Don’t Worry, Just Write!
While reading a newsletter from my Trust the Timing editor, Andi Cumbo Floyd, I realized my writing has gone to the back burner. I’ve worked a few measly hours here and there on the novel based on my parents, but I give way more attention to household issues which are primary. One thing that has discouraged me from working on the novel is the research it will likely take on Washington DC and Vietnam. But I need to stop worrying about that and just write a first draft. Okay, maybe there’s some anxiety related to thoughts like, I’ve never written a novel before, and this seems like it’s going to be a long one. Then there’s grief. January 21st will be the second anniversary of my father’s death. I must be processing grief as I write about my parents. Deep sigh. However, my goal is to finish a first draft by the end of this year. There. It’s in writing. But I don’t need to worry. I just need to write the first draft, feel my feelings, and breathe deeply.
One-liner Wednesday is brought to you by Linda G. Hill who has written a bunch of novels! Visit her and read more one-liners.
https://lindaghill.com/2019/01/02/jusjojan-2019-daily-prompt-jan-2nd-and-one-liner-wednesday/
Anything is Possible! 
January 2, 2019 at 9:27 am
Be strong, think that your parents from above are happily smiling at you watching you write book based on them.
All the best for your start 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 9:36 am
Thank you very much for that encouragement! It just got me to sit up straighter. 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 10:02 am
I have had such a similar problem with my writing lately. Not giving it the time or focus it requires and feeling a little guilty because it’s alwsys been my outlet and I’ve tried to keep my commitment to it. I read Big Magic, and was taken by the idea of the “trickster” of creativity, who tricks us into finding our creativity. So I’ve been focusing on other creative endeavors like jewelry making and cooking. Also, it seems like writing fiction is such a big change for me that it’s also become an alternate creative endeavor. All of this seems to have helped. But also seems like the holidays being over has given me tine to refocus my attention as well.
I’m sure your book will get written, your intention has been set! Looking forward to it! Like Liz Gilbert once commented to me on her FB page, (yes! She really did!) just “Keep on keepin on!”.
You can see your post got me thinking! Thanks, I needed this!
January 2, 2019 at 11:50 am
Your comment got me thinking! 🙂 Big Magic is sitting on my shelf unread, so I appreciate the mention. Organizing things in my parent’s house for donation, making it temporarily livable, and planning a new look for my old house being renovated are creative outlets. Once we’re back home, I envision lots of painting of various kinds. In the meantime, I will pick up the pace from a crawl to a stroll on the novel. By the way, your fiction is very good from what I’ve read. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!
January 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm
It’s a great book, and a pretty easy read. Thanks for your kind words about my fiction. I’m trying… lol. It’s at least starting to be fun!
January 2, 2019 at 10:29 am
The WordPress Community has a lot of writers who can give you tips for writing your book like Rachel Poli and Cage Dunn. The only advice I could offer you is to keep writing and worry about editing later.
January 2, 2019 at 11:51 am
Thank you! That’s what I need to do. It’s a different mind set I think.
January 2, 2019 at 10:42 am
Sounds like wonderful acknowledgement. 🙂 Best wishes on your novel, JoAnna!
January 2, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Thanks, Ka! 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 11:41 am
That sounds like a good goal. A first draft will let you review and decide where more research is necessary and help you narrow the focus of that research. I know, just with blog posts, I often gather way more information than I need for the post, if I do the research first, It doesn’t help that digging into the material is addicting.
Good luck, Jo Anna.
January 2, 2019 at 12:23 pm
I have experienced that addictive potential. A couple months ago, I spent most of an afternoon looking into Washington DC in the 50s. Never knew I’d be so fascinated by this kind of thing. Thank you for the good advice and encouragement on the draft. I need to watch out for those rabbit holes. 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 1:19 pm
All the best in moving forward with your writing project.
January 2, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Thanks, Rosaliene.
January 3, 2019 at 4:28 am
JoAnna, you go and write this novel. It is so daring that it can’t but succeed. Through fear and grief
you will write stronger, and heal in the process.
Miriam
January 3, 2019 at 9:43 am
Thank you Miriam. That’s some pretty powerful encouragement. I will take it to heart.
January 5, 2019 at 4:32 am
I know what you mean JoAnna. Hope you are JUST WRITING!
January 5, 2019 at 9:03 am
Thank you! I’ve written a lot since Wednesday. It’s very freeing to focus on getting a “skeleton” draft as my editor says.
January 5, 2019 at 9:05 am
Yes, it is. Goid luck with it.
January 5, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Good advice. There are a lot of talented writers in the WordPress community. I could spend all day reading! Please stop by my blog and cast your vote in my New Year’s Poll. It is my blog’s first poll!
January 5, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Will do!
January 5, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Thanks. I love the comradely of the WordPress bloggers and readers! Look forward to what 2019 brings!
January 5, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Me too! I’m very thankful for the support I’ve gotten here.
January 5, 2019 at 8:25 pm
🙂
January 5, 2019 at 8:31 pm
I hear you on how life and grief can derail writing plans. I hope 2019 will be a good writing year for you and help you transform some of the grief.
January 6, 2019 at 8:14 pm
Thank you, Joanne. It seems to be. I’m saying a prayer for you and your family. ❤
January 6, 2019 at 8:28 pm
❤
January 7, 2019 at 1:16 pm
wishing you writing
joy & successes, JoAnna
one gentle breath at a time 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 8:50 pm
One gentle breath at a time. Thank you. 🙂
January 25, 2019 at 10:13 pm
Took several years to get a memoir done. Find me on Goodreads and look at the Vietnam group for reviews about books on it for help on your research.
January 26, 2019 at 11:40 am
Thank you, John. I’ll do that!
January 26, 2019 at 11:44 am
I haven’t had a loss in so long–my father died when I was seven and my mother when I was sixteen. Still, I can empathize with the impact of grief. I neglected to add that in while commenting in a tired moment.
January 26, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Thank you letting me know and for your empathy. I’m sorry you lost them at such a young age. That must have been so hard. I didn’t grieve much for my mother because I was worried about my father. Now I get to grieve for them both, yet I am glad they are together again. I followed you on Goodreads and hope to read one of your books one day.
January 26, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Likewise on that book of yours when you finish it. 🙂