Writing Progress #1
My current goal is to write an entire first draft of a novel by the end of 2024.
It feels so strange to ‘type that out loud’.
What’s even stranger, is that after a strangely productive couple of weeks, it’s now looking achievable. So what better way to keep myself accountable than to document my progress on here?
Firstly, I wish there was some amazing tip I could share, some small flicker that magically ignites productivity; unfortunately, there isn’t. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks both absolutely buzzing that my brain has decided to engage - ‘I’m writing! A lot! This is amazing! I’m going to be a success!’ my ego is screaming - and also feeling like Im on the precipice of popping this amazing - and potentially delicate - writing bubble that I’ve found myself in.
Anyway, I’m going to act as if it’s all very normal for me to write thousands of words a week on top of my job and continue to try and get it finished.
Whilst I haven’t really changed anything recently in terms of motivation, over the past year I have brought a few more things into my life that support me in my endeavour to write:
Writing group 1: A monthly writing group where we can bring our own work to discuss, play writing games and generally talk about writing. This group is great because there are writers of all backgrounds and genres. I always feel like I come away with a new perspective on things - even if I haven’t shared any of my own work.
Writing group 2: A women’s writing group where we free write using prompts. This is purely writing for myself and self development. There is no critique in this group, we simply put pen (or pencil) to paper with no agenda. A lot of the time I’m surprised with where my writing takes me.
BBC Maestro: I got an offer through for a yearly subscription after being recommended the courses by someone in Writing Group 1. I’m currently working my way through the Jojo Moyes and Carol Ann Duffy courses, which so far have been very insightful.
Reading: For so long when I was trying to write, I wasn’t reading enough. I’d heard it a million times that reading would support my writing and I didn’t believe it. Well… if I could go back a few years and give my younger self a shake and say ‘READ’', I would. As they say (who are ‘they’? Does any one know?) better late than never, and I’m now reaping the benefits of regularly reading.
As for what I read… anything and everything, but I’m currently working my way through the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas.
So, now you know a bit about what supports my writing… here’s what I’m actually writing (or attempting to):
Novel 1: Currently 16,099 words written, of which approximately 14,000 were penned (typed) in the past 2 weeks. I started this a long time ago but had a renewed urge to write it. I think it will potentially be a series.
Novel 2: 4505 words written. Not touched for a couple of months but still a story I’m passionate about.
Anthology short story: Writing group 1 have an aim of creating a group anthology, and I am going to write a short story. I have a vague idea what it’s going to be about, but currently the word count is at zero.
Poetry : ongoing, more for general creativity than to share anyway. No deadline, no goal, just words on a page.
Whilst I don’t have any motivational tips just yet, here are a couple of thoughts I keep at the forefront of my mind when I write:
You can’t edit a blank page.
It doesn’t have to be profound, i.e. not every sentence needs to change someone’s life. Some sentences are there to build atmosphere, some are to move the story forward, and some are there to give readers a visual. Also, some are just there to have something to edit later. Go easy on yourself.
So there we are, the writing update that literally nobody asked for, but that will hopefully do something towards keeping me accountable with my word count. The plan will be a monthly update to reflect on any insights or learnings.
Until next month…