This past Friday, my #WriteFridays prompt was all about finding the time to write, and for good reason. For the past few weeks–to be honest, the past few months–I’ve been stuck. Blank pages full of nothing. A few notes here and there, a few insights into how to resolve some plotting issues, but mostly nothing. Every time I sit down to write, first I stare at the computer, then I organize my desk, then I hop on Facebook, and finally I tell myself the lie that I’ll “Make a cup of tea, then start.” Or, “Watch an episode of The Blacklist and then start.” Yeah, right. All I start is another episode…
But here comes NaNoWriMo, a bunch of deadlines, some Conventions, and my dignity as a self-described “author.” So, there is no more time to make excuses. Although I shall not be giving up cups of tea or the occasional Netflix marathon. But still, finding time to sit and devote the two or three hours it takes to really get rolling on a novel is hard to do.
Yesterday, I brought Ladybug to day care for the first time in weeks, took my butt to the library, sat it down, and wrote 1500 words on Steel-Toed Blues. They weren’t perfect, but they were there. This morning, Ladybug went back to day care, and I went to Starbucks and got out 1300 words before I had to go pick her up. And those words weren’t perfect either, but they were good.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been taking a friend’s challenge to start an exercise and mindful eating program. I’ve also started working my way through 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene. I am pretty sure that being able to both institute this daily practice in my life, as well as give myself permission to let my routine not be perfect, has led me back to clearing my mind and letting the words come. My next goal will be to keep up this routine as we head into NaNoWriMo2015. Come find me over there–username “Siegerat.”
Hope that #WriteFridays is working for you … and if not, why not try some yoga? Peace!
