My Journey to Become a Writer 01/26/2024 Post #26

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What Did I Accomplish Today to Be a Writer?

I did Day 26 of the 100 Words a Day Writing Challenge 2024 through LA Writer’s Lab.  

What Am I Afraid of Doing Next in My Journey as a Writer?

I’m afraid I will keep living my life like like this cat:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1DrZApNXvr/

I keep scrambling to get ahold of all these different aspects of becoming a writer, and I think I’m still overextending myself.

Stuff I find myself saying: Facebook stresses me out.

– Jody Susan

I have no clue how Facebook works and fear I’ll miss somebody’s comment and not respond. It feels over stimulating every time I open Facebook – is that me, or is that just the way it works?

How Am I Balancing the Different Aspects of Being a Writer?

I sat down and bawled tonight. I think I’m pressuring myself in too many different areas, and I know I’m not getting enough sleep.

I do my best work when I slow down and get still – so why all this scrambling to figure out social media and start to churn out content? I’m not sure – probably pressure to provide for myself and not look like a total loser or slacker.

What I’m Doing About Building a Body of Work as a Writer

Still typing.

What I’m Doing to Complete My Manuscripts as a Writer

It’s been helpful to get some feedback from others who are reading my draft.

What I’m Doing to Grow My Website as a Writer

I didn’t do anything on this today; but by looking at google analytics from yesterday, I’d say when I post, I get more hits. It’s tempting to feel like all my efforts are in vain. Maybe they are; but I did have quite a big increase in users when I actually told people I’d posted something, instead of being totally obscure.

What I’m Doing to Build My Blog as a Writer

I was tempted to just skip this tonight – probably because I’m too tired. I’m still struggling with feeling pulled in too many directions, looking for a way to make this writing thing “work”.

I fear that taking this season to focus on creating content will wind up having little fruit, and I’ll just lose money.

Not so Fun Fact About Me:  I seventh-guess nearly everything I do.

This is not a good habit when you’re trying to set up and implement a business plan.

What I’m Doing About Networking as a Writer

I went to the Wabash Writers Group today.

What I’m Doing About Monetization as a Writer

Nothing.

What I’m Doing About Social Media as a Writer

I’m trying to decide if I want to use Social Media at all. I feel like it’s a component that carries me off in a windstorm when I’m really just wanting to write; but maybe just writing will only wind up as words lost to the blackhole of my laptop.

What I’m Doing About Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Writer

I’m wondering if by repeating these subheadings I’m shooting myself in the foot. Maybe search engines will punish me for repetition. I’m not sure.

What I’m Doing to Stay Organized as a Writer

Not doing a good job. I need to start saving files in sensible places again. And papers. And pictures.

Looking Back at My Writing Journey

Frankly, I’m really pretty discouraged, which seems not very sensible, since I got interviewed by a major newspaper, have people encouraging me in my work, and am warm and well-fed; but it’s just been one of those days. I keep reminding myself to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks” – I know those elements help so much to ward off despair at not seeing progress and wondering what to do.

Any Other Thoughts on Becoming a Writer, Random Rants, Tales, or Trials…

I need to shut down for the day. Sorry if I sound like a whiner or a cry baby.

I know the best thing for that scrambling cat on Instagram would have been to drop into bed, curl up, and go to sleep – and that’s probably the plan I should implement for myself.

Thanks for reading what I’m writing,

Jody Susan