Tag: creative-writing

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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Happy New Year 2025

A fresh start. A New Year. What will you accomplish?

What could you accomplish if you started today?

Let me help you make the most of your year.

I provide personalized writing coaching designed to empower authors of every level to finish their manuscripts. From overcoming writer’s block to developing a routine, I offer tailored coaching packages and helpful free resources to guide you through every stage of the writing process.

Contact Me Today

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

The holidays are a particularly rough time for me, but I made it through and am doing well.

I’m stepping into the new year with fresh energy after some time off and new programs designed to help you achieve your writing dreams. These programs provide the guidance, support, and resources you need to make this your most productive writing year yet.

See below for more details on how these programs can help you achieve your writing goals.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

TDG is not going to be published in January, BUT, it may be ready to publish by September of this year, which, my editor and I agreed is a better month for it all around. Stay tuned for more updates.

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

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

In Other News

LIVING WRITE is enrolling this month!

Need a refresher?

LIVING WRITE is a 5-step process for getting a writing routine to finish your Work in Progress.

It’s perfectly ordinary magic. I’m launching this month and I’d love to have you join me. Need more information? Schedule a call.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Final View

Week 4

And just like that, I’m behind.

I didn’t write for 3 days and now I’m hovering over 30k instead of over 40k…

but…

I persevere.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I’m looking toward my next reward and using that as motivation to catch up this week.

Fortunately, I have some time off. I still don’t know if I’ll win this week, but I guess that’s part of the fun.

The not knowing.

I finally started dumping into my readable draft, which means it’s not so readable anymore, but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I have to make a mess before I can clean it up.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

This week is the final push. Nano ends Saturday.

Are you still in it? Will you win it?

I’ll let you know next week, but I have hope.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Nano Word Count: 32,309

Draft 5 Word Count: 8,829

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is DECEMBER 9 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

In Other News

Did you know I do creative coaching? I’m scheduling the new year so if you’ve got a project that needs help, please reach out. I’d love to work with you.

Let me know if this sounds like you:

  • You have “plenty” of time, but can’t seem to make progress on your novel/project.
  • You have a GREAT idea, but no concept of how to START.
  • You have a manuscript or part of one, but you have no idea what to do NEXT.
  • You have too many things to do, but you really want to write that great idea.

I’m here to help.

I help writers (and other creatives) find and devote time to their writing practice, make progress on their drafts, and keep a consistent writing routine so they can FINISH their work, whatever that means to them. I’m a superstar. You should really book now.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Onward

Week 3

What’s up?

…my word count…

I think I’ve got the rhythm and am making progress

…all this is progress…

so forward march; onward.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I feel like I don’t have anything new or interesting to add this week but the good news is that sometimes there is no news.

I still haven’t added many more words to my readable draft, but I am adding words every week and that is what matters. Even once a week is consistent, and consistent is good enough for me.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

I’ve had to choose, and I need the freewriting. As the name implies, it makes me feel good and I’m grumpy when I don’t do it. November has always been a freewriting month, and it feels right to keep the ritual.

So. I can make the readable draft the focus of another month (maybe next month?)

What kind of progress are you making? Have you made it to the halfway point?

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Nano Word Count: 29,909

Draft 5 Word Count: 6,796

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

NANOWRIMO! What are you working on? Are you in or out? Let me know in the comments.

Photo by Alexander Savchuk on Pexels.com

In Other News

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is DECEMBER 9 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

Did you know I do creative coaching? I’m scheduling the new year so if you’ve got a project that needs help, please reach out. I’d love to work with you.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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NANO Begins & So Do I

Week 1

It all began at midnight …

At least that’s how the story goes in my head. These last couple years I haven’t been able to hang with the late crowd, and I miss it, but let’s be real, I also love the sleep.

That’s ok though; I’ve made a strong start.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I’ve been sick, and the time change is never fun, but I’ve still managed to write up a storm.

I have a new ritual, a new writing spot, and a new perspective.

I’m ready. How’s your progress going?

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

I wrote Goodbye at my kitchen table, so I’m trying that approach again, but from the opposite direction.

I light a candle, say a prayer, take a big breath

Journal any anxiety I have and then…

Let loose.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Nano Word Count: 9,216

Draft 5 Word Count: 5,182

I’d say it’s working. Are you curious about a writing routine? Let me help! Drop a comment or send me an email.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is NOVEMBER 11 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

NANOWRIMO! What are you working on? Are you in or out? Let me know in the comments.

In Other News

Did you know I do creative coaching? I’m getting ready to schedule the new year so if you’ve got a project that needs help, please reach out. I’d love to work you.

Contact

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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FALL Projects and NANO Prep

Hello!

Sorry it’s been a ghost town around here. I know you worry when I disappear, but I’m all right.

I had to dig my heels in and get some stuff done, and I’m happy to say I’m happy with my progress.

It’s that time of year again.

The time when I say no to everything else and yes to writing. When writing gets to be the one thing I am doing for myself and for the world.

It’s (almost) November. Time for NaNoWriMo

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

For those of you who know me well, you’ll know this is also the beginning of my struggle season. Don’t worry. I’ve got plenty of plans to keep myself healthy, and blogging regularly is one of them. I don’t think I’ll disappear this winter, but if I do, just know I’m doing my best.

It’s been slow going, but I’m committed.

I started a Don’t Break the Chain on September 1st to work on TDG every day until it’s done or December 31st.

That’s 4 months of non-stop work.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Something was bound to get done, and something did.

For 30 days (almost exactly)

Turns out that’s my burnout point, so I didn’t try to sustain it in October. November is a tried-and-true writing month, so I’m not worried. The competition, challenge, and camaraderie keep me going and I’m on fire with my idea.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Current Word Count: 5,182

That’s my draft. I’ll be starting over trying for 50,000 on midnight November 1st. Join me?

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is NOVEMBER 11 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

NANOWRIMO! What are you working on? Are you in or out? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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JULY CAMP NANO UPDATE: Week 2, 2024

How’s CAMP NANO going for you? I’m plugging along; not excited about my progress but not discouraged either.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

It’s been slow going. I am still adding words, but only every few days.

A work project is kicking my tail, but as soon as that is over, I am getting some more words down.

Speaking of which, would you like to join me for a 10K DAY? Details below.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Current Word Count: 2,566

I am not worried. I have plenty of time to catch up, and I’m planning to join Nina’s wild word week with a 10k day on JULY 21 (see link below). She’s streaming all that week so be sure to check out her channel for some creative working time.

So far, I’m freewriting notes and filling out character questionnaires. Not my favorite task, but necessary work.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT and every Tuesday this month YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

10K DAY on Nina’s channel. Click Here for direct access. I’ll be starting early that morning, but I think the stream starts at 5AM Central! I will NOT be starting that early.

CAMP NANOWRIMO! What are you working on? Let me know in the comments.

IN OTHER NEWS

NEXT UP: AUGUST is a rest month, but I still want to write every day. I’m looking for a gentle goal that I can meet (500 words?) and still feel good about making progress. I hope I will be at a point in TDG that I can add to that project.

Photo by Cup of Couple on Pexels.com

Don’t forget the 10K DAY! See you there!

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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JULY CAMP NANO UPDATE: The Beginning

Here I go again. Nothing but a notebook, a blank browser tab, and my imagination.

Fortunately, I’m not alone. Millions of writers around the world are participating in CAMP NANO.

I’m going to write 25,000 words this month. How about you?

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

CAMP NANO BEGINS TONIGHT!

(for me). Many of you started yesterday, and that is wonderful. I’m a bit behind already, but that’s been my MO lately. I’m trying to catch up without overloading my circuit board completely.

During my stream tonight (see below) I will start my CAMP NANO journey. I hope you can join me.

Have you started a CAMP NANO project? No idea what I mean? Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Goal: 25K NEW words in July. I still expect to publish in January 2025.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT and every Tuesday this month YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

JULY 8th CREATIVE COLLECTIVE ON ZOOM! Email me for details

AND A 10K DAY on Nina’s channel. Stay tuned for updates!

CAMP NANOWRIMO!

What are you working on? Let me know in the comments.

IN OTHER NEWS

NEXT UP: AUGUST is a rest month. I’ve learned that Rest doesn’t mean quitting what I’m doing. It gets that much harder to start again. But I can scale back in the summer and enjoy myself a little more. Maybe I’m just itching to be working on my projects again, and this is the month for that.

Depending on how TDG works in JULY, I’ll make plans for August.

What works for you when it’s rest time? Do you quit everything or scale back for a while?

Photo by Tairon Fernandez on Pexels.com

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Balancing Work and Play

I have been all work and no play lately. I did manage to sit by the pool and read a bit over the weekend, but the days have been long and kinda brutal.

This too shall pass, I know, but the reality is I need to be better at regulating my time and efforts. All work and no play makes me very dull indeed. I definitely need some playtime, but I’m not sure yet how to get it. With July just around the corner, it feels even more pressing to get some relaxation in before CAMP NANO starts.

Any suggestions? What do you do when you need to play? Let me know in the comments.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

TDG PREP BEGINS TONIGHT!

I’m planning to write 25K words in July, and it’s time to get serious about planning.

During my stream tonight (see below) I will start with notecards and post-its and try to generate some ideas for the next stage of writing. Then it’s time to write some backstory, do character questionnaires, and do anything else I can think of before July 1st.

Have you started a NANO project? Are you picking up an old one like me? I’d love to discuss.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Goal: 25K NEW words in July. I still expect to publish in January 2025.

Wish me luck in the comments!

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

JULY will have the normal Tuesday night streams AND

A 10K DAY on Nina’s channel. Stay tuned for updates!

CAMP NANOWRIMO!

What are you working on? Let me know in the comments.

IN OTHER NEWS

NEXT UP: AUGUST is a rest month, so depending on how TDG works in JULY, I may take a real break or I may press onward. We’ll see.

Do you have plans for the rest of summer? Comment away!

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels.com

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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