by C. Lee McKenzie, @cleemckenzie
What? Me Not Focused?
Keeping focused on writing goals is a huge challenge for me. I think it might be one for others, too based on what writers have told me. Why is it that the next idea is always dangling that shiny, tempting bauble of distraction in front of our noses? Perhaps it’s because beginnings are so full of excitement and promise, and the reality of just how much work lies ahead on the current project is daunting.
What I usually do when I’m bogged down in that vastness called “the middle” is to make a list of scenes I want to write, but I don’t write them. Not yet. I leave the WIP with a promise to return, and since I’ve laid out a plan to follow, it will be easier to keep that promise.
Once I’ve made that list, I’m free to “play” a bit, and that’s good because after that new idea starts to lure me away from finishing the story I’m working on, it must be dealt with. Either I make short, bulleted notes and save them for later, or I write down what’s popping into my head. It could be snatches of dialogue or a description of a setting that won’t leave me alone. Sometimes it’s a character who has come knocking on my door, and insists he has the right to exist. Pinning him down on the page is the only way I can stop this annoying creature.
I’ve given up using the “I’ll get to you later” strategy because it doesn’t work. Trust me, I’ve tried. In the end, I wind up not writing anything, stomping around the house, and even considering doing laundry. Now that is no way for a writer to behave, and it most certainly is no way to recover my focus and finish a half-written book.
Thank you so much for letting me stop by today, Elizabeth. It was good to get this off my chest! Maybe your readers will have a few tricks to share in their comments. I hope so.
Thanks to Lee for her guest post today as part of her MC Book Tour Blog
adventure.
Lee McKenzie has a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days her greatest passion is writing for young readers. She has published five young adult novels: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, and Sudden Secrets. Not Guilty is her most recent one.
Sometimes she likes to jump into the world of the fantastic and when she does, she writes for the middle-grade reader. Some Very Messy Medieval Magick is the third book in the time-travel adventures of Pete and Weasel, with Alligators Overhead and The Great Time Lock Disaster being the first two. Sign of the Green Dragon, a stand-alone, takes the reader into ancient Chinese dragon myths and a quest for treasure.
When she’s not writing she’s hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot of questions about things she still doesn’t understand.
For more information on Lee and her writing, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at her Website.
Trouble Staying Focused on Your Writing? Try Making a List (by @cleemckenzie ): Share on X
NOT GUILTY can be found on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and Kobo.
The author’s other young adult books include: Sliding on the Edge, Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, Sudden Secrets
GIVEAWAY
With Halloween celebrated this week, Lee’s giving away five digital copies of NOT GUILTY and a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate. This tour-wide giveaway will end at midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 5th.
To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.
Thanks for stopping by today during Lee’s visit. Do you enjoy stories where the underdog becomes the champion? Don’t forget to enter the giveaway.
Photo on Visual hunt
Laundry should be a last resort!
I wait until I come up short on something, like socks. :-)
Thanks so much for the guest post today, Lee! As a list-maker myself (and someone who struggles with focus), I appreciate your ideas. :)
Where would I be without my lists? I think you might be able to identify with that.
Hi Elizabeth and Lee – great ideas … my mother often told me from her Nursing Centre bed – do it … don’t leave it to tomorrow – how right her words are … and always will be! I must hit ‘the getting on with it button’: then it’s done! Good luck to you both – the book sounds fascinating … cheers Hilary
I wonder if your mom ever met mine? They seem to say the same things.
As a reader, we sometimes forget that authors can get bogged down writing. Interesting tips. Elizabeth, thanks for being a part of Lee’s tour.
Elizabeth’s a great hostess. Love her spot here.
Good luck, Lee! Thanks, Elizabeth for hosting. I know I have attention issues. Lists are my friend, IF I look at them.
Teresa
Ah, yes. That’s one tiny bit that I often forget–actually look at the list. Of course, then there the other issue, “Where did I put that list?”
I think making lists helps to make a bigger, daunting task less daunting. And that makes it easier to stay focused – well it does for me. Thanks for these ideas.
The global, “I have so much to do,” just never gets me anywhere. Good comment.
I am big on list making.
You’d have to be to get all that you do, done.
Making a list is an excellent idea! Using an outline helps too. Congratulations on your new release, Lee.
Hi Gwen,
Thanks for stopping in.
I have a running To Do list that I can access from upstairs and downstairs computers so it’s always up-to-date. I’ve been known to carry over a task or two (or ten) from time to time, but at least nothing gets lost in my busy brain.
If I write down something-I’m still a paper/pen list maker-I usually get it done. I love making those check marks next to an item.
Great tips, Lee!
The Shiny New Ideas are so persistent – this is a good method to corral them :)
They sometimes blind you, don’t they?
Haha! I agree with Alex. Seriously, this is such a helpful post. Congratulations to C.Lee!
Hi Sheri,
I had this post on my To Do list a month ago. Viola! I did it.
Your idea of making a list sounds interesting. I need to try it.
I love lists. In real life and in fiction. If not for lists, I’d be, well, listless.
Thanks for the laugh this morning!! :D
I like the fact that what pops in your head you write it down.
You never know where it might lead!