So in January, I thought about my book ALOT. Did I write anything? No. But I had a middle of the night wake up and the book revealed its title to me which then made the whole process of deciding what my linchpin was for my book. I’d been thinking of a whole host of things that didn’t quite work together, and then hey presto, it appeared. So the plan for February is;
1. Look through a lot of books in my area and have a look at the chapter names (this was something suggested by Caro Clarke of Portobello literary agency) to support me with ideas for my own chapter titles and then (hopefully) make it easier for the words to flow as I have a rough direction.
2. I know what my first chapter is so start writing.
Hi all, well January was a month of two halves for me. The first half I was ill and recovering from a really bad cough that strained my rib muscles to the point they were agony each time I coughed, sneezed or even moved a bit wrong! Lucky some antibiotics saw off the cough which in turn helped the muscles recover. And I began to get back into my writing (and general living too!). I came up with the idea for this book - working title is Rare - years ago but recently had been working on the world building and characters. Thanks to the accountability from this group I have completed the first draft of chapter one. In the writing of this, more ideas and storylines have sprung up and today I started chapter 2. I’m really excited about it and I am determined to do my best to stick to the monthly schedule this year and get this book written once and for all. :)
Ok, I had already started a chapter some time ago, I didn’t add much to it this month, some resistance me thinks as I have to go down memory lane. I did however get clear on how I want to format my chapters and I have the titles for 8, so I’ve got a bit of swing time! On a highly positive note, I did my first guest post being published this week, which felt like a notch up I needed. Celebrating that and looking forward to what I can achieve this month.
Beautiful work Louise! Well done. Maybe if you change environment the words will come? I wrote out my piece for the The Rejection Palace in Starbucks and cried a lonely tear no one saw. 💞💞
Hi, I'm Mel! I committed myself to write at least 500 words per day of my book Mon-Fri in Jan (took one week off while traveling) and am shocked that I somehow was able to write over 10k words already. I still have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm trying to go with the flow and see where it takes me!
I was thinking about it but I also know I’m sometimes too beholden to perfectionist tendencies so I sort of want to let it be and not edit :) maybe at the end I’ll look back on it!
Love that for you. Think about if there is something else you can do outside writing to practise the “good enough” model - maybe sharing a chapter or few pages here or with a supportive colleague!? Well done M! Beautiful work this Jan. ✨✨✨🙏
Hi everyone, I'm feeling a little down that I didn't do any work on my chosen project in January – none at all! But I did do lots of research for a manuscript that's due at the end of this month ... so I suppose I've had to let some things go in order to stay on track with others. I'm trying not to feel guilty because this is a big year for me (my debut picture book comes out next month! 😱), but I also want to make sure I get words down this year so that my writing career keeps moving forward. Trying to be gentle with myself but also not wanting to let go of a goal altogether, so this month I'm aiming for just 100 new words on my chosen project. I hope everyone else is doing well <3
Beautiful Melissa and if you want some support we meet every Friday to right. Let your self find joy in your methods it’s a big deal having a picture book come out congrats!! 🥳
Thank you so much, Claire! After writing my comment I ended up with a burst of inspiration last night and worked on an old manuscript. It felt great! I'll try to check in on a Friday one of these days <3
I put a draft plan in place before Xmas, didn’t get to any of it in January !
Highly frustrating but I can only work in flow and have come to understand the painfully hard way that I must honour my body’s needs first.
Though I am celebrating book number 5 coming through in the form of title, hook and outline! With a plan in place to slowly write that alongside my new podcast Your Migraine Story Matters💜
In the end I flung out as a blog I’d already scheduled as chapter one and discovered in the comments, this will go in my 5th book! Now I’m wondering if this one wants to come out first!?! Who knows. I can only see where it’ll all take me and trust I’m making progress along the way.
P.s. Claire - where is your chapter one? I don’t know how I’ve missed it but I can’t find it 😆
Hello everyone. I have had a thinking January about the book as well. What I am trying to do is pretty complex so I have given myself permission to ponder on it. So where I have got to is that I now know I need to start with character development. I need to decide on how many characters I am having and what their qualities are. I know this probably sounds obvious but its been a bit of breakthrough from being totally stuck and wondering where to start. So February is going to be the character development. Not quite sure best way of doing it. I might do a story board I think, a proper physical one for each character.
Happy February! This is my favorite month - it is my birthday month! I have had a rollercoaster 2 weeks. I posted a long-procrastinated writeup starting a new advanced tarot lesson series (and it has such a great response!). I also posted a "you may like my page...." note to test the alg in notes, and my little publication has grown 25+ new free subscribers. I am under 300 subscribers, so that is huge for me. Those posts really do work for the alg finding my little publication. this month I want to chip away at the last unfinished fiction short story (cosmic horror like a twilight zone episode!), and commit to continuing my series I have started fresh and the ones that are carried over from last year.
I am figuring it all out! I am halfway through year 2 on on Substack and it has been amazing fining my people. I have found a new best friend, an amazing coven of powerful ladies, and so much inner work done. Yay Substack!
So, January came and went. No chapters were revised, no words counted, although that was the plan. That said, I'm grinning because I fixed a major plot hole which had been bugging me from the beginning. I put that down in my note book together with some further ideas so all in all, not bad 😊. Work is in overdrive at the moment but I hope to start rewriting my first chapter next week! Happy writing all, C
I've had an idea for a novel whirring around in my brain for many months, only the bare bones of it, no details at all. So I took the plunge and started writing in January. I've got 6000 words down - pen pictures of the characters I'm working with - and this is helping me get to know them. I realise I need to reorganise the words so they work better in a storyline... but I'm pleased. I'm pants-ing it as they say... with no direction... letting my imagination go with the flow. I've never done this before so I've no clue if It'll work, or where the narrative will end up, but it IS fun!!
So, my January chapter was tough to write. I had to make changes to my weekly publishing schedule and the type of posts I send out during the other three weeks to make it happen and have enough time to focus on the book. It also made me very aware of what a big commitment this is.
But all in all, the first chapter is out. It is shorter, but it’s published, and that’s only thanks to the accountability provided here
Thank you Claire Venus so much generous sharing many thanks and may blessing reign upon you with each new step in your creative endeavors peace and love ❤️
I was able to flesh out the book I REALLY want to write, an adventure memoir and teachings from the animals. I made a list of stories/chapters I want to include. Some I have tidbits written about here and there so I can copy and edit. I was going to get started on the first one bit I am finishing up a year long class Im teaching and I had to write a couple conference lectures.
I had a book outline in mind but then changed my mind and thought of a completely different book I’d like to write first. So now have a rough outline for that. But work and life is pretty full-on right now so not sure I will progress much this month. On the bright side, I think my new idea works well also as a podcast so I can get double the output from the content once I have time to get properly started! 😁
I was working on an art project about caddisflies (my first ever paid piece and piece in a gallery) so I didn't put pen to paper as much as I'd hoped. BUT that ultimately ended up being a good thing because the concept of the book has gotten wilder and more beautiful. I had written 3500 words on just the overall vision in kind of an academic way. My friend Emily challenged me to rewild the concept of the book since it is about rewilding healthcare, the suggested The Book of Delights as inspiration. So it's kind of Book of Delights meets Sand County Almanac plus how human health and culture ties into that. So far I've written about soil microbes and rest and snow cover and protection. I'm hoping to write a poem about night today. I'm approaching it more like a journal right now, then I'll refine the bangers :)
So in January, I thought about my book ALOT. Did I write anything? No. But I had a middle of the night wake up and the book revealed its title to me which then made the whole process of deciding what my linchpin was for my book. I’d been thinking of a whole host of things that didn’t quite work together, and then hey presto, it appeared. So the plan for February is;
1. Look through a lot of books in my area and have a look at the chapter names (this was something suggested by Caro Clarke of Portobello literary agency) to support me with ideas for my own chapter titles and then (hopefully) make it easier for the words to flow as I have a rough direction.
2. I know what my first chapter is so start writing.
EXCITED!💫
Well I LOVE that your muse came to visit… that’s a gorgeous way in. We trust the muse way more so know you’re on track and the rest is coming.
Yes absolutely!
Oooo a middle of the night wake up!
Love that it came to you in the middle of the night Anna, that does sound exciting!
I know! Almost like a universal intervention! Getting over the hurdle of ‘can I do this’ is next :)
Of course you can :)
Hi all, well January was a month of two halves for me. The first half I was ill and recovering from a really bad cough that strained my rib muscles to the point they were agony each time I coughed, sneezed or even moved a bit wrong! Lucky some antibiotics saw off the cough which in turn helped the muscles recover. And I began to get back into my writing (and general living too!). I came up with the idea for this book - working title is Rare - years ago but recently had been working on the world building and characters. Thanks to the accountability from this group I have completed the first draft of chapter one. In the writing of this, more ideas and storylines have sprung up and today I started chapter 2. I’m really excited about it and I am determined to do my best to stick to the monthly schedule this year and get this book written once and for all. :)
Ooof and don’t you know each month we will encounter the peaks and troughs of life. Excited for your next chapter Bronwen! You’re doing brilliantly!!
"Get this book written once and for all". I second that, well done!
Ok, I had already started a chapter some time ago, I didn’t add much to it this month, some resistance me thinks as I have to go down memory lane. I did however get clear on how I want to format my chapters and I have the titles for 8, so I’ve got a bit of swing time! On a highly positive note, I did my first guest post being published this week, which felt like a notch up I needed. Celebrating that and looking forward to what I can achieve this month.
Beautiful work Louise! Well done. Maybe if you change environment the words will come? I wrote out my piece for the The Rejection Palace in Starbucks and cried a lonely tear no one saw. 💞💞
Thanks Claire, I think you’re right, I just need to find the right place to feel safe. 💫💕
Hi, I'm Mel! I committed myself to write at least 500 words per day of my book Mon-Fri in Jan (took one week off while traveling) and am shocked that I somehow was able to write over 10k words already. I still have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm trying to go with the flow and see where it takes me!
That’s incredible M! Well done. You can also take time to revisit and edit as you go if that’s pleasing to you?! ✨✨
I was thinking about it but I also know I’m sometimes too beholden to perfectionist tendencies so I sort of want to let it be and not edit :) maybe at the end I’ll look back on it!
Love that for you. Think about if there is something else you can do outside writing to practise the “good enough” model - maybe sharing a chapter or few pages here or with a supportive colleague!? Well done M! Beautiful work this Jan. ✨✨✨🙏
I’ve actually been doing morning pages too from the artists way which Julia defines as the perfect antidote to “not good enough” writing 😂 love her
Thanks for the support and advice 🫶
Morning pages were my life saver years ago, loved that book!
i simultaneously love and loathe them
Those manageable commitments are quite something, aren't they?
Hi everyone, I'm feeling a little down that I didn't do any work on my chosen project in January – none at all! But I did do lots of research for a manuscript that's due at the end of this month ... so I suppose I've had to let some things go in order to stay on track with others. I'm trying not to feel guilty because this is a big year for me (my debut picture book comes out next month! 😱), but I also want to make sure I get words down this year so that my writing career keeps moving forward. Trying to be gentle with myself but also not wanting to let go of a goal altogether, so this month I'm aiming for just 100 new words on my chosen project. I hope everyone else is doing well <3
Beautiful Melissa and if you want some support we meet every Friday to right. Let your self find joy in your methods it’s a big deal having a picture book come out congrats!! 🥳
Thank you so much, Claire! After writing my comment I ended up with a burst of inspiration last night and worked on an old manuscript. It felt great! I'll try to check in on a Friday one of these days <3
I put a draft plan in place before Xmas, didn’t get to any of it in January !
Highly frustrating but I can only work in flow and have come to understand the painfully hard way that I must honour my body’s needs first.
Though I am celebrating book number 5 coming through in the form of title, hook and outline! With a plan in place to slowly write that alongside my new podcast Your Migraine Story Matters💜
In the end I flung out as a blog I’d already scheduled as chapter one and discovered in the comments, this will go in my 5th book! Now I’m wondering if this one wants to come out first!?! Who knows. I can only see where it’ll all take me and trust I’m making progress along the way.
P.s. Claire - where is your chapter one? I don’t know how I’ve missed it but I can’t find it 😆
https://warriorwithin.substack.com/p/opening-the-door
Beautiful! So chapter one is made up of the four parts I published around my $100k year.
One of the lovely things is being able to go back through our substacks and find the old gold! ✨✨💝
Hello everyone. I have had a thinking January about the book as well. What I am trying to do is pretty complex so I have given myself permission to ponder on it. So where I have got to is that I now know I need to start with character development. I need to decide on how many characters I am having and what their qualities are. I know this probably sounds obvious but its been a bit of breakthrough from being totally stuck and wondering where to start. So February is going to be the character development. Not quite sure best way of doing it. I might do a story board I think, a proper physical one for each character.
Or just fall in love with one character and question everything about them?
What a good idea! Thanks 😍
✨✨✨🙏
Happy February! This is my favorite month - it is my birthday month! I have had a rollercoaster 2 weeks. I posted a long-procrastinated writeup starting a new advanced tarot lesson series (and it has such a great response!). I also posted a "you may like my page...." note to test the alg in notes, and my little publication has grown 25+ new free subscribers. I am under 300 subscribers, so that is huge for me. Those posts really do work for the alg finding my little publication. this month I want to chip away at the last unfinished fiction short story (cosmic horror like a twilight zone episode!), and commit to continuing my series I have started fresh and the ones that are carried over from last year.
Happy birthday month too!! ✨✨🥳
Thank you, Claire!
Lovely commitments and I love an experiment too Erica!
I am figuring it all out! I am halfway through year 2 on on Substack and it has been amazing fining my people. I have found a new best friend, an amazing coven of powerful ladies, and so much inner work done. Yay Substack!
Happy Birthday Erica for when it arrives! 🎉
It will be fun! Thank you!
Happy Birthday for when it comes! Mine was last month, in the month everyone loves to hate lol. That's a really interesting and successful experiment!
Yes the winter birthdays! Happy birthday to you!
thank you! x
So, January came and went. No chapters were revised, no words counted, although that was the plan. That said, I'm grinning because I fixed a major plot hole which had been bugging me from the beginning. I put that down in my note book together with some further ideas so all in all, not bad 😊. Work is in overdrive at the moment but I hope to start rewriting my first chapter next week! Happy writing all, C
Yay!! LOVE this plot hole admission - brilliant work!! 🥰🥰
I have two possible ideas.
A)Tarot for women in the second chapter of life (midlife) or B) Tarot for meditation. What do you think? A or B?
Ooo did you ask the cards? 👀
Not yet but good idea.
I love the niche and the words second chapter in the first idea
Hi Claire B. ! I follow your page, and I am loving the midlife focus. I’m there with you. You are going great!
I've had an idea for a novel whirring around in my brain for many months, only the bare bones of it, no details at all. So I took the plunge and started writing in January. I've got 6000 words down - pen pictures of the characters I'm working with - and this is helping me get to know them. I realise I need to reorganise the words so they work better in a storyline... but I'm pleased. I'm pants-ing it as they say... with no direction... letting my imagination go with the flow. I've never done this before so I've no clue if It'll work, or where the narrative will end up, but it IS fun!!
SO fun! I love character work! WELL DONE Yasmin!
So, my January chapter was tough to write. I had to make changes to my weekly publishing schedule and the type of posts I send out during the other three weeks to make it happen and have enough time to focus on the book. It also made me very aware of what a big commitment this is.
But all in all, the first chapter is out. It is shorter, but it’s published, and that’s only thanks to the accountability provided here
Oh brilliant Jana! So it’s on your Substack? Pop the link here. Yeah it’s a wrestle!
Absolutely, here’s the link:
Any feedback, good or constructive is highly appreciated ☺️
https://coffeebreaknewsletter.substack.com/p/chapter-one
Thank you Claire Venus so much generous sharing many thanks and may blessing reign upon you with each new step in your creative endeavors peace and love ❤️
I was able to flesh out the book I REALLY want to write, an adventure memoir and teachings from the animals. I made a list of stories/chapters I want to include. Some I have tidbits written about here and there so I can copy and edit. I was going to get started on the first one bit I am finishing up a year long class Im teaching and I had to write a couple conference lectures.
I had a book outline in mind but then changed my mind and thought of a completely different book I’d like to write first. So now have a rough outline for that. But work and life is pretty full-on right now so not sure I will progress much this month. On the bright side, I think my new idea works well also as a podcast so I can get double the output from the content once I have time to get properly started! 😁
I was working on an art project about caddisflies (my first ever paid piece and piece in a gallery) so I didn't put pen to paper as much as I'd hoped. BUT that ultimately ended up being a good thing because the concept of the book has gotten wilder and more beautiful. I had written 3500 words on just the overall vision in kind of an academic way. My friend Emily challenged me to rewild the concept of the book since it is about rewilding healthcare, the suggested The Book of Delights as inspiration. So it's kind of Book of Delights meets Sand County Almanac plus how human health and culture ties into that. So far I've written about soil microbes and rest and snow cover and protection. I'm hoping to write a poem about night today. I'm approaching it more like a journal right now, then I'll refine the bangers :)