*Two Wednesdays ago, I took a BIG leap in my life and decided to try my "hand" at writing.
*The last two weeks have been pretty cool as far as my new writing life goes. I don't know if I'm doing it right, but I don't think there is a right or wrong way to write.
*I've continued the structure I set up two weeks ago. I'm writing Monday through Friday and writing a chapter, or what I think will be a chapter, a day.
*One of the most frustrating aspects has been trying to get it "perfect" the first time through. When this happens, I just think back to all the authors I've heard speak, and remember how they have shared that writers write and there will be many, many, many revisions along the way.
*Some days I enjoy the writing process more than others. On the harder days, I give myself permission to write as badly and quickly as I need to in order to get a chapter written. I know I don't have to write a chapter each and every day, but for me, this set-up WORKS.
*I'm still using the iPods and playing what I would consider "emotional" music which helps me put myself in a space to write the story; which overall is an emotional and tragic story.
*Most days I write on the front porch where I can be alone, yet still see the world go by. Some days when it is too hot and I need to be in the shade, I move to the backyard to the deck.
*I have tried writing while watching television, but that hasn't worked out real well. It takes me much longer to compose the story and I know the writing isn't as good.
*Here is a breakdown of what I've worked on the last week...
Wednesday, June 24, 2020: Chapter 5 (Friday, July 29, 2011)
Thursday, June 25, 2020: Chapter 6 (Spring 1976)
Friday, June 26, 2020: Chapter 7 (Fall/Winter 1993)
Monday, June 29, 2020: Chapter 8 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)
Tuesday, June 30, 2020: Chapter 9 (Friday, August 5, 2011)
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 (Today): Chapter 10 (Fall 1980)
Blog Post from Wednesday, June 24, 2020
*If you read last week's post, which I have included down below, you know I've had the desire and the "idea" for a book for quite some time. I'm not sure why now seems like the perfect time, but I'm more motivated now to do the writing more than I ever have.
*This past week, I actually sat down and began writing/typing. I was scared, nervous, and also excited.
*After listening to many authors discuss their writing habits and techniques, I decided I needed to create some structure for myself to create a writing space and time that worked for me.
*I decided to write five out of seven days during the week. At first, I was going to write for an hour a day, but then found myself creating a chapter a day so I'm going to stick with that plan; for now!
*Here is what my writing schedule looked like for the last six days...
Wednesday, June 17, 2020: I wrote the prologue (I love a great prologue) = the year 2011
Thursday, June 18, 2020: I wrote chapter 1, which actually became chapter 2 the next day = the year 1973
Friday, June 19, 2020: I wrote chapter 2, which turned into chapter 1 = the year 2011
Monday, June 22, 2020: I wrote chapter 3 = the year 1993
Tuesday, June 23, 2020: I wrote chapter 4 = the year 2011
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 (Today): I still need to write the next chapter
*So far, I have been writing on my front porch with my laptop on my lap. Go figure!
*I also put my iPods into my ears and have been playing around with some "writing music".
*The music seems to put me in a space where I can create the story I'm trying to write. I haven't found the perfect playlist yet, but still working on that each time I sit down and write.
*The book idea probably won't go anywhere, but I must say I'm enjoying the process and find myself thinking about the fictional story quite a bit.
*Thanks for keeping me accountable and I'll check in next week.
*Happy Writing!!!!
*If you follow this blog, you know I'm a READER.
*I pride myself on being an avid reader and sharing that love of books and reading with all those around me, especially my students.
*Over the years, I've had the honor and privilege of meeting and getting to know many authors from many walks of life. To me, they are ROCK stars.
*During many conversations with students, fellow readers, teachers, and authors I get asked the question; "When are you going to write a book?"
*I started one story years ago and never got back to the writing. To be honest, I have a couple ideas for both a middle-grade story and a story for adults. I've just been too scared and intimidated to begin the actual process.
*Part of my problem, is I think I need to start, continue, and finish within a finite amount of time. I should have known better since all the writers I've talked with have told me how long it took them to create their novel.
*I've decided to take the leap this summer and dip my toe in the waters of writing. I have a general idea of a story I would like to create, but we shall see where the days take me.
*To start with, I'm going to dedicate an hour a day to the writing. The structure will help me get started and get into a routine.
*Who knows, I may just stare at the blank screen, but the "ideas" will be swirling around my brain.
*I'm going to use my "Wonder Wednesday" posts to record the progress, or lack of progress. Tracking my ideas here may keep me more accountable.
*I'm scared. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to this new "CHAPTER" in my life.
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