Comments on: A contract for creativity

By: Kellie Lovegrove

Kellie Lovegrove — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 03:18:29 +0000

I have never actually sat down and written out a contract. I have not needed help with the motivation to write; however, the follow through was a problem. I would have all these ideas but not fully develop them. It was actually my husband who began to help me with it. He would simply start asking me every few days how my writing was coming. It got to the point that I would write something and anticipate him asking me so that we could talk about it. I would be so excited to tell him how my story was developing that I couldn’t wait to get home from work so that I could write another scene. It really did help in developing a habit of writing everyday, even if it is just editing.

While I do like the idea of a written contract, I honestly think that simply having a partner would work best for me. I crave input and feedback so I can know as soon as possible if I really need to rework something.

By: Katherine Posselt

Katherine Posselt — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:40:21 +0000

Thanks for the suggestion. I like it and I’m going to seek a writing partner this week. I’ve had success with this kind of teamwork on other projects. As for my writing habit, I try to write the same length of time each day, though the time of day varies.

By: D. C. DaCosta

D. C. DaCosta — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 03:20:51 +0000

I knew someone who was self-employed and not very successful. Finally, he said, “You’re fired. You no longer work for yourself, you work for [made up employer name]. He won’t tolerate any slacking off.” By inventing a fictional “boss” he had to please, he was able to focus on the job, and eventually succeeded.

I don’t need to go that far, but I do try to make sure that every day includes at least three hours of uninterrupted time for writing.

And no lunch until the time is up.

By: Joelle

Joelle — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:16:50 +0000

P.S. I might actually try to get my husband to make a contract like this with me for both of us to turn our computers off by 6pm – the problem with working from home!

By: Joelle

Joelle — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:08:24 +0000

This was pretty interesting. I don’t actually have trouble getting myself to write (or enjoying my weekends), although, it usually takes me most of the day to get my two hours in (and not because of the internet – mostly just because I like to think a lot, and sometimes read during the day too). I’ve tried various “disciplines” and goals and I just am a slow worker. I’m okay with that.

However, I’ve always wanted to learn to speak French. I studied it in school, and for twenty years I’ve been saying, “I’m going to learn it.” Now I live in Canada, and know quite a lot of people who speak French and yet…five years on, I haven’t done it. I’m thinking perhaps I’ll make a contract to study French one hour a day. My writing partner would probably be happy to be my check-in person. Thanks for the idea. I’ll let you know how it goes in three months. En francais!