I dread housework. I love a clean house, but there are usually waaaay to many things to do to get it to that point.
And, like many people, I put it all off until the weekend, when suddenly there are so many projects that I don't know where to start and, often, procrastinate much of the day away.
The same thing happens with writing.
Loads of ideas β‘οΈ procrastination β‘οΈ not building my body of work.
Perhaps I indulge in overwhelm more than some, but I know I'm not alone in this. Creative people have an abundance of ideas. Where we struggle sometimes is using the analytical side of our brains to focus and get things done. To this end...
Here is this week's Pep Talk! π
You've waited long enough to become the writer you want to be. Don't let the abundance of ideas derail your dreams!
This week's writing report:
I write weekdays from 6am to 7:15am Pacific.β Joiβn me!
Friday: Worked on fleshing out one of two main characters' interiority. Had to stop myself from going down a publishing rabbit hole on this project that is so early it's barely even out of the egg.
Monday: Finished the character development work from Friday, and had some time left to actually write a scene. Except...I froze. Got totally anxious. Checked my email instead. Hello, resistance!
Tuesday: I forced myself to only work on a scene, no planning or notetaking or otherwise procrastinating. Got about 500 words written and they are complete garbage. But they're on the page!
Wednesday: Started the Zoom for Morning Writes, turned off my camera, and fell asleep in my chair. Woke up 20 minutes later and checked my email. Forced myself to write at least one sentence before I could get up. Wrote two!
Thursday: Kept working on the scene. It's a steamy one, though told in a detached way, so I was very uncomfortable because I don't normally write steamy stuff. *blushes*
I've decided to share this regular update because it is all progress. One sentence is progress. Showing up is progress. No one is doing "better" than you. π
β‘οΈ How is your writing going this week? Drop a comment and let us know!
In other news...
The βReading Like Writers Book Clubβ is studying (drumroll please...) Olympus, Texas, by Stacey Swann in April. To join the conversation (or to find out what Iβm talking about) read this post!
π What I'm reading: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
πΊ What I'm watching: ShΕgun (FX), Ripley (Netflix), Top Chef (Bravo)
π§ What I'm listening to: Ink In Your Veins, a podcast with Rachel Herron
Sharing the Love and Learning
Are you writing thriller, suspense or mystery? Love a little haunted in your house? Two of my friends and fellow book coaches have created something you will want to see. Click here! (And scroll to the bottom to sign up for updates, because theyβre offering free stuff, too.)
Here's to productive writing sessions this week, my friend!
Warmly, Stephanie
P.S. I'll be βhere βwhen you're ready.
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