Day Fifteen: 31,617 of 50,000
I’m a little excited about getting my iPad when I finish this novel.
I’m also shocked and really proud of the word count I’ve been able to rack up with that particular carrot on a stick. And it’s made me wonder what it is that’s really so different about being excited. Surely there’s a limit to what’s humanly possible, right?
But if I’m able to crank out 3-6,000 words each day to get this far, then what has made that seem so difficult in the past? The only thing I can find is how I react to my inner editor, or the voice I affectionately call the Evil Critic.
This is what my usual conversation with the Evil Critic usually looks like:
Evil Critic: “What are you writing? Where is this going to go?”
Me: “Uh, I don’t know really. I’m just sort of… writing.”
Evil Critic: “Well that’s dumb. Stop it and find something actually good to write.”
Me: “I don’t want to stop – it’ll work out. I mean, I understand your point, but I really just need to keep going.”
Evil Critic: “It isn’t okay to suck you know. That’s a lie.”
Me: “ I can’t deal with this now. I’m trying to write.”
Evil Critic: “It isn’t like you’re ever going to write anything good anyway, I suppose. Maybe all you can do is suck. Why didn’t you go to college again?”
Me: “Now you’re just being mean.”
Evil Critic: “No, I really mean it. You should have a real career, since you’re so determined to keep writing stories that go nowhere. It’s a nice hobby, but you’ll never really get better.”
Me: “I’m ignoring you.”
Evil Critic: “Don’t make me sing.”
Me: “Writing now. For real.”
Evil Critic: “What do you want to hear? How about that song they always played when you were in High School. Remember high school? You sucked there too.”
Me: “Fine, I’ll go make some coffee before I write. Maybe you’ll be done then.”
Lately, the conversation goes more like this:
Evil Critic: “You know, what you’re writing is kinda stupid.”
Me: “ipad.”
Evil Critic: “No seriously. A guy finds a frozen fairy in the forest? How contrived can you get? You’re already running out of ideas and it’s only March!”
Me: “Don’t care. ipad.”
Evil Critic: “It isn’t like you’re ever going to write anything good anyway, I suppose. Maybe all you can do is suck. Why didn’t you go to college again?”
Me: “ iPad.”
Evil Critic: “No, I really mean it. You should have a real career, since you’re so determined to keep writing stories that go nowhere. It’s a nice hobby, but you’ll never really get better.”
Me: “The faster I finish, the sooner I get my iPad.”
Evil Critic: “You’re a loser.”
Me: “Busy writing. iPad. Go away.”
Now if only I could get as psyched about getting to eat some chocolate when I finish a novel.
But I suppose what I ought to take from this (besides an iPad) is that when other things fail, I’m not above being lured to greatness by incentives. And yeah, I know there is incentive in the whole getting-published-eventually thing, but it’s powerful to know how good I am at pushing past my own barriers when there’s a shiny waiting at the end too.
So now I’m curious if I can finish the novel by tomorrow night.
You know, when my darling Irowboat goes and picks up my reward.
From the Apple store.
Did I mention I’m getting an iPad?
Whatever works! Very fun post.
Hee! Hee! I think I will need similar motivation soon….in fact I know; Am going for a road trip starting 27th….need to finish before that to ensure I can go!! 🙂
I think you are doing terrific!
I think I’ve had this conversation … that evil editor is a common villain, I guess.
Congrats on outwitting it.
Congrats on your fight against the evil critic! I know rewards are hugely motivating; I treated myself to a beautiful necklace to celebrate 2 successes. It’s important to use every- and anything to keep you going because that is a crazy track record you have so far. I’m seriously impressed. Keep at it!