Hi friends. Today we are going to write 1000 words. Because it is our universe we have invented, and we need to do it justice. We’re going to close our eyes, put ourselves in the worlds of our projects. Knock on some doors. Ask some tough questions. Sneak some snapshots when no one’s looking. Eavesdrop in a crowded room. Record some voices, take some notes. We won’t leave until we have all the information we need. Until we know enough to write those 1000 words.
"the essential wildness of the work" I love it! It echoes life. This week, my writing plans have been upended by eight hour zoom professional development days and extra classes and hot weather and the wildness of the day to day. But thinking about 1000 words and touching my WIP every day is enough to propel me to keep doing this next week on vacation in the woods without phone or wifi - in a different wild, as it were - and with the right mindset to go!
Oof just finished, challenging today had to split it up 362 one part of the story 775 on another part of the story, really didn't think i was going to make it. Eye fatigue does make it harder
After a long day of Zoom meetings, I found the coolest room (it's 102 degrees here) and cranked out #1384 words of a scene toward the end, something I needed to hear today. Sometimes it's nice to crave getting to the page all day and then, despite weariness and heat, just doing it. Signing off. Popsicle time.
I'm a day behind and have produced a sad total of 2808 words by Day 5. but i am trying to just show the entire fuck up. im a college administrator and we are all returning to everything in person and it is so hard to balance being a writer and wishing i were one full-time and my reality of being in the middle of higher ed in a goddamn pandemic.
Julia! Sharing that struggle (sorry, it never gets easier) reminds me that you are as generous as you are brave. Also, hooray for the moment when things shift and take off. ❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely teared up reading Julia's letter this morning. It's good to hear from someone who has published (an incredible) book that it's still hard to grasp how to do this work. It's a good reminder that the first draft doesn't need to be perfect, or even good, the story just needs to come out.
I was just going to glance at the letter this week and then get started. When I read it, tears came to my eyes. This is exactly how my second novel, the one I thought I would know how to write after spending almost a decade on the first one, is going. Surrendering to the work and showing up for it are the only things that make sense and yet it still takes the time it takes. Thank you for this honesty and the reassurance/reminder of what a writer's life can look like. Okay, going to write those 1,000 words now.
Thank you for this. I have failed miserably this week. I have the best story of my life in my head and I just can't sit myself down to write it. It's been such a struggle.
I'm doing my mini a week late, and reading the emails out of order, but this was exactly what I needed after a ROOOOOUUUUGH DAY writing yesterday.
"the essential wildness of the work" I love it! It echoes life. This week, my writing plans have been upended by eight hour zoom professional development days and extra classes and hot weather and the wildness of the day to day. But thinking about 1000 words and touching my WIP every day is enough to propel me to keep doing this next week on vacation in the woods without phone or wifi - in a different wild, as it were - and with the right mindset to go!
" ..no wandering, no wondering, no doubt" Beautifully written. So tired of staring at the blank page with guilt. This soothed me
Oof just finished, challenging today had to split it up 362 one part of the story 775 on another part of the story, really didn't think i was going to make it. Eye fatigue does make it harder
Oh dear, just 297 words and I am spent. Arms hurt, eyes fall shut. But tomorrow is a new morning, another chance. Thank you for this!
After a long day of Zoom meetings, I found the coolest room (it's 102 degrees here) and cranked out #1384 words of a scene toward the end, something I needed to hear today. Sometimes it's nice to crave getting to the page all day and then, despite weariness and heat, just doing it. Signing off. Popsicle time.
Today was hard! But I did 1005. Feeling very appreciative of Julia's words, Jami's continuous encouragement, and everyone in this community today!
I'm a day behind and have produced a sad total of 2808 words by Day 5. but i am trying to just show the entire fuck up. im a college administrator and we are all returning to everything in person and it is so hard to balance being a writer and wishing i were one full-time and my reality of being in the middle of higher ed in a goddamn pandemic.
1300 more. This was hard today, but the end felt good.
Julia! Sharing that struggle (sorry, it never gets easier) reminds me that you are as generous as you are brave. Also, hooray for the moment when things shift and take off. ❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely teared up reading Julia's letter this morning. It's good to hear from someone who has published (an incredible) book that it's still hard to grasp how to do this work. It's a good reminder that the first draft doesn't need to be perfect, or even good, the story just needs to come out.
Thank you 😭🙏🏼
Thank you. "The essential wildness of the work." I wrote 1,092 words that sometimes hurt. I tried to be present for them.
I was just going to glance at the letter this week and then get started. When I read it, tears came to my eyes. This is exactly how my second novel, the one I thought I would know how to write after spending almost a decade on the first one, is going. Surrendering to the work and showing up for it are the only things that make sense and yet it still takes the time it takes. Thank you for this honesty and the reassurance/reminder of what a writer's life can look like. Okay, going to write those 1,000 words now.
Thank you, Julia, for such an inspiring letter! It really made me feel less alone. 1,046 in the books.
Thank you for this. I have failed miserably this week. I have the best story of my life in my head and I just can't sit myself down to write it. It's been such a struggle.