Deadlines
by Annie West
When I first started writing fiction I didn’t really think about deadlines. Writing was an escape, an enjoyment, a way of avoiding the stresses of the day job by entering the world of romance I’d always loved. I had enough to do trying to tell a story with characters who were appealing and believable, a compelling plot, emotional highs and lows and riveting sexual tension.
Deadlines were the last thing on my mind. They belonged to that ‘other’ world – you know the one, where elegant authors pen their books in snug state-of-the-art studies before going out to meet friends for coffee or long champagne lunches, then return home to answer a little fan mail, perhaps write another scene then stop work for the day.
Yeah, right. Strange how reality is a little different. The world of the published author isn’t quite that straightforward or relaxed. I suppose I could indulge in champagne lunches on a regular basis but I suspect I’d never manage to work afterwards and there would go my productivity. Without those hours actually working on the book, I’d miss my deadline, something no writer wants to do.
As I type this I have a mug of coffee in front of me (far enough away to avoid keyboard spills). It’s decorated with a number of writerly quotes including one of my faves – from Douglas Adams: ‘I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.’ Writers I know nod and laugh a little nervously at that one. Most of us have felt under pressure from time to time to meet a deadline that seems impossible. As we’re in the business of writing, fulfilling our commitments (ie. providing a book that’s probably already been scheduled for production) is a necessity. Yes, deadlines can be extended and often are. Editors are generally understanding and realise that sometimes major events just get in the way of a book. On the other hand I also know writers who’ve been asked to bring their deadlines forward…ouch!
How to deal with these necessary evils? I say evils as I remember with a touch of nostalgia the days when all that drove me to finish a story was the desire the write and the hope of someone wanting to read it.
One multi-published author I know works out how fast she usually writes a book, calculates a completion date and then adds an extra week to her schedule for each member of the family (including the dog), knowing that one if not all of them are going to require major chunks of her attention in that time. Another author negotiates deadlines around school vacations so she can spend maximum time ‘off’ during the summer holidays with her children.
I know authors who regularly write into the wee small hours, longer and longer as the deadline (or dreadline as it’s sometimes called) looms closer. Rick Riordan said: ‘Deadlines just aren’t real to me until I’m staring one in the face.’. Some writers go without sleep in the final days to finish their book. I’m of the other school – the idea of staying up all night to finish an essay an hour before it’s due always sent a cold shiver down my spine, though I’ve come close sometimes. I work better if I feel I’ve got a chance of managing my time through steady output on a regular basis. Sometimes I even make a note of how many pages I need to write each week as a minimum to get the book done on time. Of course, just when I think I’m doing OK, life throws a curve ball in the form of minor or major family crises which interrupt the schedule. But at least, as I hit panic mode I’ve got some of the book already done – such a relief!
How do you handle deadlines or, if you’re not a writer, those big looming commitments? Do you break down the task into little pieces and feel better as you finish each one? Do you relax and take time to map out in your mind exactly what needs to be done then finish it all in one concentrated run? Are you ruled by your calendar or do you forget key dates then have to play catch up? I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and experiences.
To make it enticing to share, I’ll offer a copy of my December Harlequin Presents Extra release: BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE to one person who contributes to the discussion. I’m happy to say this book at least was easy to write within deadline. Once my hero, Dario, burst onto the page, my hardest job was typing fast enough to keep up with him and Alissa! It’s a marriage of inconvenience story where my poor hero and heroine find themselves marrying the very last person in the world they want to spend time with. It’s intense, passionate and emotional. If you want to find out more about the book visit my website or go to eHarlequin where you can read the opening.
