I still have a day job I enjoy, so I am not yet a full-time writer, but I am writing my first novel. I often discover traits about my characters, or problems they need to overcome, or plot twist when I’m not working or sleeping. I appreciate hearing you say you find value in not sitting every day to write. I’ve resisted the suggestion that I write something every day because when I do have something to write, it feels more complete and not like something I’ll need to cut. Thank you for sharing this brief workshop 😎
This is such an important part. I don’t lift weights everyday, breaks are needed In between, same is true for writing. I like to do other creative things like knitting or sewing and thinking about those things clears away space for my writing to percolate.
I just finished a 5 day marathon reading Count the Ways and How the Light Gets In, and I am reeling from the experience of meeting a character - Eleanor - who resonated with me so profoundly. Not only am I a writer and love John Prine, I, too, have an adult daughter with whom I am estranged (her choice, not mine). I also consulted Joshua Coleman. The pain of that is profound, but I have managed most of the time to put that sad situation on the back burner, and spend my time reveling in the good things: two wonderful sone, one amazing grandson and another on the way! I cried at the end of the second novel, something I rarely do, but it hit me hard how Eleanor celebrates her life and reflects on the road she travels; much of that road rocky and unexpected, no matter how hard she has tried to create the perfect life for herself and her family.
I love your writing and look forward to the next chapter! Thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement. Writing my memoir and am stuck at chapter 5. I put it down and for the life of me do not know why I don’t keep going. I’ve got all the information in my head, I’m pleased with what I’ve written so far but it sits there untouched. Going to the beach this week and will bring along my little friend and hope that we can reconnect and get this darn thing done!!!
I still have a day job I enjoy, so I am not yet a full-time writer, but I am writing my first novel. I often discover traits about my characters, or problems they need to overcome, or plot twist when I’m not working or sleeping. I appreciate hearing you say you find value in not sitting every day to write. I’ve resisted the suggestion that I write something every day because when I do have something to write, it feels more complete and not like something I’ll need to cut. Thank you for sharing this brief workshop 😎
This is such an important part. I don’t lift weights everyday, breaks are needed In between, same is true for writing. I like to do other creative things like knitting or sewing and thinking about those things clears away space for my writing to percolate.
I appreciate all your insights! Thank you for this.
I just finished a 5 day marathon reading Count the Ways and How the Light Gets In, and I am reeling from the experience of meeting a character - Eleanor - who resonated with me so profoundly. Not only am I a writer and love John Prine, I, too, have an adult daughter with whom I am estranged (her choice, not mine). I also consulted Joshua Coleman. The pain of that is profound, but I have managed most of the time to put that sad situation on the back burner, and spend my time reveling in the good things: two wonderful sone, one amazing grandson and another on the way! I cried at the end of the second novel, something I rarely do, but it hit me hard how Eleanor celebrates her life and reflects on the road she travels; much of that road rocky and unexpected, no matter how hard she has tried to create the perfect life for herself and her family.
I love your writing and look forward to the next chapter! Thank you!
So wise.
Great article!
Thanks for the encouragement. Writing my memoir and am stuck at chapter 5. I put it down and for the life of me do not know why I don’t keep going. I’ve got all the information in my head, I’m pleased with what I’ve written so far but it sits there untouched. Going to the beach this week and will bring along my little friend and hope that we can reconnect and get this darn thing done!!!
Just wondering if you make an outline or if you remember everything in your head.
no outline. But I'll talk in the future about my favorite tool: The Whiteboard.