Author: linseyewing

Toolkit: Episode 5

Have you been keeping up with the tools?

Here’s an overview:

  1. Handwriting practice, or Morning Pages, every day.
  2. Prepping your space and your materials to write.
  3. Tracking your progress, no matter how small.
  4. Writing with abandon.

If you’re just starting and this is overwhelming, let me help.

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Now that we’ve gotten to the nitty-gritty of writing, what’s next?

Revising, of course.

I can hear the groans from here.

This may be everyone’s least favorite process, but I think there is joy in creating order from chaos, and revising can be its own reward.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Write Drunk. Revise/Edit Sober.

As long as I keep the two processes distinct, I don’t have the angst of either.

Here’s how I separate the two processes:

  1. Write with abandon. Find the Joy. Do not backspace (I have gone so far as removing the backspace key from my keyboard). Do not judge the work. Do not edit as you go. Move forward only.
  2. Take a Break. This can be for weeks, months, or years.
  3. Print it out.
  4. Read the draft.
  5. Steps 3 and 4 may happen several times as I make changes.
  6. Read it aloud.
  7. Read it backward.
  8. Have it read to me.
  9. Have someone else read it.
  10. Begin again.

What’s the point? To separate myself from my own words as much as possible before I judge them.

I happen to like this process as much or more than writing itself. If you don’t, you can shorten my process and bring others in earlier, or hire a developmental editor (like me) to help you make sense of your mess.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

I won’t be revising or editing anything of my own probably until the fall. I’m supposed to finish this draft of TDG by the end of the month, and that will sit for a while before I touch it again. In the meantime, I will be drafting (writing drunk) all April on the next novel in line, All Saint’s Day (ASD).

I’ll keep you updated on my progress here and in my weekly email. If you’re not getting those head over to linseyewing.com and click the Get Access tab. You’ll find Writing Freebies and be signed up for the email (separate from this blog though I’m working on linking them).

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 18,080

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting has be changed to Monday, APRIL 14 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

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.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Toolkit: Episode 4

Are you handwriting?

Got a dedicated writing spot that you love?

Tracking your progress?

Great. It’s time to start writing.

Don’t know where to start?

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Ready?

It’s the fun part. Right?

Writing.

Why not? Probably too much pressure, Imposter Syndrome, fear of success…sound familiar?

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Writing should be the best part of the process, so why isn’t it, and how do we change that?

Write Drunk.

I don’t mean literally (unless that’s your thing, and we can talk over a glass of whatever).

I mean enjoy the process. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Find the Joy: There was a reason we started writing. There’s still something that makes us go squeee. Find that thing and let it rule the roost for 30 days. It won’t break everything, I promise.
  2. Reconnect with your Story Passion: There’s something about this WIP that won’t leave me alone. So I’m devoting some time to trying to figure that out in my month of writing.
  3. Write with Abandon: Don’t edit. Don’t stop. Don’t question. Write On.
Photo by J. Kelly Brito on Pexels.com

I’m starting a new drafting project in April, because that’s what I do. I find the time and make the schedule around writing with abandon for 30 days. Alcohol may or may not be involved. Regardless, it’s the time and respect that we give our projects that get them done. For me, that means I write 3 months a year when it doesn’t matter what I write. I write drunk.

You can too. If you’re not getting my weekly tips and tricks emails (separate from this blog announcement) then head over to linseyewing.com and click the Get Access tab. You’ll find Writing Freebies designed to get your organized and you’ll also be on my main mailing list (don’t worry; you won’t be doubled up).

This week’s email is all about how to write with abandon. How to make the time and commitment to start or finish or just make progress on a draft. You can do it and I can help. If you don’t know where to start, send me an email or Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 15,068

Let’s see where I can get by the end of the month. I want to turn this draft in and start a new draft next month. We’ll see.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT (skipping next week) and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

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

In Other News

Know someone who needs these posts or emails? Encourage them to contact me or sign up at linseyewing.com. They and you will find lots of free writing tools.

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.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Toolkit: Episode 3

Have you started a handwriting practice? Kept it up? What have you learned?

Did you clean up your space? Physical, Mental, or Emotional? Did you at least get a head start?

This week we’re tracking. If you’re beginning your writing journey, schedule a free call, and let’s chat!

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I have used my 15 minutes every day. I have made progress. Know how I know?

I tracked it.

I am working slowly but steadily to finish my draft by the end of the month.

Last week’s goal: trying to DOUBLE my word count. Did I make it? Check it out below.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

There are three main reasons I track my progress:

  1. It kills Imposter Syndrome dead in its tracks. How? I can look at my tracker and prove to my doubting brain that I have indeed done Something. Since Something is Not Nothing, I win.
    Me, 1. Imposter Syndrome, 0.
  2. It helps me stay motivated and see my growth. I can flip back through the last months or years and tell where I’ve lagged and where I’ve thrived. I can try and replicate those conditions and trick myself into being productive when I don’t feel like it.
  3. It helps me stay accountable. Like this week when I made the goal of doubling my word count, I had something holding me to that 15 minutes a day. I knew I’d never make it without marking the time off on my schedule and holding myself to it.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels.com

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 13,676.

Ok so I didn’t double it, but I got 2k new words that I didn’t have last week.

More than I would have had otherwise. It’s coming along, but I realized that to make the significant changes I want to make, it’s time to add the rest of what I’ve already written. So I’m going through it one more time for all the things I can do without the new material.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT and every Tuesday through March 18: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

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

In Other News

Know someone who needs these posts or emails? Encourage them to contact me or sign up at linseyewing.com. They and you will find lots of free writing tools, including a tracker or two.

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.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Toolkit: Episode 2

my desk

Did you start a handwriting practice last week? Did you keep it up? What did you learn?

This week we’re going to talk about your space. Physical, Mental, and Emotional.

If you need more help getting started or finally finishing:

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I just got back from a writing retreat, and I am ready to take next steps.

The first and only next step is to finish my draft.

Sound familiar?

We’re on this journey together and can help each other. What do you need to finish?

I’m going full tilt at TDG this week and trying to DOUBLE my word count.

That’s a little over 10k in a week, a task I am totally up for if I sit down and do it.

Tonight’s LIVE@5 is going to help. So is my dedication to devoting at least 15 minutes a day to the project.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

This is my Creative Space.

As you can see it needs some work.

That’s my second priority for this week and I’m not sure I’ll finish both.

my desk
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There are 3 types of Space that we need to pay attention to as writers: Physical, Mental, and Emotional.

Physical:

I need to take everything out, clean, and put it back in where I want it. I usually have to do this every year or so, because things get cluttered. What can you do to clear some space in your Physical Environment?

Mental:

My ritual goes like this:

  • light a candle
  • say a prayer
  • take a big breath
  • art-journal any anxiety
  • write

Can you adopt one (or more) of these for your Mental Practice?

Emotional:

I have to acknowledge my emotions, and that isn’t easy for me. Writing is hard. Deep-diving into another person’s perspective, experience, and actions is draining. Fighting imposter syndrome is an uphill battle. Taking a rest after a writing session is how I cope. What can you do today to take care of your Emotional Landscape?

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 11,383 (down from last week).

NEW GOAL: 22,766 by next week (feel free to ask me how it’s going).

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT and every Tuesday through March 18: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

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

In Other News

In this week’s email, I’m providing a checklist for these types of Spaces. You don’t want to miss it.

Know someone who needs it? Encourage them to contact me or sign up at linseyewing.com

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.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Toolkit: Episode 1

I know how challenging it can be to stay organized, motivated, and focused.

Starting this week, I’m sharing my favorite tools, but if you need individualized help, I’m only a call away.

What’s stopping you?

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Another week with a low word count.

It’s been busy and I’ve been tired. I also got fairly tired of what I was doing. So I decided to work on a project I could finish.

It’s kind of like having a to-do list and doing the easiest thing rather than the most important thing.

Maybe not the best method for everything, but sometimes it works for writing.

I did get a piece (nearly) finished. It’s a mystery, and I have yet to write the reveal.

It was refreshing to work on a completely different project, and I think it stoked the fires for TDG and let it work in the background. Now I’m letting that settle for a bit while I get back to the novel.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

What’s your go-to trick or tip for writing when you’re stuck?

Would you like to know mine?

Handwriting. Morning Pages. Journaling.

It’s magic.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Writing long hand is my secret superpower.

Sometimes even I don’t know what I’m thinking until I write it down.

Thorny problems unravel on paper. Thoughts coalesce. Subtleties become obvious.

You should try it. Slow down and do a brain dump. Fill a piece of paper with your thoughts. Organize the chaos.

Let me know what you discover.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 11,399 (still).

NEW Short Story: 9,935 (not too shabby).

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT and every Tuesday through March 18: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

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

In Other News

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.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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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.

Schedule 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?

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

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.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Happy Valentine’s week.

This day/week/month can easily get overwhelming whether you have a Valentine or are more aware of your Single Status than normal.

I have a suggestion: Self Love.

Make this week about You. Have you done anything for yourself lately?

I have an idea: Schedule a call and tell me about your creative project.

It won’t cost you a thing, and it just might get you back on track.

Give it a try.

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I’ve always struggled with the concept of Self-Love. I spent too long putting my worth in others’ hands, and the road to recovery has been long and fraught.

Here’s what I do when I am feeling low and don’t know what else to do:

  • REST: This is more than just sleep. It’s taking a break from the mental work that is writing.
  • MOVE: Exercise, yes, but also consciously moving throughout the day.
  • EAT: Food and Water are more than just essentials; they can be rewards. I’m a fan of chocolate and fizzy water with lemon.
  • PRACTICE: This is what I believe I was meant to do. So I sit down (or stand up) and do it.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

When I’ve done all that, I move on to Project Love.

  • What got me excited about my WIP in the first place?
  • Who do I think needs to read it?
  • What’s stopping me from getting it to them?
  • What area(s) needs my Respect (more on this next week)?

Practice makes progress.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 11,183

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

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.

Contact me to take the next step on your writing journey.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Name It: What You Say Matters!

Are you a struggling writer or would you like to be?

I can help.

Whether you call yourself a writer, an artist, a creative, or something else, bring the power of naming to your situation. That’s the first step. What you call yourself matters.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what that means, let’s chat!

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

This week I’m a struggling writer.

That’s ok because the struggle means I’m doing something.

Something matters when the going gets tough, which it is.

Even when I feel I haven’t made a lot of progress, I can see that I am doing the things that I wanted to do consistently.

  • I’ve kept up with my email list, this blog, and my socials (Instagram & LinkedIn).
  • I’m still making progress on the TDG draft.
  • I’m doing more editing and coaching work.

Little actions turn into big steps over time.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Taking a couple of days at the beginning of the quarter has helped me set up for a successful few weeks. I hope to do the same again when we get to Q2.

My main goal is to finish this draft, however long it takes, and start new projects or add to other projects in the writing months of April, July, and November.

Publishing in September would be phenomenal, but I have to prioritize getting these people on paper.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 10,759

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com

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.

Contact me to take the next step on your writing journey.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Let’s Go: LIVING WRITE Closes Soon!

This is the LAST week for LIVING WRITE enrollment

If you want to start writing, kick your routine up a notch, or finally finish, this is for you.

If you want to be in a group of writers, now is the time to start.

If you want to carve out writing time and make consistent progress on your draft, you need to sign up today.

This is for you.

Enrollment is closing until June.

LIVING WRITE is perfect for you if:

  • You are ready to start writing.
  • You’ve started a manuscript but feel stuck. 
  • You need supportive accountability.
  • You’re ready to finish your WIP

Don’t wait. We’re closing soon.

Sign Up Today

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

This week has been pretty good.

I got some writing done, which you will notice in my word count update, and I’m making steady reading progress.

Can’t ask for more than that.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

My routine is coming together as I prepare to help other writers with theirs.

I’m making steady progress toward the ideal week I’ve set for myself, and I am content with that progress.

Progress is progress, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 10,759

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

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

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

In Other News

Join the LIVING WRITE launch; you won’t regret it!

or

Contact me to take the next step on your writing journey.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Unlock Your Story: LIVING WRITE Now Enrolling!

I’m launching LIVING WRITE!

LIVING WRITE is a 5-step process for getting a writing routine, creating a writing habit, or learning to take care of yourself as a writer.

It includes:

  • customized workshop sessions where we deep dive into your needs and projects
  • productivity and tracking freebies to help you stay on top of your game
  • different learning modules to mix it up and keep you learning
  • a PDF journal to make things easy

It’s for you if:

  • You’re ready to start.
  • You’ve started but feel stuck. 
  • You need support.
  • You’re ready to finish your WIP

You’re not obligated by filling out the form. It just lets me know you need more info.

I’d love to have you join us. Writing is so much more fun together.

Learn More

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

It’s been a busy week, but a good one. I’ve had client meetings and family affairs and it’s been a lot, but it’s fun to be busy and feel important.

I haven’t had much time to write, but I am working on what this new year looks like, so I’m not too worried about it yet. The story is still stewing, and it may have to cook longer than I expected.

How is your year going? So far so good? Or ready for next month already?

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Showing up is the important thing. I’m doing more of it and already seeing the benefits.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to see more.

This month, it’s all about the Launch (see above). I’ve been prepping and I am *almost* ready to go.

I’m really excited to launch LIVING WRITE, and I encourage you, if this even vaguely interests you, please reach out. We’d love to have you.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 8,890

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

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

In Other News

That’s it!

Join the Launch! Or message me today! I’d love to hear from you.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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