Will Write For Food.

Deep in revision land is a place I like to call 'the motivation station.' It isn't much, just a small place I like to visit once in a while. You know, after I get over a major wip stretch.

But what can be found in the motivation station? Anything you like. It's kind of like the donkey chasing the carrot on a stick. We see something we want, we keep going till we get it.

But how do you figure out when to use this reward method? I have a few levels.

Level 3: Comfort food. There is nothing like finishing that tricky chapter (or 1k), rewrite, edit session and indulging in a cookie treat.
Level 2: Relaxation. This is when I'm taking a break. You know, when your eyeballs are ready to explode after reading your MS. That time is movie time, sleep, a hot bath, a walk -- whatever you like to do to relax is good.
Level 1: New books/music. Now I know books are something to buy at anytime, but finishing a first draft/major revisions means reward. That reward, for me, is a book or a track off iTunes. This works 2 ways. 1) I get inspiration from the music. 2) Reading a book helps with my own writing.

I love writing, but there's something fun about reaching the end of a stage with something to look forward to. A completed MS is a wonderful thing (and the achievement that comes with it), but I've learnt it's the little things can help push me that little bit further.

How about you? How do you reward yourself for a major writing achievement?

P.S. I'm also over on Operation Awesome today. Feel free to come say hi. :)