Having a Sanguine writer’s personality, I’ve discovered that I must have multiple writing projects going on at the same time or I will despair of ever completing anything. Though I am a dramatic and accomplished story teller, I am easily bored with the nuts and bolts of writing and I can be derailed if I hit a snag in the writing process (why won’t this character die???).
Find out what your writer’s temperament is here.
A sanguine temperament can make completing stories—difficult. I’ve learned a few things that promise to help me reach my goal of consistently producing finished works.
1. Diversify: this means it’s okay to have more than one project going on at a time. Each project has its own virtual planning book. If I get stuck on a project and lose my zest, I will mark where I left off, close that book, and open another one.
2. Compress. Instead of trying to write out a novel over the course of a year, I’ve taken to writing short stories. Eventually I can use them as the foundation for a novel.
3. Limit. I’ve been taking on projects that have deadlines and defined parameters. Sometimes, when the sky is the limit, I’ll get lost in the wide, blue yonder. Limits force me to honor my end of the bargain and harnesses my creative energy.
I am currently working on the following:
1. Ruth Snyder’s blog hop which falls under number 3. I have enjoyed writing for this so much that I’m going to search for another blog hop.
2. A short story that plays on the Ballad of Tam Lin which falls under number 2.
3. A romance novel.
4. Another series through my publisher that has me working closely with several other authors to create an origin short story. I can’t wait to start this!
5. Just in case I get stuck, I’ll write a review of something: a book, album, or show to pull me out of a rut. These are like instant gratification bonuses for me.
6. Last but not least, I’m looking to get some of my poetry published. I need to polish it up and start submitting.
I know this looks ambitious to some and it certainly isn’t a work style that suits everyone. I wanted to share how I work to see if anyone else works this way and possibly offer a few pointers on getting the most out of my writer’s temperament.
Tell me about your writer’s personality in the comments. Stay calm and keep writing.
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