I’ve been stuck in a rut recently, especially where writing is concerned. I haven’t done it properly for months. So last night my Dad and I came up with a plan for the summer. I’m going to be focused on growing myself and writing as much as I can. I’m going to learn as much as I can.
First of all, I need to think of myself as an author. An aspiring author at least. I can’t imagine anything else that I want to do as a career, along with creating a store to sell historical clothing once I get good at the art of costuming, so this summer and gap year it’s time to try establishing myself.
The plan is, to write, study, market, and research.
Writing wise, I’m going to try to tackle and finish Roses for Margaret once and for all. It may be tricky, but it’s my goal. I have a lot of other stories in the works at the moment too, but they have nowhere near as big a word count as RFM does. I figured that sticking with the longest WIP would be more prudent.
For studying, I’m going to look at success stories and authors that are successful; looking at technology, personal development, running businesses in writing and costuming, and how to get the best results from Amazon will also be a part of my plan.
I have a course on eBook marketing somewhere that my Dad bought me, so I shall definitely look at that, as well as any other information I can find online.
My writing research shall take place around history, places and people, or anything else I can think of.
I shall spend my days productively, alternating between writing and sewing/costuming, so that I do three days of writing and two days of sewing in the week; the weekend is up to me to decide what activity I want to do. Here is the daily plan:
- Every other morning, ideally at ten o’clock, I go to a nearby cafe with my laptop to get a cup of tea, and plan the writing/research/studying I’m going to do for the day. I shall bring my headphones, sketchbook and a notebook, and maybe do some writing there on my laptop. At least 500 words, or until my laptop begins to run out of battery.
- I go home, have lunch, and sit at my work desk to hammer out as much as I can. Maybe another 500+ words, possibly more.
- Later on, after a short period of relaxing, I study. It could be a marketing course, tips on writing, biographies of authors or non-fiction books based on the era/place/theme I want to research.
- I can relax here and do whatever.
- In the evening I shall read interesting works of fiction to inspire me.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday are for writing. Tuesday and Thursday are for sewing/costuming. The weekend can be a mix of both.
Practical things I need to do soon:
- First of all, I need to tidy my writing desk – a disorganised and messy room won’t allow me to concentrate on my writing!
- Write up a timetable and day to day rota.
- Download the course my Dad bought to my laptop.
- Borrow related books from the library, or buy them.
- Locate a cafe that I’m comfortable with that I can get to and from easily enough.
- And most importantly, I need to figure out what I’m doing with the plot of Margaret! I want to know the ideal ending point of the story, and what exactly will happen. Maybe I could make a quiz to see what kinds of endings and plot devices are popular.
I’m not certain that I have to research much into history, places or people for Margaret’s story, as it is set in the modern day, and is based on my experiences and set in my area, with a bit of fantasy thrown in. But I’m definitely stuck for how the story is going to end, as I don’t know how my own story is going to end (it would be scary if I did though!).
Anyway, that’s enough rambling from me now! I’m glad I have a plan now, and I can’t wait to get out of this rut! Maybe some of my ideas/planning could come in useful for another writer that needs some structure or practical ideas and habits to keep them going?
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