I was one of the panelists for this topic (No Excuses) at ApolloCon this past weekend. I almost wish it hadn’t been held at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. I may have participated in a more intelligent and coherent manner if it had been at another time. Or not, depending on your opinion of my communications skills. However, the timing was right for having some of what we discussed stuck in my head.

I will admit I’ve allowed some excuses to leak into my writing. Now, it’s time to buck up – man up – and say, “I need to be held accountable.” I need to get back to my 200 – 500 words a day, 5 days a week (which does NOT include deadline sprints). New fiction words. A day. NO EXCUSES. You – my friend, my reader – have my permission to poke me, prod me, and ask me what fiction project I worked on today. Here’s your chance – if you ever wanted it – to be part of the process.

Besides, if I have readers pestering me to keep writing, not only should I actually DO THAT, but I should actually finish some of the smaller projects – the longer ones will (by definition) take longer. And yes, I’m currently working on more than one novel project – with a possible two more on the horizon (one would be more a novella). But I’m going to consider this one way to push through until they’re done.

This new push for new material and greater productivity is due in part to Rosemary Clement-Moore comments on this panel. I will have to paraphrase her – but she basically said, if a writer doesn’t treat themselves as a professional – no one else will either. And – now I’m back to me – I consider being a professional actually writing MORE STUFF. Consistently MORE STUFF – as well as getting it out there. So, by seeking outside accountability, I hold myself to a more professional standard. It also removes the excuses.

Having some deadlines soon may also help that sense of productivity. They’re not firm yet – the deadlines OR the projects – but even the threat of a deadline will help me. Being busy (and yes, that creative plate may soon runneth over) does help. So, I’m once more committed (and probably should be) to being “better” and more consistent. I’m almost caught up on my backlog of material to be typed. I’m geared up for forward momentum. Let’s kick some word counts. 😎