Book Ending - Maybe My Favorite Writing Tip
Do you know how to book end?
It’s a simple technique and one I find tremendously helpful, particularly when I’m stuck and would rather do almost anything than write. It works like this:
- You decide on a task… complete a chapter or a blog entry, or…
You decide how much time you’re going to spend on a chapter, etc. - You call a friend, preferably someone who knows about writing and book ending, but it can be anyone who you know is on your side.
- You tell them what you plan - “I’m going to spend the next 2 hours on chapter 6.” or “I’m going to finish my character sketch.”
- You then perform the task or you don’t.
- Either way, you call your friend back to close the book end and own the results you got.
I think the key is telling on yourself even if you don’t complete the task… or knowing you will. Somehow, creating accountability helps me get done the things I need to get done.
Write well and often,
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11 opinions for Book Ending - Maybe My Favorite Writing Tip
Matt
Jan 22, 2008 at 12:47 pm
This would be a great use of Twitter.
Anne Wayman
Jan 22, 2008 at 4:18 pm
hmmm, I think I know what you mean, but could you explain a bit?
Forum for writers
Jan 23, 2008 at 8:17 am
It seems you find a good way of fighting writing stuck :) I’d like to inform that I’ve posted your article at writer’s forum as I think this would be beneficial for writers to read. It is here http://www.writersclub.net/help_and_suggestions/how_to_continue_writing-t125.0.html
MattT
Jan 23, 2008 at 9:54 am
Well, it would be a quick and easy way to make yourself accountable to a community of people (your followers), instead of just the one person you would call or email. Plus, chances are some of your followers will be online and active themselves, so you’d likely get some immediate acknowledgment and encouragement.
And did I mention the quick and easy? Just a quick tweet, like “I’m going to finish this article proposal by 3 pm.” Send. 3 rolls around and another quick tweet: “I did it!” And just like there would probably be instant accountability acknowledgment, there would also likely be instant congratulations: “Way to go!”
Twitter rocks, and can useful any number of ways personal and professional.
Anne Wayman
Jan 23, 2008 at 10:42 am
sounds good… I take it you (me) gets started at twitter.com?
andreas04: close to attraction
Jan 25, 2008 at 2:44 pm
[…] Do you know How to Book End? Discover this simple techinique that Anne Wayman over at The Golden Pencil uses to […]
MattT
Jan 26, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Yep, just head on over to twitter.com. Setting up and account is really easy.
Anne Wayman
Jan 27, 2008 at 8:43 am
thanks
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