Writing Projects and Deadlines… Aren’t You Glad it’s Friday?

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It’s been a full week. Raise your hand if you’re glad it’s Friday! (Did you see my palm shoot up?)

I’m currently in the middle of some writing projects and a few personal deadlines, so today’s post will be brief.

I love tackling shorter pieces. It keeps my perspective fresh and it lights a new fire under me. It forces me to set aside lengthier manuscripts in favor of a new vision.

Editing and revising my current work-in-progress is fun, but the process is intensive and nothing short of mind-bending work.

As with anything, short still presents its own share of challenges. The writing must be crisp and clean (of course), but the story must also move at lightning speed. Meaning, when there’s a very limited word count involved, there’s no room for excess baggage.

Pretty adjectives, slow pacing, and multiple POVs just won’t cut it. The hook, inciting incident, and story are center stage, as are skillfully drawn characters and on-the-edge-of-your-seat scenes.

And crafting shorter fiction is not as easy as you might think. In fact, because everything’s compacted into such a tight space, it’s harder.

I’ve pulled out my favorite craft books (some of which I mentioned here) and placed encouraging Post-its around my office.

This weekend I’ll brainstorm some new story ideas with a friend and, hopefully, make some headway on the ideas rolling around in my brain.

In the meantime, say it with me… “Deadlines are good. Deadlines are good.”

When we’re able to meet the given time frames of shorter projects, it prepares us for the bigger deadlines down the road. Now… pour the coffee and pass the chocolate! Who’s with me?

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What are your weekend plans?

Are you facing any deadlines? Care to share your sanity-saving tips?

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Why tackling shorter projects can be a good thing…when we’re focused. (Click to Tweet)

Happy Writing, Happy Weekend!

Blessings Always,