Its comforting to know that JK Rowling wrote Harry P, at the least the first book, from a coffee bar. Last night I once again attempted to take advantage of the 3 hour wait whilst my daughter trained (swimming). Not usually one for having difficulty with noise I think the comings and goings of people and the reflection of light from the door took its toll on my ability to concentrate. In the end I only managed 2 pages of dialogue and some notes.
I'm quickly coming to realise that a writer needs discipline, a routine, perhaps even more rules to follow.
On BBC Radio 2 I heard Lynn Parsons interview the love him or hate him, Jeffrey Archer. Speaking about Kane and Abel he spoke about his writing schedule. I don't think I can match it with my responsibilities but here's what he said:
I hand write every word, I rise at 5.30 in the morning, I start at 6,
I do 6 o'clock until 8, 10 o'clock until 12, 2 o'clock until 4, 6 o'clock
until 8, so 2 hour sections with 2 hour breaks. Stop at 8, have a
light supper bed at 9.30 or 10, up again at 5.30 (am)
What you cannot deny Archer is his incredible success... so, if it works for him..!?
While you can't argue with Archer's success, you can't argue with his criminal record and attitude to veracity. The man is a proven lier and I would take his word as the fantasy he believes to be true!
So - yes, discipline and rigor are neccesary but not sufficient of themselves. Don't beat yourself up for not following this template.
Posted by: James Stanbridge | 11/18/2009 at 03:48 AM
Thank you, I agree and I wont.
Posted by: Author | 11/18/2009 at 05:07 PM