Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies

Chapter 28

Ten Great Ways to Stay the Course

In This Chapter

Using bribes and rewards

Doing away with self-criticism

Seeking out supportive friends and writers

Writing is difficult – no two ways about it. To complete a full-length book, you need all the help you can get. So set yourself some targets and give yourself regular rewards to help you see your project through to the end.

Bribing Yourself with a Major Reward to Finish

If you really want – and can afford – something like a special holiday, a particular piece of clothing or an item for the house, try putting off buying it until you finish your first draft. Then put off the next thing you really want until you complete the second draft. Be firm: promise yourself that you won’t give in to temptation, and stick to it!

I know one writer who even made herself give up chocolate until she finished her draft. This (drastic!) method isn’t for everyone, but it makes a good point: you need willpower to finish a large writing project. Maybe if you can’t give up something you love for a few weeks or months, you’re not going to have the strength of will to finish a book either.

Promising Yourself Minor Rewards for Meeting Targets

One ...