Sometimes it works out that way. Family obligations overtake
work deadlines. This is a shining example.
But most times, I can hit my deadlines. This month and next
month will put me to the test as my debut, RANCHER TO THE RESCUE, releases July 1st and I
embark on my first ever blog tour. It’s a little intimidating, a bit
overwhelming and a lot exciting. :-)
And while all of this is going on, I’m back on deadline. So
how do I beat the clock and get my newest manuscript turned in on time?
It all started years ago when I started doing NaNo. And it
doesn’t hurt that I came from a background of statistical work which relied
heavily on spreadsheets. So every time I have a deadline, I set up a
spreadsheet.
I use a calendar format and make it big enough to encompass the
beginning and ending dates. Then I simply add formulas to calculate how many
words I write each day, how many words minimum I must write to finish by my
deadline.
Since I’m sort of a #’s freak, I love updating the
spreadsheet and seeing my percentage finished climb. When I’m writing, I
generally update it each time I save my manuscript. What can I say? It’s the
simple things that entertain me. :-)
How about you? What
keeps you on track?
Jennifer
Faye’s debut, RANCHER TO THE RESCUE, is available NOW at Harlequin.com. Or it’s up for
Pre-order at Amazon & B&N. She’d love to hear from you via Twitter, her website, or Facebook.