Shake That Money-Maker

So truthfully, I couldn't help myself but use such a post title, but there is some viability to it, I promise. I even give you my Scout's Honor. GRINS

So, let's learn how to shake that money-maker. Shake what your momma' gave you. That applies less here than the latter, but we'll run with it. The point of this article is to persuade more writers to bypass those nasty blocks (which I believe are more writer caused than natural) and pump out a word count which you can be proud of at the end of a day. I've recently been introduced to a website known as 750words.com. This is an interesting little tool that helps track your writing for the day. But c'mon! We're all better than 750 words a day. Where's that 2k word mark that you've always said you can breach. Are you one of those writers who has freed up his/her day for writing? Then you end up paying hard on that decision when that evil block pops up.

How do you get past this?

My answer has always been to plan ahead for the worst (the worst being events that you know might interfere with a planned writing day). You truly need to invest in this time that will expand your manuscript and make it grow. You need to dive headfirst into that sea of words, formatting and disgusting red and green grammar lines. Put yourself and your work first. If you have promised to make a writing day, do not break off that track. Motivation is the key here. Use music if it helps carry you along. For me, I keep everything silent. I shut off all volume on my notebook so those pesky gChat, AIM and Facebook sounds don't tempt me. I then expand my word document to full screen (a nice iWorks feature) so I do not become tempted by the "1 new tweet" message hanging on my Twitter feed. Do whatever you can!

The possibility of writing for a few good hours to reach your 2k is not unheard of. You simply need to set priorities straight and be sure that you are equally invested in the writing as the seeing the payoff at the end. For every beginning, there is an end and the cycle continues.

Question: Have you planned a writing day and seen it fall apart? What are your experiences?

Bye for now!

JWP