Monday, February 2, 2015

Day 190...How To Get Across the Manuscript Finish Line...














Welcome to Day 190...

Okay, so I need some help...

What is it about that last mile of the race...the final leg of the journey?

I'm so close to finishing off my manuscript...yet each word I type and each scene I cut and edit is taking every ounce of focus and energy I can muster.  

It's just not fun anymore.

It's a familiar problem.  One I've experienced with each book I've written.

With the finish line in sight, I feel unmotivated, uninspired and I just want the damn thing to be finished. 

And the crazy part is, I love this book.  I love the story, the characters, the locale.

It's like that last mile of the marathon, runners say it's the hardest.

So what's an author to do?

Well I looked in to how serious runners push through the last leg of marathon and then came up with some ideas I can use for pushing through to the manuscript finish line.

Here goes...

Write Mindfully
Put a time limit or an outright ban on  social media, televisions and phones.  And don't over commit to any outside events or activities.  You have a book to finish and the more distractions you indulge in, the longer this will take 

Write Efficiently
Keep your normal writing pace, but if you're really struggling with your normal routine, why not switch it up?  Try using highly focused short intervals of writing and editing time.  Be all in for those moments and do more of them. 

Write With End Game In Mind
Think of the feelings of relief when it's off to the editor...think of the fun in finalizing the book cover...think of the feelings of accomplishment and excitement when the book is released. 

But also...

Write For the Moment
Maybe reaching that last page seems too overwhelming, too much to manage.  So instead, break the end game down into smaller goals, smaller finish lines if you will.  Stay focused and work your way through each milestone.  

Write in Good Health
Finishing your book is going to seem so much harder if you're not at your best so...get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well.

So let's finish and finish strong.

Here's Today's Takeaway Lesson...

"Starting Strong Is Good, Finishing Strong Is Epic"  Robin Sharma

Here's to Being All In,

Maggie 

Follow me on Twitter @AuthorMaggie #busywriterslife
Visit my website @ www.maggiecollins.net
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365 Days & Counting...


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