#writersnotebook 28 August - 8 Sept
🪴 self-care: Gardening is a huge part of my self care. The garden reflects many life lessons that I’ve struggled with, like failure and patience (ugh just writing those words gives me a jab in the stomach!). But if my gorgeous intricate roses struggle with daily life, then maybe it’s ok that I struggle too? Sometimes I wander out there to snip a few deadheads and get lost in the tasks and beauty. That’s what happened here in these photos - I have been waiting all spring and summer for my garden to bloom like it is right now and I wanted to capture the fruits of the garden’s labor with these mini bouquets.
music I’m loving: Morgan Wade’s new album and Carrie’s Country on Sirius
books I’m reading: The Majority by Elizabeth Silver. I met her at a retreat in 2018 and love her writing. Go read all of her books.
🖊 writing: I’m making a big shift from personal essay back to my novel this fall. All summer I wrote, revised and submitted creative nonfiction essays. I’m trying to build my credibility as a writer so that an agent and publisher will want me! So far in 2023 I’ve submitted to about 17 publications. Still no acceptances, but I’m proud of myself for doing the work. I wish I could prioritize essays and my novel at the same time, but I’ve found that doesn’t work for me, given the small bits of time I have for writing. Maybe someday when I’m a full time writer and speaker... (#bigdreams)
I’m excited for this change! I committed to two major supports this fall - an online six week course with one of my writing teachers and an in-person, out-of-state writing retreat! The course is focused on outlining a whole book and the retreat is geared towards learning about publishing and getting a book deal. These are big splurges that show the universe I’m serious about my book! I’m sure I’ll be sharing lots more in the weeks to come.
Plus: the usual goals journaling + gratitude practice on the mornings when I don’t commute.
💻 writer admin: Officially signed up for the writing retreat!
💫 writer community: I was paired up with a fellow writer inside my writing community for a few weeks to do a constructive review of each other’s work. I found that having a partner who knows me and my work (but isn’t a close friend or family member) made me feel safe to share and more open to their feedback. It’s eye opening to have someone else closely review your work and point out things you may not have thought of on your own. Plus, writing is such a solo act that can sometimes feel lonely - having a partner supporting me good for the soul.
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