I just realized that this is the first News and Updates post I’ve had all month! What a slacker I’ve been!
Welcome to (or back to) Austen Promises! Below are my news and updates for this week. Enjoy!
Not much writing news to be had here. I wrote no actual words, though I did do some thinking, which I have learned to categorize as writing, because it’s an integral part of my process. So, I did do some “writing”, I just don’t have story words to show for it. LOL
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I have abandoned another WIP. I made a plot notebook for the Christmas story I recently began (because the lady who makes them is still on hiatus) and realized as I filled the thing out that I can’t write that story. I simply cannot write interpersonal conflict, at least not between Darcy and Lizzy. So, I made a second notebook and sat down with a piece of paper and a couple calendars and began plotting another story. I hope to begin this one on Tuesday (Monday is ads day, and today and tomorrow I’ll be doing blog and social media posts). I have a tentative completion time for the story of late October. I hope to have it published by mid- to late-November. The key word here is hope. LOL
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My Write-Better-Faster class is going well. I don’t know that I’m learning things I didn’t already know after six years of being a writer, but I’m making new connections and learning that it’s okay to be wordy … it’s part of who I am. It’s actually one of my strengths. LOL They’re also telling me it’s okay if I don’t write every single day, which, if true, means I can stop feeling guilty for the last four years of “flakiness”.
In personal news, I don’t feel so good today. All morning, I’ve been having severe allergy issues … runny nose, sinus pressure, and a headache. I even woke up with a runny nose! I did sleep pretty well, and for nine whole hours!! <3 Part of my class has been examining my environment and health. I still have not exercised, and I dislike myself a whole lot for that. Maybe when I hate myself bad enough, I’ll finally get off my bum and do it?
I honestly think at this point that I’m feeling pandemic-related stress. I’m maintaining a Bible study and prayer routine, which helps, as does playing praise and worship music on Pandora.
I’ve also decided to use the big Happy Planner I bought for a prayer journal for social media next year and just use their note pages for my prayer journal. I get paid next week, so I’ll be able to set it up as soon as stuff gets delivered. I have so many people and things I pray for that my brain gets confused … a journal will help me keep it all straight and allow me to stop apologizing for my wandering mind and instead, pray meaningful prayers for others! I’m excited about it. <3
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How are you all doing? Feel free to comment and let me know! I love to hear from my readers!
Feel better soon, and good luck with the writing class
Thanks! <3