Could Binge-Writing be Right for Me?

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Are you a candidate for binge-writing? Does the thought of adding thousands of words to your manuscript thrill you from head to toe? Maybe you have no clue what binge-writing means or how it could help you move forward with your dreams and goals.
Many reasons can motivate us to take on the challenge.

• We need to jump-start our writing.
• A deadline approaches us.
• Our writing group convinces us the concept would be fun.
• The idea is simply appealing. 
• You’re reading this and decide to try it.

How does a writer prepare for this race? Guidelines maximize the binge-writing experience, but don’t hesitate to personalize the process to fit your needs and work preferences.

Time Guidelines
Most binge-writing times are weekends, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. That’s 48 hours.

Sleep 6 hours on Friday and Saturday nights—use an alarm                  12 hours
Shower (optional), brush teeth, comb hair, brew coffee                          1 hour
Ladies skip the makeup
Guys skip the shave
Use microwaveable meals, eat at your desk, bio-breaks                          1 hour
Wear pajamas.
Hire someone to watch and feed the dog, kids, & spouse
no time stealers: social media, music, conversation, texts, or phone

Approximate hours of fingers to the keyboard                                      34 hours

Prep

• Develop a great attitude
• Self-talk is vital for success
• Encourage any who are joining you
• Make sure everyone in your immediate family and friends knows you are serious about binge-writing.
• Conduct research ahead of time
• Establish a word-count
• Stay hydrated
• Make sure you’re in shape
• Grind coffee beans and measure into sealed containers. Determine to drink it black. No time for sugar, cream, or stirring.
• No pizza delivery. That means answering the door, chatting, etc.

During the Binge

• Focus
• Turn off Wi-Fi—No distractions
• Close your eyes if necessary. Edits can be fixed later
• Exceed all your expectations

After the Binge

• Sleep
• Shower and change your clothes
• Celebrate
• Journal what you learned for the next binge-writing 

Together we can have a super-successful, powerful, and productive binge-writing experience. Are you ready to schedule yours?

TWEETABLE

Could Binge-Writing be Right for Me? Tips from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. 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. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com