If you can stick with this post all the way to the end, you’ll find my little bio where it is clearly states that “author/illustrator” is not my day job. Most days I get up a little too early for my taste, and head into Manhattan where I work as a set designer for television. Mostly, I work in talk shows, having spent the bulk of my career doing late night shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Late Show with David Letterman. When the taping wraps, I go home, kiss my wife, pat my kids on the head and head up to my attic studio where I make books for kids.
Sometimes (almost never) I’m asked how the day job informs the night one. What have I learned working in TV that applies to making books?
Sense of humor is one answer. I think I’m irrevocably scarred … sorry skewed—(either works actually) from years of designing weird sets and goofy props. Late night humor and the way the writers craft their comedy has had a big influence on me.
On the illustration side, I’m heavily influenced by the way the camera is used to shoot a scene. I try to set up scenes in my books using time-honored camera shots like using wide establishing shots to set a scene or close-ups for comedic moments.
I think the biggest takeaway has to do with pace. I’ve got one book out on the shelves (go get yourself a copy) and more to come but I still can’t get over the difference in pace between writing/illustrating a picture book and making a daily television show. It really messes with me.
At my day job, I get multiple scripts a day that I need to break down, sketch out, draw up, and then source any necessary props or create them from scratch. Every day. We produce a show, sometimes two, every day. And then we come in the next day and do it again. What this all means is that there’s very little time to plan and strategize. When I’m handed a project, I make a plan and I go. It really trains you to problem solve and think on your feet. There’s no rehashing. There’s no switching direction midstream. There’s just a steady march towards getting the set or prop to stage for rehearsal and, later that day, the show. That same afternoon we tape a show and it’s over. My set or prop gets used on air and then…Done. Whole new show tomorrow. You move on.
Having worked this way for so many years might explain why the open-ended, no time-limit, move-at-your-own-pace process of creating a book is difficult for me sometimes. So much time to rethink and revise. Don’t get me wrong. I see the benefit of it all but I sometimes think too much time is… well… too much time.
So, when I find myself going in circles on a manuscript or illustration, or endlessly staring at a blank page, I implement day-job rule:
Do it in one day. Get it done TODAY. Pick a path and move forward. Whether it be an outline, a picture book manuscript, or a chapter of your novel — see it through to it’s conclusion. Get it to stage before showtime.
Ultimately, you might choose incorrectly. You might not love every sentence you write that day and I’m certain there will be details you’d like to change. If you picked the wrong story path, you’ve at least narrowed down the possibilities of where your story goes. You certainly wont be staring at a blank page. That’s progress.
The beauty of this is, unlike my day job, the show is not over and done at the end of the day. You do have tomorrow to edit and revise. For me, the best making-a-book timeline is a mix of the two. Hurry up and get it done and then slow down and take your time to make sure it’s perfect.
If you find yourself stuck on your latest project, give it a try. Set yourself an end-of-day deadline and pretend there’s a national tv audience and a grouchy host waiting for your work. I can almost guarantee some progress by day’s end.
Here’s the bio I told you about at the beginning. I knew you’d make it.
By day, Jason is a set designer for television, with credits that include Harry, The Meredith Vieira Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and The Late Show with David Letterman. By night, Jason is an author and illustrator of children’s books. You can find his debut picture book, MR. PARTICULAR: The World’s Choosiest Champion on shelves in bookstores everywhere. See Jason’s work, both illustrations and set designs, at jasonkirschner.com. Follow him on twitter @jason_kirschner. You can also read more of his blogs and some of his friends’ at DrawntoPictureBooks.blogspot.com.
Jason is giving away a copy of his debut picture book, MR. PARTICULAR.
Leave ONE COMMENT below to enter. You are eligible to win if you are a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once on this blog post. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
498 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 15, 2017 at 10:06 am
Andrea Mack
Both of your jobs are fascinating and it’s so interesting how your day job influences picture book writing! I wonder if your picture book writing will influence your day job, too. I’ll be looking for Mr. Particular — love the title!
January 15, 2017 at 10:06 am
Cathy Lentes
Very good advice. I too have to be very time and plan oriented in my day job. I need to do a better job of that in my creative work. Thanks
January 15, 2017 at 10:07 am
angkunkel
Thank you for this! I am organized and deadline-oriented at my day job (middle school librarian), but I am the world’s worst procrastinator with my own writing, which is why I’ve never finished any of the ideas floating around in my head. That changes this year! Self-imposed deadlines are really key!
January 15, 2017 at 10:07 am
Shirley Fadden
Terrific strategy! Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 10:07 am
Elsa Takaoka
“Hurry up and get it done and then slow down and take your time to make sure it’s perfect.” Perfect advice. How your day job influences your picture book writing really cemented the idea of pulling inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. What a cool job, creative and hectic maybe even a little wacky. Picture books are all of that.
January 15, 2017 at 10:07 am
kiwijenny
I especially appreciate your advice for illustrating. This is such a useful post.
January 15, 2017 at 10:09 am
reluctantspy
I wish books could be published as soon as they are done — instead of the forever job of marketing them.
January 15, 2017 at 10:10 am
Jane Heitman Healy
What an interesting post with a peek behind the scenes! “Pick a path and move forward”–great advice! Thanks, Jason, and much continued success to you!
January 15, 2017 at 10:10 am
stiefelchana
Hey Jason, Love this post. I’ve been such a procrastinator lately, ruminating over books that don’t get written. Thanks for the kick in the pants. You have the best day job!
January 15, 2017 at 10:10 am
Traci Bold
Wow! What a contrast in job timelines. Switching from quick thinking to slowing down would be hard for me too. I can see many story potentials coming from your day job though; a full arsenal of them in fact. Good advice on using your tactic of writing fast, if you will, to get the story down and then kicking back to perfect it.
January 15, 2017 at 10:10 am
lindaschueler
That’s a good way to break out of writer’s block!
January 15, 2017 at 10:11 am
cedricgliane
One day. That’s impressive.
January 15, 2017 at 10:12 am
Marie Manley Tucker
Write hot, just get it done! Sounds great!
-Marie Manley Tucker
January 15, 2017 at 10:12 am
Melissa Koosmann
Good advice, Jason. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 10:18 am
jodimckay
I really like the idea of getting something on paper and not necessarily having to like it, but at least narrow down the options of WHERE the story can go. Thanks, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 10:19 am
Lynn A. Davidson
Jason, thank you for this post. I think one thing that has held me back and slowed me down is my perfectionist attitude – I want to get it done right the first time. The result is unfinished stories and incomplete ideas. Thank you for the nudge.
January 15, 2017 at 10:20 am
kathalsey
Hi Jason, I like the idea of “just one day” to get ‘er done. I know I work better w/a deadline and I can drag my feet when I’m not sure what to do. BTW, I love MR. PARTICULAR and found it last summer featured at my favorite Columbus OH library branch. I need to reread it as a mentor text right now for 2 PB ideas I have percolating.
January 15, 2017 at 10:21 am
Pat Miller
My amorphous writing deadlines invite procrastination. I like your One Day solution and think it will work for me, too. Thanks, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 10:21 am
Mary Warth
Thanks for the inspiration to -get it done and do it today!
January 15, 2017 at 10:23 am
David McMullin
I love how you use one job to inform the other. Thank, Jason.
January 15, 2017 at 10:28 am
Rebecca Colby
Deadlines work a treat for me! But I think they’d work even better if I knew a grouchy TV host was waiting on my work. 😉 Thanks for the tips today!
January 15, 2017 at 10:29 am
Tonya Calvert
This was so inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
January 15, 2017 at 10:31 am
Louann Brown
I usually write my first draft in a rush, then slow it down to a crawl editing and working through the really SLOW submission process. I totally relate to your work style.
January 15, 2017 at 10:32 am
Sheri Bylander
As a TV editor, I think in panels, too! I even analyzed Mr. Particular for an illustration class I took since I love your storytelling style. Now off to doodle. And maybe, just maybe, start and finish a manuscript. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 15, 2017 at 10:33 am
Stephanie Oplinger
I like the hurry-up-and-get-it-done tactic myself. I start to lose interest in projects if they take too long and my inspiration starts to evaporate from the wait.
January 15, 2017 at 10:34 am
Megan
Thank you for the creative kick in the pants this morning! I’m going to give the One Day Rule a go today.
January 15, 2017 at 10:36 am
Darlene Ivy
Just get it on paper works for me! Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 10:38 am
meganleewrites
Thank you, Jason. I am a procrastinator so having a daily deadline really speaks to me. I’ll give it a try!
January 15, 2017 at 10:39 am
Nancy Rimar
I’ll definitely try the end-of-day-deadline strategy – great post, thanks.
January 15, 2017 at 10:44 am
Alice Fulgione
I love the one day solution!
January 15, 2017 at 10:46 am
Erik Ammon
The daily grind- day job and in writing- creating those deadlines- maybe that’ll help when things slow down and I blame it on Writer’s Block.
January 15, 2017 at 10:46 am
Polly Renner
Thanks for your story, Jason! I do push myself to ‘just get the rough draft done’, so we think alike…but your day job is way cooler than my day job:>
January 15, 2017 at 10:49 am
8catpaws
As a self-proclaimed CPO (Chief Procrastinating Officer) (or Chief Paranoid Officer), I believe your post was directed to me personally. Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 10:50 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you–this can be a great approach! Love the cereal box and look forward to reading your book.
January 15, 2017 at 10:50 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
This is such good advice for me. I think of different directions to take a story that’s not quite working but I have a hard time getting myself to sit down and try a direction before working out all the details…even though I know that the details can be worked out later if the direction works. I’m going to do my best to take your advice!
January 15, 2017 at 10:50 am
dfrybarger
Such good inspirational nuggets! Thank you , Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 10:51 am
PJ
Thanks, Jason, for the advice on how to move a project along when there is no deadline other than what we set for ourselves!
January 15, 2017 at 10:54 am
Danielle Dufayet
Good advice – just get it down, then keep going so you have a finished product for your audience! Congrats on your first book.
January 15, 2017 at 10:56 am
C.L. Murphy
Great strategy advice to follow, Jason. Get ‘er done and don’t be too finicky about the first draft.
January 15, 2017 at 10:58 am
Jane Norton
This is a great idea…”Set yourself an end-of-day deadline and pretend there’s a national tv audience and a grouchy host waiting for your work.” Just get it done …. and then go back to refine it later…Thanks for the advice. Congratulations on your first book!
January 15, 2017 at 10:59 am
Ashley Franklin
Getting something down is a great way to beat writer’s block when you keep in mind that you don’t have to love it. Great post!
January 15, 2017 at 10:59 am
Sarita F
Love the inspiration you find in your day job. Thanks for sharing and motivating us.
January 15, 2017 at 11:00 am
Andria Rosenbaum
“see it through to it’s conclusion. Get it to stage before showtime.”
Yes, sometimes we need to mute the edit button in our heads and just WRITE! Thank you, Jason!!
January 15, 2017 at 11:01 am
swimwarrior60
Love this advice of “one day”. I have to remind myself to get through the entire story, and then worry about revising, otherwise it’s like any work- it may never get past some revisions to some form of completion. Thanks for the great blog!
January 15, 2017 at 11:02 am
Teresa Robeson
I have never thought of trying to write a story like that before…thanks for the perspective and insights of a set designer, Jason! Cool job, by the way. Glad I’m not the one doing it though. 😄
January 15, 2017 at 11:03 am
catherine bailey
Wonderful advice! Thank you for posting 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 11:04 am
Mavis Penney
Ah-ha! And now to twist an old phrase…
“Write in haste… edit in leisure.”
Thanks, Jason Kirschner! 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 11:04 am
olsenkristen38
Thank you!i love your tips to write a plan and get it done. I’ll plan for my audience today and get it done! Thank you!!!!
January 15, 2017 at 11:05 am
Sherry Howard
It must take a fierce shift to go from day job to writing that requires so much revision–usually, anyway. I work so much better with the one day goal you’ve mentioned. I always have a simple or complex daily writing goal, depending on the amount of time I expect to have. One day, I may try to write 4K words, but another I might only write a poem. But every day there’s a goal.
January 15, 2017 at 11:08 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
I guess the “one day” scenario is like a rushed deadline preparing for the time the editor calls and says, “I want this one my desk TODAY!”
January 15, 2017 at 11:08 am
Kristi Romo
It’s great when we allow our day job to inform our writing. It assures us our day job is also our writing. Thanks for the encouragement today.
January 15, 2017 at 11:09 am
Jennifer Gan
This is very relevant for me today, thank you for the post! I love your book and am off to put it on my “to read” list. Thanks Jason.
January 15, 2017 at 11:09 am
Barbara Senenman
I love that idea, that mindset. So, I’m going back to my story idea…NOW!
January 15, 2017 at 11:09 am
writingtexas
I needed this advice! D Engle
January 15, 2017 at 11:11 am
lololaffan
Great parallels for those of us with other ‘day jobs’! Go for it, get it done! But tomorrow is still another day, another chance to get it right. Yes!
January 15, 2017 at 11:11 am
Lane M Arnold
Just dor it. Just go. Great idea!
January 15, 2017 at 11:18 am
Marlene Rohr
Thanks for the insight into how your day job contrasts with your writing of picture books. I try to find balance in all of life and find that in the end all things work together. Great advice for Storystormers!
January 15, 2017 at 11:20 am
dbyatt
I love this advice. I also find that too much time is too much sometimes. I work much better to a set deadline. I’ve always admired Jake Parker’s advice: “Finished, not perfect.”
January 15, 2017 at 11:20 am
Lisa R.
One Day. That’s my new mantra. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 11:26 am
Mary Crockett
Great advice! I tend to mull and mull and then write a full draft in one day. 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 11:34 am
Nina Haines
Great advice.
January 15, 2017 at 11:34 am
kimmcculley7
Thank you for this helpful advice!
January 15, 2017 at 11:35 am
Cindi
How fantastic!! I’m a little intimidated by the One Day thing, though. I’ll have to try it!!
January 15, 2017 at 11:35 am
authordebradaugherty
After reading about your usual work day, I felt exhausted. I admire how you can balance your day job and your writing schedule. I do believe setting a deadline helps. I find I work faster when I know I have to finish in a set time. Congrats on your book!
January 15, 2017 at 11:37 am
Gregory E Bray
My job main job is pretty boring. Mr. Particular looks great.
January 15, 2017 at 11:37 am
pathaap
Terrific advice, Jason! Getting it done and then taking the time to go back over it is something I need to work on.
January 15, 2017 at 11:39 am
RebeccaTheWriter
I’m in awe of how you find time to do everything!!! I realize more and more that my rationalization about having no time to devote to my writing are really just excuses! Thanks for the reminder to just sit down and go for it!
January 15, 2017 at 11:42 am
Janie Reinart
Jason, great post in this hurry up and wait business. Looking forward to reading your book.
January 15, 2017 at 11:44 am
Kate (@KateGiard)
AND, AND … a new dawn, a new day, per Susan Sarandon Thanks for reminding me to make those daily goals.
January 15, 2017 at 11:46 am
Kimberly Marcus
Thank you for your post. I believe (most of the time) that you get what you need
when you need it and I needed this. You reminded me of my past freelance photo career where, like you, I had to get it done. You could maybe fix it in the processing and most definitely in the printing but shooting was shooting and you had to get the shot. So thank you again – very valuable advice here. Today’s my day to get it done.
January 15, 2017 at 11:46 am
Jim Chaize
Sounds like a good approach. Thanks.
January 15, 2017 at 11:47 am
Wendy Doxey
Thanks for the inspiration! I’m looking forward to reading “Mr. Particular.” 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 11:48 am
Anne Bromley
Thank you, Jason! Just what I needed to read today! I’ll give this a try, for sure.
January 15, 2017 at 11:48 am
Sue Heavenrich
One Day! Taping that to my monitor… the bookshelf above my desk… my forehead. Great advice; great post.
January 15, 2017 at 11:49 am
ammwrite3
This is good advice, Jason. It’s the same idea as just getting a first draft written and work from there. Writing that first draft is daunting, but a must for progress to start happening.
January 15, 2017 at 11:51 am
Katelyn Aronson
Thank you, Jason. Can’t wait to read your book. Love your One Day rule. I work at a rapid pace, too. NOT because I’m a talented/seasoned creator like you, but because I get impatient and I need to see myself reaching milestones. From an instant gratification standpoint, I think the One Day rule is super motivating!
January 15, 2017 at 11:51 am
kayt663
One day?!?! That’s a challenge! I recently found a quote that I placed on my desk: “Done is better than perfect.” This doesn’t apply for everything but it helps motivate me to complete a little sooner what I could easily stretch out seemingly forever.
January 15, 2017 at 11:53 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
This is exactly what I need to do. Daily deadlines. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 11:54 am
Martin Segal
Great advice, Jason! I’ve been running through different scenarios for a manuscript in my head. Time to just start writing them out! Love Mr. Particular!!
January 15, 2017 at 11:55 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks for sharing. I worked for 30 years as an art director working on TV commercials. Storyboards were usually a one day effort. Sounds like your job is much more time hassled. I love the luxury of having time to think when illustrating and writing a picture book. Though, I still tend to do roughs and first drafts like I’m on deadline.
January 15, 2017 at 11:56 am
Shanah Salter
I love daily writing goals, keeps me motivated!
January 15, 2017 at 11:58 am
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the advice, Jason. I will now picture David Letterman waiting to see my progress at the end of the day!
January 15, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Nancy Armo
Sound advice! Wonderful post!
January 15, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
Thank you for the motivation.
January 15, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Jennifer Laughlin
Great idea!
January 15, 2017 at 12:04 pm
moviemommie
Thanks for sharing a post that embraces the idea of wearing many hats!
January 15, 2017 at 12:06 pm
mkresk
This is well-informed and excellent advice. Sometimes that wide open unlimited span of time can be so overwhelming. Deadlines are awesome. Thanks for the reminder, too. I have been wanting to read Mr. Particular. Thanks and Congratulations!
January 15, 2017 at 12:06 pm
JoAnn DiVerdi
Deadlines can be your friend. So true, Jason. What I want to know is what kind of java you’re drinking that keeps you going thru ur day & night jobs!
January 15, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Susan Eyerman
Good advice. Thanks for sharing!
January 15, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Paul Carroll
I love this advice! This month, I’ve been trying to write a 1000 word short story every day. It’s strange and incredibly motivating to have something new done by the end of every day.
My biggest challenge was writing and publishing a book in a week. I don’t know if I would recommend it to everyone, but it did help to get my book out, and it taught me a lot of important lessons about workflow that you can only learn from experience.
Now I need to figure out what I can do in a day. =D
January 15, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Daryl Gottier
I agree that getting it all on the page in a day helps a lot. Then revisit it later, that’s what editing is all about. I love Mr. Particular too!
January 15, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Julie Foster Hedlund
I love the idea of pretending I have to have a book done at the end of the day. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Jo Ann Raguseo
Thank you for the suggestions. I will try setting a goal each day.
January 15, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Poupette Smith
Interesting how different your writing strategy is to yesterday’s post (Marcie Colleen), and an idea a day for Storystorm is great exercise to practice yours.
January 15, 2017 at 12:17 pm
Candy
Thanks! I needed that reminder to just get something done.
January 15, 2017 at 12:21 pm
pattywaymedic
I so agree. For me plowing through an idea in one sitting works. Then the distillation begins. So often a story knows where it’s going even when we don’t!
January 15, 2017 at 12:21 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Like the imposing of the day job rule. How very cool to be a set designer in NY. I want to be one. 😜
January 15, 2017 at 12:22 pm
betlw
Jason, I loved your article. If we writers, myself included, would follow your plan we would all have dozens or hundreds of books to send out every year. I’m going to give it a try, even though I share the computer with another person. I just might tape your piece above the computer in our office. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 15, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan
Thanks for the advice! It goes well with Jane Yolen’s Butt in Chair and Nike’s Just Do It!
Can’t wait to read Mr. Particular, a book that seems to be THE right pick for picky kids.
January 15, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Nicole
I love hearing about published authors day jobs. We all need to pay the bills. It’s nice to know you can do both and get it done!
January 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Alan Horne
Day jobs: the greatest necessary evil in the writing world, or perhaps any world.
January 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Judy Bryan
One Day ~ I’m putting that on a post-it note on my laptop. Great advice, thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 12:30 pm
julielacombeauthor
Cool job and great advice! I need to try the ONE DAY technique.
January 15, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Meli Glickman
The perfectionist in me tends to spend endless amounts of time editing (sometimes even self-sabotaging)… Your advice is exactly the jump start I need to set myself mini 1-day stretch goals and celebrate results achieved!
January 15, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Kim Ball
Excellent advice for the wishy-washy procrastinators among us (points finger directly at self.) I’m adding this to the top of my list of rules. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Linda Hofke
Excellent advice, Jason. I’ve always been a perfectionist so that sometimes slows down my pace. While some stories flow easily, with otheres I waste time trying to get every sentence right as I go along instead of just whipping out a rough draft to get me started.
January 15, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Mary
That’s a great way to approach it – complete one piece everyday and start anew the next. Thank you for the post and wow, cool day job!
January 15, 2017 at 12:39 pm
anitajjones
Wow…I thought that I was an over-achiever! Jason, I was exhausted just reading about one day in your life!!! I really applaud your amazing abilities and self-discipline, in so many areas. Thank you so much for sharing your story and ideas. I’m thinking I should print a copy of your post and when I start whinning about being overwhelmed, read it again, roll it up and slap myself silly with it!!
You have a great website as well…Thanks, Jason
January 15, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Sue Fritz
Thank you for your post! It is very motivating! Especially the part about sitting down and getting the manuscript/chapter done in one day.
January 15, 2017 at 12:42 pm
tiemdow
Jason, thank you! The self-imposed and tight deadline works for me, and I liked hearing that it works for you, too.
January 15, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Leah Perlongo
Really good advice for getting things done. Thank you
January 15, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing
Fun blog review and a good challenge! I enjoyed looking at your website and blog too! Looking forward to your books, thanks.
January 15, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Julie Beturne
Great advice!!!! Thanks. I will definitely give it a try.
January 15, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Ok. Great points, Jason. I like how you weave your day job into your work, a great reminder for me that I am not the only one working full time while having family obligations! Thanks!!
January 15, 2017 at 12:46 pm
terrytalley12
Amazing what the power of a deadline (and a person waiting on you) can do. I periodically do freelance contract work as one of my night jobs with a tight deadline but never before imposed a deadline on my picture book and novel work. Starting today it’s done ✅ Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Cinzia
I love the day limit challenge! Sometimes any progress is just what you need to make real progress. Thanks.
January 15, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Corey Schwartz
I usually don’t make it through long posts (I have the attention span of a flea!) but this was fascinating!
January 15, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Carole calladine
Just finished Gilbert’s chapter on persistence in big magic. Finishing is the word of the day. Thanks for sharing
January 15, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Jason. A great reminder that deadlines can fuel our creativity. What we come up with may be whacky, weird, or really awful–but it’s there waiting for a revision to make it sparkle.
January 15, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for the advice Jason. I love the idea of sitting down and getting a draft done in one day.
January 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Thank you, Jason, for sharing those behind-the-scenes moments of your day job. I’m going to try your end-of-day deadline approach. Getting my BIC can be a zinger for me-LOL I look forward to reading Mr. Particular.
January 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Cathy Ogren
Great advice, Jason. Just do it!
January 15, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Lisa Billa
I love how your two jobs complement each other. Wonderful post and terrific advice, thank you! And now I’m going to go find Mr. Particular.
January 15, 2017 at 1:07 pm
ingridboydston
Hurry up and get it done then slow down to make it perfect…brilliant advice! Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 1:09 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I’m excited to try your “Do it one day” suggestion. I’ve never set myself such a goal. Usually, I give myself a month. Boy, with your rule, I can write 30 new picture books manuscripts! I enjoyed watching your Mr. Particualar trailer, and I’m looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for a highly inspiring blog post.
January 15, 2017 at 1:14 pm
jane hawkins
Inspiring, creative, and, most importantly, doable. Thank you, Jason
January 15, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Rita D. Russell
“Hurry up and get it done and then slow down and take your time to make sure it’s perfect.” What a fantastic mantra for actually writing to done!
January 15, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Mr. Particular sounds particularly fun. Thanks for this inspiring post!
January 15, 2017 at 1:26 pm
denarose
I love your strategy of getting it done in a day (and then slowing down with revision). Thanks so much for sharing with us!
January 15, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Pam Miller
Jason, you’ve made me giggle and laugh out loud. Congrats on MR. PARTICULAR. If I don’t win your copy, know that it’s on my list.
January 15, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Michele Helsel
Great advice. I go to a weekly critique group on Wed and sometimes on Tues when I have nothing to take but I’ve been percolating an idea for weeks I make myself just write it. And I agree, it’s helpful. I guess I should do that everyday.
January 15, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Kristin Wauson
Wow! I know of Jason through kidlitart chat and never knew what his day job was. Super cool and love this advice. Finished, not perfect is a mantra I’m trying to follow more often.
January 15, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
I like the idea of imposing a fake deadline to force a good-enough first approach – thanks for suggesting it!
January 15, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Annaliese Arnold
Great advice, thanks for sharing.
January 15, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Kim Parfitt
Yes! As a teacher, I think, phew that lesson stunk at least there’s tomorrow. A new day. I need to just do it with my writing!
January 15, 2017 at 1:44 pm
cindyjohnson2013
I tend to be “Mr. Particular” when working on my first draft and so it takes FOREVER. Your advice is perfect. Set a deadline. Get it done today. If it’s bad, then I can rework it. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Michele Meleen
Love the concept – could use more work on the actually holding myself to said deadline part 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Stephanie Farrow
A heartfelt thank-you from the procrastinators and fiddlling-abouters of the world. (That would be me.)
January 15, 2017 at 1:57 pm
gretchengeser
Yes! Thank you very much for your post.
January 15, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Becky Shillington
Excellent advice, Jason. Sometimes we need to just get it done!
January 15, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Gabi Snyder
The strategy you’ve gleaned from your (very cool) day job sounds just right — get it done fast and then later you can take your time and work on perfecting it. Thank you for the fantastic advice, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Maria Marshall
Great post Jason. I like the idea of a “Boss” and a deadline. I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the advice.
January 15, 2017 at 2:05 pm
angie9091
Your day job sounds awesome! I’ll have to give the day job rule a try
January 15, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Gina L
Love this rule. Thanks Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Sharon Haan
Being a lifelong procrastinator, I can see how Jason’s one-day/deadline concept could really help me make more progress! Thanks, Jason.
January 15, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Lucy Staugler
Jason, what a insightful, fresh way to show how juggling different hats can enhance your perspective on things!
Can’t wait to read your book!
Thank you!
Keep inspiring and juggling!
🎩👑⛑
Lucy Staugler
January 15, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Traci Sorell
I love this advice – write it in one day! Just what I needed to hear. I look forward to reading Mr. Particular.
January 15, 2017 at 2:18 pm
Joana Pastro
As an architect I’ve always been fascinated with set designs. As a writer I’ll try to implement your day job rule and get it done in one day. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 2:18 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks Jason for your perspective on writing things down and getting it all out there in one day. The revisions and thinking of better ideas or words to tell the story and all the other details is what is daunting to me.
January 15, 2017 at 2:23 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
After reading about your day job, I’ve come to appreciate even more that writing deadlines usually aren’t that fast and furious. But you’re right. Imposing deadlines on ourselves–and meeting them–can get those sluggish brain cells flowing again. Thanks, Jason.
January 15, 2017 at 2:24 pm
theresenagi
Jason thanks for reminding us of the importance of deadlines and getting the manuscript done!
January 15, 2017 at 2:25 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks for the inspiration…don’t wait, do it now.
January 15, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Nancy Ramsey
I really like the one day rule and I’m going to give it a try! Thanks for this post!
January 15, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
Excellent advice for this writer! Get it down on paper, revise later. Thank you. Your picture book looks fun!
January 15, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Jamie Nanfara
Great advice! Thank you for sharing. I never thought about giving myself deadlines like this. I think it will be helpful for me!
January 15, 2017 at 2:31 pm
Marty Bellis
You couldn’t be more spot-on with this advice (at least, for me!). I plan to re- read your post often to remind and inspire myself to “just get it done.” Completing a story is my biggest obstacle. Thanks for the best post yet!
January 15, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Anna Gateley-Stanton
That’s good advice. I’m stuck on a project right now, so I will try to set an end-of-day deadline. Thanks for the idea.
January 15, 2017 at 2:35 pm
Melanie Lucero
I love the one day rule! Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 2:37 pm
jenabenton
There is a fine line somewhere in the middle of ruminating on something and kicking it into gear to finish it. Sometimes I find ruminating has turned to procrastination and it really needs that kick. Very good point!
January 15, 2017 at 2:37 pm
lbouck09
This is great advice! Sometimes my own projects drag on a little too long, and this is an excellent tip I’m going to try! 😀
January 15, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Kerrie
I LOVE this concept. I think it will really help me. Thanks for sharing!
January 15, 2017 at 2:41 pm
Jen Bagan
Great advice – thank you! Off to pretend I have David Letterman waiting on me!
January 15, 2017 at 2:42 pm
viviankirkfield
I love the idea of doing it in one day, Jason. I, too, work best with deadlines…as soon as I get a bit more research done, I’ll give writing my new nfpb story from start to finish in one day a try.
And I do want to learn how to write a funny book. Congratulations on yours!!!
January 15, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Julie Grasso
Love this. I totally agree, day job rule works for me! Get it down then, get down to revise.
January 15, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Laurie Lascos
I can see this type of thing working for me so that I don’t get too analytical and hinder myself by accident.
January 15, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Brenda Maier
So funny. Love the tip to just push through to get one thing completed. Trying too hard to make it perfect the first time can be so self-sabotaging.
January 15, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Beverly R. Marsh
Jason, timely advice – going to give it a try. Look forward to reading your debut picture book.
January 15, 2017 at 2:46 pm
setwiggs
Jason,
this is a great post for me. I have angst about every word and easily get stuck so get it done and then revise will be my mantra. Thanks for your post.
January 15, 2017 at 2:51 pm
anitanolan
Thanks for posting! I can’t wait to read your book.
January 15, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Leslie Santamaria
This reminded me of the daily sense of urgency I operated with in my work as a newspaper reporter. Applying some of that pressure to my book writing will be helpful. Thank you, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 2:52 pm
ellenleventhal
This is great. I have tried this approach, and it does feel good to get something done in one day. Of course, then I have years of revision. Probably need to work on that! Thank you.
January 15, 2017 at 2:53 pm
Cassie Bentley
This will help stop my procrastination. Just do it. I’ll just try it. I cannot wait to read Mr. Particular.
January 15, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Barbara Cairns
How great to have two fun jobs, both day and night adventures! Thanks for sharing some important tips.
January 15, 2017 at 3:04 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
It is a great feeling to have set a goal and accomplish it. I think so many people set the goals too high then get discouraged if it takes too long to reach. I love your approach. Thank you and yes, I envy your day job! 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Anne Iverson
What a fascinating career you have, Jason! From morning till night you’re on the go, to be sure. Thank you for sharing your interesting post!
January 15, 2017 at 3:09 pm
Zainab
Thanks for the suggestion! Finishing off a story in one day seems to be a great idea. I enjoyed reading how writing books is different from working for television. Thank you for the insight.
January 15, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Krissy
Just. Do.It (today!) Great advice! Thanks Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Deborah Amadei
This is a good idea, Jason. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 3:17 pm
R.J. Koehn
Loved this post Jason. Like you, sometimes I just have to tell myself to just get it done. Pick a path. Then I can go revise, edit rethink. Thank you.
January 15, 2017 at 3:22 pm
Erika Schnatz
Thanks for the advice! This post is a good reminder that it’s okay to work in hours/day-long, frantic bursts (which is how I get most of my story writing done, too).
January 15, 2017 at 3:23 pm
Buffy Silverman
Hurry up and get it down, then slow down and make it right. Great advice!
January 15, 2017 at 3:24 pm
Priya
Sound like your day job is good fuel to your writing job. I agree that we must take action to get somewhere.
January 15, 2017 at 3:26 pm
kamikinard
Great advice Jason! I’ve been stuck on a scene for two weeks, so this post is timely!
January 15, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Erin Pearson
Great strategy. Thanks for your post!
January 15, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Christine
I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I love the “one day” approach–just get it done and revise later! And I have a great picture to use for myself! Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Joyce Allan
It’s so interesting when the world of television and the world of literature collide through a creative person involved in both worlds.
January 15, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Stephen S. Martin
It’s the Hurry up and wait mentality, and it can work. I like to write fast and to some sort of concludion that may or (usually) may not be the end. Great advice.
January 15, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Mark Bentz
Great post Jason! Your day job has really helped you.
Offering this advice is very helpful. Thank you.
January 15, 2017 at 3:41 pm
evelynchristensen
I like your combination of strategies, Jason. And setting a deadline for yourself. Congrats on your new book! (p.s. your kind of job would be very stressful for me. But then again, I guess teaching, which I used to do, is sort of the same–the ‘show’ has to be ready to go, for the kids, every single day!)
January 15, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Beth Blee
Thanks for your post and great idea.
January 15, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Hi Jason! Your suggested timeline to “Hurry up and get it done and then slow down and take your time,” sounds like an excellent plan. Thank you.
~Suzy Leopold
January 15, 2017 at 3:56 pm
Kay Deans
Sometimes I need that little extra push to remind me to finish the draft in one day. It’s so easy to procrastinate when you are retired and don’t have a forced day schedule.
January 15, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Brianna Zamborsky
Solid advice, Jason. Thanks for taking the time to write this blog for us!
January 15, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Peter
So true. I spend so much time nitpicking and analyzing every single sentence that I sometimes feel like I accomplished nothing. I need to just write, let the words flow, and ponder how and if they work later.
January 15, 2017 at 4:04 pm
danielle hammelef
This is great advice! I’m going to try to do this with my picture book idea and just write. I find myself agonizing over every word it seems, so this may be the cure for me.
January 15, 2017 at 4:05 pm
harmonee2014
So interesting. I love your advice. I’m going to pressure myself to get something done and see where that gets me. It’s just the advice I need today. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 4:06 pm
Viviane LB
Thanks for your advice Jason. I’m looking forward to read Mr. Particular.
January 15, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Sara Kvols
This is incredibly helpful!
January 15, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Lynne Marie
Great advice — thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading Mr. Particular.
January 15, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Sally Spratt (@SallySpratt)
Thanks Jason. This is incredibly helpful since I work a full time job outside of my writing job. One day – perfect words.
January 15, 2017 at 4:18 pm
loriannlevyholm
I love the title of your new book! Your strategy has some potential! I like making a comittment and then seeing where it takes you!
January 15, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Melissa Stoller
Hi Jason – I love this strategy: to hurry up and then slow down. Thanks for an informative and also entertaining post. I look forward to reading your book!
January 15, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Nicki Jacobsmeyer
Looking forward to trying the one-day job rule! Thank you, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 4:27 pm
Joanne Sher
This sounds like it will be INCREDIBLY helpful. Thanks so much, Jason. Great stuff!
January 15, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Janet Smart
Good advice. Deadlines do help in getting things done.
January 15, 2017 at 4:37 pm
Debra Katz
Thanks for sharing. It was interesting to read your take on how you manage two different, but very creative jobs.
January 15, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Claire O'Brien
My favourite post so far, great advice and interesting to hear about your job too.
January 15, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Sharon Coffey
Jason, you’re message to writing blocks reminded me of Nike, “Just do it.” Forge forward. I truly think the more we write, the better writers we become. Thanks for your motivational comments and personal insights.
January 15, 2017 at 4:49 pm
heavenlyhashformoms
Love this advice!!! And, I can’t believe I didn’t come up with that character! Sounds a lot like my son….PARTICULAR!! 😀
January 15, 2017 at 4:52 pm
@luvthatword
Do it in a day – great strategy! Thanks.
January 15, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Robin Currie
Pick a path and move on it! Great advice! Thanks.
January 15, 2017 at 5:08 pm
rgstones
Thanks, Jason! I love your book AND your post. 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Meena
Drawing clues from day job rules. What a splendid idea! Thanks for sharing about how you keep your day job and dreams on par and devote your time to them..
January 15, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Mark Gould
Comedy is the reason I write children’s books, I think children have such a natural knack for finding the humor in life. They just want to laugh and play all day and it’s a huge motivation for me.
January 15, 2017 at 5:22 pm
authoraileenstewart
Wow. You are just interesting times 2 :0)
January 15, 2017 at 5:26 pm
Rachel Critchley
Love the concept of hurry up then slow down. Enjoyed the post.
January 15, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Karen Dean
It’s so easy to let other things get in the way, so putting a deadline for each day, no matter what size, is a good plan to keep us moving forward. When I’m not moving forward I get bogged down and discouraged.
January 15, 2017 at 5:28 pm
lmconnors
Loved the insight into your day job and the challenge to treat our writing to a similar schedule. I find sometimes just starting, breaks the hurdle. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 5:35 pm
kirsticall
We love your book at our house. And I love our advice!
January 15, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Sherry Alexander
Love the idea of one day. Thank you for sharing your insight.
January 15, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Tina Cho
One day, great advice. Thanks for sharing how your day job influences your night job.
January 15, 2017 at 5:38 pm
Laura Hancock
Great advice…just write everyday!
January 15, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Megan Whitaker
Yep! I had an unexpected snow day and wrote a manuscript in a day. I was quite surprised and pleased with the results. Looking forward to seeing your book on the shelf at our local bookstore!
January 15, 2017 at 5:53 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Jason. Thanks to my day job my writing life is rich in ideas.
January 15, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Ali Bovis
This is such a terrific idea and amazing perspective! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 15, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Stephanie Shaw
My career in public education also required the ‘get ‘er done’ approach. No parent, child or teacher would abide by the protracted publishing world timelines. But, when I quickly responded to my agent’s request for revision (thinking I was being responsible) she instead chastised me. I still don’t even know if she read what I sent. Anyway, I’m tempted to send her your post — it made me feel so good. Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Robyn McGrath
I LOVE this!
January 15, 2017 at 6:06 pm
megcason1
We all need a push to get things done, especially when our “real lives” can take center stage. Thank you for this post and the inspiration!!
January 15, 2017 at 6:08 pm
F. G. M. Kalavritinos
Love this: “Do it in one day….Pick a path and move forward….Get it to stage before showtime.” I need to live by this sage advice!
January 15, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Sharon Langley
Thank you…just get it done. Doesn’t get any simpler than that
January 15, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed)
Deadlines are sometimes a beautiful thing. Thanks for sharing your story and advice!
January 15, 2017 at 6:15 pm
Natalie Rompella
Great idea! Deadlines often are a way to actually get something on the page.
January 15, 2017 at 6:21 pm
Gail Hedrick
Such a great post, and it may get me with actual words on a page instead of over-thinking, and not doing. Many thanks, and big congrats!
January 15, 2017 at 6:29 pm
mariaordish
I like this idea of “just do it’! Sometimes we can get so hung up on every little thing that we fail to just put it down on paper. Thanks for the reminder! Interesting job you have….
January 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Lori Dubbin
Congratulations on your picture book, MR. PARTICULAR. I look forward to reading it. Your day job is such great training for your night job. It’s like the weight that baseball players put on their bats. In terms of time, you can take the weight off at night and your picture book writing job must feel so much “lighter,” even though it’s not — mostly it makes you so very efficient! Maybe your next book can be “Mr. Efficient!” 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Elise
Wow, great advice! One day. I can do that. (I think!) Thanks for the post!
January 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Brenda Huante
That’s a very good idea and one I’ve never heard before. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Fran Price
Great advice. I used to think a picture book a month was really productive. Thanks for upping the ante.
January 15, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Sandy
I love your illustrations! Thanks for sharing. It’s great insight!
January 15, 2017 at 6:38 pm
debmeyercreative
Greatness! I tend to find myself thinking, “I could have it go this way, or maybe go in this direction. . .” and it stays in my head and never on paper (or the computer). I’ll try to just get it on the page and if I don’t like it, tomorrow is another day. 🙂 Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 6:48 pm
mcdonaldrae
Getting ourselves in our space, seat, creative place and getting it down may be our biggest challenge. Determination and setting a goal is a great way to say, today is the day. Get it down and done will come! Thanks, Jason.
January 15, 2017 at 6:49 pm
Kathy Doherty
I needed to hear this. Off I go to “get it to stage before showtime!”
January 15, 2017 at 6:50 pm
karammitchell
I love this so much! I am a landscape designer by day. I am constantly amazed at the differences between illustration and design. Still, I’ve used so much of my experience from landscaping to make my illustration work so much better. Great post, Jason! Thanks so much!
January 15, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Great post. Thanks
January 15, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Jason – this was a fascinating read! So interesting to get a glimpse into your day-job world and to see how it overlaps with writing for children.
January 15, 2017 at 7:16 pm
Ryan Roberts
Yes! I need the one day rule!
January 15, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Wow. Super talented guy. I’ve not read about the folks who do the kind of work he does for TV. And to think, he writes picture books, as well. Mr. Particular sounds particularly good.
January 15, 2017 at 7:21 pm
Cathy C. Hall
The “get ‘er done” strategy–I like it!
January 15, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Debra Shumaker
Great advice! Hurry it up and get it done, see it to conclusion, THEN slow down and perfect it. I need to take that advice more often!
January 15, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
I love this idea. And I think we would learn a lot more as writers by writing a new pb every day for a month (even if 29–or even 30) of them stink than we do by taking one month to write it. And of course we usually drag it out a lot longer than that!
January 15, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I totally agree about the time frame thing. When kids ask at school visits, “How long does it take to write a story?” I usually estimate a week to write it, a few weeks to rest it, and a few months to revise it. I’d like to try this end-of-the-day thing….
January 15, 2017 at 7:34 pm
carolmunrojww
Do it in a day. My new mantra. Thanks, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Nancy Ferguson
What excellent advice! I especially like knowing you have a grumpy host to please, that could get me moving.
January 15, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Sheri
“I try to set up scenes in my books using time-honored camera shots like using wide establishing shots to set a scene or close-ups for comedic moments.” I learned today I think like you do when I write. Thank you for your column, it made my day!
January 15, 2017 at 7:42 pm
Emily Lavoo Johnsen
Excellent post, Jason. I love your sense of humor. I’ll have to check out your book!
January 15, 2017 at 7:46 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
I needed the encouragement to “get it done”. Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 7:47 pm
bewestcott
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
January 15, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Alicia
Get it done! Great idea.
January 15, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Mary McClellan
It’s so easy to get caught up in analysis paralysis. Yes, at least do something and then work from there. Great advice.Good luck with your book!
January 15, 2017 at 8:08 pm
katrinamoorebooks
What a great way to get going. Set a deadline. Thanks for this post, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 8:17 pm
Kathy Farr
Great advice. Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Judy Sobanski
I like the idea of setting a deadline to get things moving! Thanks for the tip – cool day job, too!
January 15, 2017 at 8:34 pm
Heather Kelso
Great advice! I try very hard to meet my work goals at my day job, working late and weekends. I need to make my writing goals matter just as much!
January 15, 2017 at 8:37 pm
Maria Bostian
Gonna give the One Day Rule a try tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!
January 15, 2017 at 8:45 pm
seschipper
Interesting day job!!!
Great advice as well! “Particularly” good book title!!!!
Thanks 🙂
January 15, 2017 at 8:54 pm
Christine
Your day job sounds fascinating and I love your advice. I wrote a draft from start to finish today after reading this!
January 15, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Nancy Colle
Super neato! Your day job sounds like an adventure. Thanks for all your helpful ideas;)
January 15, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Kaye Baillie
I like the idea of getting something done in one day. I might right a chapter for my next book.
January 15, 2017 at 9:07 pm
Ali Earle Pichardo
Hurry up and get it done, then slow down and make it perfect. Great idea!
January 15, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Sometimes you just have to keep going and get it all on the page. Thank you for a peek inside your process!
January 15, 2017 at 9:23 pm
Heather Elizabeth
Got to go write a story right now….thanks for the challenge!
January 15, 2017 at 9:23 pm
mona861
thanks…the end of the day deadline. I like that a lot!
January 15, 2017 at 9:25 pm
Courtenay Schurman
I liken this approach to “set a timer for x minutes and plant your butt in the chair and just go.” you have to have words on the page to edit and revise, so bust ’em out, then rearrange until you have what you want. Liked it!
January 15, 2017 at 9:35 pm
Urania Smith
I like this strategy. I have had by biggest breakthroughs when I just go for it, and go back and fix it later.
January 15, 2017 at 9:36 pm
Cindy Williams Schrauben
Oh, boy do I need to take this advice. Three words written, two deleted… on and on and on.
January 15, 2017 at 9:40 pm
mgkingwrites
I always need a deadline, even a self-imposed one, to finish anything I start. Great tip!
January 15, 2017 at 9:42 pm
laura516
The convergence of two very different strategies to accomplish a goal is a fascinating way to think about picture book writing. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 9:42 pm
Cathy Breisacher
I am fascinated by your job! And, I’m a big fan of your art and storytelling. I am inspired by your suggestion of just getting a story down on paper and setting a deadline.
January 15, 2017 at 9:53 pm
Audrey Hackett
Wow! I don’t know how you do it. Working a demanding day job and writing at night. Your one day rule sounds great.
January 15, 2017 at 9:58 pm
lydialukidis
I love the idea of setting ourselves deadlines. We of course need to access our creativity, but we also need to keep writing, no matter what.
January 15, 2017 at 10:10 pm
Juliana Lee
I need to try the one day rule when I’m unmotived!
January 15, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Jeanne
Going to apply this method when I sit down to write tomorrow. Thanks!
January 15, 2017 at 10:12 pm
authorstephanievanhorn
Great one day advice!
January 15, 2017 at 10:13 pm
Jamie Deenihan
Both of your jobs sound like so much fun! Great advice to get things done TODAY! Procrastinating or trying to be perfect during a first draft really can get the best of you. I also love when you said hurry up and get it done and the. slow down and take your time and make sure everything is perfect. Thank you for a thought provoking post!
January 15, 2017 at 10:32 pm
Zoraida Rivera Morales
Jobs are so varied and interesting! Just like picture books. Enjoyed hearing about yours.
January 15, 2017 at 10:42 pm
tanjabauerle
Buddyyyy!!!! Hi Jason. Love your post. You reminded me that it is not always beneficial to overthink something from the get go. I love your suggestion of making yourself flesh out a story in a day. I gotta do that. I have oodles of ideas that never go anywhere because I won’t do anything with them until I have them mentally figured out. I’m going to take your advice and take some of my “to-do” ideas and will blitz-plan them. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Hugs to you. T
January 15, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Aida Radu
Very good advice!! A pleasure to read
January 15, 2017 at 11:02 pm
jeanjames926
Thanks Jason, my day job or really half day/half night job is as a critical care nurse. If I treated my stories the same way I treated my patients, I would be able to resuscitate them and have them up and running in no time. In critical care everything is immediate, maybe that’s why I’m such a procrastinator at home. Thanks for a really enjoyable post, and I look forward to reading Mr. Particular!
January 15, 2017 at 11:19 pm
DaNeil Olson
Sound advice. I’ll give it a try. Thank you.
January 15, 2017 at 11:52 pm
Susan Schade
You have inspired me with “Get it Done Today!” Thank you!
January 15, 2017 at 11:52 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
“The beauty of this is, unlike my day job, the show is not over and done at the end of the day. You do have tomorrow to edit and revise.” This is what I need to remember when I focus too much on editing and revising before I even have a complete draft. Thanks, Jason!
January 15, 2017 at 11:56 pm
Megan Higginson
This is helpful. I’m going to give it a go. Thank you.
January 15, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Bethany Roberts
Agreed! I have always needed to give myself dead-lines for first drafts- otherwise time just escapes me. (But I have learned revisions can’t be rushed!)
January 16, 2017 at 12:06 am
Denita Johnson
Thank you for the advice, I will use the information to get my next book done.
January 16, 2017 at 12:15 am
saritarich
Oh I love this advice so much! Can’t wait to read MR PARTICULAR!
January 16, 2017 at 12:22 am
Larissa Marantz
Great post, Jason! Very motivating.
January 16, 2017 at 12:23 am
Christine Irvin
The one day rule….hmmmm…that just might work…Thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 12:26 am
Joan Marie Arbogast
Wow! Two different jobs. Two different approaches. Both challenging & rewarding.
January 16, 2017 at 12:33 am
Rebekah Lowell
Well said! I like that method of getting it all out and then slowing down the pace to perfect it. Very interesting job you have. I learned a lot in this. Thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 12:42 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
JASON: THANK YOU! I TRULY needed your words of inspiration! I am going to follow your One Day rule, with the hope that it gives me the PUSH I need to motivate myself to getting the work on the page, instead of just sloshing around in my head! THANK YOU!!!!
January 16, 2017 at 12:53 am
Cassandra Federman (@CassFederman)
Your days sound exhausting and rewarding!
January 16, 2017 at 1:01 am
Heather Merrill
Great post! Thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 1:05 am
Susan Cabael
I need to follow this advice! I printed your “one day” image as a visual reminder.
January 16, 2017 at 1:06 am
Butterfly Kisses and Silly Wishes
Thanks so much for your perspective! I can’t imagine where you find the time especially commuting to Manhattan! That takes courage!!
Good luck with your debut book!
Gabrielle Schoeffield
January 16, 2017 at 1:12 am
Jill Giesbrecht
Thank you for your part in making late-night laughs. They often rejuvenate me for a new start tomorrow. Thank you too for your encouragement to set a one day deadline. Great idea.
January 16, 2017 at 1:13 am
Elizabeth Saba
Love the one day rule. Thanks.
January 16, 2017 at 1:14 am
nabinava
Focus on One Day is great advice! Thanks for putting things in perspective, Jason.
January 16, 2017 at 1:22 am
Nori Underhill
That’s Storystorm, all right. 30 (or will it be 31) consecutive day-jobs!
p.s. My rough first draft for today was a twist on the classic stone soup formula, except this time, three would-be thieves try the trick on a village of ogres — who naturally eat stone!
January 16, 2017 at 1:23 am
Darcie Durr
Great, practical, easy-to-follow advice. Thanks Jason!
January 16, 2017 at 1:27 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
This is exactly the approach I started taking about 2 years ago to get some first drafts down on paper. I had all these ideas and hardly any manuscripts, because I seemed paralyzed when it came to writing that first draft! Great advice — thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 1:28 am
Moni
Thanks for the advice! T.V. audience and grouchy host. Got it!
January 16, 2017 at 1:30 am
Rachelle
Interesting how your day job informs your writing. Thanks.
January 16, 2017 at 1:32 am
gingermeurer
Thank you for the great advice. It can be tricky to balance daily deadlines with the hurry up and wait of the publishing world. And you day job sounds incredible.
January 16, 2017 at 1:34 am
Sandy Perlic
My favorite post so far! (And a mindset I really need to adopt…)
Thank you!
January 16, 2017 at 1:44 am
susanbruck
Thanks for the great advice. I have a day job, too–teaching Deadlines are definitely my friends–if I don’t have them from the outside, I at least try to make them up, And try to just keep going. Some days it works better than others, though!
January 16, 2017 at 1:56 am
August Washington
Thank you. What an awesome job, and an awesome post.
January 16, 2017 at 1:58 am
Jilanne Hoffmann
Oh, man. I needed to hear this today. I gotta get with the program.
January 16, 2017 at 2:28 am
emilygmoorewriter
What a fun post! Not only was it awesome to hear about behind the scenes at those late night shows, but to get an applicable technique for pushing through a tough day/night of writing… priceless. Thank you! Hopefully I’ll win the adorable book you’ve published.
January 16, 2017 at 3:39 am
Aimee Haburjak
Fascinating post and bio! Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2017 at 4:06 am
anniebailey7
This was a great post. Your job sounds so interesting! I agree, sometimes you just need to bang it out and move on.
January 16, 2017 at 4:51 am
telltalestome
Ms Fusspot (that’s me !) would love a copy of Mr. Particular
January 16, 2017 at 6:52 am
Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle)
“A steady march. A whole new day tomorrow. You move on.”
Words I needed to hear! Thank you for this wonderful post. Congrats on Mr. Particular!
January 16, 2017 at 7:42 am
Dee Knabb
Sounds like your day job has been great training to just get things done- no time for writer’s block or perfection. Liked your post and congrat on MR PARTICULAR.
January 16, 2017 at 8:45 am
barbara kupetz
Deadlines can (at first) be terrifying but in the end a good thing. I like your idea of focusing on one day. Thanks for sharing your story and method.
January 16, 2017 at 8:26 am
Elaine Kiely Kearns
Great post! Do a draft in one day, then revise for months at a time! Congrats on MR. PARTICULAR!
January 16, 2017 at 8:42 am
Patricia Alcaro
Thanks for reminding us to set personal deadlines…it works!
January 16, 2017 at 8:50 am
Jean Gralley
Thanks! I needed that.
January 16, 2017 at 8:52 am
Joanna Sabal
LOVE your day-job!
January 16, 2017 at 9:22 am
writeknit
“Full of Finicky Fun” cracked me up this morning (at my day job). When I get home tonight I am grabbing one of my ideas from the month so far and writing a PB. Be it good, bad or indifferent, it will be on paper before midnight or shortly thereafter. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 16, 2017 at 9:55 am
Jill Jeffries
Thanks for the idea to set an end-of-day deadline, an expectation and work towards it. I know this will work!
January 16, 2017 at 10:04 am
Susan Howard
Jason, you are an inspiration for sure. Where do you get your energy – I’d like to buy a case! I don’t think many could fill your shoes for a day. Although, I would imagine your night job to be therapeutic. I’m looking forward to reading your book with my son. Thank you for sharing.
January 16, 2017 at 10:10 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Great post on placing importance on our writing – thanks for the inspiration!
January 16, 2017 at 10:38 am
Jacqueline Adams
I like your advice about hurrying up and getting it done and then slowing down to make it perfect. It’s easy to spend too much time trying to make it perfect the first time through, and then feeling like I got nothing done. Thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 10:43 am
justcomposeyourself
Jason,
Thank you so much for encouraging a real ” go get it” attitude when it comes to writing. No one said it has to be perfect! And that fear usually holds us back from ever putting a single word down! But I love the One Day mantra- and I will implement it! Thank you! Can’t wait to read Mr. Particular!
January 16, 2017 at 10:45 am
jhayslett
Being a newspaper journalist made me a deadline performer to the max. Thanks to Jason, that is going to be my ‘go-to’ remedy to blank-page staring..
January 16, 2017 at 11:24 am
Linda Staszak
I love the idea of giving myself a deadline. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 16, 2017 at 11:25 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Such good tips! Thank you! And we love love this book!
January 16, 2017 at 11:46 am
JEN Garrett
It’s funny you don’t get asked how your day job informs your writing… I get asked that all the time! Could have something to do with the nature of my day job, however. 😉 Great post!
January 16, 2017 at 11:50 am
Tonya Lippert
Your post was a fun read. Your day-job method is one I have never tried. I will hold on to it as one to consider when I am stuck. Thank you.
January 16, 2017 at 11:59 am
April Scott
What an interesting approach to writing books. Just getting started sometimes is half the battle. I love the idea of challenging oneself to get it done by the end of the day and then take the time to edit and revise. I will definitely Give it a try! Congrats on your debut book!
January 16, 2017 at 12:03 pm
christinerodenbour
Posting your last paragraph to my desk (aka dining table). True, true and true.
January 16, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Sandy Brown Lowe
I totally agree. As an aspiring picture book writer, I would benefit from some real deadlines. Thanks for the idea!
January 16, 2017 at 12:17 pm
diana delosh
Great Post Jason! I like that End of day deadline. Maybe that’s what I need to get me out of my creative quagmire.
January 16, 2017 at 12:23 pm
carrie a. pearson
This is a timely (sorry) post. Busy is not the same as productive, right?
January 16, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Pamela Courtney
So I totally get caught in editing as I go. I find that I actually don’t go. Anywhere. This is such a good idea. Make a plan for that day. Complete that plan. And, I can re-work, re-visit, revise that plan if needed. Me likey this. I know I can totally do this. Thank you.
January 16, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Kristi Veitenheimer
Get ‘er done! Progress is so important to keep up the enthusiasm and positive attitude!
January 16, 2017 at 12:33 pm
caroliverson
Hmmm. totally new concept for me. I will try that some day when I don’t have any distractions to derail me.
January 16, 2017 at 12:42 pm
bamauthor
People who work with strict deadlines like yours are forced to be organized to produce. Most writers are able to procrastinate because they feel that rushing makes their finished product inferior. I am the type of person who feels compelled to finish way ahead of schedule and that propels me to keep producing ahead of deadlines.
January 16, 2017 at 12:58 pm
pamzollman
I really enjoyed this post. I always work best with deadlines, which I guess is true of most writers. I really like the idea of “get it done today,” since it’s so easy to just stare at the blank screen and wind up not doing anything. My critique group didn’t used to have goals or deadlines, but after I first suggested it, and then we implemented it… well, we have all shown up at our weekly meetings with pages to critique. Our reward for “getting it done” six weeks in a row is yogurt and our punishment for missing one time is that no one gets yogurt and we all have to start counting our six weeks over. Yeah, that makes for a lot of peer pressure. LOL! So, do it today — just get it done. Tomorrow you can revise. 😉
January 16, 2017 at 1:12 pm
susanhaderlie
Thanks for the advice!
January 16, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Nadine Gamble
Deadlines are good…the smaller the better sometimes. I’m going to give your method a try…
January 16, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Wendy Wahman
Fantastic! Thank you.
January 16, 2017 at 1:52 pm
Wendy Wahman
I meant to add that I worked for a daily newspaper for many years. I had similar training to “go!” every day. I’ve gotten lax lately, so this is a great push to get back to that. You have a very cool day job, Jason.
January 16, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Sydney O'Neill
Love the suggestion of a self-imposed deadline. Thank you!
January 16, 2017 at 2:19 pm
donnacangelosi
Thank you, Jason! Great advice to set up personal deadlines! It’s all about getting the story down on paper.
January 16, 2017 at 2:42 pm
amomnextdoor
Eager to try the one day rule!
January 16, 2017 at 3:12 pm
Keila Dawson
Ha! This line made me laugh, “Set yourself an end-of-day deadline and pretend there’s a national tv audience and a grouchy host waiting for your work.” That’s a great example of putting yourself into your work. Love Mr. Particular, can’t wait to read more of your books. 🙂
January 16, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Dani Duck
Love this strategy! I’ve used it before, but not always consciously. I will have to keep this in mind moving forward.
January 16, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Catherine F
Interesting advice. Thank you Jason! I think that I now need to do this with some of my Storystorm ideas :o)
January 16, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
Thanks. I like the thought of just getting ideas down even if they need to be changed later. I tend to draw pictures of any idea that pops into my head during the day. If i don’t have time to draw it right away, I’ll write it down and draw it later in the day.
January 16, 2017 at 4:38 pm
mariagianferrari
Great advice, Jason!! What a cool day job (and night job) you have :)! Looking forward to reading Mr. Particular.
January 16, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Tracey Brown
Thanks for the inspiration, Jason!
January 16, 2017 at 4:47 pm
claireannette1
Great strategies – I always do better when I have a deadline. Looking forward to reading Mr. Particular and I’m going to pay more attention to late night show props.
January 16, 2017 at 4:48 pm
triciacandy
Such a great exercise – I will force myself to use it!
January 16, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Donna L Martin
I really like the idea of the forced deadline to complete a project. When I’m running low on blog topics, I will sometimes wait until the 11th hour and then force myself to complete my post in 60 minutes or less. If makes me accountable and forces me to unleash the creativity instead of holding back like I do sometimes…;~)
Great post!
January 16, 2017 at 5:14 pm
makz5650
I like this. I am going to do this…get a manuscript out in one day and see what comes out of it! Thank you and congratulations on your debut picture book.
January 16, 2017 at 5:18 pm
Susanne
Great idea! You can always change it but at least you’d have something started to work on.
January 16, 2017 at 5:33 pm
darlene koppel
I love your Do It In One Day rule. You inspired me. Yes, I’m going to get that draft out today.
January 16, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for your post!
January 16, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Deb
Thank you for all the information about how you use do it! It gives me that I can do it attitude!
January 16, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Mary Jane Muir
What a great idea! I am going to try it. I also think you are amazing to do what you do so fast and so well!
January 16, 2017 at 7:21 pm
Carleen Shreeve
Great idea! Going to give it a try. Thanks for the post!
January 16, 2017 at 8:43 pm
storyfairy
Nice post. The “one day” rule has definitely helped me in writing picture book manuscripts.
January 16, 2017 at 8:55 pm
Jennifer Larson Hunt
I am gonna try imagining an audience and grumpy host waiting on my work. I bet it’ll help me to finish that manuscript. Thanks for the nudge.
January 16, 2017 at 10:31 pm
katmaz2012
Sense of humor is a must! Thanks
January 16, 2017 at 11:06 pm
Kristen Browning
Great advice! It is so hard sometimes to get the story written without a deadline. I’m going to have to trick myself into thinking I have one. Thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 11:22 pm
Vanessa
Thank you for the one day challenge
January 16, 2017 at 11:23 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Jason! I like the One Day rule and will give it a whirl!
January 16, 2017 at 11:31 pm
amievc
Thanks for this fun window into your day job and how you use those skills in your PB work!
January 16, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Lill Pluta
Excellent advice. Thank you. I needed to hear that.
January 16, 2017 at 11:36 pm
Sara Gentry
Thanks for the advice. I am the type of person that would definitely benefit from the day job deadline.
January 16, 2017 at 11:50 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Jason! Making myself apply efficient work habits at my day-job to my writing elevates writing in my life!
January 16, 2017 at 11:51 pm
Meghan Burch
Thanks for sharing! I’m not sure I like the image of a grumpy host hanging over me, but if it gets the job done….
January 17, 2017 at 12:03 am
rjtraxel
Cool job. I like your method of committing to getting one thing done.
January 17, 2017 at 12:25 am
writersideup
I love this, Jason 🙂 I tend to be impatient with picture book first drafts so a day or two is typical for, as well as the typical need tweaking after the fact, too 😀
January 17, 2017 at 1:00 am
August Washington
I’ve been reading this post all day. What a great post!
January 17, 2017 at 1:03 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Great to see the advantage to both.
January 17, 2017 at 2:38 am
Amanda Sincavage
Jason, I loved reading about your day job and how it intertwines with your writing. I appreciate the “do it in one day” advice and have a couple manuscripts that may need this intense approach. And your illustrations are great! Thanks.
January 17, 2017 at 7:28 am
aidantalkin
I love your one day challenge. It is amazing how much can get done (and with less tightness and perfectionism) when there’s a limited time. Must go… got to finish my rough story idea!
January 17, 2017 at 7:55 am
Dana Carey
Great advice! Thanks.
January 17, 2017 at 7:55 am
Lisa Morgan
Jason, I loved reading about you! It never occurred to me that there are prop designers. It brings my STEAM lessons to a whole new level. You spend the day creating and problem solving. I would love to have you speak with our second grade students! Your challenge of getting it done in one day is daunting, but valid. If you power through, you’ve got something at the end of your writing time, and there is always more time the next day to revise.
January 17, 2017 at 8:21 am
hmmmmm
Such a good rule — thanks Jason.
January 17, 2017 at 8:57 am
Juliann Caveny
Love your suggestion! This is exactly what I’m trying to do w/StoryStorm this year– One story, completely drafted, each day. There’s a struggle and a bit of a creative clog at times, but in the end, it’s satisfying to know I’ve tried! Thanks for the post and the inspiration!
January 17, 2017 at 9:28 am
Kara Cargill
Do it today. Great advice. I need to remember that. Thank you.
January 17, 2017 at 10:43 am
Jennifer Ali
Thank you! On an idea marathon now….
January 17, 2017 at 10:56 am
Joan Swanson
We could all use a little humor in our lives. Thanks for the advise, I will try that tonight!
January 17, 2017 at 11:03 am
Deborah Allmand
Love setting the end of day decline. Thanks for the post!
January 17, 2017 at 11:06 am
Jennifer Raudenbush
I love this idea of using my everyday life or day job to inform my picture book writing.
January 17, 2017 at 11:13 am
suzannepoulterharris
Love this post! I’m going to pretend I work at a television studio and see what I can get done in a day.
January 17, 2017 at 11:25 am
Melissa
Extra time is a blessing and a curse! I work so much faster with a deadline. Such great advice! Thank you, Jason!
January 17, 2017 at 11:48 am
Kirsten Bock
Great advice, Jason! Overthinking and self-doubt can definitely stop me from writing.
January 17, 2017 at 11:49 am
Kirsten Bock
great advice, Jason!
January 17, 2017 at 11:54 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Very interesting dynamics between your two jobs. Thanks for enlightening us. I’ll surely try not to overthink my character’s journey. Good luck to you!
January 17, 2017 at 11:59 am
Lori Alexander
What a cool day-job! Thanks for sharing your “one day” technique.
January 17, 2017 at 12:22 pm
kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 17, 2017 at 1:00 pm
elisasolea
Thank you
January 17, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Kelsey
Great advice.
Whenever friends/family ask about my writing, I always tell them it’s my 5-9 am, not my 9am-5pm. One day…
January 17, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Janet Halfmann
Need to try giving myself a deadline when I’m stuck. Thanks for the tip.
January 17, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Caren L Cantrell
I love the one day rule because patience is not my strong suit. And if I think of my revision process as the one day rule too, I might be more apt to do them than ship off my work when it isn’t in it’s best state.
January 17, 2017 at 1:59 pm
colleen kosinski
Great post, Jason!
January 17, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Margaret Gerhardstein
“Do it in one day” will be my mantra whenever I’m stuck staring at a blank page. Thanks for the tip!
January 17, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Sharon Cowley
Good advice–GET IT DONE
January 17, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
One-day deadline: scary as hell or revelatory working method? Probably both.
January 17, 2017 at 2:34 pm
peardigger
Yes!! This is so true and tricky with open-ended work. Gotta get it to stage or you will be rehearsing in your mind forever. Thanks for this reminder.
January 17, 2017 at 3:26 pm
writingcygnet
Great post. Thanks for the ideas and encouragement. I love the idea of imagining I’m writing for a grouchy late night host!
January 17, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Yes! I need to try this! Thank you for sharing–
January 17, 2017 at 4:13 pm
hdening
Thanks, Jason. Your “day-job” rule forces one to move forward–no more excuses, no more procrastinating.
January 17, 2017 at 4:32 pm
ptnozell
Love the one-day rule & am in absolute awe at your job-juggling skills! Thanks for sharing, Jason.
January 17, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Erin Nowak
Awesome! I love incorporating camera shots onto my illustration. Still working on that!
January 17, 2017 at 9:52 pm
Jenna W
Great advice!
January 18, 2017 at 1:45 am
aliciaminor
You are indeed a lucky and gifted writer/illustrator. Your hard work and dedication is truly an inspiration. More blessings to you!
January 18, 2017 at 3:52 am
Hélène Sabourin
Very good plan
January 18, 2017 at 7:52 am
April Welch
Thanks for the inspiration. You had some great ideas for how to get unstuck.
January 18, 2017 at 9:47 am
Darshana
great post. thanks!
January 18, 2017 at 10:04 am
bgonsar
Thanks for the post Jason! I admit after spending a full day at work and then taking the often-delayed train home, the last thing you want to do is sit down and work some more. But setting deadlines and game plans are key.
January 18, 2017 at 10:35 am
LaurenKerstein
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Setting a time limit and crafting a from start to finish certainly provides valuable information about potential revisions, narrative arc, what works and what doesn’t.
January 18, 2017 at 11:43 am
Christine Pinto
I love the one day role! I’m putting it on a post it over my desk! Thanks!
January 18, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Yes, deadlines have proven time and again to be my friend! Thank you for sharing your strategy.
January 18, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Wendy Greenley
I needed this post. Life has been messing with me lately and I didn’t see the moments that could be progress. Thank you, Jason! (and you have one of the coolest jobs–both of them)
January 18, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Lorraine
Appreciate the advice. Thanks!
January 18, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Lacey Gunter
Wow, I like this advice! I think it will really help me. Thanks!
January 18, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Alison Goldberg
Thanks for this advice!
January 18, 2017 at 12:59 pm
ritaborg
oh gosh what a creative life. so jealous
January 18, 2017 at 1:42 pm
shirleyngbenitez
Very very cool Jason!! Thanks for your great post. I’m definitely going to try this!
January 18, 2017 at 1:52 pm
DB Cote
I liked your advice to “Get it done TODAY. Pick a path and move forward.” Thank you, Jason.
January 18, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Maria Oka
What a great perspective! Thank you. I love the balance you have struck.
January 18, 2017 at 9:25 pm
mgkingwrites
I once heard someone say that deadlines are freeing — love your reflections here about setting a daily goal and pushing through to completion regardless of how good or bad it might be. Great productivity insight, thank you.
January 18, 2017 at 9:27 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
What an amazing background! Our personal experiences certainly do shape who we are as book creators! I have not yet had the pleasure of reading Mr. Particular and I look forward to it. Thanks for sharing, Jason.
January 18, 2017 at 10:05 pm
saputnam
Great post, Jason! Thank you for giving us a peek behind the scenes at how your day job influences your writing! I used your One Day approach all the time in PiBoIdMo … and the “Hurry up and get it done and then slow down and take your time to make sure it’s perfect.” works for me
January 19, 2017 at 12:44 am
Steve Schwartz
Thanks for the reminder that you can’t fine tune what you’ve not yet put to paper.
January 19, 2017 at 2:40 am
Marge Gower
Trying to fine tune before I have the whole idea down has never worked for me. I’ll remember what you said. thanks.
January 19, 2017 at 4:42 am
Myrna Foster
Great plan! Thanks for sharing!
January 19, 2017 at 7:16 am
Nadine Poper
What a cool day job! I have been the vice-president and board member of a local theater group for 17 years and I’ve met some talented set designers. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to reading Mr. Particular.
January 19, 2017 at 10:40 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
Thank you for sharing this concept– push through it and get something on the page. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done! The wonder of live television is a great way to be inspired and to show you a very different way of creating– the fast and furious version 🙂
January 19, 2017 at 3:53 pm
K.A.Steed
Thank you for this idea!
January 19, 2017 at 4:29 pm
kmajor2013
I enjoyed your post. In other words, don’t put off doing something until tomorrow when you can do it today. Thanks.
January 19, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Anne Bielby
“Do it in one day. Get it done TODAY. Pick a path and move forward. Whether it be an outline, a picture book manuscript, or a chapter of your novel — see it through to it’s conclusion. Get it to stage before showtime.” Now there’s a plan!
January 19, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Carrie Chan
I can totally relate. Homeschool Mom and Hairstylist by day and children’s book author by…Well….By anytime I can. Thanks for the post. I like the one day goal suggestion. I am going to fit that in.
January 19, 2017 at 8:14 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Thank you Jason, just need to master revising now
January 19, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Loved reading your piece. 🙂
January 20, 2017 at 6:50 am
Elaine Cline
Thanks for your advice. Very useful hints.
January 20, 2017 at 9:17 am
Anna Smith
Love the post. Working full time and trying to write is sometimes overwhelming. Thanks for the advice.
January 21, 2017 at 12:30 am
Matt Leitzen
Sometimes, you just have to get it done. Thanks for the post.
January 21, 2017 at 5:14 am
Laura
Having too much time to do something can be just as bad as not having enough and I find I can stagnate and pootle until all impetus has been sucked out of me like air from a balloon. I like deadlines and this helps to be less ‘precious’ about the whole thing, thank you.
January 21, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the great advice!
January 21, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great post! Thanks a lot!
January 22, 2017 at 12:49 pm
cantsing1
What a different work you live in. Hmmmm . . . lots to think about. Thanks!
January 22, 2017 at 1:27 pm
angiecal76
Your perspective is so interesting and quite different from our writing world. It was nice to hear someone say that certain things a writer needs to get done can possibly be done in a day. Great advice, Jason!
January 22, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Susan Latta
Good advice. Going to set more one-day deadlines. Thanks!
January 23, 2017 at 1:17 pm
rosiepova
The trick of the deadline 🙂 Thank you!
January 23, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Linda Norman-Lyman
It is too easy to get bogged down in the details rightfrom the start. you’ve given me a lot to think about. Thanks!
January 23, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Bethanny Parker
I really like this idea. I’m going to give it a try.
January 23, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Anne Appert
This was such a great post. I love the idea of setting one-day deadlines. I am definitely going to start thinking about that. Thank you!
January 23, 2017 at 5:36 pm
Donna Rossman
Thanks for the advice! 🙂
January 23, 2017 at 6:11 pm
Anita Banks
Thank you for the advice.
January 23, 2017 at 9:38 pm
Carolyn
A kick in the pants. Just what I need. Thanks
January 24, 2017 at 12:15 am
wendymyersart
I feel like you are speaking to me. I’m such a perfectionist it bogs me down at times. I need to read your post every morning as a reminder to light a fire under it. Thanks Jason!
January 24, 2017 at 11:37 pm
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Jason, I am a writer that needed this antidote for self pacing. “Pick a path and move forward. ” Time to face my personal deadlines like they’re real. And you’ll notice I’m reading this post a week late.
January 25, 2017 at 8:36 am
Sheila Lynch-Afryl
Great advice.
January 25, 2017 at 10:34 pm
blanchebaxter
Thanks Jason! The one day deadline is the kick in the pants design I needed to push forward on a difficult project. 🙂
January 26, 2017 at 12:39 am
sandiejaarsma
So do you fight the urge to fashion characters after recognizable people?
January 26, 2017 at 12:47 pm
Sandie vaisnoras
That’s a good tip…. getting done what you need ini in one day. Thank you.
January 27, 2017 at 3:24 pm
artsyandi
Fantastic advice. I have been procrastinating on an idea that I desperately need to get out onto paper. Tomorrow will be the day!
January 28, 2017 at 7:40 am
Sharon Giltrow
Hi Jason thank you for taking the time to share your tips on how to work a day job (a creative one) and how it relates to your PB writing. I love deadlines :-).
January 28, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Debbie Austin
Thanks, Jason. I agree; sometimes too much time is too much time. I often get bogged down in the myriad of choices before me, which I let prevent me from writing at all. I’ve recently tried using a timer to get me moving. It works!
January 28, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Shirley
Sounds like you have two fun jobs. It’s amazing to see how you can keep juggling both at he same time.
January 28, 2017 at 11:35 pm
Cindy Jolley
As someone who works well with a deadline, this is such great advice! If I just get it done, I can always go back and take time to perfect it later. Thank you.
January 29, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Jill Tadros
Deadlines are always a great motivator for me. I tend to loll a bit.
January 29, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Jade Johnson
You for sure have the most interesting day and night jobs! The last portion of your post feels akin to what our professors would tell us about “the 10,000 hours”: basically, you have to spend 10,00 hours making bad drawings to get to the good stuff; and even though they’re bad, at least you’re drawing. In this case, at least we’re making headway on our stories. 🙂
January 30, 2017 at 2:17 am
Tasha
I love this advice–I tend to get sucked into anxiety and worry and overthinking and I can see value in your process and I am going to try it!
January 30, 2017 at 5:55 am
Cindy E. Owens
This was a great article. Maybe this will help me beat procrastination.
January 30, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Alena Telford
Great advice. A deadline might help me get something on the page.
January 30, 2017 at 3:48 pm
CindyC
Thanks for working us into your “one day,” Jason! I’m going to practice this today. Great post!
January 30, 2017 at 6:03 pm
kjerstenhayes
Crunch deadlines always help me get stuff done. Thanks!
January 31, 2017 at 1:16 am
lahewson
Thanks for your inspiring post, Jason. I think using deadlines is important, especially for a procrastinator like myself.
January 31, 2017 at 5:18 am
Melanie
Thank you so much for your post!
January 31, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Helen Latos
Thank you for the post. I like the idea of an end of the day deadline, I will try to use that.
January 31, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Great post. Thanks for sharing. I like the idea of giving myself an end of the day deadline.
January 31, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Kelly Vavala
WOW! Very impressive day job as well as your writing/illustrator career! Bravo! I like this One Day philosophy and just might try it… One of these days! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us!
January 31, 2017 at 8:20 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
The message in your post really hit home. With a full-time job and three kids, it’s hard to find the perfect time to write and I tend to put it off. If I put a deadline on it, then maybe I will hurry up and get something done. Thank you!
February 1, 2017 at 1:50 am
Bethany Mandich
This post is gold. The hurry-up-and-write-it matched with time-rich revising resonates loudly with this author. Thanks, Jason.
February 1, 2017 at 10:03 am
Lauri Meyers
I too respond to the last minute pressure, even if it is a fake rule I’ve made for myself.
February 1, 2017 at 10:15 pm
Mary Crockett
so many great ideas … every day…
February 8, 2017 at 4:49 pm
kari
Good idea. Sometimes too much time is worse than not enough.
September 10, 2017 at 9:34 am
Paper People: Jason Kirschner – Magnolias & Manuscripts
[…] I’m afraid I don’t do it very well yet. I start my day job pretty early in the morning so most of my drawing is at night after the kids are in bed. Admittedly, it’s not a great system because I’m pretty wiped by then. I do get a second wind though and push through most nights. Also, I’ve had the last couple of summers off while my shows have been on hiatus which is a nice chunk of time to work on book stuff. I think I actually get more done when I have more on my plate. When I have absolutely nothing to do, I have a hard time getting started. My studio is in our attic so if my kids ever forget what I look like, they just need to walk upstairs–which they do more often than you’d think. (Check out Jason’s post on ‘The Day Job Rule’ here) […]
January 15, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Vicki Wilke
Big undertaking to complete something each day – but worth a try!
January 15, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Great advise, Jason!
Too much time can be the devil’s advocate.
January 23, 2019 at 9:58 pm
andromeda515
Do it in one day. I like that. Gets you over the hump of getting started before you know it, and you have something to show for it. Thanks!