11 years ago I decided I will write every day. Now, don't get me wrong, I do not write every day, but every day I tell myself I need to write. Because of this, I write most days and have done so for the last 11 years. If I'm not writing because I'm stuck, I will edit, or plot, or talk about my story to try to get past the roadblock, or I might send out a few more queries. But it's always at the back of my mind: Write. It's not that you should write. It's a joy and a passion, but if I don't write, nothing has happened. What matters hasn't changed. I will have lived a meaningful life even if I never wrote another word. But I do want to write, and remind myself of the fact from time to time. I legit thought I hadn't been writing much for the past week and a half because I was tinkering with old scenes. Last night I finally updated my planning doc where I also have the word count recorded, and it turns out, I was at 13k words just a week and a half ago. I'm currently at 27k. So, I've written 14-15k words in under 14 days when I thought I haven't really been writing lol. Was a little shocked myself. I dunno. It's a grind and you're in this for the long haul. I wouldn't underestimate the little tinkerings that we all do. If you want to write, then you will. I decided 11 years ago that that was a choice. Simple enough thought, but few people seem to realise how true that is. Turtle won the race Keep at it. Whatever output you can manage is fine. Be proud of your work. One day, your book will be finished. Can't promise you it'll be ready - that's a whole other thing - but it will be finished. And you will have a book in your hands. It's the magic of creating what we love, not simply consuming what we love. And that's kinda awesome.
Tried something today. I go on long walks with a notepad to write down my thoughts before they escape into the either. I usually stop to do this, but today I tried writing on the move. It may seem a recipe for a face plant, but I was fairly successful. Being in decent shape for my age helped. There is a technique to it. I carry a small 4x6 spiral wound notebook. (I write much faster than I text, and voice to text has been to cumbersome and unreliable) I do this on streets rather than trails. I examine the route. If I see a longish straight section ahead I hold that heading and start writing. I keep track of my progress so that I do not pass the pre-surveyed path. My penmanship goes to hell, but it's readable. I also slow down, and walking up hills at a good clip is a big part of what is keeping me this side of the dirt. With practice I'll be able to do it at full speed.
