Rules of Engagement

Hello 2021! We have been waiting for you!

New Year’s resolutions are not my thing. I have never been one to start “anew” with the new year. I do however try to be outside in the open air when the new year rolls in. As I stood outside last night, I listened for any sign of what the year might hold. Aside from a few fireworks and low celebratory cheers from the neighborhood, all seemed quiet. No sirens. No wind. Clouds covered the stars. The moon was a distant glow. No dogs barking. I took a deep breath, welcomed the new day, and went to bed.

I cannot control whatever is coming in 2021. I can only control my response to each day. Today, the first day of 2021, I am writing. I have my butt in the seat, and I’m getting the words out. At the moment, the words are this post. Soon, I will delve into the draft I have been tossing aside and create a plan for the flow of the plot. Typically, I just write and see where it goes. That does not feel right this time.

However, before I have dreams of completing a plan for this draft, I need a plan for myself. That is, I need to set some writing rules for myself. Let’s go …

• Write daily. No that is not specific enough for me. I need structure. Write every day at 7pm for no less than 30 minutes. That is specific.
• Research, organizing, and plotting count towards writing time.
• Limit social media time. Nope, needs more. During writing periods, no social media. Social media is for outside of writing periods. (Yes, this blog counts as social media.)
• Block out distractions. No TV. No humans. Pets okay. If possible, get behind a closed door.
• Allow for hiccups in the plan. Be open to moving the time of day – but get 30 minutes in daily.
• Get to bed by 10pm and asleep before 11pm. No social media in bed. For the love of all things, no TikTok! (If you have not installed TikTok, don’t! It is the worst time trap ever! It is too late for me, save yourself!)

There. Now I have rules. Do you have rules for your writing habits? Tell me about them in the comments. I would love to hear about them.