Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Butt in Chair

Perhaps my favorite quote on writing comes from J.K Rowling, and while I cannot find the exact quote it goes something like this. "People who sit around talking about writing are not actually writing. Writing is being butt in the chair and doing it." (Paraphrased) This has been my biggest problem since I have started writing. I want to spend time with my wife and dog, I want to go looking for a house. I want to play World of Warcraft or hockey on my Xbox 360. I want to read Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series again. I want to help keep our apartment clean. It is hard to make time to write, and I need to put my butt in the chair. So it is up to you! If you see me relaxing ask me if I have written today. If I have not, feel free to kick my butt a bit.

Next week I will be talking about building a fantasy world. I look forward to your comments and accountability.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Expectation: It hurts so good.

One of the biggest challenges that I am finding as I am now in week three of blogging and writing is the problem of managing expectations. I am a perfectionist particularly when it comes to my own creative efforts and trying to balance my expectation of perfection with my need to grow as a writer is something that I am finding difficult.

Another expectation that I am struggling with is the desire for originality. I am working very hard to have not only an original story but to make the world that I am designing unique. I know that inevitably in fantasy that some similarities are going to occur, but I am hoping that in my writing if you do see my influences you that they do not overshadow my creation.

The next expectation that is difficult are the expectations that I, my wife, and my critique partner have for me. I want to write a minimum of 500 words a day with a goal of 1000 words. I am finding this difficult to achieve and have not written 500 words total in the last two weeks due to illness or responsibilities. (although I have been editing) Tonight should be a good night for writing though so I am excited about that.

Finally the expectation to get published. This is the the worst of all. I think every writer wants to get published, but most never do. Being a perfectionist all I want is to get published, have it be critically lauded, have it be beloved by fantasy readers around the world, have it be made into a blockbuster movie, and have a series of spin off novels set in the world I make. That is not too much to ask is it? But it is that very hope that gets me writing.

And speaking of getting my writing my next blog will be called Butt in Chair. I would love to hear you comments.