You have just SIX days left to complete the 2019 National Novel Writing Month challenge—5,000 or 10,000 words in 30 days. (Unless you tried for the 50,000, in which case, I am in AWE of you!)
It’s tempting to give up. I mean, it's Grey Cup Sunday (chances are I won't get much writing done today), Christmas is around the corner, and between holiday baking, putting up decorations, doing fun crafts with my sister, and—cough cough—drafting my annual wish list for Santa, it’s a BUSY time of year.
So, how do you keep your butt in the chair to keep writing? A few ideas from authors who would know:
Don’t edit! It’s tempting to look back at your words and want to perfect them—it’s a form of procrastination, especially when you read it back. But remember, the goal is not to write perfect words—just get them down.
Eat a good breakfast. Sounds silly, but if your brain isn’t fueled, you’ll find other things to do than write. No time to make a big meal? Don’t worry—a smoothie is perfect. (Add a teaspoon of canola oil for the healthy fat your brain needs!) This is especially important for me today because tonight I'll be watching football with my family and well, we won't have all the best choices.
Stop being afraid. Look, I understand self-doubt. Most of the time, I think my words suck. But they don’t suck. And even if they did, who cares? Forget that fear of “what if it isn’t good?”—just…yeah you guessed it…write.
If you’ve stuck with me through November so far, GREAT! And even better if you’ve been writing. Want to share your story? Email it to me. If I publish it on my blog you could win the entire set of Superman Duffy educational graphic novels.
Gotta jet! May the words be with you on the home stretch. Oh, and GO HAMILTON!
~ Chase Superman Duffy
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