Pressure is counterproductive. Taking a break, doing less, or switching things around often enhance creativity. I'm a firm believer in being kind to yourself. You will get there. Writing a novel is a marathon, and sometimes we need to rest and heal our writing muscles. ~ I do a lot of development editing and during that time my clients learn that every draft is a unique process... and it takes time. 🤗🩷🤗
Love how you described summer as softening the edge of the family schedule — it’s so true — what I do (or choose not to do!) with that softening is the real kicker!
Here’s to hoping you get the time you need to know your characters even better ao that those scenes come easily!
Thanks for reading, Kristine. That's the truth! What WILL we do with that new energy and space as we welcome summer? My boys and I have definitely arrived at that point where we're all gritting our teeth a bit, stumbling over the finish line.😂 It's always a transition and a bit of a challenge, but I am determined to make what I can of it to get this draft done, or close to, by the fall.
I think many writers go through this. After I finished my first draft, I stepped away from it for a loooong time. I've only now picked it up again. I needed that time away in order to really get perspective and see where my first draft was lacking. I hope I won't need this much time away after my second draft, but a break is definitely needed sometimes.
Thank you for reading and saying that, Sascha. That's the thing about doing something for the first time, right? Every success and bump in the road is new for me, so it's very nice to know I'm not alone in the ups and downs of this process.
Do Less is going to be my theme starting on October 1. Because until then I don't have a choice as there is already too much Do More lol. Great post. Permission to take a break is the best gift you can give yourself chica. And now I'm singing that Hamilton song to myself of course. misses and kisses xoxoxo
I can relate to that pressure to know your characters and how they can cause blocks. I feel like I'm still trying to figure out who my main character is. She's still pretty blurry and that's one of the things I'll be focusing on refining in the next draft. But right now I'm avoiding it. 😂
Thanks for the great reminder to do less. Even when things slow down I have a tendency to fill the space and overloading backfires every time.
I hope you'll keep extending that grace as you find your rhythm this summer. 🫶 Looking forward to your next update!
This is so inspiring — thank you for sharing this reflection while you’re still in the thick of it. I’ve told you I want to write my novel — I’ve been writing and writing for what feels like forever and still don’t even have my “starting” point (the basic: what do I actually want to write about?). I have a romantic notion that if I can figure that out, the rest will be so much easier. It’s an odd comfort to hear that that’s not the case, and we all face these intentional or forced resets at points all along the process. I’m truly so grateful for your writing! Thank you, Maria ❤️ your grace and commitment through uncertainty are a gift to us all!
Thank you so much for reading, Miriam. "Intentional or forced resets." I love that, and it's so true. It's a lot of two steps forward, one step back, and a lot of sidestepping as well. Keep writing and turning those ideas over and over! I have found that I need a good mix of structural guidance (what exactly makes a good novel, anyway?!) because it is a craft that can be learned, and creative space to let my ideas evolve within those trail markers, so to speak. Looking forward to reading your most recent post - saw it in my inbox this morning!
Dan's advice is good, if impractical for many of us. In the meantime, don't be too hard on yourself. I've been happily married for over 50 years and I'm still being surprised by my spouse's "profile."
Thanks for reading, Ramona. It's true, it's just a season. I imagine one day I will miss it a bit? I try to keep a sense of humor because it is all fleeting...but we are definitely counting down the days til school is out.
Hi Ramona, thanks so much for reading. Pressing Pause posted on 5/31 and I’ll post again this Friday 6/14. Nothing on 6/2 so you didn’t miss anything.☺️
Pressure is counterproductive. Taking a break, doing less, or switching things around often enhance creativity. I'm a firm believer in being kind to yourself. You will get there. Writing a novel is a marathon, and sometimes we need to rest and heal our writing muscles. ~ I do a lot of development editing and during that time my clients learn that every draft is a unique process... and it takes time. 🤗🩷🤗
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Olivia. This is wonderful and grounding guidance, and I am grateful for it.
Thank you for the kind mention!
Your note really made me stop and think about how I'm approaching my creative work these days. Thank you!
Love how you described summer as softening the edge of the family schedule — it’s so true — what I do (or choose not to do!) with that softening is the real kicker!
Here’s to hoping you get the time you need to know your characters even better ao that those scenes come easily!
Thanks for reading, Kristine. That's the truth! What WILL we do with that new energy and space as we welcome summer? My boys and I have definitely arrived at that point where we're all gritting our teeth a bit, stumbling over the finish line.😂 It's always a transition and a bit of a challenge, but I am determined to make what I can of it to get this draft done, or close to, by the fall.
I think many writers go through this. After I finished my first draft, I stepped away from it for a loooong time. I've only now picked it up again. I needed that time away in order to really get perspective and see where my first draft was lacking. I hope I won't need this much time away after my second draft, but a break is definitely needed sometimes.
Thank you for reading and saying that, Sascha. That's the thing about doing something for the first time, right? Every success and bump in the road is new for me, so it's very nice to know I'm not alone in the ups and downs of this process.
Do Less is going to be my theme starting on October 1. Because until then I don't have a choice as there is already too much Do More lol. Great post. Permission to take a break is the best gift you can give yourself chica. And now I'm singing that Hamilton song to myself of course. misses and kisses xoxoxo
I hope it's all fun stuff until October 1. That song! YES! Now I'm singing it too🥰
Ohhh it is your peony post from 2023! I screenshot it to remind myself to read it. Missed the date
Oh wonderful! Yes, I know you love them too ❤️ I’m drafting another peony-inspired post right now. ☺️
I can relate to that pressure to know your characters and how they can cause blocks. I feel like I'm still trying to figure out who my main character is. She's still pretty blurry and that's one of the things I'll be focusing on refining in the next draft. But right now I'm avoiding it. 😂
Thanks for the great reminder to do less. Even when things slow down I have a tendency to fill the space and overloading backfires every time.
I hope you'll keep extending that grace as you find your rhythm this summer. 🫶 Looking forward to your next update!
Oh, that makes me feel better! I have definitely pushed through bits of the story that will need plenty of attention in the next draft.
I have the same tendency! Overloading, for sure. What is it that’s so hard about slowing down?
Thank you so much for reading, Michelle. So glad you’re here!
This is so inspiring — thank you for sharing this reflection while you’re still in the thick of it. I’ve told you I want to write my novel — I’ve been writing and writing for what feels like forever and still don’t even have my “starting” point (the basic: what do I actually want to write about?). I have a romantic notion that if I can figure that out, the rest will be so much easier. It’s an odd comfort to hear that that’s not the case, and we all face these intentional or forced resets at points all along the process. I’m truly so grateful for your writing! Thank you, Maria ❤️ your grace and commitment through uncertainty are a gift to us all!
Thank you so much for reading, Miriam. "Intentional or forced resets." I love that, and it's so true. It's a lot of two steps forward, one step back, and a lot of sidestepping as well. Keep writing and turning those ideas over and over! I have found that I need a good mix of structural guidance (what exactly makes a good novel, anyway?!) because it is a craft that can be learned, and creative space to let my ideas evolve within those trail markers, so to speak. Looking forward to reading your most recent post - saw it in my inbox this morning!
Dan's advice is good, if impractical for many of us. In the meantime, don't be too hard on yourself. I've been happily married for over 50 years and I'm still being surprised by my spouse's "profile."
Oh my gosh, that made me laugh out loud. Uncle Ed, this is great. Thank you.
Summer softening the edges…and “It’s par for the course, but I’m spread thin.”
So feeling strectched-that I think I’m birdieing and not parring the first hole.
Loved this whole message and your prose.
Thanks so much for reading and your very kind words, James. Sounds like you're a golfer 😉 Not me, but I know a birdie is good.
I remember those busy seasons.
Thanks for reading, Ramona. It's true, it's just a season. I imagine one day I will miss it a bit? I try to keep a sense of humor because it is all fleeting...but we are definitely counting down the days til school is out.
Love your honesty! I like your phrases.....
"I will do my best"
"Summer .....softens the edges"
Again, thank you for sharing your "May" thoughts. Good luck. Your family is fortunate to have you sorting out priorities. Hugs, Paulajo
Thank you so much, Paulajo ❤️
I cannot find your June 2 newsletter. Did you remove it?
Hi Ramona, thanks so much for reading. Pressing Pause posted on 5/31 and I’ll post again this Friday 6/14. Nothing on 6/2 so you didn’t miss anything.☺️