I resolve to do less

I haven't done much writing in the past week. At the beginning of my holidays, I was organised. I created a daily schedule of the tasks I needed to complete. I promised myself that I would sit down at my computer and commit to my writing.

True, it was Christmastime, and I had distractions. But today, I went back to my schedule, and noted why I didn't even attempt any of the items on my list: each day had at least six things on it. Even Christmas Day!

Not only was I attempting to keep myself busy, I was also cramming every single writing task I had into my two week holiday. I felt like I was expecting myself to race through each task. If I did that, although everything would be completed, the level of quality would be sub-standard.

And it is the idea of producing sub-standard writing (and not making enough time to edit and rewrite) that makes me develop "writer's block".

Therefore, in the coming year I resolve to de-stress myself and produce writing of a higher quality by giving myself ample time to complete and polish all projects that I undertake. I will forget about thinking ahead to the novels, competition entries, and Writing School projects awaiting my attention, and focus on the task at hand, as if it was the only thing I need to accomplish.

I wish you well in all of the writing plans you make for 2010!