Procrastination

Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.  ~ Robert Benchley

We all procrastinate . . . In some area of our lives. As writers, though, procrastination is a problem when it keeps us from the page. Some may refer to this as "writer's block," but it's procrastination at its worst. So what is the way to overcome your writing procrastination? Sit in the chair and write. It's true eventually something is written down. It may take a while, but it happens. At first you may write just thoughts about how angry you are about not being able to write, but those are words and once started things open up.

Another time where procrastination hits is when it's time to rewrite.

Books aren't written - they're rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn't quite done it.

~ Michael Crichton

Rewriting is tough. Let's be honest, you pour your heart and soul into the first draft and then spend weeks and months working to perfect it. At some point it has to be done, but when is that?

First take the time to see your work through new eyes. Read through your work aloud making sure characters are consistent in dialog and behavior throughout. Check each scene to determine whether it's truly necessary. Remove all passive sentence construction and of course, check your spelling and grammar.

Done? Not yet. Now it's ready to be given to someone else to read. Remember, your goal is to have produced not just a book, but one worth reading by others. Don't let procrastination stop you, instead, stay focused and push through. Good luck.
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D. Jean Quarles is a writer of Women's Fiction. She loves to tell stories of personal growth – where success has nothing to do with money or fame, but of living life to the fullest. She is the author of Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole and, Perception, her latest book dealing with the subject of death and the afterlife. The Mermaid, an award winning short story was published in the anthology, Tales from a Sweltering City.

She is a wife, mother, grandmother and business coach. In her free time . . . ha! ha! ha! Anyway, you can find more about D. Jean Quarles, her writing and her books at her website at www.djeanquarles.com

Her novels are available in electronic format here, or print format here. 

You can also follower her at www.djeanquarles.blogspot.com or on Facebook

Or you can just contact her at d.jeanquarles@yahoo.com