I never write two posts in one day. I’m lucky if I get in one a week. Rather than do what I should be doing — getting my free monthly Plot Tips eZine out to awaiting writers — I procrastinate instead.
My procrastination took the form of reading a couple of writers blogs new to me. In one, a writer hesitantly and respectfully reported he had started a new project, mere sentences — a tender blade barely broken out of the earth. Still, he was writing.
I congratulated him with enthusiasm. A story of 80,000 words begins with just one…….
I went on to tell him that I usually caution writers not to talk too much about about what you’re writing about — you can talk it to death. Talk all the energy right out of it
Since blogging seems to have replaced verbal communication, it seemed only right that the same must apply to him — he was blogging about his writing. Granted, not any specifics about his project, but still….
I could be wrong however. Sometimes it seems as if blogging about the process has become the new process. Not the means to the end, but the end itself???
Is that why I’m blogging right now and not working on my WIP? What’s your excuse??? Why are you reading this and not working on your work-in-progress???
for me its perpetual procrastination. what did you spend your life doing? what was your great contribution. perpetual procrastination.
All right. All right. I’ll go back to work.
it’s much easier to write a blog post than it is to work on my book, maybe because i try to keep my posts short, or not too long. the same can be applied to a book, just write less more often. i guess it’s the instant feedback.
Good Question? Why am I reading this blog than working on my WIP? Hmmm, because you leave a message to ask my view. 🙂 Seriously, Writing blog is also a WIP, someone told me after you have written a considerable number of blog post. Compile them into similar categories and here you are few book all at the same time. Pretty neat ideas. Worth a thought.
ROFL…you caught me. I am waiting a minute to see what direction I head in next, but yesterday I did decided to start a new project, and will do so today. I actually got the idea from reading blogs. 😀
When I’m working on a ms, my characters become real, and I freak my neighbor out because I talk to her about them like they are neighbors. Really, they do become part of the conversation, but not plotwise, friendwise!
Have a super day! Jeff is on vacation for a few days so we plan on having some fun. He’s noticing the beginning of autumn color now. YIKES!
Hugs, JJ
I’m a blogger not a “writer” as not a novelist or screen writer…I LOVE the nature of the very short “blog” story and am learning from your plot blogs about ways to tell the story…some I think I’m doing, some I’m not and would like to expand on.
So….I don’t think I’m procrastinating, I think I’m doing reseach 🙂 !
..oh…, I bought your book also..
I’m here reading this right now instead of writing my book because I’m at work with some downtime. 😉
I like to read here to learn more about writing.
I like to blog about the book I’m writing because…
1. Each post gives me more writing experience. It’s also a great warm-up before a book writing session.
2. Exposing my writing to the public before I am published is definitely a good thing.
3. If I fail at completing my book, the blog introduces a form of public humiliation. It’s a very effective motivator.
I think there is something about the immediate feedback that makes blogging so satisfying to the writer. Also, writing a chunk at a time is easier to manage than a 2-300 page manuscript.
Even so, in coming posts, I plan to offer some tricks and tips for both bloggers and writers to keep in mind while writing posts and chapters that carry the same weight and bring satisfaction for the readers.
Ah, you caught me! That’s exactly what I was doing… reading your blog instead of working on my novel. Back to work this instant!
Thanks Martha!