Squeezing in a Novel

I’m so sorry I haven’t posted for what seems forever. You see, I have this little thing called a deadline staring me in the face like bug-eyed rodeo bull. Here’s the bottom line, I have to finish an 80,000 word novel by September 1 and as of today, July 2 I have about 12,000 written. Now, the way I figure it, if my math is correct, that means I have to average1,133 words a day . . . every day.

That may not sound too bad but consider this, that’s to finish the first draft. I don’t want to turn in a first draft. As any serious writer knows–as any casual writer knows–first drafts are not that impressive. I’d like to leave myself at least a week to polish the first draft and turn in a second draft (still not desirable but it’ll have to do). So my new numbers say I have to write 1,283 words a day . . . every day. Still doable but totally exhausting.

Now, how am I going to accomplish this? (Here’s your peek inside the lifestyle of a writer working a full-time job, doing family stuff, church stuff, and meeting a deadline). I’ve bee writing every night between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00 (then fall asleep in less than 60 seconds) and every morning from 6:00 to 6:45. Problem is, I get up by 5:30 a.m. so that leaves me getting 6 1/2 hours of sleep a night. By the time 10:00 p.m. rolls around I’m dog tired and have trouble staying awake to write. But . . . this is the life I’ve chosen. I love writing and I’m into my story idea.

I plan to try really hard to keep you posted on my progress. If you’re friends with me on Facebook I’ve also been keeping tabs there.

This should be interesting.