Saturday, August 13, 2011

Deadlines


I had a couple of deadlines in the last 12 hours. One was for a tax client who was in an awful mess and needed refilings of incorrectly filed tax returns by another accountant. I hate that taking apart of another's work and finding all the differences and anomalies. I put it off as long as I could and then sorted everything properly into new files and new headings and it all felt a little cleaner and I was able to tackle it with a fresh perspective over this past week.

The other was much more enjoyable in that it was for two stories, one I had to finish and one I had to expand a little and fine tune and then file both by a deadline. I love the process of re-write, though it is always a little nerve-wracking too, reading stuff aloud - I do this as I wander around my house, pages in hand, if anyone barges in (and they frequently do, it is the Newfoundland way after all), I am sure they think me certifiable judging by the slightly raised eyebrows and the pattings of my arm as I try and explain what I'm doing. "There, there honey, you'll be alright once you have this soup I broughtcha!"

One story I was particularly pleased with, as it has taken me a few years to refine it and I have good hopes for it. But then again, I'm never sure. Is any writer ever sure?



9 comments:

  1. Well done on meeting your deadlines. I too have some arduous tasks I keep putting off, re-writes being among my least favourites, hotly followed by clearing out my wardrobe and shed this weekend!

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  2. Well done on getting everything finished. Now if you have time I need....

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  3. You have to be sure at one point and consider the story finished. You can't keep second guessing yourself. Have faith in yourself, WWW. It will be right.

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  4. From a client's point of view, I have just had to change accountants for my Income Tax return filing and the new lad had to do precisely what you did. I was very impressed with his work as the previous firm was too big for individual clients like me. I am one of those, finish everything much before the deadline charaters.

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  5. Laura:
    Once you start on the wardrobe thing it will be a breeze. I actually look forward to it now. One golden rule (for me) is everything has to fit me NOW.
    XO
    WWW

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  6. You know what they say, GM, if you want anything done quickly give it to a busy woman!
    XO
    WWW

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  7. Nora:
    Oh you made me laugh, last night I was driving home and kept thinking "shouldas" on the story. I should have written about the lab, I should have described the roads better.
    Thanks!
    XO
    WWW

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  8. Ramana:
    I can never seem to get that priority and finish thing going. I often feel I have some form of ADD, like a butterfly alighting on some new piece to be done and then fluttering off.
    Stickativity is not one of my assets. Unfortunately.
    Good luck with the new accountant!!
    XO
    WWW

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  9. It's a good thing we can't "re-write" our lives though, isn't it WWW? We'd never be done! I'd probably still be around 500 years later crossing out a move here, inserting an argument there.
    ;-)

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