I’m glad I did the notebook challenge for 2 reasons:
I have a lot of notebook space.
I have a lot of story ideas and a better idea of how much development each of them needs.
If you haven’t joined my email list yet, now is a good time.
I’m making an exciting announcement there first. Head over to the WEBSITE and click the GET ACCESS tab. Enter your email and something about you, and you’re all set to receive news and exclusive offers, not to mention downloadable freebies.
The lights are up, the inflatables are out, and everywhere you look, it’s holly jolly time.
Nope, it’s not Thanksgiving yet, one of my favorite holidays that slips through the cracks more and more each year, it seems.
I wonder if we know what we’re racing toward, in such a hurry to get to the end of the year. I’m guilty of it too. My Christmas tree is not up yet, but I don’t wait until December to prepare for Christmas, and I find myself ready to bust into my 2023 planner when I still have a month of 2022.
I do not want to wish my time away, but the reasons are no mystery to me, or to you if you’ve ever struggled with seasonal, or any kind of, depression. It’s a hard time of year for me and for many others, but I have tried each year, to do something uplifting for myself and for you.
This year i’m doing something a little different. I’m taking a break. Not from everything (dad), but from the things I built to support myself. I think it’s always good to step back for a minute, judge what you’ve done so far and pause before heading back in.
I want to evaluate what I’ve done this year and what I want to do next year. So I’m saying cheers for the year.
I have the opportunity to take a break, and I’m taking it. I’ll be gone this month from this blog, Youtube, and, largely, social media.
I will be spending time alone and with family and friends.
I’m doing a self-care month to practice what I preach.
I’ve assigned myself 31 self-care activities to post about throughout the month. The biggest thing, the point, is to take care of myself so I can work as hard as I work throughout the year. It’s largely about rest and giving myself some creative space. I still have to get through another quarter before I’ll feel better.
That seems like a long time from now and it is in many ways. In others, it will be here in a flash. I’ve made it through one month maybe, but I still have a few dark ones to go.
This is hard.
It is hard to do the things and it is hard to accept that it is hard to do the things. It is hard to need help and that help comes from the people who drive you most nuts.
I have often talked about how hard this season is for me and for others I know, but I’ve never taken a break from the holidays like I have the opportunity to this year.
Don’t think I’ll leave you with nothing, though. I’ve written a lot about this time of year and the pillars of Advent.
There are four pillars of Advent: HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE. The fifth and final candle is the Christ candle, but I have maintained in all these posts that you don’t have to believe in baby Jesus or Santa Claus to enjoy, learn from, and gather strength from the pillars of Advent any time of year.
I hope your holidays are a time of rest and recovery for you, but know, if they’re not, this too shall pass. Happy Reading.
I’m still doing surprisingly well. For those of you who couldn’t make the live stream, Nina hit her goal early and I hit mine just after the stream ended.
Because of the lengthy stream time this month, I’ve decided to take a break from YouTube after Thanksgiving.
This means we’ll have LIVE@5 tonight (the 15th) and next week (the 22nd if possible) and then be done until 2023.
I’m very excited to share with you what I’ve been working on.
In 2023 I’ll be adding a new stream on Friday mornings, new courses online, and a new book out.
It’s going to be a great year.
As for the word count, I am almost to 40k, and I did manage my 10k-day last week. This week I’m taking it easy and reading a lot so I’m hoping for a 10k week instead.
If you have feedback for me or just want to say hi then head to linseyewing.com and contact me.
As predicted, I came through in the first part of the month. My current word count is: 19,773
Almost halfway done, and we’re less than 10 days in. Feels pretty good.
But,
I always feel the same way this time of year.
Like,
Maybe it won’t happen? Maybe I won’t crash and burn this year like I did the year before and the year before that. Maybe just maybe, I’ll be better this year.
lil ole me
I feel that way now, and I have no reason to believe I won’t go on feeling fine. Except for the promise that is the past. I have not felt fine every year from daylight savings time to my birthday (in March). This year should be no different.
It’s a long time to feel bad, and I can tell you it’s not fun. If I go dark this winter, know I am taking care of myself.
I thought I’d share some of the things that have helped me.
If this is a dark time of year for you, know first that you are not alone. If the holly jolly stuff seems foreign this year or every year, check out my posts from 2020 on the pillars of ADVENT: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, and PEACE.
Remember, if you need someone to talk to, I’m only a click away. Don’t be afraid to confide in your friends and family. They love you and want to help, even if they don’t know how.
Every year I plan a little something for myself to help me get through. This year I’m doing a self-care challenge in December. Follow me on Instagram if you’d like to join. @ewinglinsey.
If you want to support me but are unsure how I have a 1-question poll that you can access here.
Thank you for continuing to read and help my business grow.
Don’t forget I’m going to be LIVE on YouTube all day Saturday. Whether you’re writing, reading, cleaning the house, or whatever you’re doing, I’d love for you to join me!
Here’s my first nanowrimo update and info on my LIVE YouTube streams this month.
November 1st update:
I’m a badass beginner.
At least I usually am. That means I hit the ground running when it comes to typing my little heart out at the beginning of November. Sometimes I lose steam around the tenth and muddle through the middle before sprinting toward the finish and 50k.
I am always so fired up for today; it’s my favorite day of the year. Not only is Halloween candy 50% off, it’s also the first day of nanowrimo. I have a tradition of staying up til midnight to usher the day in.
I’m a bit over the top.
But this year guess what happened…
Nothing.
That’s right. I wrote four words at midnight before I had to give up and shut the computer. I don’t know why. I couldn’t pinpoint it then, and I don’t know now.
Then guess what happened.
I couldn’t sleep.
Of course.
So I did what I always do when lying still doesn’t work.
I wrote.
I’m not sure what I wrote was understandable or even legible. I didn’t look at the screen. It’s my policy not to go backward this month. November is always about forward momentum.
I got about 850 words in 30 minutes. Not bad.
So what’s the lesson here? Take my time? Write when I can? Pick up and try again?
Probably all of those things.
In other news:
I sent out an email today. It asked 1 question. If you didn’t get it and would like to, send me a message.
I’m going live at least twice on YouTube this month before a long hiatus in December.
The first is tonight at 5 central and we’ll go until the people grow tired.
The next one and the one you should put on your calendar is:
Saturday November 12 from 6 to 6 central time (7-7 eastern).
I’m working for 10k that day and I would love for you to join me whether you’re writing or reading or knitting or whatever it is you’re doing.
We don’t limit creation.
Join me in my journey this month and thank you as always for your support!
I can tell you why I do it…then again…I wonder if I can.
Because it’s private, isn’t it? Maybe we’ve never asked ourselves the question before, but we know immediately it’s off-limits, at least until we’ve had a chance to view it.
Well, here we go…
Why do I write what I write how I write it?
because it’s true. the worst thing you can do in fiction is lie.
this one’s me
My truth is dark.
I don’t know why. I probably wouldn’t have chosen it that way, if I’d been given a choice. Then again, I’ve always been a red-pill kinda girl.
My point: I wouldn’t have chosen the pain, but I don’t regret it. Pain is an excellent if harsh, teacher. Experience is another.
Fiction is the truth inside the lie
Stephen King
If we continue to be afraid of the dark, the light cannot win. I want to look at the ugliness and pain that is in the world and show it I am not afraid. It can’t scare me.
I am a Lightbringer.
Why create??
Because I can’t not.
If we refuse to bring the light, the darkness will win.
I’ve added my own answers and polled some hope*writers for their answers as well.
The truth is, there is no best time to write.
Or, conversely,
EVERY time is a good time to write.
It doesn’t matter what you write or when, the fact that you are writing is the important part. I broke the day down into three categories: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening and listed the pros and cons for each time of the day. Let’s get into it.
Pros: Let’s face it, you’re at your best. You’ve just come off a good night of sleep and your energy level is at the highest it will be all day. This is a great time to get going and start your day at the computer or with your notebook. Many people decide morning is the best time to write because they and their ideas are freshest. Many writers can think more clearly, get more done, and have fewer distractions.
Cons: Not everyone is a morning person. It can be hard to get up in the morning for something you technically don’t have to do. Some people have early morning responsibilities, such as getting kids off to school, making lunches, and commuting to work. Some folks can get up an hour early to work out or have a quiet time or write, but it’s not a possibility for everyone.
AFTERNOON
Pros: Some people may have more free time in the afternoon when kids are at school or in activities. Benefits of the afternoon include not being so tired or so rushed to get from point A to point B. Most people are already awake and well into their day by lunchtime and the afternoon can be a reprieve from morning or evening activities. If there’s a lull, it can be a great time to write. Sometimes the afternoon just works better.
Cons: On the flip side, some people are worn out by the afternoon and hit a slump. Ferrying kids to and from school and after-school activities can leave little time for creativity. It’s also a somewhat awkward time of day in between busy mornings and evenings. Unless one has a designated writing time for the afternoon, the creativity can get lost in the activity shuffle.
EVENING
Pros: Day is done and so are most of life’s responsibilities. After dinner and kids’ bedtime, there can be some glorious writing hours, especially for those who consider themselves “night owls.” Many people find it easier to think about themselves and their writing after they’ve had a full day of activity. Plus, the ideas have had all day to mull around your brain and take shape. Evenings can be the quietest time of day and more conducive to concentration and productivity.
Cons: Most people have been zapped by the end of their full day. Work, kiddos, and other responsibilities can wear on a writer, and it can take major self-control to sit down to write when all you want to do is hit the hay. Not to mention, you may have more evening activities to attend to and your day may not end until quite late.
The most important thing about writing is consistency. Writers have to make time to write, and that means utilizing the “crack” space in between activities, or scheduling a “chunk” of time in which to be productive.
What works for you will depend on the kind of writer you are.
The most important thing is to write.
As for me, I find my best time is in the morning, though I do schedule some writing times in the evenings like my LIVE@5 WRITING STREAM on Tuesday nights. I find it best to write in “chunks” (though I do occasionally take advantage of the “crack” time) because I can concentrate on my subject and minimize distractions.
What about you? Do you write in “cracks” or “chunks?” What time of day do you write?
I’m going to a writer’s retreat. Check out the details below or go straight to the source.
January 15-18, 2023 in French Camp, Mississippi. We’ve rented the whole bed and breakfast (and then some) for this creative retreat and guess what?
You’re invited!
Historic French Camp, Mississippi
Remember back in February when I went on a creative retreat and had a blast? Well, I’m doing it again next year…and this time, I’m leading a Vision workshop and holding editing sessions.
What happens when 4 Creative Queens get together for a Creative Retreat? They have so much fun that they plan another one, and this time you are invited!
“Connecting with other writers keeps me moving forward on my writing journey. I am excited about creating a time and place for other writers to experience this as well.”
Erin Ulerich
Erin has done such a phenomenal job planning this retreat, and I’m honored to be part of it. Check out what she says about Space to Create:
Writers from all stages of the writing journey will be in French Camp, MS this January discovering how to make space in their everyday lives to move forward with their writing goals.
Step away from the to do lists and noise. Connect with other writers, attend workshops, and enjoy creative activities as you soak up the quiet charm of the French Camp Historic District.
Upon registration, you will have access to a private Facebook group for Space to Create attendees and be able to reserve a 30-minute editorial critique with author/editor Linsey Ewing.
Sign up now on Erin’s site or comment below to get more details about my part in Space to Create.
IN-VISION Presentation:
I’ll be leading the breakout session about creating a vision board. This exercise has changed my life, and I am honored to be asked to share it with you. Here’s what Erin says about the activity:
“Linsey’s vision board workshop helped me identify where I wanted to aim in different areas of my life. It brought dreams I had buried back to life. Telling others about those dreams helped me decide which ones I was excited about and wanted to pursue.
The weekly goal sheets allow me to put the items from my vision board into action by dividing them into smaller steps. Linsey’s workshop is helping me take consistent steps toward my ideal life instead of waiting for things to just happen one day.”
Editorial Sessions:
I’m offering editorial help for retreat attendees for a fee.
Early bird discount is $60 for a 30-minute session-Deadline January 15th.
At the conference, the price will be $75.
So what are you getting? A deep dive into your manuscript and expert help with the writing, concept, or language.
For anyone who doesn’t know what I mean by Preptober:
Preptober is a season of preparation and anticipation for NaNoWriMo, which you can read about here or here.
I love this season of spooky vibes and getting ready to write, and this year I’m attempting a special Notebook Challenge.
KEEP READING FOR A PROMO CODE!
You know all those notebooks you have full (or half- or quarter-full) of grand ideas you wrote down on the fly?
Yeah me too.
A whole stack of them.
This year for Preptober and NaNoWriMo, I’m doing a notebook challenge. I’m going through all my old notebooks and writing out or fleshing out some useable content to write in November. I’m really excited and nervous about what I’m going to find and how it will make me feel, but I’m more excited than scared.
If you’re familiar with my process, you’ll know this is the most exciting part for me: the planning and plotting aspects.
On YouTube, you can watch me making notes for future stories: character details, settings, etc. anything I think I can use. A couple of times I got overwhelmed with how much I was finding, but then I remembered that’s what this stage is for…finding the material and mining it, not finishing it.
It’s all good.
I also have the privilege of hosting a World Wide Writeathon stream at the spooktacular hours of Midnight to 2:30 AM EST on October 23rd (that’s 11PM Saturday night to 1:30 Sunday morning for me)
Mark you calendars
The WWW starts October 21
My stream is 11PM-1:30AM Central October 22/23
The WWW ends October 23
In the spirit of Preptober and NaNoWriMo and the WWW, I’m doing another giveaway. Comment or contact me with the
I hope this is helpful to you wherever you are. Maybe you feel stuck or out of place.
YOU CAN get out of it.
Movement is the best antidote for feeling stuck. Do something. Anything.
Maybe you don’t know what to do next.
YOU CAN do anything.
Anything is SOMETHING, something is NOT nothing, and HERE is as good a place to start as any.
Maybe you need that extra bit of motivation to get you where you’re going.
YOU CAN contact me for help.
I spent years dragging my feet, waiting for the right time, and depending on others before I realized this was MY life and I could have it any way I wanted it.
Whether you’re stuck in work or in life, I CAN help you.
I’m simply a message away.
Do SOMETHING today. Even if that something is messaging me to tell me you don’t know what to do. I promise I will help.
Have a great week and keep your chin up. Remember, YOU CAN.
litewings.ink 