April Showers: Rhythm and Blues

For National Poetry Month, I’m sharing some of my faves, both by me and others. If you have poetry to share, I’d love to read it! Send it to me and, if you want, give me permission to share it here. I’d love to have you involved.

You can read and listen to someone read the poem-a-day if you want to catch up on what’s happened this month.

I’m drafting a novel and creating some poetry. What are you writing this month? Let me know!

We can talk about whatever you need.

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Don’t forget, I’m doing a poetry exercise and challenge this month. To participate, email me or sign up at linseyewing.com under the Get Access tab. You’ll also get freebies to help your writing journey.

Neither the poetry nor the novel is going like I wanted. I am, as usual, struggling to enjoy the space I am currently occupying. I wanted to draft. Now that I’m drafting, I want to research. My poetry not only is no good, it’s also like pulling teeth to get a rhyme sometimes.

The answer?

Stop Rhyming.

Focus on the rhythm instead.

Photo by Steve Johnson on Pexels.com

Every space has its own rhythm. Notice the rhythm of the space you’re in, and write about it. How does it feel?

What about your favorite song? or the earworm you can’t get rid of? Do they rhyme? What’s their rhythm?

Let me know what you discover and share your poems: Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292 (currently with the dev. editor)

ASD Draft 0: 1,750

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Monday, May 5, 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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April Showers: Poetry in Motion

Did you know it’s National Poetry Month?

This month I’m sharing some of my faves, both by me and by others.

If you have poetry to share, I’d love to read it! Send it to me and, if you want, give me permission to share it here. I’d love to have you involved.

What are you writing this month? Let me know!

You can send an email to linseyewing@gmail.com or

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Poetry is one of my favorite disciplines. I respect it, like math, for all its forms and rules, and I stand in awe of people who can accomplish it with ease. I love its ability to move, to anger, to comfort, and to incite.

To that end, I’m going to share one that moved me.

I just found it yesterday. It was the poem-a-day poem for April 7th, and it certainly spoke to me.

It’s about politics, ownership, anxiety, and art. It’s called High Stakes by Yesenia Montilla.

You can read and listen to someone read the poem-a-day if you want to catch up on what’s happened this month.

Last week I shared my favorite poem. This week I’ll give you one of mine. Keep your expectations low.

And remember, I’m doing this for the exercise and a challenge. If you want to participate, you can get tips at linseyewing.com by signing up under the Get Access tab. You’ll also get fun freebies there to help your writing journey.

DAY 1: April 1, 2025
POEM
linsey ewing

Perhaps I’ll write an Acrostic.
Of course, they’re
Easier than
Most forms.

Photo by Bade Saba on Pexels.com

That’s it. Low-hanging fruit, but it’s a start. Let me know what you think and share your own poems: Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292

ASD Draft 0: 1,085

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting has been 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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April Showers: National Poetry Month

Here are all the tools from the toolkit: Feel free to revisit each post to see how I do it. If you’re not getting emails, you’re not getting my tips and tricks designed for you. Sign up at linseyewing.com under the Get Access tab.

  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.
  5. Revising/editing with determination.

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

Schedule a Call

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

April is one of my favorite months. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the return to normal after my birthday month (though I am, of course, still accepting presents) or maybe it’s that Spring has finally Sprung and everything is in bloom (achoo!). Whatever the reason, I have a definite way to celebrate.

Poetry.

Did you notice your response?

Was it fear? disgust? an eye roll? or did you sit up straighter, lean in, perk up?

Poetry can do all those things and more, and that’s part of why I love it.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Let me be clear: I am no poet.

I’m a clumsy one at best, but I apparently have no fear or shame, because I am going to share some of mine with you as well as some of my favorites written by others, so that you may know what good poetry looks like.

Wish me luck.

Learn more about National Poetry Month.

I’m celebrating by writing a poem every day. That’s in addition to my new novel draft. Still. They don’t have to be perfect. I just want to enjoy the journey. I won’t be sharing all I write, but who knows? Maybe something good will come up.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Up first, my favorite poem of all time. It’s perfect: short, sweet, and sensual.

This is Just to Say by William Carlos Williams evokes an image with all the senses.

Read it and tell me what you think! I’d love for you to contact me about this or other posts!

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292

ASD Draft 0: TBA

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

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

In Other News

TODAY ONLY! (April 1)

No joke! I’m offering the Paperback Promo (buy 1 get 1) and early access to LIVING WRITE for ONE DAY ONLY! Email/text/contact me for more details. You do not want to miss this!

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 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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