Last Minute Writers

Last minute writers often come in last! Ouch! 

I've been thinking about those who wait until close to a deadline to send in a contest entry. They are to be commended for entering, as many writers think about entering a writing contest and think and think until they miss the deadline. However...

Those who enter on the deadline day or close to it run the risk of sending a piece of writing that was done in a hurry. When that happens, there is little time for editing and revising. It ends up either being skipped or done in such a hurry that it hardly makes a dent in good writing. The editing and revision process takes time. Write a first draft, then let it sit untouched for a few days, or even longer. Go back and edit and then at least once again. 

Send in your first draft, and you're quite likely to miss placing or winning a prize, especially if you're competing against others who have taken time to create a truly finished piece of writing. 

Out poster today says: 'Nothing makes me more productive than the last minute.' There is some truth in that saying. We definitely must move fast if we wait until close to the deadline. But will it be of benefit to us? Probably not. 

Some writers are also procrastinators. It's habitual with them. By doing so, they aren't giving themselves a fair shake. Plan ahead and work on a piece of writing a little at a time, and it is probably going to be a better result. Plan ahead to get ahead.

When a high school English teacher grades an essay assignment, he/she can tell who spent time on the writing and who dashed it off the night before. It's usually quite clear. So can contest judges.

So, what should you do? Plan ahead. If you enter your state writing contest annually, you'll know the time when the entry dates begin and end. Don't wait. Decide what you might like to enter. Perhaps it is something you've already written, or maybe you'd like to write a new piece for a certain category. Get that first draft written or start editing and revising a piece you've already written way ahead of the deadline. 

If you are the habitual procrastinator, you can change. It might be difficult, but you can do it. Do it once, twice, and more, and you might make it a habit. 

Yes, last minute writers often come in last!