I know, I know. It's been a really long time since I posted anything new. Like six months. My intention had been to post every week or two, but you know what they say about intentions and the road to hell. There were some decent excuses, like the holidays, and some other stuff, like health issues, but mostly it was my old bugaboo, procrastination. I can always think of something other than what I should be doing. I can't even blame the horrible winter weather. It hasn't been. So, apologies, apologies.
Now for the burning question, what have I been doing writing-wise? Well, in between my bouts of foot-dragging, I've actually been making some inroads on my next Aiden Pike adventure, so if you or any kids you know haven't been following Aiden, it's a good time to check out this time-traveling library lover! I'm planning for #3 in the series to be out by Christmas.
Which brings me to one of the most important aspects of writing, and one (as you can see) I struggle with constantly--keeping the pump primed. I've had students at the Institute of Children's Literature who submit one lesson a year. I can't seem to get them to understand that that's not going to cut it in the publishing world. No one knows better than I do that life does get in the way of all our plans, but if you (and I!) really look at it, there are many hours we just plain fritter away.
Some successful writers try to write every day, or mostly every day. That's difficult unless you are at a place in your life where your days are relatively free and few of us are there. Others will set a goal of so many words a day or a week or an hour. You're the only one who can figure out what works for you. For a while, I found that two hours twice a week lent itself to my schedule very well. And I accomplish a lot more if I'm out of the house. If you have an infestation of time-eating monsters, do your best.
It doesn't have to be New Year's to make a resolution, or Monday, either. Set a goal today to work out a schedule that fits into how your days usually go. Yes, there will certainly be exceptions. The arrival of spring will, I'm sure, begin tempting me to get out into the garden. Don't forget to hrow in a few meetings/appointments, a visit from family, lunch with an old friend. It's important to do those things, too. Just adjust your schedule accordingly.
And now I'm off to try and follow my own advice.
Now for the burning question, what have I been doing writing-wise? Well, in between my bouts of foot-dragging, I've actually been making some inroads on my next Aiden Pike adventure, so if you or any kids you know haven't been following Aiden, it's a good time to check out this time-traveling library lover! I'm planning for #3 in the series to be out by Christmas.
Which brings me to one of the most important aspects of writing, and one (as you can see) I struggle with constantly--keeping the pump primed. I've had students at the Institute of Children's Literature who submit one lesson a year. I can't seem to get them to understand that that's not going to cut it in the publishing world. No one knows better than I do that life does get in the way of all our plans, but if you (and I!) really look at it, there are many hours we just plain fritter away.
Some successful writers try to write every day, or mostly every day. That's difficult unless you are at a place in your life where your days are relatively free and few of us are there. Others will set a goal of so many words a day or a week or an hour. You're the only one who can figure out what works for you. For a while, I found that two hours twice a week lent itself to my schedule very well. And I accomplish a lot more if I'm out of the house. If you have an infestation of time-eating monsters, do your best.
It doesn't have to be New Year's to make a resolution, or Monday, either. Set a goal today to work out a schedule that fits into how your days usually go. Yes, there will certainly be exceptions. The arrival of spring will, I'm sure, begin tempting me to get out into the garden. Don't forget to hrow in a few meetings/appointments, a visit from family, lunch with an old friend. It's important to do those things, too. Just adjust your schedule accordingly.
And now I'm off to try and follow my own advice.
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