The Procrastinating Little Author

The term deadline can strike dread, even fear, in a writer's soul like April 15th tax deadline may strike dread or fear. Or, a writer may meet the challenge with anticipation - like meeting a close friend for lunch.  Are you motivated or do you procrastinate? 

Do you remember the children's story "The Poky Little Puppy?"  My adult version is called "The Procrastinating Little Author."

There were five little authors who went to a writers' conference - through the traffic and to the airport they traveled.  When they got inside the big, big room, they counted themselves, one, two, three, four.  One little author was not there.  Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors met other writers and

started a network, the procrastinating little author strolled by store windows gazing at all the lovely merchandise.

The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy.  It was like eating rice pudding for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, everyone had gone.

The next day, the five little authors went to the conference.  When they got inside, they counted themselves, one, two, three, four.  One little author was not there.  Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors with their manuscripts in hand met agents and publishers, the procrastinating little author stared at a beautiful bracelet.  When I get my book published, I will buy that bracelet, she thought.  The four little authors returned to their hotel very pleased.  It was like eating chocolate custard for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the lights were turned off.

The next day, the five little authors went to the conference.  When they got inside they counted themselves, one, two, three, four.  One little author was not there.  Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors signed contracts, the procrastinating little author looked for an outfit to wear with the bracelet she would buy.  The four little authors returned to their hotel, delighted.  It was like eating strawberry shortcake for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the door was locked, and she had to return to the hotel with nothing in her hand.

 

To some authors, deadlines are a necessary evil.  For others, a deadline can be your worst enemy, but, if you look at it like a favorite friend who has your best interests at heart, you will learn to meet each deadline with anticipation and a smile in order to git R done.

The reward of meeting a deadline is better than rice pudding, greater than chocolate custard and surpasses strawberry shortcake.  It is feeling the satisfaction of getting a job done well.  Or, maybe even a signed contract!

So, what does a deadline mean to you?  A friend or foe? 

Rita Kroon