Whew, this hits home. First of all, major congrats on those hard-fought 117 pages. I am so hoping you have a more peaceful 2025. I also take all the classes and read all the books and ... nothing. I think they help. But do they? At some point a year or two ago I realized I was taking the classes to put off writing the book. Much to ponder, I fear lol (for me, not you!)
I use Insight Timer to meditate daily, and during one of my sessions many, many months ago, the guide suggested that I identify one thing, and only one thing, to advance my goal (which is getting my memoir to publication). Now that the manuscript is in a complete-ish state, together with the proposal, what are my one-thing things?
Reading a book I want to review.
Querying an agent.
Querying a small publisher.
Submitting an essay to a lit mag.
Writing essays—and it doesn't matter how many words I get done that day.
And remembering. Which I think is the best part of being a memoirist. Especially when I have the chance to share a memory with someone who has a different perspective on the events in question.
From the writing gurus, I don't always LOOK productive, but I don't care. Like you, my moment of flow and fun will come.
Amy it is so inspiring to read your process and what you make of it. I also am invested in figuring out the "right" way to do something - but what is best is often so personal. I have quite a few craft/process books if you ever get the itch to read another one.
Amy, this came at just the right time. Thank you, thank you for sharing your experience.
So happy to read this, Amy. 💗
Thanks for cheering me on <3 The seeds of this were planted during our semester.
I love this so much. You are doing it!
Thank you for all of the inspiration and support. I appreciate you and your work in the world.
Whew, this hits home. First of all, major congrats on those hard-fought 117 pages. I am so hoping you have a more peaceful 2025. I also take all the classes and read all the books and ... nothing. I think they help. But do they? At some point a year or two ago I realized I was taking the classes to put off writing the book. Much to ponder, I fear lol (for me, not you!)
I fully get it with the classes. Same. Woof.
Ugh LOVE knowing other people's routines. It's like the mental version of seeing their floor plan.
YES! I love that! It's such an apt description.
I use Insight Timer to meditate daily, and during one of my sessions many, many months ago, the guide suggested that I identify one thing, and only one thing, to advance my goal (which is getting my memoir to publication). Now that the manuscript is in a complete-ish state, together with the proposal, what are my one-thing things?
Reading a book I want to review.
Querying an agent.
Querying a small publisher.
Submitting an essay to a lit mag.
Writing essays—and it doesn't matter how many words I get done that day.
And remembering. Which I think is the best part of being a memoirist. Especially when I have the chance to share a memory with someone who has a different perspective on the events in question.
From the writing gurus, I don't always LOOK productive, but I don't care. Like you, my moment of flow and fun will come.
PS: I LOVE the photo!
Thank you for sharing this. Yes, we are doing it.
The amount of times Tiny Beautiful Things has saved me.
I’m proud of you for pushing through! ❤️
Truly the best.
Amy it is so inspiring to read your process and what you make of it. I also am invested in figuring out the "right" way to do something - but what is best is often so personal. I have quite a few craft/process books if you ever get the itch to read another one.
It really is so personal.
"I don’t want to assume that others know better than I do regarding my creativity." Ooooooof, I LOVED that. <3
Thank you friend.
I’m so glad you found your way. I’m excited to hear more.
Thank you Annette!
I'm feel this! I can't wait to read your book!
Someday. Love you.
Dibs on a signed copy!