Salutations, literature lovers!
I hope you and your writing works are doing well! I’m still chipping away at what I’m calling a “fantasy meets the real world” novel (sort of like the movies Big, 13 Going on 30, and About Time). It blends my love of Greek mythology with contemporary women’s fiction. I’m about 240 pages into what I’m thinking will be a 300-page manuscript.
In personal news, I’m currently 39.5 days pregnant! Here are a few photos from our recent maternity shoot!:
Needless to say, my life has been almost entirely baby focused lately. My mom was just in town helping Ben and I organize baby boy’s nursery, as well as purging our entire house, à la Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. I can’t recommend purging enough; it feels fantastic to let things go that don’t, as Mrs. Kondo says, “spark joy,” and pass them on to someone for whom they will spark joy and fill a need!
I’ve still been prioritizing writing most mornings though because I’m a firm believer that the “writing muscle” is much like any physical muscle in the human body: if you don’t use it regularly, it weakens and atrophies and requires no shortage of effort to regain! Though my daily word counts have dwindled, I’m not discouraged; I’d rather write a little bit consistently than write a big chunk every once in a while (again, it’s much like working out – consistency is key.)
Once the baby is here, however, daily writing will likely take a backseat to around-the-clock breastfeeding and diaper changing, at which time I’ll be listening to plenty of writing podcasts and audiobooks in an effort to educate, motivate, and inspire my creative soul while my body tackles motherhood for the first time!
And now, my lovely logophiles, it’s time for another writing roundup wherein I share the writerly things I’ve found especially inspiring, helpful, relatable, and even giggle-worthy over the last four weeks! From encouraging, craft-honing articles, to productivity-enhancing tips and nerdy-cool products, I’m positive you’ll find something that piques your curiosity and ups your writing game!
Without further ado, here’s my February roundup!
5 Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (article)
- Focus small.
- Write down ideas.
- Use virtual offices.
- Stick to your MIT’s (most important tasks).
- Use the Two-Minute Rule.
This article explains the importance of the above five habits and how they can make you better organized and more effective! Let’s work smarter, not harder by making more room for our creative life to thrive!
Grammar Plate Set and Mugs (just-for-fun product)
Talk about “conversation starter”! These plates and mugs will bring out the inner nerds in all your house guests! They also make excellent gifts for the grammar geeks in your life!
Do It Later Planner for the Creative Procrastinator (useful tool)
Pssst! Procrastinator! It’s not too late to set your 2019 up for success with a handy-dandy planner!
The following description is from the website:
Do It Later! provides all the tools required for your hands-off (but effective) approach to work: weekly calendar grids with ample room for appointments; procrastinator wisdom, tips, and activities; an organizational section for prioritizing delay tactics; and all-important space for doodling (the planner’s uncoated paper is perfect for pen, pencil, crayon, or the marker of your choice). The cover flaps feature a full year calendar; the last page, a 2021 calendar. Sprinkled throughout are lists of things to do (or not), just-in-time survival tactics, and entertaining diversions—for example: Things to Do When You’ve Got a Million Things to Do; How to Respond to Criticism from Your Boss, Coworkers, or a Family Member; Unique Theme Parties to Plan and Have (or Not Have); A Procrastinator’s Famous Last Words; Blank lists for recording songs you know by heart, unique ice-cream flavors, things you like about monkeys—and things you don’t. Lighthearted and upbeat, this indispensable aid for the secret slacker in all of us will keep you on track, on time, and smiling.
If you’re like me and prefer tangible, pen-requiring analog calendars to digital ones, then definitely check this baby out!
How Famous Writers Overcome Writer’s Block and Reawaken Their Creativity (article)
This article is comprised of seven powerful strategies that will help you get your creative groove back! Even better, the guidance comes from famous writers like Maya Angelou, Neil Gaiman, and Tony Morrison, all of whom know a thing or two about the frustrations that are part and parcel of any artistic endeavor.
Here’s one of my favorite pieces of advice, one that I implement every writing session:
“The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck. Always stop while you are going good and don’t think about it or worry about it until you start to write the next day. That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start.” – Ernest Hemingway