Write this time - the cheerleading and consistency thread

[EmmaH2022]

Hello! It seems some of us would like a daily thread, not just for accountability but to chat, and encourage, and to see that someone else is pleased that you or I wrote something today!

I have set this up for any writing. Whatever you are writing, let's be cheerleaders for each other. I have started and failed to finish a couple of Nanowrimos and just want to get in the habit of daily writing. I've got some story ideas and some memoir bits I'd like to do. From there, I hope to decide on a project for next year.

I might do 200 words, I might do 1000. I just want to post every time I get some writing into my day. And hopefully others will do too. Just feel free to put anything here really.

I shall be posting here tomorrow to tell you I have done some writing!

beastly oh, that sounds good.

I'm dithering about going to a writing workshop on Sat 5th Nov - literally the first day that the doc suggested as "leave the flat" day. I work at home, for myself, so hope to be back at that on Monday.

I think maybe workshops help keep up motivation and remind me I enjoy it.

Ooh you should go! As long as you're feeling up to it. I bet it will give you a real boost. You're bound to meet some other writers, too.

Sorry, I missed important info

I don't want to pay and then not be well enough to go. Then again, it might get booked up. There'll be others of course, but not tillNew Year.

Oh hmmm that's a conundrum. Is there an online option? Maybe wait to book until the last minute - obviously it's a risk that it will get booked up, though. Unless you could book a place and transfer it to someone?

Sorry, I feel like I'm making it more complicated!

Not at all. I might drop them an email and ask if they run a waiting list or something.

How's everyone?

I didn't call the seminar people, will see how I feel and if space available.

still feel crap.

separate note - how do you all approach motivation and discipline?

I'm raging, I brought baby for a walk and he fell asleep so I headed to Costa to get some writing done. Didn't he wake up just as I walked into Costa! 😭😂I wouldn't mind only I even brought my laptop in a rare show of optimism It's the hope that kills! No chance of writing now!

Motivation and discipline are my biggest weaknesses @EmmaH2022 I think I need external motivation to really finish something and because I write only for me at present I'm missing that external piece. I probably need to join a writers group or something... What do you guys do to help with it?

I quite like Nanowrimo for the motivation to keep writing. The only thing is that if you miss a day or two or have a few short days there isn't long to catch up. It's also only 50k words, which as I write middle grade is good, but for longer novels you have to keep finding the motivation after you've reached the goal. I also find a month is about as long as I can keep going for because I get very absorbed by it.

I don't think I'd find a face-to-face writing group particularly motivating-too many shades of English classes reading your work to everyone which I always hated. I decided to try online groups as at least you can't see everyone looking bored so I looked around and tried a few. It's still terrifying sending a chapter off for people to look at-I used to do it then not look at the computer for 24 hours, but it's also quite exciting knowing that others are reading what you've written.

I use Scribophile * it's great for online critiques and motivation.
It takes a bit of networking at the beginning, but I've done some great groups where you aim to do 1-2 chapters each a week and it's really helpful. It's generally very nice and friendly, but people will point out parts of the book that don't work for them.
Getting a PM saying "Have you done the next chapter because I want to know what happens next" is very motivating!

*Just to note there's someone on the Creative Writing board that hates Scribe with a passion and normally comes very quickly on to rubbish it and tell you where they go is far better. I've tried a few (including the one they are on) and Scribe worked best for me; it's a matter of opinion, so do try a few places and see what suits you. We have a Mumsnet Writers group on Scribe if you join us.

Hope I’m okay to join ☺️ I’m currently on maternity leave, and having a few weeks off (and knowing I’m not returning to my role) I think I finally feel confident in drafting a non fiction book related to my former profession. Have very little done at present other than a list of specific areas I want to to cover, no expectation anyone will ever be interested but I’m hoping it may be at least a bit of a cathartic experience in processing the last few years.

@Panda141 I feel you may be showing me a glimpse into my future once DS arrives! I hope you at least got a half decent coffee for your efforts, best of intentions and all that.

Aw congratulations @BAKEDPOTOTO it is the hardest and best job 😂 I did enjoy my coffee even if I had a little person clamouring all over me while I drank it! But don't expect to do too much with yourself in the first few months, I found it quite a shock to the system so go easy on yourself, it's only when he turned 6 months I felt I could get a bit of time back to myself with a more established routine. Good luck with it all 😊

@MargaretThursday thanks for all the info on scribophile. I had a look at the website there, it might just be the push I need.

@EmmaH2022 how are you feeling?

I haven't done any writing since saturday but have carved out some time tonight when baby is in bed and trick or treaters have finished, hoping I'll get some words down!

It's me
Hi
I'm the problem, it's me! (EmmaH2022 here)

How is everyone?

Sorry for the NC, had some issues, I am the person who started the thread! It's been a tough couple of weeks with pneumonia but I am back now. I hope you didn't think I had forgotten you!

Great to hear everyone is writing. My plan is still to write every day, and I have done that the last three days. It's not the same project but it can't be bad to write!

I finally have the all clear to see mum so I won't be home at the weekend, but I figure days where you are solidly busy, not likely to write anything much good. Perhaps more skilled writers can do this but I can't -yet!

Started the Will Storr book, so far, I like it.

I follow some people on Twitter who have started Nano and adjusted their daily word target almost right away. I am handwriting so I actually can't count the words anyway. But it is good to be back in the habit.

Hey Emma, glad you're okay! I slacked off writing this last few days but got back into it this morning. I've been reading "Deep Work" by Cal Newport and realising that I need to stop allowing myself to be so distracted. Wrote about 2000 words this morning so feels like a good start!

Hi beastly. Sounds good! In a similar vein, I read something which said it's good to devote a couple of big time blocks to writing each week.

I am aware of Newport's work and also now try to schedule my social media time, though it doesn't always work. The main reason I wanted to write every day at the moment was to get in a habit. Plus I literally forget what I've done.

i try not to multi task outside of work as well.

anyway, yay for 2000 words, that is a lot!

I've got time at the moment to write every day but it seems like the more time I have, the more procrastination I do... I've got to get past that, because otherwise I feel like I'm wasting my life! No pressure!!!

Maybe you should schedule something else for the free time? It can be hard to devote time to one activity, especially as writing is one that requires a lot of self discipline.

Hi!
sorry guys
mum admitted to hospital and looking at care homes
I knew I'd end up being her carer and here we are

so I will concentrate on not dying of stress and I wish you all the best with your writing
xx