The (Non)Writing Domino Effect

"Waiting is a trap."

Many of us have lived the Venus flytrap known as "The (Non)Writing Domino Effect." Sociologists the world over have observed its progression.

1) I do not write
2) I get busy at work/school/home
3) I am tired
4) I use my writing time to "rejuvenate"
5) My writing time decreases
6) My busy-ness increases, therefore
7) I do not write

In chatting with my writer cousin, I felt like one of Odysseus' warriors momentarily shaken from the lotus eaters' trance.

How long have I been here? Where's my captain? When was my last blog post????

Days? Weeks? Months? No, it cannot beeee!

As much as I love what I do, what my company stands for, and the kids that we help...months without even looking at my manuscript is absolutely ridiculous.

So yesterday, I did it. I picked it up and wrote out a plan. This new plan does not include a dozen distracting factors like creating a web presence, searching for Twitter content, planning my second book, etc. All these things are well and good (and will be necessary soon), but at this point "The Plan" must be focused solely on one thing.

MY MISSION: Land a book deal by January 1st, 2012.

Yes, you read that right. You stuck with me for the writing process and now you get to come with me on the second step of my journey, if you so choose. Another countdown has begun. Giggle, applaud giddily, or roll your eyes, as the case may be. Elfblood's rewrite started yesterday and we are two pages in.

For, you see, friends, this theoretical principle works both ways. Once you tap that first domino, there's no stopping you.