This week's writing report:
I write weekdays from 6am to 7am Pacific. Join me!
Monday:
I’m not quite sure what I’m doing. I feel directionless which is starting to get frustrating. Added more to the scene then used the rest of my time to compile what I’ve got so far for a grand total word count of…6,000 words. I thought it would be much more, so I’m feeling a bit discouraged. But still, that’s 6,000 words I didn’t have a few weeks ago.
Tuesday:
Revisited my notes about one of the lead characters, and listed several scenes which could support his emotional growth, and backstory which could show why at the beginning his life is a dumpster fire. Now I’m completely buzzy and overwhelmed by a weird combination of excitement and self-doubt. Spent some time doodling while listening to my growing work-in-progress playlist.
Wednesday:
Time got away from me a bit as I puttered around, opening and closing documents. Added to my brainstorm list of possible plot events (I won’t use all of them of course, but it helps to just generate ideas and see what stands out.) I might have closed my eyes for a bit. I won’t beat myself up about it.
Thursday:
Sleepy and unfocused, and grumpy as shit and sure that this whole writing business is a terrible idea. Decide to spend some time building a tentative key plot point timeline with the Plottr app. (Which meant of course I had to also watch tutorials.) I choose to believe that this project will get off the ground; I get excited when I think about it. I just have to be patient while the wheels spin and stay in the habit of showing up for it. This is not my strong suit.
Friday:
Woke up with a fresh attitude. Spent the time working in Plottr and mapped out more key scenes following the Save the Cat! beats. I’ve got that buzzy feeling again. I know where we start and end; I know the midpoint and where all is lost. I have enough to be able to just pick a scene and go next week. BUT I also see now how much there is to do. Bird by bird, as Anne Lamott says.
Also, the two lead characters remain nameless, which is maddening. I keep thinking that the universe will present them to me on a shiny platter. Waiting, universe!
I share this regular update because it is all progress. One sentence is progress. Showing up is progress. No one is doing "better" than you. I promise.
💗 Stephanie