I need to write my article, dammit!

[bif]

I've got all the info I need to write a free-lance article. But I keep procrastinating. And it's due tomorrow. All it takes is writing the first sentence and the rest will just fly. But it's sitting down and doing it! I'm the world's biggest procrastinator, I swear.

[NJmaverick]

1. You have company

I may tie you for that crown

[Dr. Strange]

2. Here's your first sentence:

Most people believe that eyebrows are a natural occurrence on the human face; and up until the Korean War, that was true.

Now...GO!

[bif]

3. With a little editing, that might work.

Thanks!

[Bucky]

4. Here's my suggestion.

http://watchout4snakes.com/creativitytools/RandomSentence/RandomSentence.aspx

[Arugula Latte]

5. I'm in the same boat ... My deadline is today.

I've finally got the lead (lede), so that's always huge for me. DU is distracting me, though. Sometimes I tell myself, "Okay, just write the first two paragraphs by (X o'clock) and then reward yourself."

Good luck! :hi:

on edit: I walked away from the computer and the main idea of the lead formed in my head. If I can sort of write it mentally first it's so much easier. Sometimes you just need a broad enough idea to hang the rest on, and then you can go back later and spruce up your opening sentences.

[kentauros]

6. When I really want to sit down and just _write_

I do more than "walk" away from the computer. I drive away from it!

I put whatever I'm working on into my AlphaSmart Dana, go to small eateries where they like my company and type away. Although, the library is an excellent place to get away from the computer, or at least, the one at home ;)

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Same here. I have paperwork to be writing up and plans to make for

a meeting but am I getting it done? Nope.

[bif]

8. Finished it!

Yeah, me! Pretty painless.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Gratz. I still haven't started mine. *slapping on wrist*

[MorningGlow]

11. Congrats!

Me too--main article done (about 4,000 words). Phew! Must've been the day or something--I couldn't get going either but I cranked it out late in the afternoon.

Now, about those two sidebars... :eyes:

[MineralMan]

9. Ah, yes...the freelancer's curse.

I freelanced for a living for 25 years. Never once did I actually begin writing an article until the day of the deadline. I always told everyone that I did most of the writing in my head as I researched the article. In saying that, I was saying the thing that is not.

Still, it all worked out. I made a good living with my words. Now, I'm sort of retired from that, although I take on some web content writing when I can find someone who will pay my rather high fees. I just finished three pages for a new client yesterday. Of course, I waited until the morning of the day I promised to deliver the work.

I've still got it. I cranked it out in time to proof it three times and do some copy editing on it. The client was happy. I get paid. Life's good.

Don't worry about it. Get up tomorrow and start writing. You'll get it done, and you'll swear you're going to get an earlier start next time. You won't. It's the curse.

I once wrote an entire book on WordPerfect 6.0 in one week, after procrastinating for a month. It was good stuff, too. The publisher was effusive. Little did he know...