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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Are You A Tortoise Or A Hare?

I've been reading a lot this week about writing routines and quotas. This is something that I struggle with since I don't have a writing routine or a daily word count that I like to meet. But I want one!

I usually have long periods of time where I don't have time to add any words to my manuscript. And then short bursts of energy where I get down mountains of words to make up lost time.

It reminds me of the old fable "The Tortoise and The Hare". I'm sure you've all heard the story where the fast, cocky rabbit wants to race the slow, plodding turtle. The rabbit gets so far ahead that he stops to take a nap while the turtle keeps on truckin' slow and steady and eventually crosses the finish line before the snoozing hare. (Or something like that.)

The point is I don't want to be the rabbit that is able to get ahead for a time. I want to be a slow and steady writer that manages to add words ever so slowly and consistently until I eventually type "The End".

"Writing is how you learn to write. Writing daily, as a discipline, is the best way to learn." James Scott Bell

"I only write when I'm inspired, and I make sure I'm inspired every morning at 9 a.m." Peter DeVries

Which type of writer are you? Are you fast and ferocious when you write or do you write small amounts regularly? I'm curious, what type of writing routines do you all have and how do you make yourselves stick to it?

2 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, with three kids I squeeze it in when I can. When I sit to write it comes out fast naturally but I try not to put too much pressure on myself with deadlines. It's crazy though, I can tell I really love a story when I write beyond the 1,000 words.

    ~ Wendy

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  2. I'm a slow writer with short deadlines, but it has forced me to be consistent. Now, I actually look forward to getting up early to write (most days ;) ).

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I'd love to hear your thoughts too!