Breaking Limits
Two years ago I had all sorts of assumptions about what I was capable of doing with my writing. I could never write more than a book a year, if I could even do that much. I couldn’t stick to an every day schedule, or hit certain word count goals. I couldn’t write action sequences. I had to have an outline and know exactly where I was going. You know, I can’t even remember all the things I thought I couldn’t do. I’ve gotten so far beyond that.
I write every weekday morning before work, and at least one weekend afternoon. I may not be consistent about getting as many words as I want (I would like to do hit 1000 a day, this week it’s been 400-600) but I’m consistent at getting something written. I’ve written some exciting scenes and been good at it. I’m willing to give anything at least one shot, and I completely believe in my ability to be a professional writer. I’ve found that I need to know the end of the story, and at least a page or two ahead, but not necessarily any more.
That’s not saying I don’t have doubts, fears, and down swings. Hell, I have a ton of them. I think every writer does. You always hit that time where you think what you’re writing is never going to measure up to what you know it could be.
But I don’t limit myself any more. And breaking those limits has been one of the most exciting things of the past year.