Focused on Being Scattered
Posted By Karen on January 22, 2010
Ah…
It seems I just don’t have time to write lately!
How many of you writers out there have either said this out loud or thought it?
I’ll admit I’ve thought it…or, rather I’ve proven it by filling my time (at times) with everything from emails…to research…to reading…to doing reviews.
Why don’t I have time to write? Why is it such an effort? Why was I able to be in full gear a couple of months ago and now it’s a chore…an effort to actually write for my blogs, the ezines, and most importantly for paying markets and publication?
Do these questions sound familiar?
I always remember the advice from my chidren’s writing coach, Suzanne Lieurance: Be Focused…Stay Focused.
I joking told her and others that I’m focused…focused on being scattered.
It might have been funny, but I was serious. I just couldn’t seem to focus on the prize and this is actually a serious matter. Think about it…what abilities do successful writers have in common?
It’s the ability to be focused as well as having perseverance. I’m not sure if you’ve already heard these words of wisdom: it’s not always the best writer or the most eloquent writer who succeeds…it’s the writer who perseveres.
It’s the ability to know what you REALLY want; know how to get there; have perseverance; and stay focused on the prize!
So, what do you want? I mean, what do you REALLY want:
1. Do you want to be published?
2. Do you want a supplemental income?
3. Do you want to make writing your sole means of support?
4. Do you want fame?
Assuming you do know what you want. You know how to get there. You do have perseverance. What element of a successful writer are you missing?
FOCUS!
Talking from experience, I know how difficult it is to accomplish this task. Especially when there are 100 emails from various writers and marketers with information to help you hone your craft and get where your going, that you need to read and save. And, with those emails are 100 links to other articles and sites…
How easily it is to lose focus.
So, what’s the best way to stay focused?
1. Make a weekly writing and marketing plan: make it detailed. Make sure it includes a specific amount of time or times to actually WRITE for YOUR GOALS.
It’s best if you make your plan on Sundays, so you have it ready for Monday morning.
2. Read your plan every morning.
3. STICK TO YOUR PLAN
4. If needed, use a timer or alarm clock. If you allot 2 hours for networking, emails and promoting, set the timer.
Obviously, life may have other plans for you, but to the best of your ability stick to your writing plan. Even if you have to ease off on your marketing efforts. Be sure to make time to write.
Here’s another article you might like:
Writing Motivation and Guidance
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
http://karencioffi.com/media-page/
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