Decide on a Deadline and Stick to It

If your publisher allows you to set your own deadlines (or if you're self-published), you still have to make a logical plan to fit your goals. This usually entails creating a deadline of when you want your story to be finished. You could make yourself a final deadline of when you want to send the final book off to the publisher, or a series of smaller dates by which you want to finish your first draft, complete your editing, do the final revisions, etc.

I find that making both small and big deadlines helps me stay on track. Writing is unlike other professions in that there are no set hours and no one standing over you to make sure your work gets done on time. If you're someone who's easily distracted, I highly suggest giving yourself a deadline. You should trick yourself into believing that you must complete your work by that date or an angry editor will be calling you night and day demanding the book.

Setting deadlines is a superb idea for all writers, particularly those prone to writer's block and subject to the endless distractions of daily life. So invent your deadline and write it down on something you see every day. It especially helps if you have a calendar in front of you and can write the deadline in giant letters. Having that date staring you in the face each morning can be a great motivator. Don't let it intimidate you though. Remember, as the writer, you are the boss. Just bear in mind your responsibility to your work.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com