DISCIPLINE: the first step toward success

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I mentioned on Monday's blog post that I started reading a new book for writers. Actually, I saw it first on literary agent Steve Laube's blog. He gave it a nine thumbs up review, so of course I couldn't resist buying myself a copy.

It's called "The Art of War for Writers" by James Scott Bell.

Over the break, I mentioned this book to a friend and why I bought it. After she rolled her eyes, she asked, "Oh, well if Steve Laube told you to jump off a bridge would you do that, too?" Ha! Nnnnn... Yyyyy... No.

Maybe.

NO! No, of course I would not jump off a bridge because he said so. Pffft! What a silly question!

Regardless, I'm really glad--no, THRILLED I bought the book, because not only is it full of spot on advice and info but it's an extremely easy read, too. This is a book that makes me get all pumped up to start taking my career by the horns. Perfect timing with the new year! :)


The one chapter that really made me sit up and take notice was the author's chapter four. He talks about discipline. Ugh. The bane of my prolific writing ability.


(In other words, I don't sit my butt in the writing chair as regularly as I should. ) :)


The Mr. Bell simply states in that chapter that "Victory in anything, from war to football, is founded in training and discipline. Nothing worthwhile is gained by sloth and wishful thinking."


Whoa, did that hit me full-on in the face.


The main writing area I suffer in is discipline. Yes, I'm writing and I'm finishing books, but I could be producing much faster, thus could have much more writing success. So what is a poorly disciplined writer like myself to do? The author gives this advice: establish and set writing quota goals every week.

I like this. I usually set daily goals and become disgusted with myself if something comes up during the day, like I get a headache or I'm tired or someone pops in, etc... and I don't meet my goal.


Setting a WEEKLY goal gives you flexibility. If something comes up one day unexpectedly, you still have the rest of the week to meet your goal. If you look ahead in your calendar and see you have soccer games and doctor appointments aplenty, you know to not set your quota too aggressively for that particular week. The point is you're setting some sort of weekly goal and meeting it.


The author even goes on to say, "If you're going to be obsessive about anything in the writing business, make it your word quota."


Love that! And I'm totally obsessive compulsive enough to make this the one writing change I'm going to do this year.


Have you read this book?
What's the one change you're going to make to your writing career this year?