CONTRACT WITH YOURSELF
By
Carol J. Stephenson
copyright 1999 by Carol J. Stephenson

Lately, life has been buffeting me at full force, hurling one obstacle after another in my writing path.  I know I'm not alone; others face similar or, God bless, even worse trials.  

What worried me was how my writing was all over the place.  I suffered from splintered focus.  Some days I could pull it together; some days not.  I was able to focus long enough to complete requested revisions and return the manuscript.  Then I drifted again, telling myself I needed down time to regenerate.  I went to National in search of renewal.

I found it, but not at National.  I found it on the cata-romance list when I posted the question as how people stayed in a writing groove.  My concern was the professionalism of this business I so much want to be in, that once under contract an author is expected to produce, come rain or shine.  My cyber friends, as always, were supportive; however, it was the advice of a published author which finally made things click for me and has led me to a brave new experiment.

I have made a contract with myself, just like Silhouette/Harlequin would contract with authors such as Sandra Marton, Elizabeth Sinclair, Diana Whitney, Peggy Moreland, Jean Breshear and every other published author on the cata-romance list.  I'm giving myself four months to complete my new book.  Target date for the completion of NATHAN'S QUEST: 11/28/99.  That's sixteen weeks to complete a 55,000-60,000 word book or 220-240 pages or 13-15 pages/week.  The completion date is circled in red on my calendar.

Writing has long ceased to be a hobby or a pastime or even a mere passion.  It is, in the long term, where I want my life to go: to be a full-time author.  I'm ready for the next level of writing consciousness, that of a professional author, who meets her deadlines come rain, shine or whatever other obstacle life deals her.

And Sandra Marton [Harlequin Presents, latest release More Than A Mistress], thank you for your insight, support and the rudder you've just given me.  The unstinting generosity of romance authors never ceases to humble me.  May I be able to help someone, like you have me.