Was that a Truck that Hit Me, or a Deadline?

Was that a Truck that Hit Me, or a Deadline?

By Guest Blogger DiAnn Mills 

Two writers vacationed on a yacht when a horrible storm capsized their boat. The two grabbed pieces of wood from the debris and floated for three days until they reached a small island. They lay on the beach, gasping for air and staring up at the hot sun.

“We’re no better than before,” one writer said. “We just prolonged dying.”

“I’m not concerned,” the other writer said, and cradled his hands behind his head. “We’ll be found.”

“How can you be so sure?” the first writer said. “We’re on this island with no food or water.”

“Relax, won’t be long until we’re found.”

“What’s your source of information?”

I’m on deadline.” The first writer chuckled. “My editor will find me.”

I hope you smiled in reading the above. Laughing about a deadline is a huge stress reliever, but a plan to finish a manuscript on time eliminates worry and loss of creativity. The statistics for writers who are late and request extensions is far greater than those who are punctual. I’m not talking about illnesses and tragedies, but writers who fail to use a method of timely completions.

For those who need a fresh approach to deadlines, here is how I handle finishing strong and ahead of my contractual due dates. It’s easy, but it does require two essentials: diligence to craft and discipline. With those attitudes, a writer can tackle any writing project with success.

Below are eight steps to meeting a deadline that result in a quality manuscript delivered on time.

1.     When a contract is approved, examine the number of words needed to complete the manuscript. Write this down.

2.     Study your calendar. Subtract two months from the due date. Count the number of working days leading up to the new early due date. Don’t count weekends, holidays, vacations, or days you plan to attend writing conferences.

3.     Divide the word count by the number of solid writing days. That figure is the amount of quality words to be written every working day.

4.     Two months before the deadline, a strong draft of the manuscript is finished. Don’t look at the book except to send chapters to critique partners. One month before the deadline, complete a line edit and do this in one week.

5.     I suggest using text to voice software like GhostReader for Mac (http://www.convenienceware.com/ghostreader). Other software is available to audibly read the manuscript to the writer. It is an incredible editing tool.

6.     Reread your manuscript and make any needed changes. If you have time reread again.

7.     Compile your manuscript and send it to your editor at least three days early.

8.     Celebrate!

I’ve used the above method for the past several years, and I’ve never turned in a late manuscript or asked for an extension. Yes, life happens, but with the two-month cushion, your editor will be singing your praises.

Now, take a look at your calendar. It’s really your friend.


GIVEAWAY! Today DiAnn will be giving away a copy of her soon-to-be released novel, Double Cross. Please leave a comment letting us know you'd like to entered!

 

Available for Pre-order Now!

Double Cross

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross. 

Bio:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.