How do you reward yourself when you meet your writing goals?
For small goals, I don't really reward myself. I don't like counting my chickens before they hatch, so I feel like I'm not done until I'm done, you know?
For bigger goals, such as finishing a draft or a particularly difficult scene, I reward myself with time off from writing. I find that taking some time off allows me to return more appreciative and clear-headed.
After I sent MAGGIE out to betas last November, I took all of December and January off, and I loved it. It gave me time to enjoy the holidays, take care of some household projects that had been piling up, watch a little TV, and have fun with some of my hobbies (I paint, draw, scrapbook, bake, and do a few other creative things when the mood strikes me).
Another thing I'd do if I had the pleasure of receiving a publishing advance is to buy personalized Honor and Remember flags for the families of the men who died in action while serving with my brother. It's very important that our military families, especially those who've lost loved ones in service, know their sacrifices and their pain are not forgotten.
If I received a big fat advance, I'd love to take a monthlong backpacking tour across Europe with Bear. That, or take my whole family on vacation somewhere fun.
How do you reward your writing successes? How would you reward yourself if your book sold? Play along and tell us!
16 comments:
Cool and thoughtful rewards. I'd love to take a backpacking trip, too!
Time off (knowing you've done a job well) is such an important reward! Two whole months, especially around the holidays, is the perfect way to recharge those writing batteries!
I need time off after a draft, too. I can't edit well if I've just finished, so that month off is nice. Your other rewards are great. I love that you though of the military families you know.
These are wonderful-- the military family one is especially thoughtful. I talk to my students A LOT about how this generation of young men and women are paying a HUGE price for all of us. They are paying it in physical, mental, and emotional ways that will be around long after most of us have forgotten about the current wars. I don't think we can recognize them or those families enough.
Time off is my reward too! And backpacking sounds wonderful (but sadly out of my reach for awhile do to kiddage). Lovely idea about the flags!
I take time off after a draft, but I think of that as a necessity, not really an award. I love that you'd do that flag thing for the military families.
My primary rewards for writing is buying books. Since I don't have an income, I often feel guilty buying books I could wait for a few months to check out from the library.
If I landed a book deal (and a big advance), I'd love to take my entire family to a vacation in our home country. I think my mom would love that, as she hasn't been back for years now.
I love your memorial idea. I think that's really wonderful and so respect for the people fighting for their countries.
Hope your Europe trip will come around soon! Good luck!
I hope you get that trip!
Nice idea with the flags. And backpacking Europe...a definite do before you have kids thing, big advance or not.
Ahh time off can be so relaxing. Your other reward ideas are so creative! And I'll hop on that backpacking trip for my reward ;)
I would LOVE to backpack through Europe. And you're right, sometimes we do need a vacay from writing. :)
I love your rewards. You are so inspiring.
And I like that you take time off from writing when you finish. I really need to do that.
What a thoughtful and perfect way to honor those who gave their lives for their countries by purchasing flag memorials for their families.
I'd love to be able to take time off from writing and actually enjoy it. About 24hrs in and I start to get nervous and twitchy. And I think your idea of buying personalized flags for the families of men who died while serving with your brother is an absolutely beautiful and thoughtful reward.
I don't really have small goals. I suppose I do reward myself without thinking about it...I don't forget to see friends or watch movies or whatever. Just taking breaks are nice. If I ever got an agent or sold a book? Well, I know I want a celebration dinner at my fave chinese restaurant. Otherwise, I don't know!!
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