, and having a good comfortable place to write helps as well.