I was out running the other day and came to a downhill grade. It was nice to cruise along feeling comfortable – much easier than going up hill. I wished my writing was this easy on a regular basis. I also wished I was
running writing the NaNoWriMo in November.
Then it hit me, running isn’t constantly easy and neither is writing. Like running, writing has uphill challenges as well as other. With running you might face rain, heat, snow, wind or any combination of these conditions. When writing I face any number of difficulties that challenge what I’m doing from distractions of various forms to keeping up with the business of writing to discouragement over what I’m doing.
So if writing and running are similar in that challenges constantly abound, how should I approach writing in regard to running? For those who reading and are runners you already get this. Running is simple but requires both some planning and positive mindset. Runners often plan the schedule, mileage, pace, type of training and many other details.
Writing is the same way. As a writer on a long project you must have a plan to accomplish your goal of finishing the book and publication. Overall, you must be willing to meet constant challenges and retain your morale through these to finish this “race”.
I’m not taking part in NaNoWriMo this year since I’m working on other projects but I have written the largest part of a novel’s first draft in a month. It is a marathon that is challenging. When next I attempt this I will have a plan that is more than how many words I intend to write per day. I will plan ahead with an outline, character sketches, plot lines (and write to them) and many other details.
My hat’s off to those who are starting the writing marathon in just a few days. I wish you all well. Get your sleep, plan for it and stretch for the goal and then enjoy the accomplishment. Run strong, far and finish with strength, speed and determination.
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenges? I’d love to hear from you so won’t you leave a question, idea or strategy in the comment section? I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today!
Thanks for reading!
PHS
Cover art image licensed from iStockPhoto.com
Clip art licensed via Microsoft Office
Back View of Man Running on Stairs — Image by © Royalty-