I finished a manuscript draft today—two days ahead of the deadline. That was a couple of hours ago, and honestly, I don’t know what to do with myself. Usually, I blow through these projects like a bullet train smashing through a fairy floss barrier. But this one, I wanted done, partly for the money and partly because it was a commission job. It wasn’t really my project—I was just the work-for-hire guy.
That said, I did get into it. It was a book, after all. And, weirdly enough, because it wasn’t mine, I didn’t feel the same drag I sometimes do, wondering if it’s good enough. Instead, I just got up every day and got to work. No second-guessing. Just punching the clock and doing the words.
I think starting early every day made a big difference. The sun’s up at Omigod AM at the moment, and Jane is out the door by about 5:30, so I’m out shortly after, walking the dogs. By the time I’m back, I’ve usually finished my exercise and breakfast and am at the keyboard by 8:30. That earlier start—just 40 or 45 minutes earlier than usual—seemed to have an outsized effect. I got so much more done each day than I would normally write in that extra time alone.
So here I am now, faffing around and enjoying the novelty of legit doing fuck all for a change. I figured I’d write a blog post while I’m at it. I might even catch up on a few more going forward. There are a few links I’ve been meaning to share, and this is the perfect excuse.
As for tomorrow? No idea. And that’s awesome.
Early Ted...