Writers’ race:
The Wednesday night Writing Race is back on after a ‘holiday’ over the Christmas-New Year period. I had not realised how much I really missed them. When I first discovered Australian Writers’ Marketplace Online held writing races, I thought it was just another social internet get-together. That was B.W.R. (Before Writing Race)
For those who don’t know about these events let me explain. This was first held on the Australian Writers’ Marketplace Online’s website. It was moved to Facebook, last year. I found this a much easier format to access and follow.
Anyone can take part. Each event is ‘hosted’ by one of the AWM staff/bloggers. There is often a ‘guest’ author (usually from Australia, though we have had overseas authors) who are available for questions, give advice/inspirational quotes or take part themselves. I have gleaned some very good advice from various authors and gained another local author as a Facebook friend.
The race lasts an hour. During that time you (as the writer) decide what you wish to achieve during this time. (This week, I was aiming for another 500-1000 words towards chapter 3.) Some write a short story or use the time for editing. At the end of the event, everyone is free to share (or not) what they have achieved. Some members will post some of their writing… or not. It is up to the individual as to how much they participate. Sometimes is just time for tea and bickies.
During last year’s writing races, I have penned at least 10 blog entries, at least four short stories and written (or revised) at least 2000 words of my current steampunk manuscript. It is one of the many motivational tactics I use to keep me churning out those words and try not to procrastinate.
During this week’s writers race I managed to complete this blog post and knock off another 500 odd words towards completing the first draft of chapter 3 – and I managed to pen some parasol face-smacking carnage. Oh, that sounds horrible!
Um, it has a really cool intricately carved ivory handle…
Declaring my goals:
Another tactic (#2) is ‘declare’ my goals. My word counts below are one way of doing this. I look at those numbers and try to keep them climbing.
Now I am off to my writers’ group for motivational tactic #3.
Manuscript Word Progress:
Total Words:
Revised Words:
At 1st draft only: