Gretchen Carlson
How do you eat an elephant or summit a mountain? How do you conqueror the impossible?
Take one bite, one step, one prayer at a time.
Writing a book is the same–it’s typing a word, a sentence, and single pages which make up chapters until a novel evolves.
But it’s difficult to push on when a project is overwhelming. When you stop and find yourself stuck, how do you get going again? Can I be honest? Lately, as a writer, I’ve been spinning my wheels.
The writers for Storytellersquad.com shared their goals in January. Then mid-year we checked where we were at. I failed to come close to my writing goals. As I’ve listened to others, I’ve realized a period of “stuckness” is normal. There’s solace in that, but I’ve needed something to pry myself loose. Here are two simple steps I’m taking to shake free.
First, I’m making a short list. Breaking down what needs to be done into small bite-size pieces reduces stress. It redirects focus and clarifies priorities. It defines the steps needed to reach a goal.
All the “should” in the world of writing drains willpower and creativity. Develop a social platform, send newsletters, update a website, query agents, attend seminars, study craft books, revise manuscripts…the to-do’s never end. But a list of bite-size tasks empowers me. I don’t have to do everything. I only need to move forward.
Second: As I complete tasks, I celebrate. I cross off list items and pat myself on the back. Each pencil line is a victory and rekindles motivation. Mountain climbers focus on the summit and gaze in admiration at the steep terrain they’ve covered. Looking back at how far they’ve come keeps them going. Success breeds success.
A list isn’t all it takes to get going again. We need help from friends. (Thank you to Storytellersquad, FRCFW writers, family and friends for much encouragement and sharing skills!)
And while others can help me dig out of ruts, I need to lean into prayer. Thankfully, our Lord is with us, and he gives strength and direction for each step.
What tools help you when you’re spinning your wheels? I’d love to hear.
Blessings – Gretchen
Emails: gretchencarlsonwriter@gmail.com Website: https://gretchen-carlson.com/
Misha
Kristen Gwen
Julia N. White
When I imagine my latest novel, I see it in a complete book. Bam! Done! Then I sit down to write. It’s just like you said, “One bite, one step, one prayer at a time.”
Wonderful reminders and encouragement.
Thanks, Burt
Goals are what keep me plunking away. It helps me to set daily, weekly, and monthly word count goals. Also, stop writing when you know what is going to happen next. If you write until you’re out of ideas, it will be more difficult to begin the next time you sit down. Always leave a little bit of trail untrod. Then, you will have a place to begin walking the next time before you hit the “y” in the road.
Thanks for this lovely post, Gretchen!
Very true about quit writing before you reach the end of a scene. Remember the Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl? Dahl said to always quit writing while you know what’s going to happen. Thanks!