Twenty+ writers, six weeks, one radical act of daily devotion. As your humble guide/leader/Flight Schooler, I’m starting our surge with a clear vision: Finish The Home Tree (last summer, I drafted this book and titled it The Man Born with Seven Shirts but have gone back to my original title that I love). What about you?
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Six: First, gratitude. Thank you all for being in the challenge. It's a beautiful thing to be together on a journey.
Second, this from @sarasomers ➡ "Something that is hard: digging deep, being honest about past behavior, without being self-deprecating. I gather the transformation is not that I belittled myself and then stopped doing it but more---what were the circumstances that caused me to be so self-abusive and what happened that I no longer allow myself to get involved in similar circumstances." This is a terrific question/process for the memoir writers. Process is digging deeper than the simple answers. The quick fix. This requires genuine curiosity and humility. We have to set aside our pride and accept our failings.
Our writing, especially at the simple craft level, reveals the chaos within. The disorder. And it's honest, humble questions like: What were the circumstances that caused me_____(fill in the blank). The answer begins to be our story and the gift we can give others.
And back, okay! Wow. I see a moment in time of packing up a desk at a school. The slow, and careful pulling together of a lifetime of work and the woman doing this packing telling me the tale. There's an amazing story that comes to mind as well, titled Daywork. It's fiction but it has this sense to it. Highly artistic (edited by Gordon Lish) but see if it inspires: https://tinyurl.com/yx24hdar
This morning, I finally got to my project of typing into my computer the hand written story from my journal. I accomplished 342 words this morning. It's start : ) I still feel challenged in parsing myself out and still having enough time for me. Part of this is having 3 Gemini boys in my life.....Dave, my husband, June 5th; Nick, my second born, June 7th; Josh, my first born, June 8th...... and just getting through some busy birthday fun. Now, I sit waiting for my truck getting an oil change and am thinking of the question, "What were the circumstances that caused me_____(fill in the blank). The answer begins to be our story and the gift we can give others." I came up with a list of a few questions to start with......
What were the circumstances that caused me to run away twice in year 15 of my life?
What were the circumstances that caused me to get pregnant at 15 and give birth to Joshua at 16?
What were the circumstances that caused me to disown my mom at 17 and not see her again till I was 28?
What were the circumstances that caused me to marry two alcoholics?
What were the circumstances that cause me, still to this day, to struggle so much with making decisive decisions?
The stories behind these questions all can be summarized into a short answer:
Fear of Abandonement or Fear of Separation
I actually find this answer very interesting for a variety of reasons and will be exploring the finer details more to find out how true it really is. Thanks for the question!
There you go, a list of scenes to write. Moments in time. Start with the first on this list.
Ran away 1st time
Ran away 2nd time
Pregnant
Birth
Disown mom
marry 1st
marry 2nd
The answers (fears of abandonment/separation) are a good start but hold them lightly. The deeper answers come from the writing and now you have an amazing list! Try, if you can, to write in scene (moment's in time). Be present to each moment and watch meaning rise. It's there in you. Go!
I like this list. I find outlines constricting, but a string of moments/scenes seems more flexible. I tend to write in scenes, but I don't plan them in advance. When I draft one, I ask myself, what comes next? I'm wondering if I can make a list for my next novel that I may or may not stick with, depending on what happens. I wonder whether it would be helpful.
Thank you for the suggestion to write these answers in scene. I dug up an old running away story I wrote a couple of years ago and realized how the story is quick and summarized so I will go back through it and see what I can do.
This is a good process for all writers. Whatever our genre, our work can only get better the more we reach for honesty and insight within ourselves. This, I have found, is a long, ongoing process. I’m sometimes amazed at new moments of clarity I have about things I thought I’d put to bed decades ago.
It never stops, I have discovered. I've been writing CNF for 30 years and am still stunned. Evidence, I believe, of God and a cause for great humility.
🐦⬛ Week One, Day One, Hour One of our six week summer challenge.
I come to you, this first day, 80,000 words into the revision of a novel that I've been working on since 2017.
I WILL finish it over the course of the challenge, for sure, and will be here cheering you all on!
My greatest challenge is consistany and fudging with the schedule. I need to maintain my discipline of going to bed early, getting up early, eating well. Wish me luck.
What a great first Zoom meeting! Inspiring to see everyone, face to face, and talk about the creative writing process.
As you progress with comments, remember our frame:
1) What are you working on?
Sample answers: Memoir, novel, short story, essay collection.
2) What is your greatest challenge to getting to it and making great progress?
Sample answers: Time. Confidence. Feeling overwhelmed and that my work doesn't matter in the end...(these are all what we talked about in the meeting today).
Remember to pick ONE person and connect with them, staying connected all week. And check back each day updating us on your progress!
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Four: Look at these numbers. 83 comments. You guys are doing great. Pinging off each other, interacting, offering insights.
As Kat says, Gold Star. 💫
Nice work. Keep it going.
Had a conversation with an agent about the book, how it's coming it along and I mentioned the word count (which was high). That's all she asked me about. Not the quality, not the craft, not the characters, setting, meaning...just word count.
Interesting... do you think the word count question is to make sure it's within the range of what they might consider marketable? But also, that feels very limiting.
Day four:
Spent three hours writing my naval battle/dogfight scene. I don't know how much I'm "feeling it"--we're flying out to San Francisco tomorrow and I've been scheduling a bunch of preschool visits--but I've given myself some allowance to multitask and be distracted. In this way, I don't feel as much pressure towards perfection and I can actually relax a little and lose myself to the technical aspects of writing. Sometimes it's reassuring how writing is like engineering and it doesn't require my emotions turned up to 100% all day, every day lol.
🐦⬛THIS: "I've given myself some allowance to multitask and be distracted"
Great. It's the time to do it. You're able to surge ahead. That's what matters in these challenges. Surge means forward motion (like the Holy Spirit, now I think of it, "go" it says. Do this!!!" Not distraction can touch us when we are surging. And you are. Battle scene. I cannot wait to read that.
I guess it means - word count is important to the agent? lol...... I guess for me that means..... I need to step up my word count! I am on the last day of "Beach Vacation With the Family".....My husband's daughter and grandkids, and mine through him. It was a full week of nonstop activity with a 3 and 4 year old. Fun and exhausting! Today I head home and tomorrow morning I will begin my word count commitment challenge with myself to get my hand written parts typed into my computer. A challenge for me is to remember this will still be a rough draft and to let go of perfection, for now.
Perserverance has shown itself most in my love for my children.....through tremendous challenges, mistakes, other people's opinions, sorrows and dark night of the soul times where I thought my three children, each in their own way and time, would be lost to their destructive choices......through it all I loved them fully and with open arms, trusting the foundation of love and comunication that I built from the beginning. Now, they are all adults, 30, 34 and 46 and doing well in life! Hallelujah!!! This energy absolutely pulses in my writing as I love what I do when I write, why I write, and what I'm writing about, and trusting I will persevere through the times when I feel myself to be failing.
Love the idea of trusting that you will persevere through the times when you feel like you are failing. Perseverance is one of the few things we have control over.
When I encounter difficulties I can't figure out, I appear to give up and really believe that I have, but it isn't long before I return to have at it again. That's a sort of interrupted perseverance. Dreams latent, lingering, never really lost.
Yep, This is familiar. I was so close to the prize — a top agent and traditional editors nibbling — and when it all fell apart, so did I. But I restarted decades later which sometimes seems crazy and other times makes me fully feel that it is the writing process itself that has value. But today? Driving me bananas!
It does and all that happened to make you stronger. I hate to say it but I think that's how life works. We grow through the breakdowns...at least I have. I just never expected quite so many....🤣
I'm writing to hold on to a part of myself that I like.
Perhaps I'm also writing to provide acceptance, love, connection--also dreams of adventure and meaning--for a younger part of me that felt starved for those things.
This is the only time the “who” question has ever made deep sense. “What in your work connects to human experience?” Oof. This is the real question I’ve been struggling with.
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Seven: This is the final day of our first week and you've all done so well. I'm proud of you.
Read through this thread and see all the resources and depth insights for yourself. A treasury of advice and practical tools.
Here, 93,000+ words and feeling like I've got this 🐅 by the tail. (That's a tiger, BTW)
I paused out a couple days ago because I faced a blank page (a new scene in the voice of a new character) and wasn't sure where to start, but then I did what I teach...started in a scene.
"Woman on patio at iron table, bougainvillea's and wisteria vines behind, the sea before her..." GO. And soon I had a hummingbird metaphor and was off. 2000 words later, Rosa's voice is on the page in this sweeping story. A snippet:
"Surrounded by the hum of wings and the purr of a low, cool wind, Rosa sits and shivers in an iron chair on the wide patio that connects her room to Vincenzo’s. Before her, an iron table.
She wears a robe over her nightgown, hair pinned back and slippers on her feet. In her lap, a pile of papers and a pen. On her left hand, the wedding ring that used to belong to her mother. The diamond a shock each time she looks at it. Brilliant but cold. Beautiful but haunted. She meant to have it blessed by the Archbishop but in the festivities and coming and going, she forgot. Now it’s on her hand and she’s unnerved to wear something last worn by a dead woman she never met. She must, at the first chance, get it blessed."
Remember to check in with each other, cheer each other on, and at midnight, page two is up! See you there.
Good Morning! I have a complete draft of my memoir, but it is a mess. I plan to organize and revise this summer. So I am looking forward to some accountability with being here with all of you.
Hi there, it’s so good to see you again! It’s been so long! Yes, I remember how we were gonna rent that place and then the pandemic hit. I’m happy to hear you’re working on your memoir!!
Yes, it was great to see you again! I remember your work because I, too, came of age in the 70s. I look forward to reading your story when it's ready. You are fortunate to have nurses in the family, given the current state of healthcare. We all need good advocates.
Good to see you this morning Kristi! Congrats on completing your draft, that is so very exciting and not an easy feat to accomplish. Cheering you on as you revise the draft and can't wait to hear more about it.
I took some advice from Jennifer in May that works well for my schedule.
I don’t scroll or check apps the first two hours of my day. I write scene by scene and doing this for a month creates a feeling of accomplishment. I don’t feel rushed all day to get more done. I’m heading into chapter 11 of my project.
I think I’m competent at writing dramatic scenes but feel challenged in trying to bring things into the present. I think I managed in one chapter when I added a bit of historical context/perspective — tens of thousands of young foreigners made that overland trip in the 60s-70s. Still figuring it out. Loved what you said about Blackbird and the zeitgeist. Also loved the collage style of You Can Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
And, she's super popular so that helps (Maggie Smith). Another terrific book is I Hate to Leave this Beautiful Place by Howard Norman. Also, I Am, I Am, I Am, by Maggie O'Farrell
My son passed away on May 1, 23 days shy of his 50th birthday. I have not written since so this is my attempt to get back. We are 4 days into a European vacation that’s been planned for months and we made a hard decision to go ahead with our plans so I’m in Amsterdam as I begin with this one small step, on to Prague in the morning. Hope for the day today, and tomorrow. Blessings.
Dear Andy: I'm so sorry to hear this. What heartbreak and more so to learn here, on the challenge.
They say there is no loss greater than the loss of a child and I'm sure you have been hearing that a good deal now. I am so very sorry and sending you and your family many prayers.
I hope you are able to stop in many churches along the way, they are spectacular in Europe, and find some divine solace. 🙏🏼🪽 After losing my entire family, I know a bit about loss and only in prayer did I find solace and lasting comfort.
Here on earth, I'm going to refer you to a writer at the Studio who lost his son many years ago and has become the "go-to" for the long and complex journey you are now on. He's a great man and a terrific writer. Please tell him I sent you (I'll send via email).
I stopped and bought a journal and pen today. I don’t journal. I’ve tried. The problem with it is that it’s as daunting as any blank sheet. This time, I know my first entry - “I miss Nick.” Whatever follows has to be easier.
Andrew, I am so, so sorry for your loss of your son! My son's name is Nick as well. I pray this trip, and the journal, will help you on a tender, sweet journey of remembering and releasing. I pray you receive all you need along the way for some gentle heart healing.
I am so sorry. Prayers and blessings to find your way. Grief is an intangible reality, like gravity, with the same inescapable pull. May your love for him and his for you bridge the darkness back to the light, however long it takes.
5:51 I am in my favorite writing chair, a warm coffee sits on the end table next to me. There will not be many written words today because I have committed to working two days a week at my nurse job, which starts at 7 AM for the next six weeks. So goes day two.
Hi Kristi! Nothing like a favorite chair and a cup of warm coffee. As for me, I’m not even supposed to be up this early and I usually am not. Although I can commit to time, it will not be the early morning thing! I’ll just do the same thing but a little later But here I am. I think I really needed to do this challenge and find that I’m going through the same things that others are. I remember your memoir and I hope that’s the one you’re working on because it’s wonderful. I put my 60s stories together with my single parent 80s stories. It was quite a bit of work, but I think it was worth it though it means, it’s taking much longer to finish. My older daughter became a nurse about a year ago at the age of 41! She went back to school and still worked as a server down in the San Francisco Bay area! My niece is also a registered nurse. Have a wonderful day.
I am glad you're here too!! I relate to juggling writing with work, although nursing is a completely different field. I thought it would be easier because my kids are now grown and gone! doesn't quite work that way. family is always a big deal as well as a long-term relationship! I had been single for so many years that I had forgotten how it is!!! hehe! I met Savoy in 2018 when I still lived in Lincoln City. my cat and I moved in with him two years later...so I'm still in Eugene (Southeast Eugene at the edge of the woods). we are still together like seven years later!! he plays drums in a rock band with my son Stevie who is lead singer!! sorry to go on about the BF. he is amazing and a good soul and his friendship with my son is cool. he is the only BF whom my kids never called a "Dueschbag." (spelling?) but relationships take time!! so working and relationship plus writing is a juggling act for sure!!! but you can do it!!! if I can do it, anyone can. hey come visit me sometime Kristi!! when you can. I'm not working now. I can still go for walks in the woods! okay, time to work on another chapter with my crappy typing skills! (recovering while new thumb joint forms). I still prefer desktop for editing and writing.
But you're here. That is good. So offer up your gifting to another today and see how that story of tending another is your story...you nurse out in the world and nurse inward to that young soul.
I’ve just started my third novel. I’m a pantser, so there’s a lot I will discover along the way. My biggest challenge is that my life is loaded with a full-time editing job, shifts of childcare for my grandchildren, a husband with a chronic condition that limits him a lot and makes him grumpy, and I’m seventy-five, should slow down but need to keep working for financial reasons—and I’m easily distracted by shiny offers and streaming TV. So I guess the challenge amid all of this is to believe in myself and the value of staying connected with my creative soul.
Thank you, Jennifer. It's a sequel to a novel I just released. The novel takes place in San Francisco, 1974, on Shinbone Lane, where young Maddy finds refuge among a spirited group of wanderers, artists and dreamers. It's a place where magic blends with reality — and secrets emerge to heal, haunt, and transform lives. I wasn't planning a sequel and it may not work, but several readers have told me they want to be able to dwell on Shinbone Lane longer, to see what might happen next. I thought I'd give it a try. I'd already begun a novel that jumps ahead to 2010 in California and will have a child or grandchild of a character from Shinbone in the mix, but as a minor character. But I do like the idea of dwelling in the 1970s for a while longer. I've published eight books: two memoirs (I read Blackbird after I drafted my childhood memoir, which is also first person, present tense. It just came out that way. I was really happy to stumble upon Blackbird and be so encouraged and moved by it. I had deals with two little publishers for my first memoir. One went bankrupt before publishing the book. The other ran into some sort of difficulty that was never explained and just kept several authors waiting for a long, long time. I finally got my rights back and published it myself and have been self-publishing ever since), two collections of flash fiction, an illustrated book of folktales and original stories that are like folktales, and two novels. The first novel takes place in a little town called Kiminee in Illinois, another place where magic and reality blend, and where secrets bubble to the surface and change everything.
🐦⬛ This: "...several readers have told me they want to be able to dwell on Shinbone Lane longer, to see what might happen next. I thought I'd give it a try. I'd already begun a novel that jumps ahead to 2010 in California and will have a child or grandchild of a character from Shinbone in the mix, but as a minor character. But I do like the idea of dwelling in the 1970s for a while longer."
Such inspiration from readers. That's great. I'm looking you up. What self publishing mode are you using?
I publish paperbacks with Ingram and Amazon through my own little company, Wordforest. For all my ebooks except for Shinbone Lane (the most recent one) I'm using Draft2Digital and Amazon. For the time being, I'm doing KDP Select with Amazon for Shinbone's ebook, following the advice of Morgan at Paper Raven Books. It means being exclusive with Amazon for three months so you can offer the book free for five days during that period. I drove some readers to the book's Amazon page during launch week through a promotion with Fussy Librarian. Then I caught a terrible cold and haven't done more in terms of celebrating the book's publication. As far a producing books goes, one of my sisters is a graphics designer so she did the covers for several of my books, as well as some of the interior design. She's developed some eye troubles (too much time at the computer) and can no longer do that. For Shinbone, I hired Ebook Launch for the cover design and will likely turn to them whenever I need a new cover again. I used Vellum to do the interior design and ebook formatting myself. I didn't think I'd be able to do the interior design part, but Vellum makes it easy if you find their templates appealing. And I've worked with various editors through the years, most recently Amelia Winters on an early draft and Mandy Haynes on a later one. Then there are beta readers and ARC readers, who always find issues and errors I would never have seen.
I haven't. There are so many people offering advice, resources and courses on how to publish independently. I don't think I have anything new or different to add. I've also signed up for way too many online, primarily video-based courses that I've never completed. That's a different thing than a workshop, but it does make me shy away from jumping into the fray as some sort of expert. I'd really have to have something outstanding to offer, something with lasting value. I do have conversations with author friends about things we're doing, and I'm happy to share my experiences.
I can’t believe I’m awake at this hour. I decided to login here and see what’s up. Nice to meet you. You have a lot of challenges and I totally get it! I can relate because in the past, my life was crazy. Now it has settled down quite a bit. I’m glad we’re all in this together.
Laura's sounds like a book MADE FOR YOU Melody, how fortuitous you would find her and more, her path. Perhaps she will inspire you to self publish. If anyone could do it, it's you. 😉
Thank you, Laura. I hope you’re doing well too. Oh my gosh. I made a few more edits to chapter 41 and now I’m working on the second to the last chapter chapter 45 no 46 yikes! I was reading about how you published some books. I find that fascinating because I haven’t really published anything yet either but I’ve been writing forever. Anyway, I didn’t get too much writing done the second day just a few more edits to chapter 41 Sergeant Pepper’s lonely heart band. The second to the last chapter is called day in the life part two because chapter 2nd day on the life part one. Everything I write is true, but I also write fiction which of course embellishes! But I had to put all other projects aside to finish because I tend to work on things at once and I’m super committed to this right now.
Sounds like you’re in the zone with your book. That’s exciting. When your draft is done, if you’re looking for a few beta readers, I’ll be happy to join the crew.
Laura that would be awesome. I plan send to beta readers soon! that's why I'm editing now. it took me time to LIKE editing, but now I do! I used to love the adrenalin of the first draft! still do..but I've grown over time to love the editing process..and not think of it as simply a necessity! I would love to add you as a BETA reader! I only have a couple people so far AND my brother and sister who are in the book!! they're kids, and my kids are welcome to read it too...though they know most of the story.. but someone who has not seen it before --- PERFECT! now back to edit this thing..I'm way slower than usual now!
I'm happy to know you can relate to having a lot of challenges, Melody, and that things have settled down for you now. I'm also glad we're all in this together, too. We can create, create, create while taking care of ourselves.
Hi! I’m spending the summer abroad and tuning in from Albania for now. I’m 30k words into my memoir on trying to conceive at advanced maternal age. I hope to write an additional 45k this summer in order to finish my first draft. I need to “puke” the story onto the page and see what wants to be woven back together into something powerful and beautiful.
Hi and welcome. This is perfect: "I’m 30k words into my memoir on trying to conceive at advanced maternal age. I hope to write an additional 45k this summer"
I found a great coffee shop full of plants and books on a tree lined street in the city. I set my timer for 45 minutes and then was so into writing by the end of that I went another half hour effortlessly! Heading back there again today.
A great first meeting. My buddy was Konrad. I look forward to hearing more of his story about Muslim midwives in Spain seven hundred years ago. I hope I captured that right, Konrad?
As for my organizational writing challenge, I am geared up and ready to go tomorrow at 5 AM! I loved Jennifer's comment about setting her phone to ping her when it's time to start winding down for bedtime, so that she can get up early and write. I plan to set my phone for 9 pm this evening and be in bed by no later than 10 pm, as per my summer schedule. Best to everyone until next time🌻
So lovely to meet and connect with fellow writers from all different walks of life. So many compassionate people with important stories and experiences to share. I will be chewing on the insight about self-loathing and how it gets in the way of our creations. I know that certainly rings true for me.
I'm writing an alternate universe historical wartime drama (a mouthful!). My biggest challenge is finding time, carving out a set schedule, and, when I do have time, having the brainspace to be creative. I have a 3.5 year old and my family is moving to the Bay Area this summer; there will be so many changes and all the while, time marches forward in its relentless fashion. But, during today's breakout session, we talked about how many great writers, such as the Bronte sisters, the Austens, dealt with hardship while writing. I think about all the women writers I've looked up to and their perseverance. Anyway, the conversation with Judith and Patricia brought perspective, awareness, and hope. Thank you <3
"I'm writing an alternate universe historical wartime drama (a mouthful!). My biggest challenge is finding time, carving out a set schedule, and, when I do have time, having the brainspace to be creative."
Sounds cool and interesting! Wow, how cool that you’re moving to the bay area I’m from the San Francisco Bay area specifically San Francisco. I moved up here to Oregon in 2016. Well, I do love it here, I still miss the Bay Area in California. I’ll be down there the last two weeks of June after my grandkids get out of school. I know it’s hard to write when you have a three year-old but I know you can do it!
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛ We've jumped to week two of this terrific challenge. New questions to answer, new work to create.
Fly on over:
https://jenniferlauck.substack.com/p/week-two-when-a-creative-writer-digs/comments
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Six: First, gratitude. Thank you all for being in the challenge. It's a beautiful thing to be together on a journey.
Second, this from @sarasomers ➡ "Something that is hard: digging deep, being honest about past behavior, without being self-deprecating. I gather the transformation is not that I belittled myself and then stopped doing it but more---what were the circumstances that caused me to be so self-abusive and what happened that I no longer allow myself to get involved in similar circumstances." This is a terrific question/process for the memoir writers. Process is digging deeper than the simple answers. The quick fix. This requires genuine curiosity and humility. We have to set aside our pride and accept our failings.
Our writing, especially at the simple craft level, reveals the chaos within. The disorder. And it's honest, humble questions like: What were the circumstances that caused me_____(fill in the blank). The answer begins to be our story and the gift we can give others.
Love to hear your thoughts.
I’m not going to dig into that (the self-abusive stuff). But I’d like to share the circumstances that led me to finally write my book.
1. Discovered my older students (over 25) needed a different kind of text.
2. Fell down a flight of stairs and almost broke my neck in 2016 during spring break.
3. Had to quit my job as a teacher.
4. Had to find a new house sans stairs.
5. Needed something to do.
6. Someone asked me about inflation.
7. Found the right writing community in November 2022.
8. Found a publisher in October 2024.
I suppose each of those, except for the last one is worthy its own story.
Beautiful. True. I have more to say/ask but a pile of work beckons. Soon...
And back, okay! Wow. I see a moment in time of packing up a desk at a school. The slow, and careful pulling together of a lifetime of work and the woman doing this packing telling me the tale. There's an amazing story that comes to mind as well, titled Daywork. It's fiction but it has this sense to it. Highly artistic (edited by Gordon Lish) but see if it inspires: https://tinyurl.com/yx24hdar
Week One, Day Six
This morning, I finally got to my project of typing into my computer the hand written story from my journal. I accomplished 342 words this morning. It's start : ) I still feel challenged in parsing myself out and still having enough time for me. Part of this is having 3 Gemini boys in my life.....Dave, my husband, June 5th; Nick, my second born, June 7th; Josh, my first born, June 8th...... and just getting through some busy birthday fun. Now, I sit waiting for my truck getting an oil change and am thinking of the question, "What were the circumstances that caused me_____(fill in the blank). The answer begins to be our story and the gift we can give others." I came up with a list of a few questions to start with......
What were the circumstances that caused me to run away twice in year 15 of my life?
What were the circumstances that caused me to get pregnant at 15 and give birth to Joshua at 16?
What were the circumstances that caused me to disown my mom at 17 and not see her again till I was 28?
What were the circumstances that caused me to marry two alcoholics?
What were the circumstances that cause me, still to this day, to struggle so much with making decisive decisions?
The stories behind these questions all can be summarized into a short answer:
Fear of Abandonement or Fear of Separation
I actually find this answer very interesting for a variety of reasons and will be exploring the finer details more to find out how true it really is. Thanks for the question!
There you go, a list of scenes to write. Moments in time. Start with the first on this list.
Ran away 1st time
Ran away 2nd time
Pregnant
Birth
Disown mom
marry 1st
marry 2nd
The answers (fears of abandonment/separation) are a good start but hold them lightly. The deeper answers come from the writing and now you have an amazing list! Try, if you can, to write in scene (moment's in time). Be present to each moment and watch meaning rise. It's there in you. Go!
I like this list. I find outlines constricting, but a string of moments/scenes seems more flexible. I tend to write in scenes, but I don't plan them in advance. When I draft one, I ask myself, what comes next? I'm wondering if I can make a list for my next novel that I may or may not stick with, depending on what happens. I wonder whether it would be helpful.
I wonder as well and look forward to finding out. I hope you share : )
Thank you for the suggestion to write these answers in scene. I dug up an old running away story I wrote a couple of years ago and realized how the story is quick and summarized so I will go back through it and see what I can do.
Wow! Thanks for letting us know the circumstances!! Now we get to watch you get out the shovel and start digging!!!!
I second Sarah's wow! I'm inspired by the way you're digging in.
This is a good process for all writers. Whatever our genre, our work can only get better the more we reach for honesty and insight within ourselves. This, I have found, is a long, ongoing process. I’m sometimes amazed at new moments of clarity I have about things I thought I’d put to bed decades ago.
It never stops, I have discovered. I've been writing CNF for 30 years and am still stunned. Evidence, I believe, of God and a cause for great humility.
🐦⬛ Week One, Day One, Hour One of our six week summer challenge.
I come to you, this first day, 80,000 words into the revision of a novel that I've been working on since 2017.
I WILL finish it over the course of the challenge, for sure, and will be here cheering you all on!
My greatest challenge is consistany and fudging with the schedule. I need to maintain my discipline of going to bed early, getting up early, eating well. Wish me luck.
What a great first Zoom meeting! Inspiring to see everyone, face to face, and talk about the creative writing process.
As you progress with comments, remember our frame:
1) What are you working on?
Sample answers: Memoir, novel, short story, essay collection.
2) What is your greatest challenge to getting to it and making great progress?
Sample answers: Time. Confidence. Feeling overwhelmed and that my work doesn't matter in the end...(these are all what we talked about in the meeting today).
Remember to pick ONE person and connect with them, staying connected all week. And check back each day updating us on your progress!
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Four: Look at these numbers. 83 comments. You guys are doing great. Pinging off each other, interacting, offering insights.
As Kat says, Gold Star. 💫
Nice work. Keep it going.
Had a conversation with an agent about the book, how it's coming it along and I mentioned the word count (which was high). That's all she asked me about. Not the quality, not the craft, not the characters, setting, meaning...just word count.
What does that mean?
Interesting... do you think the word count question is to make sure it's within the range of what they might consider marketable? But also, that feels very limiting.
Day four:
Spent three hours writing my naval battle/dogfight scene. I don't know how much I'm "feeling it"--we're flying out to San Francisco tomorrow and I've been scheduling a bunch of preschool visits--but I've given myself some allowance to multitask and be distracted. In this way, I don't feel as much pressure towards perfection and I can actually relax a little and lose myself to the technical aspects of writing. Sometimes it's reassuring how writing is like engineering and it doesn't require my emotions turned up to 100% all day, every day lol.
🐦⬛THIS: "I've given myself some allowance to multitask and be distracted"
Great. It's the time to do it. You're able to surge ahead. That's what matters in these challenges. Surge means forward motion (like the Holy Spirit, now I think of it, "go" it says. Do this!!!" Not distraction can touch us when we are surging. And you are. Battle scene. I cannot wait to read that.
Week One, Day Four
I guess it means - word count is important to the agent? lol...... I guess for me that means..... I need to step up my word count! I am on the last day of "Beach Vacation With the Family".....My husband's daughter and grandkids, and mine through him. It was a full week of nonstop activity with a 3 and 4 year old. Fun and exhausting! Today I head home and tomorrow morning I will begin my word count commitment challenge with myself to get my hand written parts typed into my computer. A challenge for me is to remember this will still be a rough draft and to let go of perfection, for now.
🐦⬛ Sunday: I know you're starting on your word count challenge today! Sending lots of great good vibes.
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Three: Welcome back to a new day.
I went back to my old hard drive to pull out all versions of the Home Tree. I started "this version" of this novel in 2013. 🤯
I telling you this because this is an art form that requires perseverance. I've been gifted that quality in abundance. You have, too.
Where, in your life, has perseverance shown itself most and do you feel that energy pulsing into your writing? A curious question...
Week One, Day Three
Perserverance has shown itself most in my love for my children.....through tremendous challenges, mistakes, other people's opinions, sorrows and dark night of the soul times where I thought my three children, each in their own way and time, would be lost to their destructive choices......through it all I loved them fully and with open arms, trusting the foundation of love and comunication that I built from the beginning. Now, they are all adults, 30, 34 and 46 and doing well in life! Hallelujah!!! This energy absolutely pulses in my writing as I love what I do when I write, why I write, and what I'm writing about, and trusting I will persevere through the times when I feel myself to be failing.
Love the idea of trusting that you will persevere through the times when you feel like you are failing. Perseverance is one of the few things we have control over.
Indeed! It's muscle that needs to be consciously exercised.
When I encounter difficulties I can't figure out, I appear to give up and really believe that I have, but it isn't long before I return to have at it again. That's a sort of interrupted perseverance. Dreams latent, lingering, never really lost.
Nice. And true. Good share. TY
Yep, This is familiar. I was so close to the prize — a top agent and traditional editors nibbling — and when it all fell apart, so did I. But I restarted decades later which sometimes seems crazy and other times makes me fully feel that it is the writing process itself that has value. But today? Driving me bananas!
It does and all that happened to make you stronger. I hate to say it but I think that's how life works. We grow through the breakdowns...at least I have. I just never expected quite so many....🤣
Absolutely!
I got book one done. I wanted to quit working on it so many times. When I started getting excited about my work again, that’s when things changed.
Right. Loving what we do is rocket fuel.
🐦⬛ Week one, Day Two: A question to get you thinking->
🤔 "Who are you writing for? Meaning, what is your work about that connects to the human experience?"
✍🏻 I'm writing about secrets in families, about impossible divides that split people, and about perseverance in the face of increasing obstacles.
Yesterday, I had to write in the afternoon. A slog. But...I finished another chapter. A good day. WHEW.
How about you?
I'm writing to me and mainly older women pursuing dreams of adventure, travel or athletics - no matter of age or status.
Love this!!! This resonates with so many.
I'm writing to hold on to a part of myself that I like.
Perhaps I'm also writing to provide acceptance, love, connection--also dreams of adventure and meaning--for a younger part of me that felt starved for those things.
But also just to get my crazies out lol!
You got me in the heart there, and you are speaking for a lot of us with the crazies! 🤣
High five! Love that so many writers have this in common!
This is the only time the “who” question has ever made deep sense. “What in your work connects to human experience?” Oof. This is the real question I’ve been struggling with.
🐦⬛ Week One, Day Seven: This is the final day of our first week and you've all done so well. I'm proud of you.
Read through this thread and see all the resources and depth insights for yourself. A treasury of advice and practical tools.
Here, 93,000+ words and feeling like I've got this 🐅 by the tail. (That's a tiger, BTW)
I paused out a couple days ago because I faced a blank page (a new scene in the voice of a new character) and wasn't sure where to start, but then I did what I teach...started in a scene.
"Woman on patio at iron table, bougainvillea's and wisteria vines behind, the sea before her..." GO. And soon I had a hummingbird metaphor and was off. 2000 words later, Rosa's voice is on the page in this sweeping story. A snippet:
"Surrounded by the hum of wings and the purr of a low, cool wind, Rosa sits and shivers in an iron chair on the wide patio that connects her room to Vincenzo’s. Before her, an iron table.
She wears a robe over her nightgown, hair pinned back and slippers on her feet. In her lap, a pile of papers and a pen. On her left hand, the wedding ring that used to belong to her mother. The diamond a shock each time she looks at it. Brilliant but cold. Beautiful but haunted. She meant to have it blessed by the Archbishop but in the festivities and coming and going, she forgot. Now it’s on her hand and she’s unnerved to wear something last worn by a dead woman she never met. She must, at the first chance, get it blessed."
Remember to check in with each other, cheer each other on, and at midnight, page two is up! See you there.
Good Morning! I have a complete draft of my memoir, but it is a mess. I plan to organize and revise this summer. So I am looking forward to some accountability with being here with all of you.
I look forward to meeting you in a few minutes!
Hi there, it’s so good to see you again! It’s been so long! Yes, I remember how we were gonna rent that place and then the pandemic hit. I’m happy to hear you’re working on your memoir!!
Yes, it was great to see you again! I remember your work because I, too, came of age in the 70s. I look forward to reading your story when it's ready. You are fortunate to have nurses in the family, given the current state of healthcare. We all need good advocates.
Good to see you this morning Kristi! Congrats on completing your draft, that is so very exciting and not an easy feat to accomplish. Cheering you on as you revise the draft and can't wait to hear more about it.
Wonderful to see you as well, Kat! I love your work and appreciate your encouragement always!
Blackbirds rock. Want to become one? Get started on the Foundations (Bones->then scene/exposition/progression), then you are on your way.
Perfect: "I have a complete draft of my memoir, but it is a mess. I plan to organize and revise"
Biggest challenge?
I took some advice from Jennifer in May that works well for my schedule.
I don’t scroll or check apps the first two hours of my day. I write scene by scene and doing this for a month creates a feeling of accomplishment. I don’t feel rushed all day to get more done. I’m heading into chapter 11 of my project.
That IS great advice!
That’s awesome Jill!
I have projects started and abandoned. A memoir about backpacking overland to India at age 18 is what I’ll focus on this summer.
So great! "A memoir about backpacking overland to India at age 18"! Love it. What's your biggest challenge again?
I think I’m competent at writing dramatic scenes but feel challenged in trying to bring things into the present. I think I managed in one chapter when I added a bit of historical context/perspective — tens of thousands of young foreigners made that overland trip in the 60s-70s. Still figuring it out. Loved what you said about Blackbird and the zeitgeist. Also loved the collage style of You Can Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
And, she's super popular so that helps (Maggie Smith). Another terrific book is I Hate to Leave this Beautiful Place by Howard Norman. Also, I Am, I Am, I Am, by Maggie O'Farrell
Hi Vivian—it was nice to meet you today!
Same. I am taking your suggestion to post some of my Overland memoir on Substack. I put a few pieces on other sites a while ago but took most down.
Such a great idea. I serialized my fifth and had a MASSIVE breakthrough in the process. I'll be eager to hear how sharing impacts process.
My son passed away on May 1, 23 days shy of his 50th birthday. I have not written since so this is my attempt to get back. We are 4 days into a European vacation that’s been planned for months and we made a hard decision to go ahead with our plans so I’m in Amsterdam as I begin with this one small step, on to Prague in the morning. Hope for the day today, and tomorrow. Blessings.
Dear Andy: I'm so sorry to hear this. What heartbreak and more so to learn here, on the challenge.
They say there is no loss greater than the loss of a child and I'm sure you have been hearing that a good deal now. I am so very sorry and sending you and your family many prayers.
I hope you are able to stop in many churches along the way, they are spectacular in Europe, and find some divine solace. 🙏🏼🪽 After losing my entire family, I know a bit about loss and only in prayer did I find solace and lasting comfort.
Here on earth, I'm going to refer you to a writer at the Studio who lost his son many years ago and has become the "go-to" for the long and complex journey you are now on. He's a great man and a terrific writer. Please tell him I sent you (I'll send via email).
Be well, J.
I stopped and bought a journal and pen today. I don’t journal. I’ve tried. The problem with it is that it’s as daunting as any blank sheet. This time, I know my first entry - “I miss Nick.” Whatever follows has to be easier.
I am so sorry for your loss. It took writing to get me past a very different kind of grief.
🙏
Andrew, I am so, so sorry for your loss of your son! My son's name is Nick as well. I pray this trip, and the journal, will help you on a tender, sweet journey of remembering and releasing. I pray you receive all you need along the way for some gentle heart healing.
I am so sorry. Prayers and blessings to find your way. Grief is an intangible reality, like gravity, with the same inescapable pull. May your love for him and his for you bridge the darkness back to the light, however long it takes.
I’m sorry about your son. Sending so much love.
5:51 I am in my favorite writing chair, a warm coffee sits on the end table next to me. There will not be many written words today because I have committed to working two days a week at my nurse job, which starts at 7 AM for the next six weeks. So goes day two.
Hi Kristi! Nothing like a favorite chair and a cup of warm coffee. As for me, I’m not even supposed to be up this early and I usually am not. Although I can commit to time, it will not be the early morning thing! I’ll just do the same thing but a little later But here I am. I think I really needed to do this challenge and find that I’m going through the same things that others are. I remember your memoir and I hope that’s the one you’re working on because it’s wonderful. I put my 60s stories together with my single parent 80s stories. It was quite a bit of work, but I think it was worth it though it means, it’s taking much longer to finish. My older daughter became a nurse about a year ago at the age of 41! She went back to school and still worked as a server down in the San Francisco Bay area! My niece is also a registered nurse. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Melody, I can't wait to read your work when its ready. I am so glad you are here!
I am glad you're here too!! I relate to juggling writing with work, although nursing is a completely different field. I thought it would be easier because my kids are now grown and gone! doesn't quite work that way. family is always a big deal as well as a long-term relationship! I had been single for so many years that I had forgotten how it is!!! hehe! I met Savoy in 2018 when I still lived in Lincoln City. my cat and I moved in with him two years later...so I'm still in Eugene (Southeast Eugene at the edge of the woods). we are still together like seven years later!! he plays drums in a rock band with my son Stevie who is lead singer!! sorry to go on about the BF. he is amazing and a good soul and his friendship with my son is cool. he is the only BF whom my kids never called a "Dueschbag." (spelling?) but relationships take time!! so working and relationship plus writing is a juggling act for sure!!! but you can do it!!! if I can do it, anyone can. hey come visit me sometime Kristi!! when you can. I'm not working now. I can still go for walks in the woods! okay, time to work on another chapter with my crappy typing skills! (recovering while new thumb joint forms). I still prefer desktop for editing and writing.
But you're here. That is good. So offer up your gifting to another today and see how that story of tending another is your story...you nurse out in the world and nurse inward to that young soul.
I’ve just started my third novel. I’m a pantser, so there’s a lot I will discover along the way. My biggest challenge is that my life is loaded with a full-time editing job, shifts of childcare for my grandchildren, a husband with a chronic condition that limits him a lot and makes him grumpy, and I’m seventy-five, should slow down but need to keep working for financial reasons—and I’m easily distracted by shiny offers and streaming TV. So I guess the challenge amid all of this is to believe in myself and the value of staying connected with my creative soul.
Welcome Laura. So great to have you here. And what is your novel about? Have you published your earlier works?
Thank you, Jennifer. It's a sequel to a novel I just released. The novel takes place in San Francisco, 1974, on Shinbone Lane, where young Maddy finds refuge among a spirited group of wanderers, artists and dreamers. It's a place where magic blends with reality — and secrets emerge to heal, haunt, and transform lives. I wasn't planning a sequel and it may not work, but several readers have told me they want to be able to dwell on Shinbone Lane longer, to see what might happen next. I thought I'd give it a try. I'd already begun a novel that jumps ahead to 2010 in California and will have a child or grandchild of a character from Shinbone in the mix, but as a minor character. But I do like the idea of dwelling in the 1970s for a while longer. I've published eight books: two memoirs (I read Blackbird after I drafted my childhood memoir, which is also first person, present tense. It just came out that way. I was really happy to stumble upon Blackbird and be so encouraged and moved by it. I had deals with two little publishers for my first memoir. One went bankrupt before publishing the book. The other ran into some sort of difficulty that was never explained and just kept several authors waiting for a long, long time. I finally got my rights back and published it myself and have been self-publishing ever since), two collections of flash fiction, an illustrated book of folktales and original stories that are like folktales, and two novels. The first novel takes place in a little town called Kiminee in Illinois, another place where magic and reality blend, and where secrets bubble to the surface and change everything.
🐦⬛ This: "...several readers have told me they want to be able to dwell on Shinbone Lane longer, to see what might happen next. I thought I'd give it a try. I'd already begun a novel that jumps ahead to 2010 in California and will have a child or grandchild of a character from Shinbone in the mix, but as a minor character. But I do like the idea of dwelling in the 1970s for a while longer."
Such inspiration from readers. That's great. I'm looking you up. What self publishing mode are you using?
I publish paperbacks with Ingram and Amazon through my own little company, Wordforest. For all my ebooks except for Shinbone Lane (the most recent one) I'm using Draft2Digital and Amazon. For the time being, I'm doing KDP Select with Amazon for Shinbone's ebook, following the advice of Morgan at Paper Raven Books. It means being exclusive with Amazon for three months so you can offer the book free for five days during that period. I drove some readers to the book's Amazon page during launch week through a promotion with Fussy Librarian. Then I caught a terrible cold and haven't done more in terms of celebrating the book's publication. As far a producing books goes, one of my sisters is a graphics designer so she did the covers for several of my books, as well as some of the interior design. She's developed some eye troubles (too much time at the computer) and can no longer do that. For Shinbone, I hired Ebook Launch for the cover design and will likely turn to them whenever I need a new cover again. I used Vellum to do the interior design and ebook formatting myself. I didn't think I'd be able to do the interior design part, but Vellum makes it easy if you find their templates appealing. And I've worked with various editors through the years, most recently Amelia Winters on an early draft and Mandy Haynes on a later one. Then there are beta readers and ARC readers, who always find issues and errors I would never have seen.
WOW. Busy. Have you taught workshops on how to do this? So complex.
I haven't. There are so many people offering advice, resources and courses on how to publish independently. I don't think I have anything new or different to add. I've also signed up for way too many online, primarily video-based courses that I've never completed. That's a different thing than a workshop, but it does make me shy away from jumping into the fray as some sort of expert. I'd really have to have something outstanding to offer, something with lasting value. I do have conversations with author friends about things we're doing, and I'm happy to share my experiences.
I can’t believe I’m awake at this hour. I decided to login here and see what’s up. Nice to meet you. You have a lot of challenges and I totally get it! I can relate because in the past, my life was crazy. Now it has settled down quite a bit. I’m glad we’re all in this together.
Laura's sounds like a book MADE FOR YOU Melody, how fortuitous you would find her and more, her path. Perhaps she will inspire you to self publish. If anyone could do it, it's you. 😉
Yes!! You are so right!
I hope you have a good writing day on this, the third day of the challenge, Melody.
Thank you, Laura. I hope you’re doing well too. Oh my gosh. I made a few more edits to chapter 41 and now I’m working on the second to the last chapter chapter 45 no 46 yikes! I was reading about how you published some books. I find that fascinating because I haven’t really published anything yet either but I’ve been writing forever. Anyway, I didn’t get too much writing done the second day just a few more edits to chapter 41 Sergeant Pepper’s lonely heart band. The second to the last chapter is called day in the life part two because chapter 2nd day on the life part one. Everything I write is true, but I also write fiction which of course embellishes! But I had to put all other projects aside to finish because I tend to work on things at once and I’m super committed to this right now.
Sounds like you’re in the zone with your book. That’s exciting. When your draft is done, if you’re looking for a few beta readers, I’ll be happy to join the crew.
Laura that would be awesome. I plan send to beta readers soon! that's why I'm editing now. it took me time to LIKE editing, but now I do! I used to love the adrenalin of the first draft! still do..but I've grown over time to love the editing process..and not think of it as simply a necessity! I would love to add you as a BETA reader! I only have a couple people so far AND my brother and sister who are in the book!! they're kids, and my kids are welcome to read it too...though they know most of the story.. but someone who has not seen it before --- PERFECT! now back to edit this thing..I'm way slower than usual now!
I'm happy to know you can relate to having a lot of challenges, Melody, and that things have settled down for you now. I'm also glad we're all in this together, too. We can create, create, create while taking care of ourselves.
Hi! I’m spending the summer abroad and tuning in from Albania for now. I’m 30k words into my memoir on trying to conceive at advanced maternal age. I hope to write an additional 45k this summer in order to finish my first draft. I need to “puke” the story onto the page and see what wants to be woven back together into something powerful and beautiful.
Hi and welcome. This is perfect: "I’m 30k words into my memoir on trying to conceive at advanced maternal age. I hope to write an additional 45k this summer"
Biggest challenge?
Getting pen to paper on the regular!
Great. Now, how are you solving that?
I found a great coffee shop full of plants and books on a tree lined street in the city. I set my timer for 45 minutes and then was so into writing by the end of that I went another half hour effortlessly! Heading back there again today.
A great first meeting. My buddy was Konrad. I look forward to hearing more of his story about Muslim midwives in Spain seven hundred years ago. I hope I captured that right, Konrad?
As for my organizational writing challenge, I am geared up and ready to go tomorrow at 5 AM! I loved Jennifer's comment about setting her phone to ping her when it's time to start winding down for bedtime, so that she can get up early and write. I plan to set my phone for 9 pm this evening and be in bed by no later than 10 pm, as per my summer schedule. Best to everyone until next time🌻
Bravo! Battling the demon of time. ⏰ Take it back. It's yours!
So lovely to meet and connect with fellow writers from all different walks of life. So many compassionate people with important stories and experiences to share. I will be chewing on the insight about self-loathing and how it gets in the way of our creations. I know that certainly rings true for me.
I'm writing an alternate universe historical wartime drama (a mouthful!). My biggest challenge is finding time, carving out a set schedule, and, when I do have time, having the brainspace to be creative. I have a 3.5 year old and my family is moving to the Bay Area this summer; there will be so many changes and all the while, time marches forward in its relentless fashion. But, during today's breakout session, we talked about how many great writers, such as the Bronte sisters, the Austens, dealt with hardship while writing. I think about all the women writers I've looked up to and their perseverance. Anyway, the conversation with Judith and Patricia brought perspective, awareness, and hope. Thank you <3
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
🌟
"I'm writing an alternate universe historical wartime drama (a mouthful!). My biggest challenge is finding time, carving out a set schedule, and, when I do have time, having the brainspace to be creative."
Sounds cool and interesting! Wow, how cool that you’re moving to the bay area I’m from the San Francisco Bay area specifically San Francisco. I moved up here to Oregon in 2016. Well, I do love it here, I still miss the Bay Area in California. I’ll be down there the last two weeks of June after my grandkids get out of school. I know it’s hard to write when you have a three year-old but I know you can do it!