Book Ending for Writers
I’m currently having some problems with a particular writing project… there are two issues for me. The first is some lack of clarity on the part of the client; the second is I’m a bit board. Neither is actually preventing me from making some real progress… the clarity is actually coming out of the writing I’m doing and boredom is just something that happens.
Nonetheless, it’s been difficult to get started each day. Besides, I have to move and I’d rather be searching for a new place to live than writing. Never mind that I have plenty of time to do both.
My solution is book-ending. In a few moments I’m going to call my friend Carol. I’m going to tell her I’m going to work on the project for an hour and 45 minutes. That gives me time to pull myself together for the next schedule apartment viewing. If she isn’t there, I’ll simply leave the message. Then I’ll write until the time is up, at which point I’ll call her again and tell her I’ve done it.
I’m not sure exactly why this works so well. It’s probably some combination of setting an attention and setting myself up to be accountable. But it works every time.
Write well, and often,
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POSTED IN: Freelance Writing Tips and Ideas
7 opinions for Book Ending for Writers
Devon Ellington
May 26, 2006 at 7:05 am
“A bit board”? Can you do some yoga to loosen up? ;)
Michael C. Burgess
Jul 4, 2006 at 5:07 am
“…the second is I’m a bit board.” Is that like saying you’re as thick as a plank?
Anne Wayman
Jul 4, 2006 at 10:24 am
lol, Michael, you of all people should know how creative my spelling is ;)
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Dec 20, 2006 at 12:28 pm
[…] Another trick I use when I get stuck one way or another is Book Ending. […]
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Dec 20, 2006 at 12:29 pm
[…] A while back I posted a tip called “Book Ending For Writers.” Over time, I’ve gotten a lot of positive comments from freelance writers – seems like many find it a truly useful tool. […]
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Dec 23, 2006 at 8:17 am
[…] I’ve written about book ending as a way to help stop procrastinating, or to handle some writing or other chore you’re avoiding. […]
The Golden Pencil: The Freelance Writer’s Resource » Writer’s Block or Procrastination?
Jan 19, 2007 at 1:39 pm
[…] I finally called a writer friend yesterday and in addition to a bit of bitching and whining, I book ended, promising her I’d spend at least a couple of hours on the chapter. That broke the ice and I was able to finish it this morning. It wasn’t even that hard. […]
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