Comments on: Overcoming Procrastination for Writers – 5 Ways to Start Writing http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/ Tips for writers, freelancers, and novelists paired with quips from successful authors, to help you write better! Tue, 15 May 2012 00:28:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: 5 Tips for Getting Things Done Before the Deadline http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-14967 5 Tips for Getting Things Done Before the Deadline Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:10:51 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-14967 [...] If you tend to procrastinate, read Overcoming Procrastination for Writers – 5 Ways to Start Writing. [...] [...] If you tend to procrastinate, read Overcoming Procrastination for Writers – 5 Ways to Start Writing. [...]

]]> By: How J.K. Rowling Followed Her Heart to Fame and Fortune http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-14075 How J.K. Rowling Followed Her Heart to Fame and Fortune Mon, 09 May 2011 16:34:36 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-14075 [...] “In an ideal day, I’ll work six to ten hours,” says Rowling. “But now I’m fighting to get the time to write. I use cafes like offices and I try to get away from the house whenever possible.”  This writer knows what she loves – and she finds time to do it. If your own worst enemy is yourself (and it usually is, my friends), read Overcoming Procrastination for Writers – 5 Ways to Start Writing. [...] [...] “In an ideal day, I’ll work six to ten hours,” says Rowling. “But now I’m fighting to get the time to write. I use cafes like offices and I try to get away from the house whenever possible.”  This writer knows what she loves – and she finds time to do it. If your own worst enemy is yourself (and it usually is, my friends), read Overcoming Procrastination for Writers – 5 Ways to Start Writing. [...]

]]> By: Chris from Voltmeter Gauge http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-10460 Chris from Voltmeter Gauge Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:48:30 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-10460 One of the best ways to accomplish your goals in life is to motivate yourself to take action. Useful habits can increase your effectiveness immensely. One of the best traits to develop is the Do It Now habit. This can get you started on a task even when you don't feel like working. You probably should start with small, everyday tasks. After you have developed this habit using easy tasks, you can gradually increase the difficulty of these tasks. But remember, after giving the Do It Now command, you must always carry through with immediate action. One of the best ways to accomplish your goals in life is to motivate yourself to take action. Useful habits can increase your effectiveness immensely. One of the best traits to develop is the Do It Now habit. This can get you started on a task even when you don’t feel like working.

You probably should start with small, everyday tasks. After you have developed this habit using easy tasks, you can gradually increase the difficulty of these tasks. But remember, after giving the Do It Now command, you must always carry through with immediate action.

]]> By: Laurie PK http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2327 Laurie PK Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:48:32 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2327 Regarding distractions and motivation: I think that finding what works for you is crucial in overcoming writing procrastination! Like with anything -- writing novels, pitching agents or editors, blogging, writing poetry -- the key to success is trying differnt things, giving them a good chance, and then sticking with what works. And ditching what doesn't work! Thanks for your comments, dirtywhitecandy and Everything Counts :-) Regarding distractions and motivation: I think that finding what works for you is crucial in overcoming writing procrastination!

Like with anything — writing novels, pitching agents or editors, blogging, writing poetry — the key to success is trying differnt things, giving them a good chance, and then sticking with what works.

And ditching what doesn’t work!

Thanks for your comments, dirtywhitecandy and Everything Counts :-)

]]> By: Everything Counts http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2312 Everything Counts Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:42:03 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2312 I quite agree with thoughts expressed over here. Thanks for the insight. .-= Everything Counts´s last blog post ..<a href="http://www.everythingcounts.com/the-comeback-rules/" rel="nofollow">The Comeback Rules</a> =-. I quite agree with thoughts expressed over here. Thanks for the insight.
.-= Everything Counts´s last blog post ..The Comeback Rules =-.

]]> By: dirtywhitecandy http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2121 dirtywhitecandy Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:14:21 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2121 I've written a lot of novels to contract, and even though have a dedicated work ethic I find I am often tempted to do something other than the work I am meant to be doing! I find it helps to distract the part of my brain that is finding the work difficult - so I listen to music while I'm writing and that gets me into the mood to give my hands something to do while my ears are amused. Place hands on keyboard, turn the volume up and away you go! Also I keep some inspirational books to hand which will put me back in teh mood for writing - sometimes these are fiction in the genre that I'm writing, or they may be William Goldman's books on screenwriting, which make me feel able to tackle my problems. In short - motivation is a tricky thing to manage it and sometimes some distractions help. I’ve written a lot of novels to contract, and even though have a dedicated work ethic I find I am often tempted to do something other than the work I am meant to be doing! I find it helps to distract the part of my brain that is finding the work difficult – so I listen to music while I’m writing and that gets me into the mood to give my hands something to do while my ears are amused. Place hands on keyboard, turn the volume up and away you go! Also I keep some inspirational books to hand which will put me back in teh mood for writing – sometimes these are fiction in the genre that I’m writing, or they may be William Goldman’s books on screenwriting, which make me feel able to tackle my problems.
In short – motivation is a tricky thing to manage it and sometimes some distractions help.

]]> By: Laurie PK http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2083 Laurie PK Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:57:10 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2083 Since I detest having stuff in my in-box, I usually don't procrastinate. I LOVE the feeling of checking things off my to-do list and decluttering my inbox! I found a similar article on Zen Habits, called "10 Ways to Give Yourself a Procrasination Innoculation" by Karen Leland. Here's a great tip for ending writing procrastination from her list: "Take advantage of your power hours. Are you an early riser who tackles your morning to-do list with all the gusto of a bear eating honey? Perhaps you’re a night-owl and crank through your most pressing projects at 11:00 p.m.? Either way, knowing and taking advantage of your natural energy patterns will help you steer clear of procrastination by using your power times to tackle the projects you find most challenging." When I was working on my sample chapters, I actually switched up my writing hours. Sometimes I'd write during my "power hours"; other times, I'd write after supper, when I'm least alert. I think it's good to tackle chapters or articles when they least expect it :-) (that's a popular writing quote, but I can't find the source or the exact quip). .-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..<a href="http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/quoted-writers/7-tips-for-writing-for-publication/" rel="nofollow">7 Tips for Writing for Publication</a> =-. Since I detest having stuff in my in-box, I usually don’t procrastinate. I LOVE the feeling of checking things off my to-do list and decluttering my inbox!

I found a similar article on Zen Habits, called “10 Ways to Give Yourself a Procrasination Innoculation” by Karen Leland. Here’s a great tip for ending writing procrastination from her list:

“Take advantage of your power hours. Are you an early riser who tackles your morning to-do list with all the gusto of a bear eating honey? Perhaps you’re a night-owl and crank through your most pressing projects at 11:00 p.m.?

Either way, knowing and taking advantage of your natural energy patterns will help you steer clear of procrastination by using your power times to tackle the projects you find most challenging.”

When I was working on my sample chapters, I actually switched up my writing hours. Sometimes I’d write during my “power hours”; other times, I’d write after supper, when I’m least alert.

I think it’s good to tackle chapters or articles when they least expect it :-) (that’s a popular writing quote, but I can’t find the source or the exact quip).
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..7 Tips for Writing for Publication =-.

]]> By: Tumblemoose http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2076 Tumblemoose Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:51:13 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2076 Laurie, Sorry it took so long to comment. I didn't really mean to put this off for so long. ;-) I suffer from procrastination. Darn it. For some reason I seem to work better when the pressure is on??!!! What the heck is that all about. And every time, when I finally finish the project I'm all, "Why did I wait so long? I'll never do THAT again!" Yeah, right. George .-= Tumblemoose´s last blog post ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TumblemooseProductions/~3/VHV1E9Nkiys/" rel="nofollow">Book ‘em, Dano – Ten fully arrest-able query gaffs</a> =-. Laurie,

Sorry it took so long to comment. I didn’t really mean to put this off for so long. ;-)

I suffer from procrastination. Darn it. For some reason I seem to work better when the pressure is on??!!! What the heck is that all about. And every time, when I finally finish the project I’m all, “Why did I wait so long? I’ll never do THAT again!” Yeah, right.

George
.-= Tumblemoose´s last blog post ..Book ‘em, Dano – Ten fully arrest-able query gaffs =-.

]]> By: Laurie PK http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2067 Laurie PK Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:45:42 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2067 I've been thinking the same thing for about six months now! On the one hand, I'd love a book contract. On the other...it's such a huge commitment! But, Laura, even if an agent or publishing house accepts your book proposal and offers you a contract (I'm drooling here), you can always say no if the terms aren't right or if your life isn't conducive to taking on such a huge writing project. You're only locked in until you sign on the dotted line... .-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/QuipsTipsForFreelanceWriters/~3/p8KP9sDcMOo/" rel="nofollow">7 Tips for Writing for Publication</a> =-. I’ve been thinking the same thing for about six months now! On the one hand, I’d love a book contract. On the other…it’s such a huge commitment!

But, Laura, even if an agent or publishing house accepts your book proposal and offers you a contract (I’m drooling here), you can always say no if the terms aren’t right or if your life isn’t conducive to taking on such a huge writing project. You’re only locked in until you sign on the dotted line…
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..7 Tips for Writing for Publication =-.

]]> By: Laura http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/overcoming-procrastination-for-writers-ways-to-start-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-2056 Laura Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:36:38 +0000 http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/?p=840#comment-2056 Maybe not fear of success, but fear of the responsibility of having to actually write the rest of the manuscript you're pitching? I think it may depend on the type of writing you do (i.e. you typically pitch non-fiction books before you write them, whereas you try to sell fiction books after they're already written), but I'm definitely procrastinating on a non-fiction project because I know I will have to stick with it once I send out the proposal! This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it's scary to take on such a large project, for sure. .-= Laura´s last blog post ..<a href="http://buttontapper.com/2009/08/10/crazy-contests-galore/" rel="nofollow">Crazy contests galore</a> =-. Maybe not fear of success, but fear of the responsibility of having to actually write the rest of the manuscript you’re pitching? I think it may depend on the type of writing you do (i.e. you typically pitch non-fiction books before you write them, whereas you try to sell fiction books after they’re already written), but I’m definitely procrastinating on a non-fiction project because I know I will have to stick with it once I send out the proposal! This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s scary to take on such a large project, for sure.
.-= Laura´s last blog post ..Crazy contests galore =-.

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