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25/50/25 writing formula: Editor's Notes #188
June 15, 2015
Hello,

I thought I wanted a career. Turns out, I just wanted pay checks.
--Author unknown


In this issue:

1. Time formula for writing
2. Tickled my funnybone
3. Interesting Web site

1. Time formula for writing
Since I began writing for publication, I've read or heard of several time formulas for writing. I recently read another.

The 25/50/25 rule I read about was aimed at freelance writers and was designed to move the writer up the income ladder. As I thought about the formula, I realized it could also work for those who want to write books.

The first 25% of writing time is spent on easy things. This will be different for each of us. Is it easy for you to figure out plot problems? Or are you better at dialogue? Do you love revising? Whatever comes easiest gets 25% of your time.

Spend 50% of your time in your comfort zone. This is not what's easiest. This includes things that give you pleasant stimulation. The exercise equivalent might be taking a brisk walk. You want to "break a sweat", but not give yourself a heat attack.

The last 25% of your time is for the hard slog. What do you hate to face about writing? Is it market research? Is it taking critique? Whatever it is, spend 25% of your writing time on that dreaded item.

Note that there is no particular order for working on these categories. This is just a way to divide up your writing time.

As we engage in the things that are difficult, we do get better at them. This moves our whole writing ability along. If you follow this pattern, what is currently in the second 25% may very well move into the 50%, and you might stretch to another aspect of writing.

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2.Tickled my funnybone
A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

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3. Interesting Web site
For more creative ways to make money as a writer, see this siteā€¦
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

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