Sometimes, as writers, we have to challenge ourselves. I think that’s why NaNoWriMo is so popular… because it’s a competition that we have within ourselves. We don’t really get any huge prize (though a percentage off of Scrivener is always good)… but we get satisfaction of knowing that we accomplished our goals.
However, Novemeber only comes once a year, and Camp NaNo just isn’t as hyped.
I think, as writers, we have to challenge ourselves every day. I find myself doing word sprints, inner word wars, as much as I can. When my writer group is online, we do word wars and sprints… it’s because the challenge is fun. We for ourselves to go for it, as much as we can, as hard as we can.
I think, especially when we’re not getting paid a huge amount (because I do get paid to write)… sometimes it’s a little harder for us. Especially for me, writing for other people as opposed to writing for myself… it’s hard. I sometimes don’t want to write at all. I find myself staring at a blank screen while Scrivner sort of taunts me in a ‘haha, you aren’t going to do it’ manner.
And so… I have decided to set a challenge for myself, starting today. Even if it isn’t very much, I want to write 2,000 words a day. A lot of my commissions are between 6-15k words… so 2,000 won’t make that much of a dent, but I honestly think having that challenge will make me write more than I realize. I’ve noticed when I start writing, when I accomplish that goal, I feel vitalized and can often times do a 6000 word+ day. It’s because I’m giving myself a task, I’m setting goals… and I’m hitting those goals.
Sometimes I think as writers, just hitting goals is such a huge boost to our confidence that it gives us the energy to keep on keeping on.
So… who has a daily goal set for themselves? And who should start doing daily goals? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Heck, I’d even love to keep in contact with you – after all, it’s much easier to keep up with your goals if you have someone asking you… have you done your words for the day? I plan on doing a weekly update of my word count/how I’ve done as far as my goals. I’ll probably post it every Monday. :3 So… I’m excited. I want to be held accountable for what I tell myself I’m going to do, and that’s why it’s going to be posted live and here. If anyone wants to join in, I’d love to have you along for the ride!
Until next time, keep reading and writing!
Author Amanda McCormick
Author Amanda McCormick 