All writers will encounter times when their writing grinds to a halt. Sometimes it's lack of motivation (even boredom). Sometimes it's lack of inspiration – and sometimes it's just lack of time.
Whatever the reason for work not getting done, the entire project stalls. The problem is that it's very hard to gain momentum again from a standing start. The longer the non-writing period lasts, the harder it is to kick off again.
This is where a reliable kick-start writing plan comes into its own. The following "KickStart Program" can be initiated at any time of the year – and is much more effective than most New Year Resolutions!
Step 1: Clear the Decks – Preparing to Write Again
Desperate writers are sometimes tempted to toss out everything they've done and start again: the lure of the fresh start is strong. However, sometimes all that is needed is a fresh look at everything.
Spring-cleaning can do wonders. Writers need to salvage what is useful and toss the rest.
What to keep:
- relevant research
- well-developed characters
- good ideas for scenes/articles/chapters/sections
- a workable plot outline
What to throw out:
- a pedestrian, cliched plot
- insipid characters
- scenes that go nowhere
- stale ideas
- an unfinished novel that is clearly sub-standard after the writer has polished his/her craft considerably
Clear the decks in other ways, too. Take a close look at outside commitments that are taking up too much time, such as overtime hours at work or social commitments. Also review housework, chauffering and childcare duties. What can you dump, delegate or share?
Step 2: Give The Writing Task "Project Status"
In the business world, important projects are carefully analysed and planned. Writers should give their projects a similarly high status. To do this, analyse the time, cost and scope of the writing project.
The Scope of the Writing Task
The scope of the project will determine the time that needs to be allocated. Obviously a 700-page historical saga will take much longer than a 10,000 word chapter book for children. Ten articles of 800 words each will not usually require as much time as ten 2,000-word articles, and a contemporary novel requiring little or no research can usually be completed faster than a fantasy novel requiring complex world-building. When considering the scope of the project, think of:
- research
- length
- complexity (plots, sub-plots,cast of characters)
The Time to be Allocated to the Writing Task
- Start by estimating the number of words in the project and the amount of research required. Build in time to edit as well as make-up time for false starts and dud chapters.
- Estimate the number of hours available for writing in any standard week, then halve that number. (Why halve it? Because this builds in contingencies for just about anything: time lost because of illness; unexpected overtime at work; demands from friends and family, or just pure burnout.)
- Set a project starting date.
- Set a deadline for the finished project, based on the calculation of the hours available and the amount of work.
- Set milestones between the project starting date and finishing date. (Thanks to halving the estimated hours available for writing in a week, these milestones should be easily reached, giving the writer a sense of achievement.)
The Cost of a Writing Project
The cost should be minimal (the main expenditure should be the writer's time and energy) unless there is a computer meltdown. However, some writers might like to build in the cost of:
- research (hire an assistant)
- babysitting (to free up writing time)
- editing (hire a freelance editor)
By giving their work 'project status', then setting milestones and deadlines, writers are much more likely to achieve their goals. Remember, these steps can be implemented at any time: just clear the decks, plan the project, and go!
RES101
Marg McAlister - Marg McAlister has tried on a good many writer's hats in her career, and has enjoyed wearing most of them. Her writing achievements ...
