How to respond when that happens.
This morning I approached my desk feeling content. The past two days had been productive.
There was just one problem. Today was my deadline for my weekly blog post. And I’d neither posted nor written it. Oops.
Bestselling novelist and writing coach Jerry B. Jenkins teaches the easiest way to distinguish yourself as a writer is simply to meet your deadlines.
Despite the implications of “miss it and you’re dead,” most writers — especially amateurs — don’t take deadlines seriously. They may come close, but they’re seldom on time.
So editors (who themselves face multiple deadlines) notice when writers pay them the courtesy to submit material on time.
That practice of promptness pays benefits, especially when circumstances force you to be late. A few years back, I notified my editor as soon as I realized I’d miss the deadline for my regular column. I asked if she could give me a few days more.
Because I’d established a reputation for reliability, she graciously granted an extension.
Today as I respond my own missed deadline, I review why it happened. I’d fallen out of the rhythm of when I usually write this piece, and I’d let myself get distracted. The solution will be as simple as a reminder on my daily calendar.
Everything in a writer’s life builds the foundation for their work — including the lessons from a missed deadline.
