My Reading List

Here it is:

I've read Sarah's Key before and really enjoyed it. And no, I haven't read The Hunger Games yet (probably one of the few writers who hasn't). Isn't that a beautiful pile? Maybe a tad heavy on the historical fiction side, but hey, that's what I like to read and what I write. Can't wait to dive in!

Work those Writer Muscles

I started my own exercise regime several weeks ago to work on the post-baby tummy. Though the routine is short, I was pretty sore the second day. When I told my husband I thought I might be doing something wrong, he told me the soreness meant it was working and I should keep at it. Days I exercise I feel better. Maybe it's more psychological, but I like to think it's helping physically too. If I want results, I need to do it every day.

The same with writing. I certainly applaud those who actually write every day. About two years ago I wrote nearly every day, trying to meet a personal deadline, and it was awesome. But my life/schedule has changed, and with three young kiddos, it's much harder to do that. But I do advocate doing something writer-ish every day, even if it's small. That might be working on your WIP, researching agents, reading books in the genres you're writing, editing, getting ready for critique group or critiquing others stuff, blogging, etc. Then, like my exercise routine, you're putting in the effort every day toward your writing career/journey and one day you'll see the results.

Putting Off Until Tomorrow

I guess you'd say I'm a "A-type" personality - I like to be organized, efficient, check off my to-do list. Typically this means I run around mad trying to get everything on my list done in ONE DAY. Then when that doesn't happen, I feel a bit like a failure. But no more.

Yesterday I DELIBERATELY put off doing some of the things on my to-do list until today or later in the week. Did I feel like I failure? Nope. Instead I felt totally liberated! I got stuff done, but I didn't have to get it ALL done. Wish I'd figured this out a little earlier in life.

This could apply to writing back story in a novel. You don't have to rush and stick it all in the first paragraph, first page, first chapter. Savor getting some of it in, but feel the liberation of not having "everything done in one day." You'll feel happy (really, you will, in the end) and your readers will feel happy too!