Deadline Junkie

I've always been one of those people who is more productive with a deadline looming over my head. I don't know why this is. And this seems to only apply to the writing side of my life. As a student, I was the type to get my homework done right away. While I occasionally left a paper until just before it was due, I was much more likely to go through the syllabus and do EVERYTHING on it well in advance of the due dates.

But when it comes to writing a book, I like me some deadlines ;)

I've tried setting goals and deadlines for myself, but while those are helpful (more so when I'm working with friends who help keep me going), those self-set deadlines don't really motivate me much because I know, at the end of the day, there are no real, hard and fast consequences if I don't meet those goals.

But give me a good solid deadline, esp one involving a contract with a specific date or an editor waiting for my ms to hit her desk? Oooo boy, watch me go! I turn into an obsessed little hamster, pounding out the wordage until the task is complete (often well before the deadline).

Speaking of deadlines, there is one looming over my head as we speak, so I'm off to write! :D

How about you? Do you work well under pressure? Do you like having a deadline, or do you prefer having things clear and open?

***Don't forget to send us your questions for the agent/editor panel for the New Year's Revisions Conference!!! Only a few days left to get them in!***