I Don't Wanna

Today was one of those days where nothing seems to get done. On top of that, I just didn't feel like writing. Have you ever had one of those days? Not a writer's block day, but a day where the thought of putting your words down on paper or on a computer screen just isn't appealing.

I've actually spent a week with this feeling. Autumn is my favorite season, and the outside world is calling.

I'm counting on the fact that many of you know what I'm talking about. So, in the spirit of my mood, I'm going to share some tips on how to write on those days where the world, people, or things are easy distractions.

1. BIC - In case you've never seen this acronym, it stands for Butt in Chair. The best way to handle this mood is to just park it and start working. This is easier said than done. The majority of working people in the world do this every single day ... because there is someone that they must answer to. As writers, we don't have that special someone to track our actions, but we can behave like a boss is watching. Set yourself a regular schedule and follow it every day. Research indicates that it takes an average of 21 days to make something a habit, so if you do this for at least 3 weeks, you should be able to overcome the "I don't feel like it" mood.

2. Review - If you can't bring yourself to write, then print out what you've been working on and read over it. Take your favorite red (or blue, or green, or purple) pen and mark it up.

3. Revise - Look at your last few pages and start revising. Odds are, you will end up writing once you get beyond those pages. The key is to not get stuck in revision mode. Some people start revising and months later haven't written anything new. So exercise this tip with caution.

4. Research - Pick a topic from your manuscript and dig deeper. This will help you give your work flavor. Google it, go to the library or the bookstore, visit a museum, or talk to an expert. New information can inspire you and drive you back to the keyboard.

5. Rejuvenate - Sometimes on days that we don't feel like writing, we need to relax. Go somewhere where you can soak up the environment, people watch, or just be.

6. Read - This is like research, but from a different angle. Read books in your genre focusing on how the author handles issues that you may be dealing with.

Well, there it is. I didn't plan it, but it spells "Brrrrr." I guess that's because if we don't write, then our work will never see the light of day.

What ways do you fight the "I don't wanna" days?

Early Registration Rates End Soon!

It's hard to believe September is just a few days away! For writers who haven't registered for the SCWW conference yet, you can still get the early bird rate. Just be sure to go online and register no later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009. When the clock chimes midnight, rates will go up $50.

Also, Sept. 1, 2009, marks the closing of critiques. You'll be able to buy critiques through Tuesday, but you'll need to have your copies postmarked Sept. 1, and your e-mail copies will need to be in our inbox no later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009.

There are still critique spaces available. Did you buy one during registration and want another? Just contact me (conference@myscww.org) and I'll walk you through the process of adding it to your registration.

In addition, there are still some pitches up for grabs. There's no limit to the number of pitches you can register for, and no deadline for signing up. However, these are going fast, so you'll want to register soon to get the best shot at your top choices. If you've already registered and want to add some pitches, just contact me (conference@myscww.org).

What questions about the conference? You can leave a comment below or feel free to e-mail me (conference@myscww) or the Conference Co-chair Lateia E. Sandifer. (lateia.sandifer@gmail.com). We're happy to help.