And just like that, we have slid into summer. In some ways, June has slipped by, packed with end-of-year vibes, graduation and season parties, concerts, beach camp, lemonade stands, and finally reading Carley Fortune’s latest release, Golden Summer. We’ve got summer job hunts, college applications, and driving lessons on deck. My summer garden is well on its way, providing salad daily. My boys aren’t eating school lunch, which equals 15 extra meals a week (Costco for the win!). This year, more than others, these simple pleasures and blessings shine in high definition. I am grateful.
What I do not have is a surplus of energy. While I don’t typically think of summer as being high-energy, all the time, I think this season is generally associated with relaxation, letting loose, and having a bit of fun. Yes to all of these things! I’m here for it.
However, I also have a summer goal: approximately 6,000 words a week, with the intention of finishing this draft by the end of August. As of this post, I am approximately 30,000 words into my second draft, which has involved a combination of rewriting and reordering scenes, with the overall goal of aligning the manuscript with my approved chapter outline. I’m on track – ahead of schedule, in fact!
This goal is not random. Obviously, there is no deadline for this manuscript. But I need to finish and see if my story has wings. With a second draft in hand by the end of summer, I can proceed to cleaner edits and submit it to beta readers by the end of the year if all goes well.
I once heard someone describe writing a book as laying bricks. It’s not glamorous, it’s exhausting, and it requires faith in a long-term vision. It could easily look repetitive and maybe even boring to summer lovers who might be clamoring for ice cream, lemonade, and water slides. I’m always happy to engage with my story (this week, I’ve spent many hours in London and Ibiza in the 90s), but the quiet clacking of my keyboard, day after day, is not quite the same as catching a wave.
I mentioned before I’m coming to summer with more intention—a desire to be present with my family, clearer boundaries surrounding my work, and pure determination to finish this draft. The balance between the three is delicate; I haven’t posted as often on Instagram, haven’t engaged in as many craft lessons as I usually do, and am behind on my Substack inbox. It’s okay. I am doing my best in this season of my life.
I wish I had more to report, but I find myself in a quiet space as I move forward with this draft. One foot in front of the other, one word and then the next.
So tell me, what kind of summer are you having? What are you up to?
Thank you for reading and for completing this super quick poll! ⬇️
I’m so glad you’re here.
Hi Maria, it's lovely to have an update on where you and your book are. Summer is a tricky one, isn't it? Life does indeed go on, but it's hot, people are out enjoying themselves, and the kids are home, but the need to write remains. The second draft is also a different kind of beast, in my (limited) experience. Keep going and I'll keep close to me the analogy of laying bricks, it's not gamlouros, but it's creating a foundation, and building something that wasn't there before, and that's rather special, isn't it? xxx
I absolutely love the idea of laying bricks for writing a book. I’ve always written for fun and this is the first time I’m writing with intention to finish and publish a book. And it is hard work this time around!
To answer your question, summer is going. Where I live, it’s unbearably hot, so I don’t feel like I get a lot of the “nice weather” perks. People here tend to hibernate in summer and come out more in winter. Or at least my family does.
I hope your intention for the summer goes well!!