When you have the writing blues, just show up to each writing session. Some books come to me so easily. I sit down and, before I know it, I've written an entire chapter. I love the characters, I know where the story is going, and best of all, I write…
Last month I took a few days to flesh out my next novel and promptly got a case of the plotting blues. Almost eighteen months ago, I’d figured out the basic plot (it will be the sixth and final book in my Wyoming Ranchers series), but I knew I needed to develop it further before I can begin writing it.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been anticipating writing this book for a long time! I know the hero. I’m excited to write his story. But when it came time to flesh the story out? Nothing.
I prayed about it and relaxed. The story would come to me at some point. They always do. But in the meantime, I decided to try something different.
Has this ever happened to you? You wake up, moderately ready for the tasks ahead, but by the time you have your coffee and get ready, your motivation has dissolved to nothing? A feeling of dread creeps in, and excuses march through your mind. One healthy choice feels like too much work. What started as a decent day now seems impossible to get through.
Lately the birds singing outside my window wake me up before my alarm. Not every morning, mind you. But yesterday I woke up a full hour and a half before my alarm went off, and I could not get back to sleep.
I didn’t fret. Just got up, made some coffee, did my Bible study, and scrolled through my phone for a bit. I had my workout planned–a DVD in our basement–and I was already dressed for it. I just needed to put on my shoes and get my butt down there.
But did I get my butt down there? I think we all know the answer to that!
My brain is covered in a thick fog as I do the final polish of my manuscript. I apologize to everyone in my life. I'm scattered and self-absorbed. I will be myself again soon--I promise! Writers, you know what I'm talking about. It's very difficult to turn off the world…
I've actually been enjoying the blustery, overcast weather. Winter will be here with the snap of my fingers, so I will take the windy, rainy weather since it comes with yellow, rust, and fiery orange leaves. Okay, so it's time for goals. How did you all do last month? Are…
How often do you find a quiet spot and let your imagination play? Part of the writer's life is exploring ideas. For a long time, I neglected carving out an hour to sit with a notebook and just explore. But I overhauled my approach to my workweek and now have…
October already? I feel like I blinked and missed September! And you know what that means--blink twice and Christmas will be here. We'll have to make the most of the days we have between now and 2019! How did your September go? Mine rocked. Buckle up! {Please share your progress and…
It's that time again! It's been a busy summer, and I haven't been blogging much, but I LOVE seeing your goals! You all motivate me. I'll review my plan for last month, share how I did, then state my new goals! Please share yours in the comments. Jill's July 2018…
June!! This year is flying by. It's time to check our progress and post new goals. Who's with me? First, I'll update you on how I did in May. Jill’s May 2018 Goals: Finish drafting the fourth Wyoming Cowboys book. Finalize all promo for Reunited with the Bull Rider. This means…
Every month I share my new goals and let you know on how I did with my previous month's goals. Here's my update! Jill’s April 2018 Goals: Revise, polish and submit the proposal due later this month. Prep and speak at Researching the Romance symposium sponsored by BGSU’s Browne Pop…