Great Writing Book of the Day:?From Where You Dream, by Robert Olen Butler. I like a logical, linear approach to writing, but trying Butler’s?technique has led me to more emotional depth in some of my projects. In fact, this book is probably most needed by?those of us who struggle with the emotional side of storytelling.?Quick quote: “It’s very much like an intensive daydream, but a daydream that you are and are not controlling. You let it go, but it’s coming through language that you’re putting on a screen…”
[I’m sharing a bunch of my favorite writing how-to books over Nov/Dec in case you want to buy yourself a great holiday gift:>) ]
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Efficiency Doesn’t Always Pay!
I am not a procrastinator!
Nothing makes me happier than an empty desk, an empty inbox, a checked-off to-do list. But I’ve come to realize?that turning work in early doesn’t always make sense from a financial point of view. When I’ve turned in work for hire books well head of the deadline, I’ve often ended up getting lots more revision requests. It’s almost as if they will ask me to try new approaches and such that they wouldn’t bother with if the project were only right on schedule. This has happened more frequently with projects for packagers, I’ve noticed. It could be coincidence. But it’s a trend I’ve seen for a couple of years now. So, I still set my own private deadlines early, building in time for unexpected illnesses, family matters, etc. But when I finish that book or other work for hire project 10 days early, I sit on it. I make a note on my calendar to turn it in a day or two early, but that’s all. I am always happy to do revisions, of course! But I don’t want to be the “hmmm, let’s try something else with this series” guinea pig just because there’s suddenly more time than the editor/client expected. Always be on time! Be a little early! But, maybe, don’t be too early. Another reality of the freelance life…