Tag: Avoiding procrastination

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writer Procrastination with Brandy Brow

Co-host and author Brandy Brow leads the Writers Chat community in a discussion on procrastinating, which she defines as “intentional avoidance.” We talk about the reasons we as writers procrastinate even when a deadline is looming and share tips on ways to prevent procrastination from becoming a problem. In a bit of a “plot twist,” however, we also talk about the positive results that can come from recognizing and even accepting our procrastination tendencies.

Watch the September 10th replay.

Brandy Brow, Writers Chat co-host who freelance edits and writes flash fiction and short stories for the general market, plus articles and devotions. Her fiction explores the highs and lows of human nature and ranges from normal to strange. She loves to help writers improve their craft.

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the cohosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Let’s Talk About It Later

devotions

Procrastination squeezes its fingers around my neck, choking me. I feel panic rising like bile in the back of my throat.

Have you heard this one? You know you’re a writer on deadline when you decide to clean the house rather than sit at your desk.

I can make jokes and fictionalize about my tendency to procrastinate, yet the question remains. Why did I wait until the last minute to work on my project?

I like to think I work best under pressure, but do I really put out my best when I feel pressured? It’s not a new thing—this delayed response has been a lifetime in the making. Maybe I could blame it on a personality bent or a childhood trait carried over into midlife crisis. Maybe I could transfer guilt to a faulty belief system that thinks it will go away if I ignore it.

At some point, sooner than later, I need to take responsibility for my delay tactics and buckle down to write.

A man named Jonah tried to avoid the inevitable and ended up in deep water. (Jonah 1:10,15)

Saul hid from responsibility and was left holding the bags. (1 Samuel 10:22)

Am I so different that I think my consequences won’t be as dire? Isaiah 14:27 says I can’t thwart, or oppose, God’s plan. It’s time to talk about it!

Exercise:

  1. What is the difference between procrastination and self-sabotage? Use your dictionary to support your answer.
  2. What limiting beliefs keep you from persevering with your writing? For instance, “I’ll never be good enough,” or, “Nobody reads what I write.”
  3. Is procrastination a case of “I can’t” or “I won’t”? If “I can’t,” then why not? What tools can help you get to the next level?
  4. What steps can you take to turn “I won’t” into “I want to”? Will you ask the Lord for help? Philippians 2:13.
  5. Is a fear of failure keeping you from using your God-given gifts? Or, does a fear of success and its thirst for more leave your knees shaking?
  6. What helps you pursue that which you would rather put off? Does an accountability partner keep you on target with deadlines?
  7. Write out Philippians 4:13 and ask God to give you strength for the task.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV

What holds you back from your best self?

Sally Ferguson

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net

Categories
Create. Motivate. Inspire.

On Writing: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated

Progress has stalled on our latest writing project. We avoid our desk, tamp down the guilt, and stay busy doing anything but writing. Another day slips by with few words on the page. What’s an anxious writer to do?

Try these 5 techniques to stay motivated and keep the words flowing:

  • Set writing goals and put them in writing.

Have realistic daily, weekly, and monthly goals marked on a calendar for quick reference. These can range from word counts to number of pages. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of meeting a goal. A disciplined writer is a happy, productive writer.

  • Reward yourself for meeting goals.

Oh, how we abhor procrastination guilt! But if goals are met—even small ones—rewards can be enjoyed guilt-free. Take a walk, enjoy a sweet treat, meet a friend for lunch—anything to give our muse a break so we can return rejuvenated.

  • Establish pre-writing rituals and build creative anticipation.

This is my favorite motivation technique. Before I sit down to write, I have my morning coffee or tea, a light breakfast, devotion/quiet time, and then I dress for work (even though I’m working at home). Throughout my routine, I can feel the creative energy building. When I sit down at my computer, I’m ready to be productive (most of the time).

  • Keep an idea journal with notes, scribbles, visual aids, etc.

This journal or notebook needs to be a part of us, something that never leaves our side. Ideas will come at the most unusual times—while trying to fall asleep at night, in line at the grocery store, during the Sunday sermon, in traffic, watching a movie, etc. If we don’t write it down, it may be gone forever. When we’re short on ideas, our journal is a treasure trove of inspiration.

  • Share goals and ideas with a writer friend.

We must have accountability in our work. Writing is about community. We need someone to ask about our progress and to simply check in regularly. Another writer knows and understands the unique struggles we face and can help us through the dry times. Also, creative brainstorming with other writers can be pure joy, inspiring myriad projects, ideas, and story plots.

 

Are we ready?

Fire the laptop. Prime the pen.

Keep writing!

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[bctt tweet=”Establish pre-writing rituals and build creative anticipation @A3Writers @LThomasWrites #write #pubtip” via=”no”]

 

Leigh Ann Thomas is the author of three books, including Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace—Inspiration for the Mother of the Bride (SonRise Devotionals). A regular contributor to AlmostAnAuthor.com, Just18Summers.com, and InTheQuiver.com, she has also published with Southern Writers Suite T, The Write Conversation, and Power for Living. She is a contributing author in 10 books and her award-winning fiction is included in three editions of Southern Writers Magazine’s Best Short Stories. You can find Leigh Ann on her front porch daydreaming story plots, or blogging at LeighAThomas.com.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lthomaswrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leigh.nallthomas