So I’ve decided to change up my daily writing schedule in 2018. Normally, I work on one project/novel/screenplay at a time, taking it through three drafts, then story edit, then another draft and polishing pass, then content/line edit, then final read through, then proofreaders, and then the book is released. Meaning that after I write the first draft, I don’t really write any ‘new’ words until the story is with the editor (I add a ton of words, and move them around, but I’m still working within the same main story). So this often results in me struggling to get back into the habit of daily writing when a book is being released – at a time that I often feel a bit tired (if not actually a little burned out).
So! For 2018, I’ve decided to try something new. I’ll write two thousand words a day, every morning, five days a week. And in the afternoon, I’ll work on the 2nd/3rd drafts or edits of the novel that is next to be released. Setting Saturdays aside for audiobook recording.
So this will likely mean that the period of time between Dowser 7 and Dowser 8 releasing will be slightly longer than normal, but it should also mean that Dowser 8.5 and Dowser 9 actually release quicker. If all goes as planned and I can actually write two novels at once (that does remain to be seen).
Anyway, this is long way of saying – YAY! I get to start writing Dowser 8.5 today, as well as the second draft of Dowser 8 this afternoon.
Oh, FYI. I seriously hope the test prints of the new T-shirt designs from Dowser 7 arrive at Elizabeth’s this week. But they still haven’t shipped. Yes, the ones I ordered on January 12. 🙁 Fingers crossed! I’ll do a couple of giveaways when they’ve been approved! And hopefully Elizabeth will take some modelling shots. 🙂 I will also write up a post about getting a good fit (using your chest measurement, not the size printed on the T-shirt) and how international readers can get their hands on the designs (since the T-shirts themselves still only ship to US addresses).
I’m just waiting till after I have my baby to order a new shirt hopefully they’ll be ready by April 7th! I also want a new cake in a cup shirt so maybe I won’t wait.
Goodness. I hope they are ready by then!! 😉
A cake in a cup design would look really cute on a diaper bag!
I can see how this makes perfect sense! I know that the wait time in between if frustrating for you and since it isn’t feasable to go shopping for new shoes, nail polish or chocolate on EVERY break this does make sense.
Good luck with your new schedule…I hope it works well for both of us!
It’s super interesting to know how youy(a writer) works. Thanks for sharing though! I always wondered. It also looks like you’re handwriting the drafts? Looking forward to your next book. :*
I used to hand write all my first drafts but I had to stop to save my hand/wrist. So now I brainstorm/outline in a notebook but write the actual book in Scrivener.
Always interesting to know!
Ahh. Makes sense as frequently writer. Keep your hands safe please, so we can keep reading your books. 😍
You just tired me out just thinking about your proposed schedule…..
GOOD LUCK!
Thank you! But mostly it is fun, as long as I don’t burn myself out.
Writer me loves reading about schedules that works for others (even if I can’t even come close to writing full time, it helps me think about different ways of doing things/trying new things, etc.)
Reader me just wants you to keep writing and doesn’t care what that looks like. Also, more cat photos plz. ;-p
All of me is super excited to read more of your fiction, but is settling for some re-reading currently.
WRITE ALL THE THINGS!!
I’ve only been writing full time since we moved over to Salt Spring Island (which was part of the reason for the simplification of our lives, so I could focus on writing and not helping run Michael’s construction business part-time). So writing full time is still a fairly new thing for me, and I think imposing a new structure might actually free me up with it a bit. And yes, I should take daily pictures of the cats (and chickens) LOL
Yes, *and* chickens!
I didn’t realize (but maybe should have done) that you weren’t full-time before that move. Belated congrats, in that case! *throws confetti*
Ah, I guess it was always full time hours in and around part time bookkeeping (etc) for Michael but now all I do is write and the business side of the writing, of course. I’m pretty lucky!!!