by Lisa Jordan, @lisajordan
Whether you’re published or waiting for the call, every writer experiences it—having no deadlines. Of course, for published writers, not having a deadline usually means they don’t have contracted novels.
And that’s where I am right now. I submitted the final book in my contract to my editor at the end of March. With back-to-back deadlines for the past couple of years, I don’t have to rush into plotting for the next book. While that downtime is good in order to refresh my spirit and to refuel my writing creativity, not having a contract doesn’t help with the bank account.
Here are five suggestions for others who may find themselves between deadlines or without contracts yet:
- Give Thanks. Yes, that’s right. Thank God for His provision, wisdom, and help during your deadline. Thank those who helped you to the finish—family, supportive friends, craft partners, prayer partners, and writing team. Many say writing is a solitary occupation. While I agree to a point, I’m where I am today because of my writing team—editor, agent, mentors, prayer partners, craft partners, and of course, my supportive family and friends.
- Breathe. Maybe you’ve put in long hours finishing up your manuscript before your deadline. Or perhaps, you’re still waiting for that offer to come through. Either way, take time to simply breathe…relax. I submitted one of my manuscripts during a family crisis, which tripled the stress level. But, once I turned it in, I was able to exhale and know I didn’t have to worry about it anymore.
- Reflect. Take some time to reflect about your previous deadline. Review the highlights and the struggles. What was the biggest challenge for you? What areas went well for you? I struggled with plots for a couple of the books in my series, but after having some conversations with my editor, we worked out the problems, and I was able to move forward. However, I had less time to write, so I needed to write smarter. While writing those books, I also had to do with some curveballs life had thrown our way. For future book series, I will have each book mapped out from the beginning so the rough drafts won’t be as difficult.
- Grow. Take advantage of this time between deadlines to strengthen your craft. No matter where you are in your writing career, you need to keep learning. I’ve been reading Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson. While it’s not a craft book, it’s a book about embracing those big dreams God has in store for you. In addition to reading novels from my TBR pile, I’ve also been reading some of my favorite writing blog posts and catching up on archived Peptalks in My Book Therapy’s writing school, Novel Academy.
- Move Forward. Like I said, being between deadlines allows for necessary downtime, but it doesn’t help the bank account. In order to grow your business and readership, continue focusing on new projects. For me, this means reviewing career goals with my agent and determining the next steps to meet those goals. Talk with your writing team—editor, agents, mentors, craft partners and set SMART—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely—goals for new opportunities. Step out in faith and walk with God to challenge yourself with expanding your career. Consider speaking and teaching if you’re qualified. Learn about becoming a hybrid author if indie publishing appeals to you. Wise counsel will enable you to determine future projects.
Having deadlines is an incredible blessing, but there are times when they can stress you out, especially if the days are flying off the calendar faster than your fingers can dance across your computer keys. Just know you’re not alone—millions of writers are there with you, and your editor and agent are only a phone call or an email away.
Taking time to assess your story and laying that foundation from the very beginning will help you to write smarter, not harder. That way, when you submit your manuscript by the contracted deadline, you can do so with peace in your spirit, knowing you did your best.
Remember to breathe, give thanks, reflect, learn, and move forward so you can begin the cycle all over again, but this time, you’ll do it more effectively.
A determined dad. A wary mother.
Making amends is never easy…
Injured in a kayaking accident, champion Evan Holland returns home to train rescue dogs. But his unexpected partner is the woman he left behind, Natalie Bishop. And she has a secret: a son Evan never knew he had. Now Evan must prove he can be a real father. But earning Natalie’s trust back will take hope, forgiveness—and risking everything on forever…
Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning author for Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after. Her latest book, The Father He Deserves, releases in July 2021. She is the operations manager for Novel Academy, powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for over thirty years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys quality family time and being creative with words, photos, fibers, and papers. Learn more about her at lisajordanbooks.com.