Novels and Narrations No 14

Last Updated on January 29, 2022 by ThoughtsStained

Welcome back to another monthly post in my Novels and Narrations blog series! In this series, you get updates on my writing in all facets: from the celebrations and excitements of the high moments, to dealing with imposter syndrome, hopelessness and rejections. Thanks, as always, for caring about my work as a writer and supporting me in this way. ❤

It’s been a while since I’ve written a proper Novels and Narrations post (read: because I haven’t been working on writing in months lolsob). But, I’m excited to check in and look at some intentions for this year.

Writing Intentions for the Year

As you may know from various posts last year, I’ve struggled to come up with a proper writing routine. That is, once again, my main focus and intention this year. I miss writing regularly and dreaming. I’m tried of letting my “failure” of not being offered representation or publishing traditionally stop me from not only pursuing writing and challenging myself, but loving every step of the process.

So, my main intentions for the year are:

• Create a healthy, low-pressure but regularly-kept writing routine
• Continue to work on my MFA and work with my thesis advisor to improve potential writing weaknesses
• Write draft zero of my fantasy romance WIP, tentatively titled THE BECKONED AND THE BOUND
• Form more friendships with writers and better support those friends who are already on this writing journey with me

So, looking at those goals, how did I do in January?

January Accomplishments

In January, it was another hectic month at my day job and I knew that would be the case, so this wasn’t a focus for me. (This is also something I’m trying not to beat myself up about, because who has time for that type of self-imposed guilt?) However, I did accomplish a few things:

• Set up Notion trackers for my edits on BLOOD PRICE and my WIP (using templates by the incredible Rebecca Mix)
• Completed my research prep assignment for grad school to help identify some research materials to help give BLOOD PRICE more depth
• Identified a better sleep schedule (yet to be implemented, oops) that will hopefully give me a little more time and energy to get shit done

It’s not where I want to be yet, but I AM celebrating these small victories, dammit. 😤

February Focuses

In February, I want to really focus on creating that routine that I desperately thrive off of, but haven’t had since pre-panini times. Having that will help with so many intentions I have for myself, writing not the least of them. This will look like:

• Having a sleep schedule that gives me enough rest but allows me to wake up to my alarm
• Gaming a little less so I can build in writing time (with the hope to write 4x per week)
• Altering my mindset to use the time I have (instead of waiting for big chunks of time, not being afraid to use 10 minutes, if that’s what I have)

I plan to read at least one potential comp title for BLOOD PRICE, as well as start a nonfiction text to work through for that. For new writing, I want to properly start THE BECKONED AND THE BOUND.

In Sum

I’m excited to reignite my love for the thing that always makes me feel the most whole. It’s been too long. Any advice you have for a writer who just wants to love writing again? Or time management tips for someone too busy for their own good? Ways I can support you, as a fellow writer or a creative? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for supporting me in my own journey and reading another installment of Novels and Narrations! ❤