Writing discipline (or putting butt in chair and getting it done)

Discipline is probably the biggest problem for aspiring authors (and published ones, too). Just because I have books sitting on bookstore shelves doesn't mean I'm not prone to procrastinate the heck out of my writing time while sitting at my computer. I do it on a daily basis; however, I also write on a daily basis.

There's "writing business" stuff that has to be attended to like answering emails, writing my blog, and posting over on Raine's Rangers. But being in the vicinity of a computer also tempts me to read my friends' blogs, check out the news (aka: who did what to whom today), surf my favorite sites, and check my Amazon rankings (hangs head in shame). These things aren't bad, in fact they're necessary (with the exception of the Amazon rankings). But like all things, moderation is key. I set aside half an hour at the most in the morning and again in the evening to take care of business, and then I tell myself that it's time to get down to business -- writing.

I no longer have a problem with putting my butt in my chair in front of my laptop and writing until the work gets done.

But I used to.

I've been writing since I was about six, but it was only in my college days that I decided I wanted to be a published author. Back then I'd write only when I felt like it or when I felt inspired. I thought this would be enough. Well, it wasn't. I wasn't getting anywhere, but more importantly, I wasn't becoming a better writer.

Then I read in one of the many writing books that were crowding my bookshelves, that if you wanted to get better, you had to write more often, like every day. You had to write regardless of how crappy you felt, regardless of your mood, regardless of your workload. The authors of those books (who also happened to be the authors of many other books) said there was always time to squeeze in a few minutes.

They were right.

I have a full-time job, so carving out time to write wasn't (and still isn't) easy, but I really wanted to be published, so I found the time. I started writing on a more regular schedule, and I could see the improvement. And when I saw the improvement, I wanted to write more. With that came confidence and a determination to reach my goal.

I'd still be writing even if I wasn't published, because writing isn't just what I do -- writing is who I am. It's like an addiction, you can't stop, and you don't want to. When I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing. When I'm writing, I'm happy. When I'm between projects, I can get a little cranky. Just ask my fabulous (and patient and supportive) husband.

So writing dicipline isn't something you have, it's something you have to grow. It all boils down to one question -- how badly do you want it?

Coming up tomorrow (possibly) for the Saturday Fun Pic: My new headshots are back from the photographer, and Webmaster Todd will be posting them this weekend, possibly tonight. I chose five photos, and Todd will be posting all five. One will be on the banner that's at the top of each page, one will be on the Events page, two will be on the Meet Lisa page, and one will be on the Contact page. So when they're posted, cruise around the site, check 'em out, and let me know what you think. ; ) I'll also post an update tomorrow of how the edits are going for The Trouble With Demons.

Coming up next week: Writer's block, 1st person vs 3rd person, writing & critique groups, music I listen to while writing, and how I plot a book.

Happy Friday, everybody!
Lisa