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If you’re following along in my series on what I’m doing on a daily basis to “become a writer”, you may have already read my seventh post, where I explained why I try to rest at least one day a week.
That being said, I’m writing this episode four days before posting, and prescheduling it on my WordPress dashboard to publish automatically.
I’d like to start doing that more on other articles I write, to keep a more consistent schedule, instead of doing things so last second.
What Did I Accomplish Today to Be a Writer?
My prediction is that I’ll be taking a day off; but will still try to participate in Day 14 of the 100 Words a Day Writing Challenge 2024 through LA Writer’s Lab. I don’t consider this “work”, because I’m using this challenge to keep consistent with my journaling, which actually gives me an outlet for my mind to rest.
Stuff I find myself saying: I can’t hold all these words in my head. I have to get them written down.
I’ve got too much data in my mind.
– Jody Susan
How Am I Balancing the Different Aspects of Being a Writer?
By taking a break.
What came to mind this morning, when I was trying to accomplish more things than I had time to do, were the words of Jesus, when He said:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
That’s quite an invitation.
If my goal is to serve Him, and I’m feeling stressed, it’s a good indication that I’m trying to accomplish more than He’s asked.
What I’m Doing About Building a Body of Work as a Writer
Every bodybuilder needs a break.
Just like I take a day off from weightlifting at least once a week, I stop working on my writing projects to recover in the creative realm.
What I’m Doing to Complete My Manuscripts as a Writer
Enjoying a “page break”.
What I’m Doing to Grow My Website as a Writer
Letting it run, while I rest.
What I’m Doing to Build My Blog as a Writer
Allowing WordPress to automatically publish this post, which is pre-written.
Not so Fun Fact About Me: All week, I tend to say I’m tired; but when a day to rest comes around, I tend to get restless. I’m kind of like a kid who desperately needs a nap; but doesn’t know how to just be still and fall asleep.
What I’m Doing About Networking as a Writer
Being thankful for the relationships that God has brought into my life that go way beyond trying to “get a book out” – several people who have been a blessing come to mind, and I hope I can reciprocate their kindness.
What I’m Doing About Monetization as a Writer
Still not really anything.
Trivia Question: Why did the deer cross the road?
Answer: To play chicken.
What I’m Doing About Social Media as a Writer
Still trying to decide if I want to participate, or just hold my name-place for now.
What I’m Doing About Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Writer
Nothing today, that I know of. Perhaps Chat GPT could guess at an answer.
What I’m Doing to Stay Organized as a Writer
Setting aside today to do “nothing”, especially with paperwork, so I’m ready to plunge ahead tomorrow.
I think of rest like the momentum gained when a person pulls back an arrow on a bow.
Without that effort to go backwards a bit, the arrow won’t have the energy to shoot ahead.
Looking Back at My Writing Journey
It’s hard to believe I’ve been in this house a month and a half, as of today (the fourteenth). It’s been stressful and exhausting getting things sorted and spaces clean; but the consistency that comes with being in one spot has helped so much with me being able to settle in and write.
I’m so grateful for this place and feel much more rested than before, when I was running to and fro, wondering where I’d be staying next.
Any Other Thoughts on Becoming a Writer, Random Rants, Tales, or Trials…
I would like to get back to being a reader again.
Elisabeth Elliot, Jane Austen, and Wendell Berry are among some of my favorites, and I hope as I get more settled, I can go back to turning their pages. They feel very much like old, familiar friends to me.
Thanks for reading what I’m writing,
Jody Susan
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