by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I’m on a deadline y’all, so this is going to be brief.

This deadline is for, Lord willing, my fifth published novel. I’ve been churning out words for weeks, months, okay a couple of years now, and I’ve made a few, let’s call them “observations,” regarding writing on a deadline.

Here ya go . . .

• If you have a “no caffeine after lunch” rule, you’re just going to have to let that go. Your new mantra? “It’s 6 a.m. somewhere.”
• If your caffeinated beverage of choice comes with a hefty helping of sweetener and a generous glob of whip, say goodbye to your skinny jeans. Or switch to unsweetened tea. These are the only two options.
• You’d better enjoy whatever seasonal decorations you’ve got going when deadline season hits, because you’re still going to be enjoying them when it ends. Easter decorations are still cute in June, right?
• You will not have time to spend hours searching out the perfect present for anyone, but that’s okay. Gift cards make great gifts and they’re usually available wherever chocolate and pain relievers are sold. Bonus!
• This is not the time to decide to increase your water intake. If you’re trying to stick to a certain amount of BIC (butt-in-chair) time, all that fruit infused water you’re sucking back is going to cause you a world of pain. Ask me how I know.
• Writing rituals are good. Need a certain pair of pants or the perfect tunes to get the words flowing? Roll with it. My new favorite motto? “It’s only crazy if it doesn’t work.” But be warned. Rituals that involve pastries are a good way to gain ten pounds. Rituals that involve your favorite coffee shop are a good way to go broke. Rituals that involve pastries AND your favorite coffee shop? No bueno my friends.
• Takeout menus and drive-thru windows are things of beauty. Make life easier. Order a pizza. Hit a drive-thru and grab another tea. You’re gonna need it.

That’s all I’ve got. So help a girl out. Give me some more tips. What have you learned while writing on deadline?

(True story: I really am on a deadline, but I originally came up with this list on my VERY FIRST deadline…and nothing has changed!)

Grace and peace,

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers living vicariously through her characters while safe at home in her pajamas! She drinks too much coffee, eats too much chocolate, does far too little Crossfit, and never leaves home without a book.

Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.