A brilliant message, Katherine. And one worth hearing more than once! I'm going to take a leaf out of your book and get up earlier each morning to write. This is a challenge for me now that the cold, snowy Canadian winter has set in, but I think worth the effort. Thanks for the inspiration.
Good morning! I love this message of yours and I have to say the quote by Anne Lamont (I also loved that book) touched me. I feel like the perfectionism doesn’t just relate to my writing but who I am! And suddenly I judge myself far less - all those piles of clothes at the foot of my bed, the paperwork scattered across my desk, the mismatched plants on my windowsill. Perfection wasn’t made for one like me, and yet I find myself “looking at the ground” and trying not to “die”…!
This week something magical happened to one as chaotic as myself: I felt I was ready for a specific goal! A smart goal even!
So, I pulled out an old mostly unused Bullet journal and created a calendar: I plan to rewrite two scenes daily until the end of December, (allowing for a day or here to be missed of course), and in this way, especially if I can stick to imperfection, I will FINISH my rewrite!!! :)
Yesterday and the day before went well, even though I managed to convince my husband to change the lamp in my workroom and this did turn into an hour and half long project, just as I was ready to sit down to work. Guess what? I worked faster after that, and managed!!!
For me, this is a big deal! I’m actually excited as this part of the book is the most tricky with tying up loose ends and also getting the tempo just right, still, I’ll do it in the best way I can without perfecting it :) so I can get it done!
After that, I plan to let a few close friends read the book…
This is such a big shift, Audrey! I wonder if the gentleness of 100 days has allowed you to rest and play and heal, and now the urge to do more is returning? How wonderful if so!
My small step today is that when I get home from yoga, I will read a few pages of my current draft and make notes on index cards. This should lead me nicely into the weekend where I am hoping to read through Part 1 and allow the whole section to breathe
Thanks for another inspiring video, Katherine. So well timed for me too 🤗
I’ve definitely been distracted by the increased social and work obligations that come with this time of year. But I’m determined to make the time to ensure I finish the draft of my WIP on day 100. Even if it means an essay crisis (which I secretly quite enjoy) I’m doing it!
The video reminded me of how in Islam (my husband’s religion) they always incorporate a deliberate mistake in their intricate geometric patterns, because only God is perfect. I’m going to write ‘only God is perfect’ on a post it note by my desk now. Can’t believe I didn’t think of this before. Thank you for the timely reminder xx
A brilliant message, Katherine. And one worth hearing more than once! I'm going to take a leaf out of your book and get up earlier each morning to write. This is a challenge for me now that the cold, snowy Canadian winter has set in, but I think worth the effort. Thanks for the inspiration.
It is so hard! I am dragging myself out of bed - but once I'm up and cosy in my writing room, it doesn't seem so bad, and it's a lovely time to write.
Good morning! I love this message of yours and I have to say the quote by Anne Lamont (I also loved that book) touched me. I feel like the perfectionism doesn’t just relate to my writing but who I am! And suddenly I judge myself far less - all those piles of clothes at the foot of my bed, the paperwork scattered across my desk, the mismatched plants on my windowsill. Perfection wasn’t made for one like me, and yet I find myself “looking at the ground” and trying not to “die”…!
This week something magical happened to one as chaotic as myself: I felt I was ready for a specific goal! A smart goal even!
So, I pulled out an old mostly unused Bullet journal and created a calendar: I plan to rewrite two scenes daily until the end of December, (allowing for a day or here to be missed of course), and in this way, especially if I can stick to imperfection, I will FINISH my rewrite!!! :)
Yesterday and the day before went well, even though I managed to convince my husband to change the lamp in my workroom and this did turn into an hour and half long project, just as I was ready to sit down to work. Guess what? I worked faster after that, and managed!!!
For me, this is a big deal! I’m actually excited as this part of the book is the most tricky with tying up loose ends and also getting the tempo just right, still, I’ll do it in the best way I can without perfecting it :) so I can get it done!
After that, I plan to let a few close friends read the book…
And then, find an agent !
This is such a big shift, Audrey! I wonder if the gentleness of 100 days has allowed you to rest and play and heal, and now the urge to do more is returning? How wonderful if so!
Yes!!! Being gentle and compassionate with myself. And playful 😈
My small step today is that when I get home from yoga, I will read a few pages of my current draft and make notes on index cards. This should lead me nicely into the weekend where I am hoping to read through Part 1 and allow the whole section to breathe
Hi, Katherine. Thank you for reminding me of Bird by Bird. Of course, it's on my shelves. It's been a long time since I read it, but it's beside me.
I found it so interesting to read it after so long (and so many years under my belt now). I'm going to write a post about it soon. Enjoy your read!
Thanks for another inspiring video, Katherine. So well timed for me too 🤗
I’ve definitely been distracted by the increased social and work obligations that come with this time of year. But I’m determined to make the time to ensure I finish the draft of my WIP on day 100. Even if it means an essay crisis (which I secretly quite enjoy) I’m doing it!
The video reminded me of how in Islam (my husband’s religion) they always incorporate a deliberate mistake in their intricate geometric patterns, because only God is perfect. I’m going to write ‘only God is perfect’ on a post it note by my desk now. Can’t believe I didn’t think of this before. Thank you for the timely reminder xx
I adore that sentiment, Laura. Beautiful, and captures so much so simply. I didn't know that about the patterns.
Also - you can do this. 💪