Writing til The End

It’s hard to believe when I started my cozy mysery over a year ago that I’d actually reach the end. I’m not really good at finishing WIPs, mainly because I get so caught up in getting it perfect, but this time I was determined to plow a head to the end no matter how awful my writing might be. And I did it. This weekend I wrote those wonderful words…THE END. 51,383 words!

I guess I would have to thank a couple of people for really helping me finish with months to spare. They may not realize how much they’ve inspired me, but if it wasn’t for them I’d still be struggling over my prose.

Cara Putman continues to amaze me with all she does, mom, homeschooler, laywer and still she’s written several books and has several contracts. Me, being the competitive person that I am told myself and not nearly as busy as her, told myself if she can do it, so can I. I started picking her brain and learned the secret to cranking out books is very easy. She writes a little bit everyday.

The first key to THE END is set writing goal and write everyday.

For the last year I had been afraid to write daily, afraid it would suck me in and keep me from my family like it had done in the past. But with conference looming, I felt I needed a real plan. So I figured if I wrote 1,000 words a day it would take me 25 days to complete my WIP. That was two weeks ago. I wrote above and beyond my writing goal, often writing 1500 to 2000 words a day and then more on the weekend. It really didn’t take much time. I was able to write mostly in the afternoon during the kids game/tv time or after they went to bed. I can’t believe it actually worked! I feel like a new writer.

The second person I need to thank is Randy Ingermanson who told me to write bad. I took his advice and I did. Often I’d tell a scene, only to return later when the muse hit. But I didn’t dwell on the passive verbs or lack of setting or emotion, I knew I could add that later in rewrites.

Key two: Bad writing is better than no writing. Don’t be afraid to pour it out on the page, even if you can’t stand to read it. You can always clean it up later.

Which brings me to another subject. This will probably be the first WIP I will actually edit and rewrite. Another adventure in itself.

So interrupted writers, I want to encourage you. It can be done. You can be super busy and still reach your goals, but the key is you have to set goals. The summer is practically over. Are you on track for reaching your writing goals? If not, consider setting new ones and leave a comment so we can all route for you!