It's said that writing is 10% imagination and 90% perspiration. I don't know about the percentages, but I do know that to finish a book, you actually have to write it. And that means plunking your behind down and putting words to paper, or your monitor, or whatever. Don't kid yourself. Writing is hard work. Set goals for yourself as the incentive to start and keep going. Here are some tips I've tried and found effective: Make a long range commitment, based on what your writing means to you. Is this something you truly want to do? A passion, something that means a great deal, something that will affect other parts of your life? If not, move on. If so, decide what you are willing to do to make it come true. Set a "wish list" goal, for example: By this time next year I will write, edit and submit a complete manuscript to an editor or agent. By this time in two years, I will have a contract for this and other books. By this time in five years, I will be an established author. Set a "dream" goal, for example: I'll use writing research to travel when and where I want. I'll make enough money to retire from my day job. I'll be a best selling author, an award winning author--whatever dreams turn you on. Now, based on the above, make some smaller goals, based on your capacities and your other commitments: How much time per day or week do you have for writing? What time works best? What are your family and/or job commitments? How much research are you going to need? This can be time-consuming if not managed carefully. Sample goals: How many pages a day you will write no matter how long it takes. Or how many hours, faithfully, you will write. How long it will take you to write a scene, a chapter, a book. Keeping your goals is an organic, dynamic effort. They are your goals, so you can revise and renew as it suits you. Your Number 1 goal will probably remain constant, but the others are going to change. Count on it. Reward yourself when you meet a goal. For a smaller goals, make it a small reward. When you meet the big one, make a deadline, sell a book, reward yourself accordingly. (I always find chocolate works for all occasions, but you must choose your own reward). On the other hand, do not punish yourself if you don't meet a goal. If it's a one-time thing, accept it and move on. If you are consistently unable to make your daily or weekly writing goals, give yourself a break and revise your schedule. Revise to suit yourself. Some goals may be too hard or impractical. Revise them downward. Some you may achieve too easily. Revise those upward. Challenge yourself, but don't make the task of writing your book an impossible feat. Review your Number 1 goal. Is this working? Are you achieving it? If not, take another look and make it truly your goal. Good luck and keep writing! Let me know how these tips work for you. Send me a note via the Contact Me page. Or, you can post a note on my Yahoo message board: Subscribe to bonniehamre Powered by groups.yahoo.com Web Design by Bel Oso Productions All contents Copyright © 1995 - 2006. All rights reserved.