Now for the mean Amy. The drill sergeant. The one who hasn't got time for excuses or bullshit answers. You're doing something that doesn't allow for half measures or halfway effort.
If you're a published author and working fast isn't your thing don't worry, we're only talking about a first draft here. It's a hot steaming pile of goo that really has to cool a little once it pours out of you so that you can edit and revise. But this coming month isn't about revising or editing, it's about getting the damn thing done.
The house is a mess. Have someone else clean it or just let it go. I know for some of you this is akin to blasphemy. So be it. Now's the time to ask yourself, do you want a finished product or a clean house?
Who will run the household? This is where you may need a little help from your significant other. Tell him or her that February 14th is all theirs and that once the month is over you'll make it up to them if they just help out for now. (Although, in my parents house they worked together to get things done) Ladies and gents if your spouse won't help you steal the time and believe in yourself. Because as harsh as this sounds, if you don't believe in yourself no one else will. And frankly, even though I've signed four contracts people still ask me, quite rudely, how much money have I made. I know of no other profession that this happens. The equivalent might be the movie industry where people say who put the film out. Annoying yes. Part of how it goes, definitely.
The point is you have to make it a priority. You don't say I'm not going to eat today because everything didn't go picture perfect. You don't say I'm not going to pay the bills just because I don't feel like it. You do it because you have to get it done.
But let me add this caveat, this month there will be NO rewriting or editing. Check your inner editor and excuses at the door because I'm not buying any of them. Need pepping, that I can do. Like prizes, those I can provide. But everything else is up to you.
