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Today was another very full day. After my normal morning routine, I attempted to put my bed up on risers, and came pretty close to needing an ER visit, or at least making my acquaintance with a chiropractor.
Thankfully, I’m okay.
I found bulbs for three lamps and their situated cords, so they won’t tangle. The effect was highly satisfying. Things are starting to feel even more homey.
What Did I Accomplish Today to Be a Writer?
I did Day 39 of the 100 Words a Day Writing Challenge 2024 through LA Writer’s Lab, and I took care of a lot of behind the scenes details that will hopefully help me keep my head on straight in the near future – it’s still a little cock-eyed, much like some of the lamps were after their long journey from St. Louis to Wabash.
What Am I Afraid of Doing Next in My Journey as a Writer?
Every time I attempt to accomplish something, it seems like I get it 80 percent of the way done; but find out about four more tasks I hadn’t even heard of. I find myself flinching when trying to finish a task, wondering what’s going to come at me next that I had no idea I “had to do”.
Stuff I find myself saying: Where did I write that down?
– Jody Susan
How Am I Balancing the Different Aspects of Being a Writer?
I made a second trip to Wal-Mart today and went absolutely gung-ho (for some reason I’m wondering if that’s now an offensive term) in the office supply section. I’ve got a big plan to take care of all these tiny intertwined details. To keep myself from having to stare at the mounds of planning paraphernalia, I set up shop in my cargo trailer. Hopefully tomorrow I can turn that into a planning hub, if there are lulls in the online conference I’m attending.
What I’m Doing About Building a Body of Work as a Writer
Normally, I’m pretty fired up to type; but lately I feel a pressing desire to get my bearings before I sit down to face another manuscript. I haven’t really even wanted to do another blog series until I get the bigger picture squared away.
Tonight I was thinking about systems and how I tend to go through a different writing book each time I do a draft. I want to document that process so that it’s repeatable and do that with every “department” in the writing business. I love working by batches.
What I’m Doing to Complete My Manuscripts as a Writer
I need to check the Boston Writing Workshop, because I think I might be scheduled to make a pitch to an agent this weekend – and I definitely need to watch the practice videos, if that’s the case.
What I’m Doing to Grow My Website as a Writer
Today I met with a web developer to talk about adding WooCommerce and Stripe to my site, so that I can offer services such as editing, tutoring, consulting, and content creation. The wheels in my brain started spinning; but I’m determined not to launch into any “new ideas” until I finish some things I’ve started.
What I’m Doing to Build My Blog as a Writer
Part of today’s purchase included some dry erase boards and calendars, which I hope to use to make a more consistent plan for publishing content.
What I’m Doing About Networking as a Writer
I interacted with several people today that are starting small businesses. We’re all pretty much in the same boat, and it’s interesting to explore ways we can use our strengths and weaknesses to support each other.
What I’m Doing About Monetization as a Writer
In my head I’m making a list of Affiliate programs I can start putting onto my site; but first I need to make a plan for keeping up with those consistently. I did go ahead and sign up for QuickBooks today. It will be another thing to learn, which seems tiring and intimidating right now; but I believe it will be worthwhile in the end, especially if I start making some money.
What I’m Doing About Social Media as a Writer
Today I was told again that I need to build on my Social Media platforms. That’s part of why I bought my office supplies at Wal-Mart, so that I can make a strategic plan that I will hopefully stick with. Once again someone said to join LinkedIn. I have a lot of resistance to that; but I can’t put into words what I’m thinking.
What I’m Doing About Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Writer
Today I thought through some ideas for how talk to text, or text to talk could come in handy. I still shudder at the suggestion of having Chat GPT write my Social Media posts. I wonder how many people are really doing that. To me, it’s obvious by the tone that it’s not a real person.
What I’m Doing to Stay Organized as a Writer
Woo-Hoo – I am actually pretty excited about my stash of binders, dry erase boards, dividers, and other accoutrements. I realized today that instead of seeing all this disorder as a problem, I need to think like a Steeple Chase horse and see it as something to have fun hurdling.
I have felt a bit like a horse boxed up in a stall, pacing and bobbing, not wanting to be penned in.
Right now the most restful thing I can do is work. Feeling tethered and told to stand still and take a break makes me want to bolt and be set free to run forward with my ideas and plans.
After that analogy, I guess it’s ironic that I’m really looking forward to holing up in my trailer. I’m looking forward to setting up systems and implementing my ideas.
I love to work hard; but I hate to work scattered. It takes the fun away.
Looking Back at My Writing Journey
I’m just sitting here thinking of all the drafts I have stored on my laptop and looking forward to the possibility that I could actually complete them and see them published. This whole barn series has been on my heart for years. I can hardly believe I’m in a spot where I can sit still and see them to the end.
It’s like I have been growing and chopping down trees, chiseling beams, milling boards, gathering stones, and now all those components are set.
It’s time to lay a foundation for organizing all the elements and get to work “raising the barn”.
I’m looking forward to sharing these stories of beauty in the midst of brokenness with you.
Any Other Thoughts on Becoming a Writer, Random Rants, Tales, or Trials…
Today I made my first candle that I can remember – although maybe I did dip some at Silver Dollar City when I was a little kid. It’s funny, because I’d set up my lamps this morning and thought to myself, “maybe I’ll put a candle on the night stand in that space,” but knew I probably wouldn’t follow through.
Then, unexpectedly, my friends invited me to meet them at the candle making shop, and surprised me by springing for my purchase. It was really sweet. After systematically sniffing every choice, I picked the mango scent and didn’t remember until later that they really like that fruit, so now when I smell it, I’ll think of them.
That was a very sweet gift and seemed completely timely, considering my thought this morning.
Thanks for reading what I’m writing,
Jody Susan
Here’s a story that makes me smile:
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