The main thing that I found when I started being stricter with my deadlines was this;
You don’t realise how much time you’re able to put aside for writing until you have a deadline.
Setting deadlines not only encourages good discipline and productivity but it can also give you a confidence boost. Meeting a deadline or achieving a goal gives you a reason to celebrate, to be proud of yourself and this is really important for writers who can usually be very self-critical.
The best part about setting your own deadlines is that you can choose what will work for you. No-one knows your life as well as you do, so only you can set goals that push you, while also being attainable. Remember; you don’t have to be too hard on yourself. Any goal, no matter how big or how small, is worth working towards and worth celebrating.
What do you think about deadlines? Do you set a goal, or do you just write when you can and see how it goes?
I’d love to hear your thoughts so please comment below!
Until then,
Keep writing
M
x
M.L. Davis Writer 
i didn’t join NaNoWrimo, and i have never put a deadline on my writing. However, when i’m writing, particularly if it’s a draft, i don’t stop until i’m done – i mean i do sleep and eat and do allthe other necessary things (i have three kids), but i write everyday as much as i can. Now that the first book on my series is almost ready for publication, i know that a deadline will be vital, because everyone who reads the book will want to know when the second comes out – i hope, at least, that they would want.
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Hi! Thank you for commenting, it’s really interesting to hear what works for other people! You’re right, it’ll be a bit of a shift for you to suddenly need to keep to deadlines, as I’m sure we will indeed be itching for the next book!
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Thank you! I think it’ll be more manageable once my youngest goes to school. Then i can dedicate mornings to my writing. But still, something i forgot to mention is that i work better when i have a deadline. Let’s hope this is also true with writing.
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I’m one of those people who needs deadlines to get anything done…read: procrastinator. I have so many projects, beyond even my writing, that I’ll probably never finish because there is no external force telling me how and when I MUST be finished. I don’t like forcing myself to write, even though the prose that comes out is just as good as that spurred on by a good muse–it just doesn’t feel the same. But sometimes you just have to force it, and there’s no better force than a deadline. The whole reason I am rushing to get my first project on Kindle is so I have it done by December 1st, when one of my stories will be published and the publisher will provide a single sale link. I still don’t have a sale link! I need one 😀
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Sounds like you have loads going on, bless you!
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I haven’t really ever put a deadline on any of my writing before, but I think that, even though we’re only five days in to nanowrimo, having a deadline ia making me much more determined. I was worried about the pressure before, but now I know what it can make me do, im very willing to give deadlines more of a chance when Im done with this one!
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That’s exactly how I felt when I did NaNo a couple of years back! I was anxious to get my word count, but not in a horrible way, in an almost exciting way! I’m so glad to hear it’s working for you! Enjoy! x
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Reblogged this on Writer's Refinery.
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Totally agree, I work much better if I have a self imposed deadline. It just makes everything more structured and stops the procrastination from getting to be too much. Great post and timely reminder. Thanks, M!
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from the Uninspired Writers blog on the importance of writing deadlines.
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I’ve put off commenting on this – didn’t want to set a deadline – but you are right. Much as I don’t want to admit it, I work more diligently when I have a deadline of some kind. If I do a stay-cation, often the last day or two of it is the most productive, because the “deadline” is looming.
I don’t like writing to order, but sometimes the deadlines I set for myself can keep me moving forward.
Thanks for the reminder…I guess…
– Deandra
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I feel you! As much as I know I work better with deadlines, I hate setting them and putting myself under the pressure. It’s what I need though!
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Deadlines can definitely help, but I know that, until another person is involved, the deadline doesn’t always feel “real.” That’s why I treasure working with editors and beta readers, as they help hold me accountable. I have to send my writing to them; they’re expecting it, so I’d better have something to send.
You might be interested in our Writers Club, by the way. It offers free editing and helps writers find beta readers and critique partners.
https://www.patreon.com/AWritersPath
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Thanks Andrea, this is great information!
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