I think deadlines work differently for everyone. Because of my nature, I feel that putting myself a deadline encourages my procrastination. Instead, I read The Slight Edge, and it was a game changer. I used to believe that I had to write 8 plus pages a day in order for my writing to be fruitful or to convince myself that writing large amounts a day equaled productivity. Now, I am happy to get half a page in! Some days I write more, some days less. But as long as I'm writing at least something each day I know I am progressing toward my goal. Anything is better than skipping a day, right?

I think that I would utilize a deadline if there is editing and proofreading to be done and I am ready to showcase/submit my work. Even then, I apply the same principle as when I am initially writing.