What A Daily Writing Session Looks Like

Hey, all!

I've been really, REALLY busy, and the weather is Utah is unrelentingly hot and miserable, and as a result, I have the mental health of a wilted dandelion: not gone and it will come back with a little TLC, but that means I need to take that TLC, so this post will be short and sweet.

Writing is fun. Writing is terrible. Writing is an adventure that looks an awful lot like one person sitting, frowning, at a computer. Or like this guy:

SAME.

So here's pretty much what is going on in my head during a typical writing session:

- Okay, time to start. Ugh, I have so much to do! Revise 2 chapters and write another one? I don't wanna do this!
- Fine. I'll just open the document and scroll to my place. That's enough to start.
- Better open my readers' notes so I can compare.
- Whoops, read the first line. Now I'm mentally invested.
- ...I don't know how to fix this problem. Better scroll Facebook until I figure it out.
- I should turn on some music.
- Figured out that problem, and the book is better than ever!
- EW! Why did I write that? I don't even know what I was trying to say!
- ...I hate that my readers are right. I love that they're right, but I hate it.
- This is going to take SO MUCH WORK to fix.
- Google search: "how long does iron take to rust"
- Google search: "what types of metal don't rust"
- Google search: "when was stainless steel invented"
- Google search: "can silver be used to make keys"
- Huh. Music stopped. Time to start it again.
- I can't focus. Turn off the music.
- Revision done, time to draft.
- Yes! Yes!
- If only I could type faster to capture the scene as it's unfolding in my head!
- Turn on the music again.
- Music and story help each other, it's like I'm watching a movie---
- Good feelings gone. Hit a wall.
- Play a game online, free associate.
- Get up and get a snack.
- OOH! What if I---
- Nope.
- Or if I---
- Nope.
- Come up with terrible idea, but one that will hold the story together until revision can fix it.-
- Agonize over final words of a chapter.
- Start the next chapter, and realize I've accomplished my goal for today.
- I DON'T WANNA STAHP!

There you go, my writer's process. Sometimes broken up by long walks and sounding board sessions with friends who are more patient than I deserve. (You're great!)

I'll be back next week to wish you all a happy Harry Potter Day.