Hi friends. Today you will write 1000 words. And so will I. Halfway point. Congrats if you’ve made it this far. Four days in a row of writing is challenging, no? These 1000 words are for you and no one else.
I know I’ve said that it’s still “today” while you’re awake, but finishing Thursday’s words at 4:45 on Friday morning seems kind of extreme. Still, 1028–I’ll take it!
1278, just under the wire. I wrote one of my favorite things: someone revealing embarrassing information about themselves while in conversation at a restaurant. It was more fun than yesterday, though I seem to be getting slower. But slow words are better than nonexistent ones, and I am happy.
Did not write early like I wanted, but still 1108 about birds which is of course not about birds. Last night only made it to 850 before I fell asleep at the keyboard, but I was poking in some dark corners and man that can be exhausting.
I wrote all day (and I have to say, I was just filled with so much joy about this that I heard those words to the tune of Cyndi Lauper's "I drove all night," which then made me laugh). I got about six thousand words done, and a lot of editing and double checking for name errors (I'm basing this thing loosely on my family history, but changing names, or shuffling the good ones over to other characters when I can't bear to lose them -- I mean "Amarilis?" "Enoe"? "Daisy?" How can I be expected to ditch those?) Anyway, it means I have something solid to show my agent. So, after this post, I'm going to write to her and you can all wish me luck. ;)
Good work everyone! Thank you for being here. I think I really needed this space to jump start me. I might have been less motivated without us.
Finished my edit of 1500 words! I usually prefer to work early -- my brain works better in the mornings -- but I couldn't get it done before I had to start work today. So, things were a little bit slower, but they happened. I got it done.
The universe is telling me something. First Jami's post, then this from Frank Bruni's newsletter today:
To strip away artifice is to let go of fear: There are fewer secrets to be guarded, less chance of exposure. And nobody can come along and shatter your illusions if you’ve taken a hammer to them yourself. Doing so is the essence of creative destruction: The shards around you become jigsaw pieces that you fit together until they take the shape of a contentment that’s real and durable.
1019 today! Felt a bit lost while writing today and had to remind myself that even if the words I write aren't kept long-term, the act of showing up and writing is never a waste!
Thankful for this spot and the encouragement of others!
Today I went to a hard place, sad too. I have been circling it for a long while and today, after reading your email, I took a leap, and I am so glad I did. In fact, I almost cried writing the ending of the scene. Thanks for your courage and wisdom. 1,479 words logged in. Yay! Cheers to each of you.
1060, written on Friday. Better late than never!
I know I’ve said that it’s still “today” while you’re awake, but finishing Thursday’s words at 4:45 on Friday morning seems kind of extreme. Still, 1028–I’ll take it!
1278, just under the wire. I wrote one of my favorite things: someone revealing embarrassing information about themselves while in conversation at a restaurant. It was more fun than yesterday, though I seem to be getting slower. But slow words are better than nonexistent ones, and I am happy.
Did not write early like I wanted, but still 1108 about birds which is of course not about birds. Last night only made it to 850 before I fell asleep at the keyboard, but I was poking in some dark corners and man that can be exhausting.
I wrote all day (and I have to say, I was just filled with so much joy about this that I heard those words to the tune of Cyndi Lauper's "I drove all night," which then made me laugh). I got about six thousand words done, and a lot of editing and double checking for name errors (I'm basing this thing loosely on my family history, but changing names, or shuffling the good ones over to other characters when I can't bear to lose them -- I mean "Amarilis?" "Enoe"? "Daisy?" How can I be expected to ditch those?) Anyway, it means I have something solid to show my agent. So, after this post, I'm going to write to her and you can all wish me luck. ;)
Good work everyone! Thank you for being here. I think I really needed this space to jump start me. I might have been less motivated without us.
Will keep writing right through day 7, of course.
Finished my edit of 1500 words! I usually prefer to work early -- my brain works better in the mornings -- but I couldn't get it done before I had to start work today. So, things were a little bit slower, but they happened. I got it done.
Something like 1k by hand. Weird day but feels good to have gotten it done
1500 and still going since I came in under yest. feeling good
The universe is telling me something. First Jami's post, then this from Frank Bruni's newsletter today:
To strip away artifice is to let go of fear: There are fewer secrets to be guarded, less chance of exposure. And nobody can come along and shatter your illusions if you’ve taken a hammer to them yourself. Doing so is the essence of creative destruction: The shards around you become jigsaw pieces that you fit together until they take the shape of a contentment that’s real and durable.
thank you for sharing this, Courtney.
1019 today! Felt a bit lost while writing today and had to remind myself that even if the words I write aren't kept long-term, the act of showing up and writing is never a waste!
Thankful for this spot and the encouragement of others!
I got nothin' done today. It's not been a good day. Will try again tomorrow.
Ripeness is all!
1141 today, more of the middle grade novel ms. Set two pomodoro timers, made the protagonist change her father into a tree because I was bored. 🌳 🌸
A lot of distractions today so I'm not saying these were quality words, but I got to 1001!
I always say, get the bad stuff out, to make way for the good stuff!
Today I went to a hard place, sad too. I have been circling it for a long while and today, after reading your email, I took a leap, and I am so glad I did. In fact, I almost cried writing the ending of the scene. Thanks for your courage and wisdom. 1,479 words logged in. Yay! Cheers to each of you.
1018. Creeping toward the climax of my novel. I can feel the tension building.
2355 making up for missing yesterday found the through line in an old story feels good