YIKES! I HAVE A DEADLINE! NOW WHAT? A Guest Blog by Charlene Sands

It’s your first sale or maybe your tenth sale … it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you have a part-time job outside of writing, a husband, one child who plays baseball, one in ballet and friends who’d like to see you once in awhile. They all need attention and it’s up to you to fit it all in.

If the above scenario sounds familiar, it’s because most romance writers don’t have the luxury of only writing. They have lives! I’ve been there, done that and have pulled my hair out a few times, trying to stretch my time. After writing 25 books and being on deadlines, I’ve learned a few things along the way. I will gladly TREAT you to my TRICKS. (Pun intended)

Know Your Limitations: Many of us think we can do it all. It’s a noble notion, but not realistic. If you do have the above scenario with children, husband, family issues and outside work, you have to acknowledge what you are honestly capable of achieving.  Are you a fast writer or one who takes it a little slower? If it takes you six months or a year to finish a story with all the other “life factors” then that’s where you stand.  Period.

I once took on two deadlines at the same time with Christmas approaching. Needless to say, I’ll never do that again. The stress needle went way up and I wound up not having a good holiday due to unrealistic goals.  I know I’m comfortable writing one chapter a week. I usually write 3 to 5 pages a day. Taking on that double deadline, meant having to greatly increase my writing capacity and each night I’d feel deflated if I didn’t achieve that expectation and drained if I did.

Pace yourself and know that life is full of unexpected occurrences that will hinder your writing time. Just expect some wrenches thrown into your well-laid plans.

Be Disciplined: The truth is, all of us can become more disciplined by following certain rules.  First, set realistic goals for yourself.  If you know you have a jam-packed day and you won’t get any writing done, then so be it. But on those days that you have pockets of time, use that time well. Make short-term daily goals and long-range goals.

Make sure your writing takes precedence over everything but family.

Being disciplined means avoiding distractions like playing on the Internet.  Quickly scan or delete emails you know are time-sappers. Really, you’re looking for emails from your editor, agent, or work-related topics like promotion opportunities.  If you want to schmooze with friends and forward fun messages, wait until later at night or when you’ve caught up with your work and have achieved your daily goals.

Being disciplined means saying “no” to friends. Because we work from home, our friends seem to think we are available. One very savvy author had a message on her telephone voicemail that politely reminded that she’s working and to call back after 1 PM.   That way, at least she got her writing in for the day, before she was deluged with calls and invitations.

On those days when you really need to have a “girls” day with your friends, find a time to make up for it.  I PAY for my summer beach days, by getting up extra early to write my pages or staying up later at night.  It’s a must. If you fall behind on your deadline, well, it’s not pretty and no one likes to play catch-up.

My children are grown now, but I did write while they were at home.  I found time for chores, like housekeeping, shopping, paying bills, when they were off with friends or doing homework.  When they were actually in school, those hours were precious to me. I remember the day flying by, and when I looked at the clock it was time to pick them up! There were days when I’d have the luxury of six hours of writing time in a quiet house devoid of distractions.

Sneaky Ways To Get More Writing In: I never waste a minute yet I’m not a slave to my story. Most of the time I can’t wait to get back to it. Here’s a few sneaky things that I do that might work for you.

Keep your manuscript easily accessible on your computer screen so at a moment’s notice you can pull up your work.

If you wake up earlier than usual, head to the computer even if it’s just to edit the pages from the day before.

While your dinner is cooking even if you only have twenty minutes, head to the computer.  Be sure to set the timer though!

Carry a small notebook when on driving trips or waiting for your children after school. Outline your next chapter or make notes on character development or conjure up your next proposal for your editor.

Instead of watching a repeat of your favorite TV show, use that hour to get some pages written.

Use small blocks of time to edit or write a paragraph or two. If you find yourself waiting for your children or for your friend to pick you up, those extra ten minutes at the computer are valuable and instead of pacing impatiently, the time will speed by.  You’d be surprised how much these snippets of time add up.  You might get another page or two written in one day!

Save Up For A Rainy Day: It’s true that “life happens” and it usually occurs at the most inopportune time.  Keeping yourself one step ahead of your deadline will insure no hair-pulling days.  If you get sick, or you’re offered tickets to an awesome concert you’re dying to see, or if you have car trouble, all those interruptions whether good or bad, can be managed if you know you can afford the time.  You won’t panic and you won’t be riddled with guilt. You’ve saved up for that rainy day. You’re twenty pages ahead of schedule. You can afford to take a day off to deal with anything that comes up, preferably something fun!

Charlene Sands is an award-winning author of contemporary and western romances. Her November Desire, Do Not Disturb Until Christmas is a RT Magazine Top Pick and is available now. Visit her website at www.charlenesands.com and enter her Suite Secrets Contest.