R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Find out what it means to me:

Time

Project

Self

If you don’t respect those things, you’ll never finish.

Want to finish?

Need help?

Give me a call.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Well, I had a trying week. My word count went down instead of up.

I found a lot of repeated paragraphs, the result of careless copy/pasting.

It doesn’t feel like progress. It feels like going backwards, but it’s not.

Progress is making the thing better, even when that’s removing words, and it is getting better, slowly, but surely.

And wouldn’t you know; I was able to add more words back because I took my own advice and allowed 15 minutes to be enough.

What’s your excuse?

This week I’ve been thinking about the 3 kinds of Respect Writers need.

• Time: Making the time for writing and respecting the scheduled (and unscheduled) time.

I don’t always choose writing, and neither will you. However, we must take the time to write and respect the time we take. Whether that means scheduling your writing sessions or taking advantage of the spaces between tasks, make a change today that shows you respect your time.

• Project: Giving your project the attention it deserves and determining its worth.

Along with time goes respect for the project. At one time you (and I) had a clear vision of what this work would do and whom it would help. Renew that passion and recommit to the process. Why does this need to be done? Why does it need to be done by us? Who are we not serving by not finishing our piece?

• Self: Giving yourself the care you need and deserve.

Self-care is vital to the writing process, and I will keep pushing it. Maybe because it’s such a struggle for me, I have to be mindful of it all the time. Maybe you’re different. In case you’re not, here are some of my favorite self-care ideas: outside walk, bubble bath, read 1 chapter, and organize 15 minutes.

Try one and let me know how it goes.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 11,399

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT and every Tuesday through February: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

In Other News

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is MARCH 3 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.

Take the next step on your writing journey today.

Until next time

xxxlinsey