All that is changing, now. I’m saying out loud to you and anyone with ears that I’m writing a book. I’m scheduling time to write. I’m taking myself on writing retreats. I’m sharing my work in writer’s groups and sharing some here with you. I set a deadline to finish my first draft by April. I’m giving luck a place to land!
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Right on!!
On a very very specific level, i had been poking along on here. I was writing, but not getting a lot of traction. A meaningful percentage of my mailing list consisted of people I lived with and a couple who called me “dad.”
I was just about to give up writing here when my inbox started filling up with subscriber emails. This was over Thanksgiving, and there was a steady stream all weekend. Turns out someone had seen my page, liked it, and shared it with their readers. It was everything I needed at that moment.
Love that! Sometimes it's just one or two connections that make the difference. I've tried to be generous with my likes and comments as I read, often sharing my comments on Notes or "restacking" posts. It's the slow and steady growth that I think helps us find "our people" in the audience.
I feel we are spiritual book journey buddies. I had a bulletin board full of stickies that I was using to plot out my book beats and I've now moved into Miro. It's excellent as far as continually adding and allowing me to zoom in and out of my flow so I can pay attention to the details when I'm writing into the story, but just as easily keep pulse visually on where it's going and how it's ending. It's been beautiful.
Ha! Love it! We have Miro and I've used it for some things, including for collaborating at work. But to be honest, I've learned over the years that I brainstorm better on paper. Like, literally on paper post it notes or in my notebooks. There's something about the mechanics of thoughts moving from my brain to the paper that keeps me in the Zone of Ideas.
I find this so interesting. I experimented with paper stickies and I use those for more micro building of chapter plots but I can barely read my own handwriting plus for me composing on a keyboard allows me to sharpen my ideas. I’m such a keyboard processor. I used to play competitive classical piano so perhaps it’s connected to my brain’s training of transposing thoughts
I love this! So many glimmers. And yes to channeling Moira!! 🩷 I’m going on walks & painting & reading lots of nature writing. Hoping to find a local retreat this summer!
Love this piece. It shows how good a writer you are, your unique, strong voice. It's why, like you say in your open, this child-free, non-religious dude of a certain age can get so much from your parenting stories. When you get to the revision where you realize you need more puns, let me know -- I can hook you up.
Wow, Jen, such a gift of a post - thank you so much for everything you've written here! I've read it twice, and I'm saving it for frequent and regular future reference. 🙌 Awesome!
Resonating with lots of this. And checking my April calendar (and budget!) Thanks
Ohhhhh the anticipation!
All that is changing, now. I’m saying out loud to you and anyone with ears that I’m writing a book. I’m scheduling time to write. I’m taking myself on writing retreats. I’m sharing my work in writer’s groups and sharing some here with you. I set a deadline to finish my first draft by April. I’m giving luck a place to land!
---------------------------------
Right on!!
On a very very specific level, i had been poking along on here. I was writing, but not getting a lot of traction. A meaningful percentage of my mailing list consisted of people I lived with and a couple who called me “dad.”
I was just about to give up writing here when my inbox started filling up with subscriber emails. This was over Thanksgiving, and there was a steady stream all weekend. Turns out someone had seen my page, liked it, and shared it with their readers. It was everything I needed at that moment.
Love that! Sometimes it's just one or two connections that make the difference. I've tried to be generous with my likes and comments as I read, often sharing my comments on Notes or "restacking" posts. It's the slow and steady growth that I think helps us find "our people" in the audience.
Jen!
I feel we are spiritual book journey buddies. I had a bulletin board full of stickies that I was using to plot out my book beats and I've now moved into Miro. It's excellent as far as continually adding and allowing me to zoom in and out of my flow so I can pay attention to the details when I'm writing into the story, but just as easily keep pulse visually on where it's going and how it's ending. It's been beautiful.
Ha! Love it! We have Miro and I've used it for some things, including for collaborating at work. But to be honest, I've learned over the years that I brainstorm better on paper. Like, literally on paper post it notes or in my notebooks. There's something about the mechanics of thoughts moving from my brain to the paper that keeps me in the Zone of Ideas.
I find this so interesting. I experimented with paper stickies and I use those for more micro building of chapter plots but I can barely read my own handwriting plus for me composing on a keyboard allows me to sharpen my ideas. I’m such a keyboard processor. I used to play competitive classical piano so perhaps it’s connected to my brain’s training of transposing thoughts
This post has inspired me. Great stuff! Sending you positive luck inducing vibes. 🍀
Excellent! And thank you!
Go Jen! ❤️
I love the idea of luck needing a place to land :)
I hope you read Amanda’s post - she’s wonderful!
I love this! So many glimmers. And yes to channeling Moira!! 🩷 I’m going on walks & painting & reading lots of nature writing. Hoping to find a local retreat this summer!
I love the Moira video: You'll have no problem getting that spaceship to land with her help! Good luck!
"I’ve struggled with the idea that luck is involved, that I can be good at something but skill or talent might not be enough to make a breakthrough."
I feel this so much! Thanks for sharing your process.
Love this piece. It shows how good a writer you are, your unique, strong voice. It's why, like you say in your open, this child-free, non-religious dude of a certain age can get so much from your parenting stories. When you get to the revision where you realize you need more puns, let me know -- I can hook you up.
Wow, Jen, such a gift of a post - thank you so much for everything you've written here! I've read it twice, and I'm saving it for frequent and regular future reference. 🙌 Awesome!