Quote of the Day: Being gifted creates obligations, which means you owe the world your best effort at the work you love. You too are a natural resource. Barbara Sher
I looked up Barbara Sher after reading that quote. She was a motivational speaker and author. This short Youtube video gets to the point. “Do what you love and you’ll be happy.” Use the gifts that you’ve been given. In other words, let your light shine so that it inspires other.
Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
Question of the Month: Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?
I write in fits and spurts. In September, I got a renewed energy for my current novel and made good progress through the beginning of November. I hit 100 pages and celebrated. Then, came to a screeching halt. I’m writing a travel novel, and I get hung up on details. Since I haven’t traveled most of the route, I have to stop and research or talk to a friend, or watch videos of other people traveling a similar route. Then, when I sit back down to write, it starts to flow again. It’s time to get back to it! Scheduling writing time, at least in my head, seems to help. When I have a plan, I like to stick to it! And, yes, it’s much harder to write during the big holiday months.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: How are you using your gifts? What did you need to do to adjust during this pandemic?
I often write in fits and spurts too. Usually I get into a groove and then something happens- someone in the family gets sick, or work gets busy, or I get distracted by a side project – and then I lose my groove and it may be awhile before I get back to it again.
That’s how it works for me, too.
Keep up the great work writing!
The pandemic… it messes with my schedule, my stress, every aspect of this life.
So true. It can feel okay for a while, then BAM! Something else happens to throw us off.
Fits and spurts could be applied to my writing progress too!
We’ll persevere!
Yay for renewed energy!
Scheduling writing time really can make all the difference. 🙂
Yes. I have it on the schedule for this weekend!
I bet you’re finding places you want to travel to in the future!
Oh, ya. Can hardly wait!
A book about travel sounds wonderful! Looking forward to hearing more.
Yes, Lee. It’s set in California. I’ll probably be contacting you for details!
A book with travel sounds fun. Research slows us down but it’s necessary.
So true.
‘Fits and starts’ describe my writing habit as well. I do better when life is conducive all around. Outside of my writing courses, the pandemic has played havoc with my creativity. Hoping for better things in 2021.
P.S. I loved the Barbara Sher quote and video. I loved her books–so inspirational.
I’m glad I found that quote. I enjoyed her speech as well.
Having a plan and scheduling writing time definitely helps! I’m hoping to start over in the new year and keep to a more structured writing schedule.
Yes. The New Year motivation!
I definitely hear you on fits and spurts. Good luck with your travel novel!
Thanks, Anne!
Oh, I like that quote. If we having a gift to share, we need to share the best of it. Keep writing!
Thanks, T!
That’s a great quote! No pressure, lol.
There’s an Indian movie called “3 Idiots” that makes the same point as Barbara Sher’s “Do what you love and you’ll be happy.” In their case, not only happy but finding success in doing what you love.
My writing ebbs and flows as well. But a detailed plan/timeline doesn’t work for me. Unless it’s for NaNoWriMo in November. Any other time, like to keep any writing plans fluid and flexible. Don’t have to keep to any one thing according to plan. If I’m successful in keeping one part of the plan than I’ll continue doing it. If not, I’ll drop it and try something else.
Lidy, that movie sounds great. We do what we can to keep focused and continue on a project.
Happy New Year, Mary! Thanks for the awesome review of Carol of Ghosts.
I found setting a small, manageable goal of 500 words per day worked to keep me writing through the holidays. It worked like a charm, right up to December 23rd.
A travel novel sounds interesting! Where is it set?
Thanks, J.H. My travelers will be driving up the California Coast, visiting the Redwoods, and heading back to the Mid-West.