Writing is a job. It’s a labor of love, for me, but it’s work, nonetheless. And like all work, I need a kick in the pants once in a while.
I’ve participated in the 70 Days of Sweat writing challenge before, and found it very useful for disciplining myself to make deadlines. Recently, I found myself needing some extra motivation, so I joined league with authors Fiona Jayde and Lacey Savage for our own little writing challenge.
What’s the difference between challenging yourself and joining league with others? Well, for one thing, you’re accountable to another person or persons. You have to ‘report in’ your word count for the day. No, they aren’t going to yell at you if you don’t make your word count, but there’s something about saying…”I didn’t do it” to someone else that acts as its own kind of motivation.
Plus, if you’re struggling, it’s nice to have people who know what you’re working on, who can empathize, and offer both general support and specific suggestions. Writing is, for the most part, a solitary profession, so it’s nice to share some common goals for a period of time.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:01 pm · Link
Hi Beth:
I think it is like that with most things that are solitary. Athletes who are involved in individual sports, for instance, have a coach to make sure they train appropriately and help them with goal setting.
I think any of the arts fall into the same category, you need to have others to stay on track and motivated even though it is something that you create and put your heart and soul into it.
It’s wonderful you have two such wonderful author friends to join in your “challenge”.
Good luck to all of you.
L
PS: Besides, it’s summertime and everyone wants to be outside! lol
😀
July 13th, 2009 at 5:21 pm · Link
All true, Lea. And yes, I am very lucky in that way.
Thanks for stopping by!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:20 pm · Link
Hi Ms. Beth!
I agree with you on that when you join friends in a challenge… it is different. Yea, they aren’t going to be mad at you or say you couldn’t do it or anything like that… but they are there for you to rally support on and to lean on!!! And you have two wonderful people to be in your corner!!!
I hope the challenge goes great for you and hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:41 pm · Link
Hi Beth
I love the spirit of partnership rather than competition that you all share.
Lea
Those are thoughful words.
July 14th, 2009 at 9:57 am · Link
Thanks so much Mary and Cecile! It really is helpful to know you’re accountable to someone. Thanks for stopping by, ladies.