Every time I get together with my writing group, I feel much better about my work (and also how hard writing is). As you (my nonexistent readers) know, I didn’t manage to send them the 50 pages that I was supposed to two weeks ago. I still have not made much progress writing (and today… Continue reading September 9: Writer Friends
Tag: motivation
At the end of January, I finished the first draft of my novel. I’ve been working on it for a few years now, so it’s an odd feeling to suddenly be done (well, as done as a first draft can be). I find myself thinking about it a lot, particularly ways I can improve it, plot lines that need to be tied up, characters who need to be better developed. I’ve made notes, and jotted down potential changes, but I’ve resisted the urge to actually open the full document because I know that only time will give me the clarity and energy I’ll need to begin revising for real.
Instead, I’ve been filling my time with lots of other things. I actually take walks during lunch instead of hovering over my laptop. I’ve written a few short stories. I’ve read books (so many books!). I joined a gym, and I actually worked out (I don’t know if you all know how much of an accomplishment this is). Basically, I’ve made time for myself as a person who isn’t working on a novel. It’s been a long time since I’ve been that person, and while I don’t want to be her forever, it’s nice to make sure she’s alive every now and then.
Concentration in Chaos
Last Tuesday, my Panda Express fortune cookie told me, “You are a bundle of energy, always on the go.” While I was slightly upset because that’s not a fortune, it was kind of interesting to read because it is very true. I’m the kind of person who’s not happy doing nothing. I get antsy after… Continue reading Concentration in Chaos
A New Normal
It hasn’t taken long for me to settle into life in Boston. In fact, it has been surprisingly easy – I have great roommates, an amazing apartment, possibly the best job I could have hoped for, and a new place to explore. All of these things have made my transition pretty painless. In many ways,… Continue reading A New Normal
Moving Forward When You Aren’t Sure Where You’re Going
Happy 2016! Like most years, this one began with a sense of newness. But this isn’t just the “I’m going to write every day” kind of New Year. This year it’s more like “I’m going to get a job and move to a new city and probably change my whole lifestyle.” It’s made me realize that… Continue reading Moving Forward When You Aren’t Sure Where You’re Going
Confidence: A Writer’s BFF
Sometimes it’s hard to have confidence in words, even when they come from your own brain. We write them down, question them, write them again. Then we stare at them, wondering if they say what we want them too. It’s only second nature, but it’s also damaging when we don’t trust our words. I’ve been… Continue reading Confidence: A Writer’s BFF
Inspiration: The Writer’s Excuse
Let’s first note that I am not saying inspiration is bad. Inspiration is a great thing, often the best thing a writer could hope for. So what I’m addressing today is what happens when you don’t have inspiration. We have all said these words, at least in our heads: “I’m just not feeling inspired today, so… Continue reading Inspiration: The Writer’s Excuse
The Identity of a Writer
Identity is an important thing. It’s what defines how you act, how people see you – it’s who you are. So it’s important that, as writers, we identify ourselves as such. In fact, I think the first step in being a writer is being fully convinced that you are one. The great thing is that… Continue reading The Identity of a Writer
Blast from the Past: A Lesson in Self Esteem
I’ve been thinking a lot about reading lately, so this post is a sort of continuation of Wednesday’s post “Reading as a Writer,” except I think it’s a little more interesting…Enjoy! Most of us hate reading our old writing, but there’s something to be said about studying it and realizing where you’ve grown. Honestly, I enjoy reading… Continue reading Blast from the Past: A Lesson in Self Esteem
The Art of Helping Others
I had a sort of epiphany this semester. In my creative writing class, we spent a lot of time workshopping our short stories. I made a comment about one girl’s work, and she told me after class that I always had the best responses and that I really helped her see the direction of her story.… Continue reading The Art of Helping Others