Maria, great piece here. Always enjoy reading about your journey. I have only run one half marathon (2015) and it was a lot of work. Appreciate the insight into your writing process and the correlation between your life experiences.
Thank you so much for reading, Matthew. It IS a lot of work, isn't it?😂 I haven't run a half in a long time. I loved the high and how it whips you into shape, but I struggled with how much time I spent training. So many hours that I wanted to spend differently. I still run, but slowly and only a few miles at a time. It does the trick!
Love this. I'm also working on my first novel - on the second draft of it now. I'm constantly surprised by how long the process is. How many new layers of it are uncovered as I go along. There's always more to be done.
I love the idea of writing in the morning, but for many "life-related" reasons I cannot make it work. So I write before bed. During my lunch breaks. On lazy Sunday mornings in bed. On Saturday afternoons before I go out in the evening. And yes, on early mornings sometimes. In the pockets of time, whenever a few precious minutes can be found.
Thank you so much for reading, Sascha. Good for you, already on the second draft. I'm halfway through my first, and some days the end feels within reach; others, it feels like the road ahead is still so long. So many layers! And that's exactly right, take the time when we have it and stay the course. I'm very happy to be connected here.🥰
You already know all this but omg your words are just beyond true for my music journey. I love how you break it down re: prepping for marathon equates to prepping for writing. The daily bit is key. The knowing when you do your best work is key. I really loved reading at the end of this one that you are having a great time and getting the runner's high. Isn't that just EVERYTHING!?!? GO M GO!!!!! !
I hear you. I'm a novelist and readily identify with your experience. I don't run half-marathons; I play the piano and find a lot of overlap between writing and music. I'm also a mum. Good luck with your writing!
Thank you so much for reading, Annette! Absolutely on music. I played the piano just long enough to maybe have a sense of what you're describing. Do you mean tackling a much longer piece that may take months to master? There is definitely overlap, as you describe. One of my favorite piano teachers used to advise letting a piece "rest," which I always think of when I've finished a first draft and take some time away from it before returning to edit.
I hadn't thought of it in terms of tackling a longer piece, because it is a long time since I have wrestled with music in that way. I am fortunate enough to have sufficient repertoire to pull out and play (which is not to say I don't need to practise); so I tend to focus on the relationships between phrases and voices, and it is here that I find the correlation between music and writing. Also, the physicality of music making is a welcome break from the quiet of writing. And, yes, letting a piece 'rest' is important in both cases.
I also started writing in my forties, for me, showing up consistently and regularly keeps it moving forward, the piece, your skill and discipline, even if it’s just a sentence that day.
Thank you so much for reading, Kate. You are absolutely right, and your comment served as a good reminder yesterday when life got in the way of what I had planned (lack of sleep followed by power outage). I told myself I'd get just a sentence down and managed to do a bit more than that -- so thank you!
Great piece Maria, as someone who is trying to write a novel too, I can relate to what you share here! The writing daily aspect is something that I am trying to commit to especially, as I too find that the longer I spend away from a project the farther away it seems to become.
I am curious about what you feel and think about the research part of writing your novel? I feel like I am a bit lost in the weeds currently.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Sarah.🥰 Thank you so much for reading!
That's wild that you bring up research because it has moved front and center. I, too, have a lot of questions about how to handle it. I thought I knew enough about my story before I started writing, but questions pop up all the time. I know that if I stop to do deep research as I go, I'll lose momentum, so I just note the questions and keep writing. For me, I want to have a full draft to work with so I can see how it all fits at the end. Then I will fill in the gaps.
That said, I started writing with a lot of personal knowledge/experience to draw on. Now I can see that as my story has evolved, there are some bits I couldn't have known I'd needed to research earlier. The process feels a bit messy, like a bunch of puzzle pieces that I haven't sorted yet.
Best of luck with your novel! Where are you in the process?
I had the seed of an idea a few years ago and just jumped in and started writing. Worst idea ever as I did zero research and there wasn't much there beyond the beginning and a rough idea of an ending. The bulk of the book was in my head and all over the place! In the end, I ran out of steam, but the idea has stayed with me. So I have returned to the drawing board and to the basics - lots of research, sketching out the characters, and importantly, trying to work out what actually what on earth is going to happen (roughly). Hopefully something will come together, and I think I just need to start writing, and it's a bit like what you mention about if you go too deep with research, you could lose momentum - very true!
That sounds about exactly how I started! I had this idea that wouldn’t leave me alone for so long, but really didn’t know much about how to turn it into a fully formed story. I wanted to learn how and craved guidance, so I actually signed up at The Novelry. There are so many novel-writing courses out there, but I can highly recommend theirs.
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve heard of Novelry, so I will take a closer look.
Do you subscribe to Daisy Buchanan’s page? She offers a writing course but it is heavily subscribed (it costs extra), but I may consider that or something like Novelry.
I do, but just the free version. She's wonderful and yes, there is an abundance of resources out there to help get your story written, so it's definitely a matter of finding the right fit. It's so individual, as we know. Good luck!
Maria, another fantastic essay! I especially loved this: “As steep as the learning curve feels at times and the delicate life balance required to see this story through, I love the challenge and the promise that if I keep showing up, I will cross the finish line and complete this first draft. I’m learning so much, acquiring knowledge and experience I hope to draw on with future stories.” This is such a beautiful acknowledgment of process and the persistence it takes to endure the ups and downs of the creative process on the way to realizing our dreams. Thank you for sharing your process with us! You can go ahead and put me down for a preorder of that novel! Finally, I know I’ve said this to you before in another comment, but I’m a huge fan of that chalkboard! What a neat, creative way to track your goals! Bravo! Looking forward to your next post already!
Thank you for your kind words, Jacob. Yes, this whole experience is a wild ride, but I am so happy to be on it. And I'm so grateful for your company and support. It means a lot. As for my chalkboard...former teacher here 😊 It definitely keeps me motivated. Happy to be connected here, and I'm looking forward to your next post too.
"Writing each day feels like keeping my foot in the doorway between my life and my story. If too much time passes between writing sessions, it’s harder to pull the door open (and it’s a heavy one)." Oof, I'm feeling this one. That's exactly what it's like. Your persistence is inspiring!
Thank you so much for reading, Jody. The only reason I know that door is so heavy is because I've let it close more times than I care to admit. 😳 I'm so glad we're connected here and for your company on this journey.
I'm glad, too, Maria. That "heavy door" image reminds me that a daily writing practice isn't a duty or discipline like showing up for a job; for us writers, it's actually a form of self-care. I'm so looking forward to reading your novel.
"Daily writing practice as a form of self-care" - 1000% yes to this!! When I first started writing, the hardest part wasn't finding half an hour to sit down and write -- it was believing that I *deserved* that half an hour. Writing a novel is such a huge exercise in coping with uncertainty (will I finish? when? if I finish, will anyone like it?) and what helps me move forward is remembering that each block of time is a gift to myself. Because writing is what makes me me! And I deserve to write even if nothing comes from it except the enjoyment in the moment.
It's the truth. The uncertainty is such a weight some days; half the battle is maintaining a certain mindset about the whole thing. As you and Jody said, not only are we allowed to do this, but we need to—no matter the result. Thank you so much for reading.
Thank you so much for sharing this! You’re quite brave and it’s so interesting to hear about the artistic process. As for me, yes, I will happily stand in the audience and read whilst you create - Can’t wait to read your first novel!
I did jump out of a plane…and I will never do it again. I know you will continue to find inspiration in your writing journey. It’s just the beginning. Proud of you and what you’ve accomplished so far!
KELLY. I only sort of remember this but you need to tell me this story again. I could NEVER. 🤣 Thank you so much for your support. You are the best, my friend.
Great piece, Maria! Agree that inspiration hits at interesting times! Thank goodness for iPhone Notes! And agree that the longer I go without writing, the harder it is to get back in to it.
Oh thank you so much for the shout out!! And I love this piece - I used to run a lot, and the processes are certainly analogous!! I get a lot of my writing inspiration when I'm running or in the open water - not always ideal as I haven't got a pen to hand to scribble anything down, but I think (or hope?!) it embeds itself in there anyway. I am very touched that it feels like we could have a coffee and a chat - that really is what I hope for with my writing (although I would have a tea 🤣). Much love and I look forward to following your writing (and running) journey too xx
It was my pleasure, Emma. I've had such fun reading your work and I love sharing the gems I discover here on Substack. Thank you so very much for reading! And yes, I imagine swimming is a perfect opportunity to let all those ideas bubble to the surface, despite the lack of pen and paper. 💦 Here's to chatting on Substack with our beverages of choice! I spent 5 years at a boarding school in the UK so I do understand that sometimes nothing else but a "cuppa" will do.❤️
Maria, great piece here. Always enjoy reading about your journey. I have only run one half marathon (2015) and it was a lot of work. Appreciate the insight into your writing process and the correlation between your life experiences.
Thank you so much for reading, Matthew. It IS a lot of work, isn't it?😂 I haven't run a half in a long time. I loved the high and how it whips you into shape, but I struggled with how much time I spent training. So many hours that I wanted to spend differently. I still run, but slowly and only a few miles at a time. It does the trick!
Love this. I'm also working on my first novel - on the second draft of it now. I'm constantly surprised by how long the process is. How many new layers of it are uncovered as I go along. There's always more to be done.
I love the idea of writing in the morning, but for many "life-related" reasons I cannot make it work. So I write before bed. During my lunch breaks. On lazy Sunday mornings in bed. On Saturday afternoons before I go out in the evening. And yes, on early mornings sometimes. In the pockets of time, whenever a few precious minutes can be found.
Thank you so much for reading, Sascha. Good for you, already on the second draft. I'm halfway through my first, and some days the end feels within reach; others, it feels like the road ahead is still so long. So many layers! And that's exactly right, take the time when we have it and stay the course. I'm very happy to be connected here.🥰
You already know all this but omg your words are just beyond true for my music journey. I love how you break it down re: prepping for marathon equates to prepping for writing. The daily bit is key. The knowing when you do your best work is key. I really loved reading at the end of this one that you are having a great time and getting the runner's high. Isn't that just EVERYTHING!?!? GO M GO!!!!! !
We are journeying together! 🏃♀️🎸🏃♀️💻
I hear you. I'm a novelist and readily identify with your experience. I don't run half-marathons; I play the piano and find a lot of overlap between writing and music. I'm also a mum. Good luck with your writing!
Thank you so much for reading, Annette! Absolutely on music. I played the piano just long enough to maybe have a sense of what you're describing. Do you mean tackling a much longer piece that may take months to master? There is definitely overlap, as you describe. One of my favorite piano teachers used to advise letting a piece "rest," which I always think of when I've finished a first draft and take some time away from it before returning to edit.
I hadn't thought of it in terms of tackling a longer piece, because it is a long time since I have wrestled with music in that way. I am fortunate enough to have sufficient repertoire to pull out and play (which is not to say I don't need to practise); so I tend to focus on the relationships between phrases and voices, and it is here that I find the correlation between music and writing. Also, the physicality of music making is a welcome break from the quiet of writing. And, yes, letting a piece 'rest' is important in both cases.
What a gorgeous explanation, Annette. I’m so glad I asked! Thank you for showing me a part of your creative world. 😊
I think we all have much to learn from each other here on Substack.
The "inky space" is a delicious description. <3
🥰🥰🥰Thank you for reading, Karen. As always!!
I had the same thought!! Beautiful.
Thank you for reading and for your kind words.❤️
I also started writing in my forties, for me, showing up consistently and regularly keeps it moving forward, the piece, your skill and discipline, even if it’s just a sentence that day.
Thank you so much for reading, Kate. You are absolutely right, and your comment served as a good reminder yesterday when life got in the way of what I had planned (lack of sleep followed by power outage). I told myself I'd get just a sentence down and managed to do a bit more than that -- so thank you!
Great piece Maria, as someone who is trying to write a novel too, I can relate to what you share here! The writing daily aspect is something that I am trying to commit to especially, as I too find that the longer I spend away from a project the farther away it seems to become.
I am curious about what you feel and think about the research part of writing your novel? I feel like I am a bit lost in the weeds currently.
Love the chalkboard too!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Sarah.🥰 Thank you so much for reading!
That's wild that you bring up research because it has moved front and center. I, too, have a lot of questions about how to handle it. I thought I knew enough about my story before I started writing, but questions pop up all the time. I know that if I stop to do deep research as I go, I'll lose momentum, so I just note the questions and keep writing. For me, I want to have a full draft to work with so I can see how it all fits at the end. Then I will fill in the gaps.
That said, I started writing with a lot of personal knowledge/experience to draw on. Now I can see that as my story has evolved, there are some bits I couldn't have known I'd needed to research earlier. The process feels a bit messy, like a bunch of puzzle pieces that I haven't sorted yet.
Best of luck with your novel! Where are you in the process?
I had the seed of an idea a few years ago and just jumped in and started writing. Worst idea ever as I did zero research and there wasn't much there beyond the beginning and a rough idea of an ending. The bulk of the book was in my head and all over the place! In the end, I ran out of steam, but the idea has stayed with me. So I have returned to the drawing board and to the basics - lots of research, sketching out the characters, and importantly, trying to work out what actually what on earth is going to happen (roughly). Hopefully something will come together, and I think I just need to start writing, and it's a bit like what you mention about if you go too deep with research, you could lose momentum - very true!
That sounds about exactly how I started! I had this idea that wouldn’t leave me alone for so long, but really didn’t know much about how to turn it into a fully formed story. I wanted to learn how and craved guidance, so I actually signed up at The Novelry. There are so many novel-writing courses out there, but I can highly recommend theirs.
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve heard of Novelry, so I will take a closer look.
Do you subscribe to Daisy Buchanan’s page? She offers a writing course but it is heavily subscribed (it costs extra), but I may consider that or something like Novelry.
I do, but just the free version. She's wonderful and yes, there is an abundance of resources out there to help get your story written, so it's definitely a matter of finding the right fit. It's so individual, as we know. Good luck!
Maria, another fantastic essay! I especially loved this: “As steep as the learning curve feels at times and the delicate life balance required to see this story through, I love the challenge and the promise that if I keep showing up, I will cross the finish line and complete this first draft. I’m learning so much, acquiring knowledge and experience I hope to draw on with future stories.” This is such a beautiful acknowledgment of process and the persistence it takes to endure the ups and downs of the creative process on the way to realizing our dreams. Thank you for sharing your process with us! You can go ahead and put me down for a preorder of that novel! Finally, I know I’ve said this to you before in another comment, but I’m a huge fan of that chalkboard! What a neat, creative way to track your goals! Bravo! Looking forward to your next post already!
Thank you for your kind words, Jacob. Yes, this whole experience is a wild ride, but I am so happy to be on it. And I'm so grateful for your company and support. It means a lot. As for my chalkboard...former teacher here 😊 It definitely keeps me motivated. Happy to be connected here, and I'm looking forward to your next post too.
Happy to be here Maria! And I don’t think there is such a thing as “former teacher” as exemplified by that motivating chalkboard! 🤣
🤣 Very true!
"Writing each day feels like keeping my foot in the doorway between my life and my story. If too much time passes between writing sessions, it’s harder to pull the door open (and it’s a heavy one)." Oof, I'm feeling this one. That's exactly what it's like. Your persistence is inspiring!
Thank you so much for reading, Jody. The only reason I know that door is so heavy is because I've let it close more times than I care to admit. 😳 I'm so glad we're connected here and for your company on this journey.
I'm glad, too, Maria. That "heavy door" image reminds me that a daily writing practice isn't a duty or discipline like showing up for a job; for us writers, it's actually a form of self-care. I'm so looking forward to reading your novel.
"Daily writing practice as a form of self-care" - 1000% yes to this!! When I first started writing, the hardest part wasn't finding half an hour to sit down and write -- it was believing that I *deserved* that half an hour. Writing a novel is such a huge exercise in coping with uncertainty (will I finish? when? if I finish, will anyone like it?) and what helps me move forward is remembering that each block of time is a gift to myself. Because writing is what makes me me! And I deserve to write even if nothing comes from it except the enjoyment in the moment.
It's the truth. The uncertainty is such a weight some days; half the battle is maintaining a certain mindset about the whole thing. As you and Jody said, not only are we allowed to do this, but we need to—no matter the result. Thank you so much for reading.
Thank you so much for sharing this! You’re quite brave and it’s so interesting to hear about the artistic process. As for me, yes, I will happily stand in the audience and read whilst you create - Can’t wait to read your first novel!
Austin! Thank you so much for reading. I'm so glad you're here! Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. It means a lot.🥰
I did jump out of a plane…and I will never do it again. I know you will continue to find inspiration in your writing journey. It’s just the beginning. Proud of you and what you’ve accomplished so far!
KELLY. I only sort of remember this but you need to tell me this story again. I could NEVER. 🤣 Thank you so much for your support. You are the best, my friend.
Great piece, Maria! Agree that inspiration hits at interesting times! Thank goodness for iPhone Notes! And agree that the longer I go without writing, the harder it is to get back in to it.
Thanks, Mary! Yes, creative energy has a life of its own. It's a bit of a circus, no? 😂
Like wrangling tigers! Sometimes they’re sleeping, sometimes they’re yanking on the tether.
Oh thank you so much for the shout out!! And I love this piece - I used to run a lot, and the processes are certainly analogous!! I get a lot of my writing inspiration when I'm running or in the open water - not always ideal as I haven't got a pen to hand to scribble anything down, but I think (or hope?!) it embeds itself in there anyway. I am very touched that it feels like we could have a coffee and a chat - that really is what I hope for with my writing (although I would have a tea 🤣). Much love and I look forward to following your writing (and running) journey too xx
It was my pleasure, Emma. I've had such fun reading your work and I love sharing the gems I discover here on Substack. Thank you so very much for reading! And yes, I imagine swimming is a perfect opportunity to let all those ideas bubble to the surface, despite the lack of pen and paper. 💦 Here's to chatting on Substack with our beverages of choice! I spent 5 years at a boarding school in the UK so I do understand that sometimes nothing else but a "cuppa" will do.❤️
Yes!! I definitely look forward to us sharing our Substack journeys over a few cups of tea and coffee!!! Xx