Now you may be thinking, “I get my coffee from Starbucks, duh!” And although that is an applicable answer, I’m more alluding to your motivations for writing and achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself.
I used to get most of my writing done in the Winter because 1) I’m inside more due to the snow and 2) New Year’s resolutions reinvigorate my desire to follow my dreams. But ever since I started The Storyletter, I’ve maintained a consistent schedule with self-imposed deadlines and a steady stream of dopamine from talking to you all.
What helps you stay on track? Or what is your favorite caffeinated beverage, if you’d rather discuss that? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! ~ WM
Hmm, good question! I know I should write something profound about artistic inspiration or whatever, haha, but that's honestly not the main reason I started writing or what keeps me disciplined to stick with it. The real answer is TMI, but I was diagnosed with epilepsy over a decade ago, and side effects of the medication I take include frustrating things like memory and speech/language problems. I often have to hunt for words and struggle to express my thoughts. So, I decided to "exercise" and challenge my language skills with writing the way one might do physical therapy for an old injury. Writing is like the gym for my feeble brain :-P "Use it or lose it" is my fuel...
Wow, Jacquie! That is so inspiring though! I can only imagine what that is like and why that would be a motivating factor for you. I'm glad you've chosen to keep exercising your voice as I'm thrilled to read your posts when they go out. Keep up the great work!
Have you seen dramatic improvement since you started writing? Or is it more of a maintenance thing?
P.S. I finished reading (listening to) Plato's "The Republic" and John Gardner's "On Moral Fiction". Both were quite interesting reads. A lot of it went over my head, but I got the gist of them. I think John Gardner was conveying–and obviously I'm butchering it since I'm distilling his entire book down into one run-on sentence–that good writing comes from telling what is true and what is true should be honest, meaning that honesty is morally good and therefore leads to goodness, so if someone is doing art for the wrong reasons it will inherently be bad in more ways than one. Separately, I'm glad to have at least a baseline knowledge of "The Republic" now. I also finished Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and started Bram Stoker's "Dracula"!
That's kind of you to say! I can't say I've noticed any major improvement, but it hasn't gotten any worse as far as I can tell, so I'm calling that a success :-) Plus, anytime I'm learning something new or adding to my skills, I mark that in the win column.
I'm glad you found those books interesting. That sounds like a pretty good summary of Gardener from the way I understood it. He's a little pretentious, but I especially resonated with his idea basically that a good book has a moral without moralizing, though I'm less convinced that moral books inspire moral societies, which I think was his larger point. But I guess it's an argument worth having. Should books show us how to be in the world, the way mythology used to, and if not, what is their purpose?
It's awesome you read/listened to The Republic. I want to go back to it again one of these days. And I've always wanted to read Dracula and Frankenstein especially, but never got around to them. You'll have to let me know what you think! I'm finally tackling Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment" right now...
Well, I'm glad it hasn't gotten any worse. Definitely a win!
Oh yeah, that was another point he was making. You make a good point. I don't think entertainment should be teaching us anything, or at least it shouldn't be obligated to do so. I do think that if fiction can pull from real world experiences, then people can relate to it more and that can enhance the story overall. However, I'm starting to wonder if this notion that fiction must reflect the real world has started to destroy fiction altogether. It's starting to feel more like propaganda. Sanderson has a good quote, "The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon."
I highly recommend Frankenstein, oh my goodness. I listened to the Recorded Books audio version narrated by George Gudall and it was amazing. I hadn't realized how different the monster was compared to the pop culture version of the monster haha. I just added Crime and Punishment to my list, I'll start it right when I'm done with Dracula!
I completely agree about the notion that fiction must reflect the real world. The real world can be a tool or inspiration in art, but if people want pure reality, they don't need art, they have eyes and ears. They can just look around them. I want an experience or insight from books and art that I maybe wouldn't have had for myself--something I can't get from normal daily reality. I want it to take me outside of myself or at least show me something I haven't encountered before, or show me something familiar in a new light that I have to reconsider. I'm so tired of books that want to lead me to a moral conclusion or tell me how and what to think about the world. I love the Sanderson quote, and will have to save that one. I think it's exactly right.
I'm going to grab the audio of Frankenstein! I have to mow the fields soon and I like to have a book to listen to when I'm out there, so that will be perfect :-) We'll have to discuss C & P also!
Well-said, Jacquie! I totally agree. Oh, and if you don’t want to purchase a version of Frankenstein, it is in the public domain. I saw some free audio on Librivox.org. There’s even one where a group made a full cast audio version which I thought was such a cool idea.
I love this question. I’m watching my parents get older. I know they had big dreams when they were young but all have fallen by the wayside. I guess it’s the “if not now, then when?” Keeps me up at night. Keeps me pursuing my writing.
I’m also balancing my day job and family. So I’ve committed to 300 words a day, and that simple commitment usually leads to more writing. When it’s hard, I sit and start. The words come, though not always easily. But the more I practice the better it gets.
Hey Shaina, nice to meet you and thanks for commenting. I really connect with your comment on so many levels. One of my favorite musicals is "Hamilton" and there's a line in there that I repeat quite often and it's, "Why do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time?"
Because that's just it, isn't it? We're running out of time. We have to responsibly use our time here in a way that we can be proud of and build something that might last. At least, that's how I feel sometimes, and I need constant reminding haha.
I'm very proud of you for sticking with the 300 words a day! That's incredible. I try to do that, but I rotate in my desire to create things. So some days I'll do audio, some days I will do book cover design and then finally I'll sit down and write a few hundred words. Sigh. Someday.
What is your strategy for balancing day job and family? Do you stick to a certain schedule or do you fit it in when you can?
Nice to meet you and thank you for writing! I just saw Hamilton for the first time this summer and definitely connected with those lines. I love that you rotate creating. It reminds me of Joni Mitchell. She always ebbed and flowed between writing, music, and painting, and each one fed the other. Unfortunately I'm a bit of a one trick pony creatively.
I'm still working on my strategy! I have a "schedule" but I'm not the best at sticking to time slots. So far my rule with myself has been, if you don't do it before work, do it right after. If you don't do it then, then it's after the kids go to bed. My writing tends to be worse at night and require a lot more editing. Unfortunately it's when I get the most done, and I end up editing the next day.
Initially I was trying to adhere to Stephen King's advice in "On Writing", but he's so prolific I couldn't keep up. Now I'm going with Stephen Graham Jone's habit of "writing in the pockets" of my day. Something is always better than nothing. And if I skip a day, I don't let myself linger over it. I just reset and go to work.
You saw it in person?! I have yet to do so, but I've listened to it probably 30+ times. I really love everything about it. I should try to get tickets if they are still doing it.
I'm very similar with my writing schedule. I get up early before work to maybe get an hour or two in, but if I sleep in then that opportunity is gone. Then, in the evening I'm already tired and it takes more effort psychologically to sit down at the computer (especially when I've been sitting in front of a computer all day). But I totally support the strat of writing when you can and editing later.
I'll need to check out your Substack and read your stuff. What do you like to write?
I did! A good friend of mine bought tickets and invited me before Covid hit. So it was delayed until this last summer. You should definitely see it.
I just launched my Substack last week so it's thin, but I write horror/dystopian along with paranormal research articles. I'm hugely skeptical but love creepy stories.
Ohhhh, nice. Yeah, I had bought a tickets to see Tool in concert here in Utah but they ultimately canceled the entire tour, I think. So I got my money back.
Sweet! I love horror and creepy stories. I'll make sure to subscribe asap. Do you follow Cyndi's Dark Delights? They do dark stories as well. Just started reading that one too.
Thank you so much for the support! I do feel like I'm talking to the void, but I'm so inspired by all the writers on here, and it's pushing me to work hard. I will definitely check her out. I've been searching for likeminded publishers on here!
I actually switched off coffee completely for the summer. Shocking for a Seattle girl, but I needed the break. I drink the Republic of Tea Hicaf tea, Caramel Black flavor now and it’s enough to keep me going on the more relaxed summer schedule I have. Probably going to switch to my usual Nespresso Starbucks blends for school mornings, but we’ll see.
I’m an artist so it’s a bit different, but staying on track creatively can be just as tricky. I make a point lately, usually after lunch, to go and at least sit in my studio space. I work on a bunch of different projects in a variety of mediums so I can usually make progress with something once I’m there. Being gentle with myself is crucial and often my biggest challenge because of course I want to finish up an epic piece that sitting, but sometimes simply getting out of bed and handling my ‘day job’ as mom can be pushing my limits so I’m learning to be ok with any progress even if it’s just deciding a dress is to be red or blue and not getting to the actual coloring.
Hello Elly, thank you so much for your comment. I love getting different creative perspectives on these types of questions.
The tea you referenced sounds pretty good. I want to try it. Honestly, I'm so ignorant when it comes to different tea types. I do have some chai tea in the evening every so often, however, I generally forget I have it until I'm looking for something sweet to snack on at night.
I like that you mentioned you have a space you like to sit in. This is vital for me. I almost can't function creatively unless I'm in a certain environment conducive to my process. It's a unique psychological and physical blending of comfort, I think. For example, my office is upstairs and this summer the upstairs got too warm to work in, so I was losing my drive to be productive. It took me about a week to realize that I needed to set up my space downstairs with a laptop instead. Once I made that decision and got comfortable, productivity shot through the roof.
You're totally right with regard to accepting that any progress, no matter how small, is still progress. I've been seeing that a lot more lately with my writing. Even if I don't get words down on paper, yet I figured out a character's backstory, or if I thought of a theme to layer in, that's still part of the writing process. We definitely need the small wins.
Great points, Elly! So glad you commented about this.
Oh, is it ever! It takes a lot to sit down and begin writing despite the simplicity of it. It reminds me of the old adage, "The hardest part about the gym is getting there." I feel like a lot of times I get too bogged down imagining the end-product, then getting overwhelmed that it's not perfect, rather than enjoying the journey of creating/molding it along the way.
Diane, do you feel like you’re charging toward something in particular? I know you mentioned in one of your posts that you had a non-profit. I find your newsletter quite helpful and enlightening for indie writers. I'm starting to think that you find enjoyment in helping people, which is a very noble cause. So thank you for that! We need more people like you, not only in this industry, but in general!
Thank you. You are so kind! I actually shut my nonprofit down because I was feeling like Sisyphus and had lost my passion. I’m now full time fiction writing. I’m putting out a book again I wrote many years ago - now called Rock Gods & Messy Monsters- because a friend read it and was so inspired she quit her dead end office job to pursue her passions.
You are correct, I really would like to build community and help others thru my writing - whether it be by tips on indie writing life or thru themes in my work. My goal is to write entertaining fiction that people can or and also have the opportunity to dig deeper for meaning toward something bigger.
That's so awesome, what a powerful story! I'm looking forward to the release of Rock Gods & Messy Monsters. That's coming up soon right?
I'm eager to continue to watch your journey and I think we're in the right space for what you like to do. It appears there's a new update to the Substack app that is in Beta right now where each Substack will soon be able to have their own separate ongoing thread which will function like a private social space. I'm super excited to see how it enhances discussions such as this and how it will bring us closer together in the places we enjoy sharing.
Argh! I have to decide which platforms I’m going to focus on. I’m sure substack will be one but I can’t handle them all anymore!.... I think I’m spreading myself too thin.
Re the book, you can pre-order the ebook now (it’ll be on Amazon only for at least 3 months) and though I’m not pushing it yet the paperback is up on Amazon now. I was advised to get it up early to get kinks out and I’m so glad I did! The text is still a mess but you can just Google my name on Amazon and get a copy now if you want. Let me know what you think k if you do! Thanks!
I used to work on my podcast script on a weekly basis but I've gotten into scheduling in advance. Now I try to set a rather realistic due date for my main projects, but yes, running into the problem of getting too comfortable is something that needs to be worked around. That's where I have started setting sooner due dates for the smaller things that need to be done within the larger project's scope.
Scheduling in advance is so nice. Since it's such a new concept for me, I forget what has been released and when. I'm often like.. wait, that hasn't gone out yet haha. But it's very satisfying knowing that a lot of cool stuff is scheduled.
Haha thank you, and yeah that happens to me a lot! I've started making timelines for things to be posted. Trying to at least put out at least 2 posts a month here on substack, and soon the exclusive entries will be released starting in October.
So you have the creative bug, too?! I've always had the need to express myself via "productive" pursuits rather than performative ones. I'm not sure that's the correct terminology. Productive as in producing a product in which I no longer have to be present for the enjoyment to take place haha. I'm too shy otherwise. But I know exactly the type of intrinsic motivation you're talking about!
What caused you to hone in on creating your newsletter, Karen? Was it a recent pursuit or have you been doing your style of writing for awhile?
I’m not sure. I just started doing it in 2020 after seeing Heather Cox Richardson‘s newsletter on Substack. I guess they’re finally felt like there was a place where I’d be easy to do and just try it out? Honestly I don’t know if I ever really know why I do anything.
Well, I'm glad you did! haha. I'm really curious what you have planned for the future. Not that you need to have anything planned, but are you going to compile your posts into a journal or book one day? I could definitely see it being a collection of photography and stories.
I don't know, but I'd sure love to do that. I've seen dream glimpses of something of that nature. I'm taking a couple writing courses the remainder of this year, I think there's still some developing to do here!
For me, I have my ups and downs. Periods of inspiration then blocks, but the feeling of unproductivity is something that pushes me to at least work on one thing each day.
I cannot go one day without working on something or else I start severely beating myself up over it. There are times where I feel the need to take a break for a day but if I do so, I have a knack for becoming lazy and when I am I end up distracting myself from too many things.
Therefore, I've found that have several projects to chip away at is a good thing for me, even though having too many makes it hard to finish. But due dates are very important I've found, to light a fire under myself so to speak.
I know that feeling all too well. The act of creation is so satisfying, and it has a strong pull. However, there are times when it can get overwhelming or the result isn't exactly as I'd hoped. But I like your strategy of having multiple projects to work on so that you have the option to rotate onto something that piques your interest in that moment in order to stay productive.
Due dates are key! The two "novels" that I've written online have only been completed because of the weekly due dates where a chapter has to be released otherwise you run the risk of readers losing interest. But regardless of readership, I think it's possibly something that I underutilize in terms of finishing projects. Great point bringing this up, Matthew!
Do you work ahead of schedule and prep things to be released, or do you work on something that week and release it right away? I'm trying so hard to get schedule things ahead of time but then get too comfy and lose the buffer time.
Hmm, good question! I know I should write something profound about artistic inspiration or whatever, haha, but that's honestly not the main reason I started writing or what keeps me disciplined to stick with it. The real answer is TMI, but I was diagnosed with epilepsy over a decade ago, and side effects of the medication I take include frustrating things like memory and speech/language problems. I often have to hunt for words and struggle to express my thoughts. So, I decided to "exercise" and challenge my language skills with writing the way one might do physical therapy for an old injury. Writing is like the gym for my feeble brain :-P "Use it or lose it" is my fuel...
Wow, Jacquie! That is so inspiring though! I can only imagine what that is like and why that would be a motivating factor for you. I'm glad you've chosen to keep exercising your voice as I'm thrilled to read your posts when they go out. Keep up the great work!
Have you seen dramatic improvement since you started writing? Or is it more of a maintenance thing?
P.S. I finished reading (listening to) Plato's "The Republic" and John Gardner's "On Moral Fiction". Both were quite interesting reads. A lot of it went over my head, but I got the gist of them. I think John Gardner was conveying–and obviously I'm butchering it since I'm distilling his entire book down into one run-on sentence–that good writing comes from telling what is true and what is true should be honest, meaning that honesty is morally good and therefore leads to goodness, so if someone is doing art for the wrong reasons it will inherently be bad in more ways than one. Separately, I'm glad to have at least a baseline knowledge of "The Republic" now. I also finished Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and started Bram Stoker's "Dracula"!
That's kind of you to say! I can't say I've noticed any major improvement, but it hasn't gotten any worse as far as I can tell, so I'm calling that a success :-) Plus, anytime I'm learning something new or adding to my skills, I mark that in the win column.
I'm glad you found those books interesting. That sounds like a pretty good summary of Gardener from the way I understood it. He's a little pretentious, but I especially resonated with his idea basically that a good book has a moral without moralizing, though I'm less convinced that moral books inspire moral societies, which I think was his larger point. But I guess it's an argument worth having. Should books show us how to be in the world, the way mythology used to, and if not, what is their purpose?
It's awesome you read/listened to The Republic. I want to go back to it again one of these days. And I've always wanted to read Dracula and Frankenstein especially, but never got around to them. You'll have to let me know what you think! I'm finally tackling Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment" right now...
Well, I'm glad it hasn't gotten any worse. Definitely a win!
Oh yeah, that was another point he was making. You make a good point. I don't think entertainment should be teaching us anything, or at least it shouldn't be obligated to do so. I do think that if fiction can pull from real world experiences, then people can relate to it more and that can enhance the story overall. However, I'm starting to wonder if this notion that fiction must reflect the real world has started to destroy fiction altogether. It's starting to feel more like propaganda. Sanderson has a good quote, "The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon."
I highly recommend Frankenstein, oh my goodness. I listened to the Recorded Books audio version narrated by George Gudall and it was amazing. I hadn't realized how different the monster was compared to the pop culture version of the monster haha. I just added Crime and Punishment to my list, I'll start it right when I'm done with Dracula!
I completely agree about the notion that fiction must reflect the real world. The real world can be a tool or inspiration in art, but if people want pure reality, they don't need art, they have eyes and ears. They can just look around them. I want an experience or insight from books and art that I maybe wouldn't have had for myself--something I can't get from normal daily reality. I want it to take me outside of myself or at least show me something I haven't encountered before, or show me something familiar in a new light that I have to reconsider. I'm so tired of books that want to lead me to a moral conclusion or tell me how and what to think about the world. I love the Sanderson quote, and will have to save that one. I think it's exactly right.
I'm going to grab the audio of Frankenstein! I have to mow the fields soon and I like to have a book to listen to when I'm out there, so that will be perfect :-) We'll have to discuss C & P also!
Well-said, Jacquie! I totally agree. Oh, and if you don’t want to purchase a version of Frankenstein, it is in the public domain. I saw some free audio on Librivox.org. There’s even one where a group made a full cast audio version which I thought was such a cool idea.
Thanks! I already grabbed a version, but I’ll keep that in mind for next time!
I love this question. I’m watching my parents get older. I know they had big dreams when they were young but all have fallen by the wayside. I guess it’s the “if not now, then when?” Keeps me up at night. Keeps me pursuing my writing.
I’m also balancing my day job and family. So I’ve committed to 300 words a day, and that simple commitment usually leads to more writing. When it’s hard, I sit and start. The words come, though not always easily. But the more I practice the better it gets.
Hey Shaina, nice to meet you and thanks for commenting. I really connect with your comment on so many levels. One of my favorite musicals is "Hamilton" and there's a line in there that I repeat quite often and it's, "Why do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time?"
Because that's just it, isn't it? We're running out of time. We have to responsibly use our time here in a way that we can be proud of and build something that might last. At least, that's how I feel sometimes, and I need constant reminding haha.
I'm very proud of you for sticking with the 300 words a day! That's incredible. I try to do that, but I rotate in my desire to create things. So some days I'll do audio, some days I will do book cover design and then finally I'll sit down and write a few hundred words. Sigh. Someday.
What is your strategy for balancing day job and family? Do you stick to a certain schedule or do you fit it in when you can?
Nice to meet you and thank you for writing! I just saw Hamilton for the first time this summer and definitely connected with those lines. I love that you rotate creating. It reminds me of Joni Mitchell. She always ebbed and flowed between writing, music, and painting, and each one fed the other. Unfortunately I'm a bit of a one trick pony creatively.
I'm still working on my strategy! I have a "schedule" but I'm not the best at sticking to time slots. So far my rule with myself has been, if you don't do it before work, do it right after. If you don't do it then, then it's after the kids go to bed. My writing tends to be worse at night and require a lot more editing. Unfortunately it's when I get the most done, and I end up editing the next day.
Initially I was trying to adhere to Stephen King's advice in "On Writing", but he's so prolific I couldn't keep up. Now I'm going with Stephen Graham Jone's habit of "writing in the pockets" of my day. Something is always better than nothing. And if I skip a day, I don't let myself linger over it. I just reset and go to work.
You saw it in person?! I have yet to do so, but I've listened to it probably 30+ times. I really love everything about it. I should try to get tickets if they are still doing it.
I'm very similar with my writing schedule. I get up early before work to maybe get an hour or two in, but if I sleep in then that opportunity is gone. Then, in the evening I'm already tired and it takes more effort psychologically to sit down at the computer (especially when I've been sitting in front of a computer all day). But I totally support the strat of writing when you can and editing later.
I'll need to check out your Substack and read your stuff. What do you like to write?
I did! A good friend of mine bought tickets and invited me before Covid hit. So it was delayed until this last summer. You should definitely see it.
I just launched my Substack last week so it's thin, but I write horror/dystopian along with paranormal research articles. I'm hugely skeptical but love creepy stories.
Ohhhh, nice. Yeah, I had bought a tickets to see Tool in concert here in Utah but they ultimately canceled the entire tour, I think. So I got my money back.
Sweet! I love horror and creepy stories. I'll make sure to subscribe asap. Do you follow Cyndi's Dark Delights? They do dark stories as well. Just started reading that one too.
Thank you so much for the support! I do feel like I'm talking to the void, but I'm so inspired by all the writers on here, and it's pushing me to work hard. I will definitely check her out. I've been searching for likeminded publishers on here!
I actually switched off coffee completely for the summer. Shocking for a Seattle girl, but I needed the break. I drink the Republic of Tea Hicaf tea, Caramel Black flavor now and it’s enough to keep me going on the more relaxed summer schedule I have. Probably going to switch to my usual Nespresso Starbucks blends for school mornings, but we’ll see.
I’m an artist so it’s a bit different, but staying on track creatively can be just as tricky. I make a point lately, usually after lunch, to go and at least sit in my studio space. I work on a bunch of different projects in a variety of mediums so I can usually make progress with something once I’m there. Being gentle with myself is crucial and often my biggest challenge because of course I want to finish up an epic piece that sitting, but sometimes simply getting out of bed and handling my ‘day job’ as mom can be pushing my limits so I’m learning to be ok with any progress even if it’s just deciding a dress is to be red or blue and not getting to the actual coloring.
Hello Elly, thank you so much for your comment. I love getting different creative perspectives on these types of questions.
The tea you referenced sounds pretty good. I want to try it. Honestly, I'm so ignorant when it comes to different tea types. I do have some chai tea in the evening every so often, however, I generally forget I have it until I'm looking for something sweet to snack on at night.
I like that you mentioned you have a space you like to sit in. This is vital for me. I almost can't function creatively unless I'm in a certain environment conducive to my process. It's a unique psychological and physical blending of comfort, I think. For example, my office is upstairs and this summer the upstairs got too warm to work in, so I was losing my drive to be productive. It took me about a week to realize that I needed to set up my space downstairs with a laptop instead. Once I made that decision and got comfortable, productivity shot through the roof.
You're totally right with regard to accepting that any progress, no matter how small, is still progress. I've been seeing that a lot more lately with my writing. Even if I don't get words down on paper, yet I figured out a character's backstory, or if I thought of a theme to layer in, that's still part of the writing process. We definitely need the small wins.
Great points, Elly! So glad you commented about this.
I have unwavering tenacity which is a huge help w writing....
Oh, is it ever! It takes a lot to sit down and begin writing despite the simplicity of it. It reminds me of the old adage, "The hardest part about the gym is getting there." I feel like a lot of times I get too bogged down imagining the end-product, then getting overwhelmed that it's not perfect, rather than enjoying the journey of creating/molding it along the way.
Diane, do you feel like you’re charging toward something in particular? I know you mentioned in one of your posts that you had a non-profit. I find your newsletter quite helpful and enlightening for indie writers. I'm starting to think that you find enjoyment in helping people, which is a very noble cause. So thank you for that! We need more people like you, not only in this industry, but in general!
Thank you. You are so kind! I actually shut my nonprofit down because I was feeling like Sisyphus and had lost my passion. I’m now full time fiction writing. I’m putting out a book again I wrote many years ago - now called Rock Gods & Messy Monsters- because a friend read it and was so inspired she quit her dead end office job to pursue her passions.
You are correct, I really would like to build community and help others thru my writing - whether it be by tips on indie writing life or thru themes in my work. My goal is to write entertaining fiction that people can or and also have the opportunity to dig deeper for meaning toward something bigger.
That's so awesome, what a powerful story! I'm looking forward to the release of Rock Gods & Messy Monsters. That's coming up soon right?
I'm eager to continue to watch your journey and I think we're in the right space for what you like to do. It appears there's a new update to the Substack app that is in Beta right now where each Substack will soon be able to have their own separate ongoing thread which will function like a private social space. I'm super excited to see how it enhances discussions such as this and how it will bring us closer together in the places we enjoy sharing.
Argh! I have to decide which platforms I’m going to focus on. I’m sure substack will be one but I can’t handle them all anymore!.... I think I’m spreading myself too thin.
Re the book, you can pre-order the ebook now (it’ll be on Amazon only for at least 3 months) and though I’m not pushing it yet the paperback is up on Amazon now. I was advised to get it up early to get kinks out and I’m so glad I did! The text is still a mess but you can just Google my name on Amazon and get a copy now if you want. Let me know what you think k if you do! Thanks!
*to write entertaining fiction people can enjoy....
I used to work on my podcast script on a weekly basis but I've gotten into scheduling in advance. Now I try to set a rather realistic due date for my main projects, but yes, running into the problem of getting too comfortable is something that needs to be worked around. That's where I have started setting sooner due dates for the smaller things that need to be done within the larger project's scope.
Scheduling in advance is so nice. Since it's such a new concept for me, I forget what has been released and when. I'm often like.. wait, that hasn't gone out yet haha. But it's very satisfying knowing that a lot of cool stuff is scheduled.
Btw, love the new avatar!
Haha thank you, and yeah that happens to me a lot! I've started making timelines for things to be posted. Trying to at least put out at least 2 posts a month here on substack, and soon the exclusive entries will be released starting in October.
It’s an interesting question isn’t it? The truth is I don’t know. It’s some kind of intrinsic motivation to do it that keeps propelling me forward.
So you have the creative bug, too?! I've always had the need to express myself via "productive" pursuits rather than performative ones. I'm not sure that's the correct terminology. Productive as in producing a product in which I no longer have to be present for the enjoyment to take place haha. I'm too shy otherwise. But I know exactly the type of intrinsic motivation you're talking about!
What caused you to hone in on creating your newsletter, Karen? Was it a recent pursuit or have you been doing your style of writing for awhile?
I’m not sure. I just started doing it in 2020 after seeing Heather Cox Richardson‘s newsletter on Substack. I guess they’re finally felt like there was a place where I’d be easy to do and just try it out? Honestly I don’t know if I ever really know why I do anything.
Well, I'm glad you did! haha. I'm really curious what you have planned for the future. Not that you need to have anything planned, but are you going to compile your posts into a journal or book one day? I could definitely see it being a collection of photography and stories.
I don't know, but I'd sure love to do that. I've seen dream glimpses of something of that nature. I'm taking a couple writing courses the remainder of this year, I think there's still some developing to do here!
For me, I have my ups and downs. Periods of inspiration then blocks, but the feeling of unproductivity is something that pushes me to at least work on one thing each day.
I cannot go one day without working on something or else I start severely beating myself up over it. There are times where I feel the need to take a break for a day but if I do so, I have a knack for becoming lazy and when I am I end up distracting myself from too many things.
Therefore, I've found that have several projects to chip away at is a good thing for me, even though having too many makes it hard to finish. But due dates are very important I've found, to light a fire under myself so to speak.
I know that feeling all too well. The act of creation is so satisfying, and it has a strong pull. However, there are times when it can get overwhelming or the result isn't exactly as I'd hoped. But I like your strategy of having multiple projects to work on so that you have the option to rotate onto something that piques your interest in that moment in order to stay productive.
Due dates are key! The two "novels" that I've written online have only been completed because of the weekly due dates where a chapter has to be released otherwise you run the risk of readers losing interest. But regardless of readership, I think it's possibly something that I underutilize in terms of finishing projects. Great point bringing this up, Matthew!
Do you work ahead of schedule and prep things to be released, or do you work on something that week and release it right away? I'm trying so hard to get schedule things ahead of time but then get too comfy and lose the buffer time.