Whenever you start a project, you should decide on how much time you want to spend on it. You should NOT look at the project and try to figure out how much time it will take to complete it.
Let’s say you want to write an RPG book. What happens if you have a great idea but it takes 2 years to write it? Well, you might write it but what happens after that? If you publish your next book 2 years later, you’re screwed. You might have a good time writing but you’re not getting anywhere when it comes to reliable income.
Even 6 months is a long product cycle.
What can you do in one month that would sell?
Isn’t it true that we are the most creative when we are bound by strict restrictions? Get something out there now and see what happens!
August 30, 2009 at 1:03 pm
It seems that for most things there is an optimal time period for producing quality work and its usually less than we think we need. Based on my experience, my best shots in soccer were when I didn’t have a lot of time to think about them; as a military analyst my best projects had tight deadlines; and when I got into graphic design my best work was when I had to quickly settle on a concept and execute it. Too much time seems to lead to over-thinking or over-working a project which can often lead to a loss of “freshness” and clarity, not to mention declining enthusiasm. I’ve also found that personal projects without a concrete deadline are less likely to be completed. — my 2-cents
August 30, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I find working under pressure keeps me in a flow state for longer as well. Plus, with less time to change my mind about things, I don’t.
Great post, Yax.
August 30, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Very relevant post here. I’d like to add in my input from personal experience as well. I find that if I write a product with the concept of “get it done” and then go back (and spend at least as much time) refining and fine-tuning it, that I’m much happier with and save time creating the final result, than if I try to do the fine tuning “during” the writing process.
August 30, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hi everyone.
Glad it rang through with you. Whenever I feel unmotivated I ask myself “can I finish something that’s of great enough value to be announced to my community”. Most of the time there is something I can finish, that can be featured, and that matches my overall objectives.
August 31, 2009 at 3:19 am
A useful insight and something I’ll keep in mind when planning the product line. Great post indeed.
Cheers, Marcus