A few weeks ago I signed up for NaNoWriMo- National Novel Writing Month. I thought if I pledged on-line to write 50,000 words in the month of November it might actually spur my creative juices. Awaken my muse, as it were.
So far, as the start day approaches, my muse has remained in a comatose state. I think she’s begun the hibernation process, fearing the coming winter.
In addition to my slacker muse, my life has suddenly become incredibly busy. My job, which had been down to one afternoon a week, now needs me for several days a week. My daughter, an ice skater, has a competition coming up, which means extra practices. Early practices…waaaaaay before the sun rises ice times. I’ll also be out of town for several days at a conference. And then of course, there’s the realization that Thanksgiving is only three weeks away.
And so I ask this question, will this full calendar make or break me? I will actually have to schedule time to write and force myself to sit down at my lap top at those times if I even hope to reach the 50,000 word goal. It will mean not vegging out on FaceBook when I have an hour off, but being vigilant to piece thoughts together into a story. I’ll have to wake up earlier or stay up a little later than normal if I even hope to meet the goal.
It’s been a long time since I’ve put myself in this kind of situation. I’m hoping that by stating my goal “in public” as it were, I’ll have even more incentive to keep it. It used to be, when I was younger and more foolish, that I thrived on deadlines. They inspired me greatness. Now they give me heartburn. But I vow to persevere!
How about y’all? Do you work best under the pressure of deadlines and goals or does your creativity flow when you have time to let it percalate? Drop me a line and let me know!