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| Ivan S/Pexels |
I’ve mentioned here before that I’m most productive during writing sprints. While I write non-fiction almost daily (thanks to my blog and true crime podcast), I struggle to set time aside for my fiction projects. I blame at lot of that on fatigue—as I’m getting older, I’m not as motivated to write late into the night. I have more physical and creative energy during the daylight hours. But because I’m on a weekly schedule for my podcast, I prioritize the research and writing in the non-fiction space.
Last week I looked at my calendar and noticed I had a five-day block where I didn’t have to work much at my part-time job and I’m currently taking a short break from the podcast. I told myself I would finally try to make progress on my next novel, a contemporary time-loop story targeted at women in their late 40s, which I outlined with the help of a critique partner last year. I didn’t have a set goal of words I wanted to write other than I simply wanted to break past my writer’s block and make progress, any progress!
With a clean house (so I couldn’t distract myself with chores) I assessed what I had in the document already before I got started, which was around 2,500 words. I’d written a prologue and opening chapter a few months ago. Before I could get started, I opened my outline to scan the general opening of the book and reread what I had already written. I spent most of the first day focused on refreshing my memory. I vowed not to wait so long in between opening the document moving forward because reviewing my previous chapters was slowing me down. I also hemmed and hawed because the opening of the book needs to “set up” the action of the time travel and I felt like it was boring. I told myself every book needs a set up before the inciting incident and not to worry too much about it at this point.
The second day I had a breakthrough and a brand-new flashback scene came to me. To be transparent, I hopped over to Spotify to find myself the perfect corresponding playlist and landed on “Debbie Gibson Radio.” I didn’t know where it was going when I began typing, but by the end of the next two days chapter two, set in the year 1988, was completed at 2,500 words.
On the third day I fretted that I couldn’t find any post-it notes because I wanted to start storyboarding the new chapters on my wall while I wrote. I considered making a run to the local office supply store but then talked myself out of it and got back to writing.
On days four and five I spent a lot of time out walking, getting fresh air, finishing up an audiobook, making homemade soup, taking long, hot baths, and mulling over my plot. Even though the entire book is planned out, I’m second guessing every little detail that I put on the page. Who’d have thought—a writer plagued by perfectionism?
By last night, I had the prologue and two and a half chapters completed. I’m very close to the point where the time travel comes in, so that’s exciting! One thing I’ve learned is that I need to open this document and work on it a little every day. I’m guilty of planning to do that and then getting distracted by various things. But with both kids back at college and more flexible hours in my day, I need to take advantage of this extra time.
I’m happy I did this short writing sprint and am pleased with what I’ve produced. I’m also excited to continue with the story. For now I'm not worried too much and want to focus on simply getting as much of the book down on the page. I'll save serious editing for after the first draft is complete.
Do you find writing sprints, like NaNoWriMo, helpful in your creative process? I'd love to hear your stories!
Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer and true crime podcaster who is currently seeking representation on a suspense/thriller novel while she plans her next one. Learn more at FinishedPages.com.
