Have you ever seen MacGyver? In one episode, there was a literal ticking clock counting down to the launch time of a missile aimed at MacGyver and a beautiful woman. As two unlikely heroes struggled to rescue two brilliant scientists, they also had to stem the flood of acid from reaching the water supply of Los Angeles. Of course, they did it all with chocolate bars, cigarettes (he coughed as he lit them) and a cold capsule. It was a true MacGyver moment.

Life can have ticking clock moments. A few weeks ago I had one when a team of three men repaired my heart with a wire, a balloon and a spring (stent). It was a scary time and I was so blessed to have a team of people all over the country praying for me.

How do you handle your stress-filled moments? How do you start when you have to meet a deadline for a contest, conference, appointment or some other writing “time bomb” that you can’t defuse? Here are some tips to help.

1. Do your research.
   1. Take advantage of Learn to Write a Novel. Just type your subject into the Search box. You’ll find all kinds of posts and videos to help you with your project.
   2. Lesson learned: do your homework.
2. Gather your supplies.
   1. Make a list of materials you’ll need. Don’t send in 500 words when guidelines specify 400 words.
   2. Lesson learned: know the specifications for the project.
3. Assemble your team.
   1. Always have someone proofread your work. If you can afford it, hire an editor. Gather a prayer team. Connect with the members of the writing community to help.
   2. Lesson learned: There’s a saying that God won’t give you more than you can bear. Beth Vogt reminded me a couple of weeks ago that it wasn’t true. The real truth is that God won’t give you more than He can bear.

What’s your best tip to handle a ticking clock?

~*~

Angie is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency and is currently working on a series of mystery novels set in small Southern towns. She and her husband live in the middle of a big wood outside a small town in South Carolina. Join her at Seriously Write or her website, AngelaArndt.com.