write daily

Only one day last week. I’m quite unhappy with that, but I realise that I should be more forgiving of myself about it, since I was dealing with some nasty back pain. I shall simply have to start over.

I’m a bit late in checking in on last week’s progress. I made five of seven, which I’m pleased with. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to keep up the pace this week, due to a few different things. This frustrates me somewhat—I’d like to be able to continue writing regardless.

4 of 7.

4 out of 7. It was a really hectic week, otherwise I may have managed more. I’m very pleased with the outcome.

Over the last week, I’ve taken time to write down what I consider my “daily inspiration” – the one thing that has spurred my creative spirit that day more than anything else. Tying these two goals together has really been beneficial. Recording inspiration is a natural way to start a journal entry without recounting the entire day’s events.

Last night I uploaded a four paragraph “note.” It is the second time that I’ve put any significant amount of personal material on facebook. I am becoming more and more comfortable sharing my ideas and writing. I am going to aim to upload a new note every week on Sunday or Monday.

I also just learned that my library has a copy of Writers Market 2010 – which apparently is the industry standard for freelance writers. I have a few ideas of publications that might be interested in carrying something I’ve written -hopefully this book can help me connect the dots and start selling my work.

This goal slipped off my radar for a little while, but I’ve been reminded lately how important it is. I managed two days last week—not fantastic, but a good start. I’ll see how I go this week. It’s important for me to remember to keep the bar low on this one, else I run the risk of burning out.

I am finding that this goal is one where I need to hold myself accountable. Nobody is going to force me to make a written record, to reflect with some insight, to develop my own style. By writing down my daily sources of inspiration (see the other goal), I have to write more than simply a list of the things that happened each day. Another idea I have is to write short essays in my facebook notes each week. This way I can become more comfortable sharing my work with the world.

I have a sabbatical coming in Spring 2010. Basically I am not even familiar with the 1 1/2 chapters I cranked out last summer. However, I do have a better situation and writing plan this time around.

Obstacles to time management: too much busy work @ AIP/Clarion, time for family, providing care/advice to parents, 3 1/2 year old who needs his mom….

For now even morning pages would be a start.

I spent a little time early in the week doing some organising for a collaborative project I’m working on and that was about it. For a change I’m not even beating myself up about not having done more. Perhaps I really do need a break.