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I’m still plugging away at these daily posts, tracking what it’s like to try and be a writer “from the perspective of a small potato starting from the ground up”, and I do think they have helped me stay on track more with my writing goals. Knowing I want to be able to have something accomplished by the end of the day to “declare” here has helped me persevere, especially on the tasks I’ve admitted I’m scared to face.
Today was another milestone for making traction on something that’s overwhelmed me.
What Did I Accomplish Today to Be a Writer?
I did Day 17 of the 100 Words a Day Writing Challenge 2024 through LA Writer’s Lab.
I published the two posts I couldn’t get up last night, due to a lack of internet access, and made major progress towards fixing issues with my site which I might be penalized for, if I don’t get them taken care of.
I also began to work on travel plans for the writers’ retreat I plan on participating in.
What Am I Afraid of Doing Next in My Journey as a Writer?
I’m afraid of not finishing what I start. I made it over the mound of figuring out my G4 yesterday (no thanks to the Google Training that sent me on a wild goose chase – albeit a super-slow one). Then I finally figured out what to do about my Alt Text image issue – I’ll try to share more information on those items in the near future, in case any of you are as lost as I was.
Anyway, I’m encouraged; but it seems like as soon as I get a concept, the technology changes, and then I’m back at square one. I’m scared I can’t keep up with it.
Stuff I find myself saying: It’s cold.
-Jody Susan
We did have a “heat wave” and it’s been in the twenties today – a fairly big improvement from eight below zero (Fahrenheit).
How Am I Balancing the Different Aspects of Being a Writer?
Not having internet access has made this a little murky. I figure if I’m going to use the gas to go to town, I might as well get my money’s worth and stay, so I have slipped some on stuff I wanted to get done around the house.
However, gaining ground on the behind-the-scenes stuff (like Alt Text and G4 Analytics) have given me some more writing ideas, and I’m hoping once those hurdles are done, I can really move forward with my manuscripts.
What I’m Doing About Building a Body of Work as a Writer
As I learn how to do more technical things, I’m trying to document my progress in hopes it can help other people like me, who are also intimidated by the non-writing work that goes into becoming a writer.
What I’m Doing to Complete My Manuscripts as a Writer
This break from “About Trees” has been good for me. I’m actually getting anxious to print and reread my draft. I bought Al Watt’s The 90-Day Memoir, which recently came out, and I’m looking forward to going through it, to see how it compares with the class.
What I’m Doing to Grow My Website as a Writer
By getting the Alt Text for images issue in order, I think I’m setting myself up for better success. Before, I didn’t really understand that the purpose of filling in this information was to help people with visual impairment have access to my site.
Adding in the image details makes my work more accessible to a bigger audience, and also keeps the search engines from penalizing me for not making my site user-friendly for people with vision issues.
I’d liken not including Alt Text to images as being like building a skyscraper and not installing elevators – it wouldn’t be compliant with building codes, because some groups of people couldn’t utilize all the floors. If there is no description of the image, or its function, then it leaves a large part of the site content closed off for those who can’t see the picture.
What I’m Doing to Build My Blog as a Writer
I’m still writing these daily posts to build my blog. Last night I restarted my series on tips for writers. I’ve got a lot of ideas for this section, so hopefully, little by little, I can add some helpful content.
Totally Random Fact About Me: I like to say words and phrases forwards then backwards and count out the syllables on my fingers as I go back and forth. It’s probably bizarre; but I’m saying it here, because I’d like to see if AI includes that in the pertinent information about me.
What I’m Doing About Networking as a Writer
The bathroom at the coffee shop was under construction, so I went to the Welcome Center nearby. While I was there, I asked someone about Grow Wabash, which I believe is our local version of the Chamber of Commerce, and I read the framed articles about when our town took part in the Small Town Revolution, which Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank hosted, along with Amanda Brinkman. You can watch it here, if you’d like to learn more about our town:
What I’m Doing About Monetization as a Writer
I did an exploration of what kind of icons and media can be inserted on my website and came across some tools for adding payment. I’d like to offer editing services, along with writing help or coaching; but I’ve only gotten a little way through the WooCommerce/Stripe process – then I got stuck.
I’ve not understood where the information lands, so I’ve been holding off; but I think I made quite a discovery in whatever these thingies are called when I add a new block.
“Block formats”? Would that be the right phrase?
What I’m Doing About Social Media as a Writer
I ought to go ahead and get the courage to put up another one of the videos I made about potatoes.
I just did; but I don’t know if I can keep it up – my face feels like a hot potato every time:
What I’m Doing About Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Writer
Adding Alt Text to all my images. There are 415 pictures in total that I need to describe in my media library – on 21 pages. I’ve gotten through 2 pages, hopefully I can plow through some more tonight.
What I’m Doing to Stay Organized as a Writer
It dawned on me today that when my printer comes, I can go back to my old habit/hobby of making Excel sheets, which I love, for streamlining tasks. I would almost go so far as to say that thought made me giddy.
Give this girl a three-ring binder, a hole punch, and time to make spread sheets, and I’ll be quite happy for a long time.
Looking Back at My Writing Journey
I came across a journal just yesterday, where I’d recorded a stressful dream last summer, which I have no recollection of now. It’s astonishing what things our minds press out as more information and memories come. I’m grateful for the pages I’ve collected that my brain couldn’t hold.
Re-reading helps me look back and give thanks for what God has gotten me through. My circumstances then are so different from what they are now.
Any Other Thoughts on Becoming a Writer, Random Rants, Tales, or Trials…
When it comes to the tech-side of being a writer, this is a tough gig; but once I actually gain some ground in an area, and the intimidation wears off, I begin to enjoy the process.
Thanks for reading what I’m writing,
Jody Susan
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