Do It, Write! – The Beginning

This will be a writer’s workshop, 

eventually maybe even a writers’ group 

where serious critique can take place.

I want to be a published and paid novelist. I am tired of talking about it. My intention with this project is to assign myself daily, weekly, monthly and yearly assignments that will bring me to a goal I will define using this project. There will be fun things to do along the way, like designing my first book cover to wrap around a book so I can see my first book on a shelf in front of me.

I know that to reach a goal, you define the big picture and then break it down into small increments that will get you there. So that’s what I am going to do here. Join me if you want.

Persistence is the #1 key to getting what you want.

per·sist - verb 

1. to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance.

2. to last or endure tenaciously

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "Press On", has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.” - Calvin Coolidge

 Week One: What do I want?

Fun assignment - Notebooks and pens. Find a small notebook that will fit in a purse or pocket. Get felt tip markers that can be used upside down and while half asleep. Start keeping these with me at all times to make assorted notes.

Get a main notebook (paper) for a daily journal. Find a favorite pen that flows easily over the paper. These will be used to loosen up my brain.

Sunday (20100829): Write one sentence about what I want; why I am participating in “Do It, Write!” Be as specific as possible in 25 words or less.

Monday (20100830): Write a list of at least 10 reasons why I haven’t perused or achieved what I want. Using a black marker, scratch out each excuse until I can’t see them anymore.

Tuesday (20100831): Write “I am a …” 10 times based on the sentence from Sunday.

Wednesday (20100901): Write a list of 10 things I am willing to give up to achieve this goal.

Thursday (20100902): Write answers to the 5 question words (who, what, when, where, why) based on the sentence from Sunday.

Friday (20100903): Write a sketch of my daily/weekly schedule as it is now. Can I dedicate one hour a day to achieving my goal? Write a time commitment statement.

Saturday (20100904): Write a commitment statement based on the sentence from Sunday.

Bonus Assignment: Write a paragraph or two of a memory of when I first wanted my dream.

“When we look back, the only things we cherish are those which in some way met our original want; the desire which formed in us in early youth, undirected, and of its own accord.” - Willa Cather

I will be my own life coach. I know what needs to be done. I must do it.

This will be the basic format each week. I will post the week’s assignments on Saturdays. I will post my responses to the assignments here on this blog, daily if I can but definitely by Saturday – no excuses. I will be back later today with my Sunday assignment and the Fun Assignment.

This week is fairly easy since it is the first week and the holiday weekend is coming up.

Write in joy. Write in pain. Do It, Write! (c)