5 Ways A Writer is Like a Marathon Runner

Every year, someone I know runs in the Boston Marathon. Their goals: Finish the race and do it in the best possible time. It takes an enormous amount of conditioning throughout the year. They know their body will not be ready for this grueling race if they don't practice.

The race to publication requires the same type of determination and endurance:

1.  Just like a runner, the writer must learn good techniques.

2.  They must research the publishing industry the way a runner examines the kind of terrain he/she will face on the day of the race.

3.  Time must be set aside to practice for the marathon. The writer must prioritize their life, so they can meet their deadlines.

4.  While a runner's marathon may last a day, the writer's marathon can go on for years. The writer needs a steady diet of encouragement, continuing education, and in my case, prayer.

5.  Writing a novel in a set period of time will often mean putting hobbies and other activities on hold.

I'm coming down the home stretch of a novel-writing project right now. My goal: Finish by the time of my annual trip to a writers conference in July. I've build in some grace for those times when life happens, but I'm tracking well ahead of schedule.

Writers:  What kind of writing marathon are you on? What are some of the ways you stay on track?

Readers:  What projects are you working on - home renovation, craft projects, schooling, etc.? How do you stay motivated to reach the finish line?

Photo Credit:  Ambrozio