No More Excuses

Okay, so I'm sitting there last night watching ER because I can't find the energy to write OR read and I had a revelation...

Dr. Lewis was yelling at Carter because he got tenure and she didn't when she clearly feels she deserves it and he only got it because he's rich and gives money to the hospital. Well, she's telling him that his job basically has always been something for him to do. It isn't his passion and he's always had his family's money to lean back on if he chose not to be a doctor. She, on the other hand, apparently feels this is all she's ever wanted. Being a doctor means the world to her, it's her passion and she can't think of doing anything else. WELL....

I realized that I love teaching, but if I could make a living as a full-time writer I would give up teaching in a heartbeat. IN A HEARTBEAT! My passion has always been and I'm thinking always will be writing. SOOOOO...

If I really feel that way, then I have to get off my ass and get to work. I can no longer whine and moan that I'm just not motivated. I can't allow two or three weeks to go by without a word written just because I can't figure out what happens next. If I want to be a successful writer, then I have to write. Sounds simple. But the important thing to remember is even when I don't want to write, I must write. When I become published I'll have deadlines and I can't say to my editor, "Oh, I'm just not in the mood" or "I really just want to read for a few weeks" or "Gee, I've got so much stuff going on at school I can't finish that book this month."

As my friend Steph says, this is a business and I must remember to treat it as such. I must be a professional. I must do the job I've been hired to do.

So, here it goes. Here is my pledge. I pledge to accelerate my mind, control my actions...no, that's the school pledge! I pledge to commit myself to my second job. I pledge to spend at least 20 hours a week on my writing- whether revising, brainstorming, studying my craft, or drafting letters, synopses or manuscripts. This writing time may also include preparing packages for editors or agents and critiquing other people's work. I will not allow my lack of creativity to stop my work. After all, I want that paycheck and I can't get that if I don't do any work!

So, now that it is May 6th, I pledge to have my current manuscript ready for submission by June 6th. I don't have a choice. It must be done by then. Besides, what if Silhouette buys SURVIVAL and wants the next book? Or what if the agent comes back with a request for a full manuscript?

Now, here is YOUR part. You must pledge to help me reach that goal. You must hound me, harrass me and annoy me (in a constructive manner, of course!) into keeping to my schedule. I'm counting on you!

First thing on my schedule tonight? Dinner! However, I do promise to get back to work tonight for...three hours. I'll let you know how it goes!