At least that’s what it seems like these days, and in my life it has nothing to do with basketball. It’s the beginning of the end-of-school crunch. I know it seems weird to think of the end-of-school crunch starting so early, but it’s the last term of the year, and with each of my kids in music performance groups, it seems we have a concert every week. Beginning with my son’s high school musical, Children of Eden, it’s a marathon until June. So what does that mean in the life of a writer who’s trying to get her first novel draft done by the end of March? An all out sprint! But that’s not altogether bad. It’s a self-imposed deadline, so I know I can adjust it if I need too. Deadlines are important for accountability, even if it’s only to myself. If I don’t set them, my books, and in particularly this novel, become just one more thing I say I’m going to do and never finish. So, even though the end of the school year is in sight, I’ve got to keep moving forward so I’m not standing still at the last mile thinking about crossing the finish line. The first draft really is the first stage. After that, there are multiple revisions, feedback from my critique partner, writer’s workshop and conferences. Finally, when I think it’s really polished I’ll submit. That process can take years. If I don’t meet this first deadline, it makes the road so much longer. So, here’s to the Road to the Final Four and the road to my first draft. Success at the end of March is the goal both in basketball and for my book. Hopefully I won’t be “mad” when it’s over!
Archive for March, 2009
March Madness
Friday, March 20th, 2009Spring Cleaning
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009I have a great reason for spring cleaning for the rest of my work week. I am hosting a Networks Day for my area for the Michigan Chapter of SCBWI, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. We have an absolutely fabulous group in Michigan and every spring we get together all over the state in different homes for a “spring tonic” for children’s writers and illustrators. This year’s theme is a beach party theme, so I am making lists of how to decorate and what snacks to prepare. The beautiful thing is, it helps me start my spring-cleaning, not only throughout my house, but in my work as well. There is nothing better for writers than getting together to discuss the craft. It helps me clear the cobwebs out of my brain, re-organize and re-energize until the next conference that happens in May. So, even though I may not be working on the novel today, I am still working. There are many ways to improve at writing and getting together for an event like this is one of the best. It’s also just plain fun, so I am looking forward to it. I am off to dust and vacuum, and who knows maybe somewhere in all the clutter clearing, I’ll find a new scene for the book just waiting to get out.
