My Journey to Become a Writer 07/22/2024 Post #204

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This is another day when I waited too long to write my update.

By the time my writing group ended in the early evening, my eyes were sore from staring at the screen too long, so I just thought I’d “step away” and go get gas and groceries (since I don’t think I’ve been to the store in a month and my mower and car are both near empty).

Well, one thing led to another, and now it’s nearly ten…

What Did I Accomplish Today to Be a Writer?

I did Day 204 of the 100 Words a Day Writing Challenge 2024 through L.A. Writers’ Lab and met with my writing group. We each did a check in, listened to one of our members share a piece from her memoir and offered feedback. I also practiced reading the five minute monologue I’m preparing for an open mic session later this week. Pace is one of my biggest problems but according to them it has improved a lot, so I’m grateful for that.

I also spent time planning out how to build a sound proof booth for recording audiobooks and social media posts. This has taken some planning (and courage -considering the cost) but compared with renting a sound booth, it’s a much cheaper option. Besides, I’ve been told not to record more than an hour a day (if even that), and I know my voice is not very strong. Using a professional studio requires longer timeslots, which makes it pretty impractical.

Aside from all that, I worked on formatting posts for the next 98 days, so that the process will be smooth. Muscle memory is so helpful when it comes to doing things efficiently, so I like to work in batches.

My Current Home Management Strategies to Help Stay Organized as a Writer

Well, not going to the grocery store certainly saves time, but I figured I’d better go ahead and break my streak. When I got home, I made several batch meals.

All I can say as far as home management is: keep things as simple as possible. I’m grateful for the space I have and am kind of amazed that building a basic recording studio is feasible within my square footage.

Right now most of my “stuff” is pretty simple, but I am still feeling pretty frazzled as far as paperwork and digital organization. Keeping rooms clean and clutter-free does help my mind feel less stressed, so that I can concentrate on writing projects. When my eyes get tired from staring at the screen, I try to do a quick clean up to give myself a break.

Anyway, I’m rambling – another consequence of starting this so late…

Thanks for reading what I’m writing,

Jody Susan

The post down below from 99 days ago made me go back and look at 99 days before that – and then back a little further, and quite frankly, I got a stressed feeling in my stomach remembering what a frantic time that was. I felt like everything I was doing needed to be done long ago – and there was no way of getting off the hamster wheel… I still tend to feel like I’m in over my head, but in a slightly more tranquil way. I’m still learning not to be anxious and to take breaks to rest.

Speaking of which, I’d better go to bed.