A Step After a Step After a Step
With Appreciation to Margaret Atwood
One of my favorite quotes is by novelist Margaret Atwood:
A WORD AFTER A WORD AFTER A WORD IS POWER.
Until recently, I’d been having a hell of a time getting any words onto the page in my WIP (work-in-progress). It seemed there was always something pulling me away from it: the endless array of tasks to get Anyone But Her into the world, working with author-clients on their books, family commitments, not to mention the oh-so-distracting pull of social media and national/world events.
A few weeks ago, I realized that the only way I’m going to finish a draft of my WIP is to do what I did when I wrote the first draft of my debut novel, The Bookseller. Back then—when I finally had a great idea for a novel after years of creative drought—it seemed everything and anything that could pull me away from writing conspired to do so. My kids were small and I was juggling a myriad of responsibilities. Most days ended with not a single word on the page…but a whole lot of discouragement.
That all changed when I decided to commit to 15 minutes a day of writing—no days off, no excuses. Often, 15 minutes was all I managed, but other days, I found ways to carve out more writing time. Little by little—word by word—I wrote that first draft.
More importantly, I felt better. The novel swam in my head at all hours, and I was eager to get back to it whenever I could. Instead of discouragement, I felt excitement.
A key aspect of this practice was that I didn’t tweak, did little research (lot of guesses, lots of notes), and rarely revisited completed chapters. I knew I’d revise the novel multiple times. I knew I’d do a deep dive into research, and when I did, much of the story would change. The goal was to get the gist down on the page.
In short, I learned to let go. I learned to stop letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.
This methodology isn’t for everyone, but if you’re struggling with a creative project, I suggest you give it a try.
This time around, rather than 15 minutes, I’m committing to 500 words a day. To facilitate this, I’m writing my 500 each day before I do anything else—no email, no texts, no reading the news, no social media, no putting out fires of any kind (okay, yes, a non-metaphorical one I would, but no others) until the 500 words are written.
It’s not much, but it’s moving me forward and keeping me optimistic.
Don’t Have a Big Project in You?
Many creatives don’t, and that’s perfectly okay. You might find inspiration in Jill Kolongowski’s Tiny True Stories. Once a month, Jill publishes a short-but-true story. They’re entertaining and wise…check them out.
So What’s the “Step” Thing About? Why Not “A Word After a Word After a Word…”?
Glad you asked! “A word after a word after a word” is my mantra for the WIP, but I’m applying this same philosophy to the publication process for Anyone But Her.
Because let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I didn’t anticipate the million things indie-pubbed authors need to do and keep track of. It gives me mad respect for my fellow indie authors, as well as those working behind-the-scenes in traditional publishing to get books into the world.
For my publishing process, it’s “a step after a step after a step.” And it is power: every time I learn a new skill or something else works out, I give myself a little high five. I’m feeling the power!
Preorders are Up!
Along those lines, I’m happy to announce that the ebook of Anyone But Her is available for preorder from major (and numerous minor) ebook publishers!
Overdrive (for library orders; I don’t have access to a link for this, but I know it’s available)
A nifty little website with links to a bunch of other ebook publishers
For B&N Nook and Google Play ebook readers—I’m working on it!
PREORDERS ARE VITAL TO A BOOK’S SUCCESS. Weirdly, when authors are traditionally published, we’re told this and encouraged to shout it to our readers—but trad-pubbed authors aren’t given access to data about how preorders are going. With indie publishing, the author knows every number, of course. Seeing preorders for Anyone But Her come in truly makes me grateful for the reading community. From the bottom of my heart—THANK YOU!
If you haven’t preordered yet, please do so! The ebook introductory price is just $5.99 on all platforms. Make sure to jump on this deal while it lasts!
Prefer print books? Me, too. I’m working on that, but print book distribution is a lot more complicated. More info about preordering a print copy of Anyone But Her from your favorite bookstore is coming soon. Stay tuned!
No matter how you like to read, please add Anyone But Her to your Goodreads “Want to read” list. Doing so helps increase visibility for the book. Thanks!
What If We Step Out?
The calendar of Anyone But Her release events is set. For event info, click here. All events are in the Denver metro area.
If you’re in another part of Colorado and you’d like me to do an event near you, please let me know. If there’s a bookstore or event space nearby, I’ll see what I can do.
I’m also happy to discuss Anyone But Her (or my other books) with book clubs, either in person in the Denver area or via video chat in other areas. More info is here.
I’ve stepped out of the city for a few days…I’m in the mountains by myself, getting a break from the heat and a chance to catch up. I brought my writing buddy with me, but otherwise, I’m enjoying the solitude, and I’m getting a lot done. Many thanks to my husband and kids for holding down the fort at home while I’m gone!
When I can’t look at my computer screen anymore, I’m enjoying the novel Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara. Next up is Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett.
On that note, Andrea Bobotis is the winner of a signed copy of We Can See Into Another Place: Mile High Writers on Social Justice in a giveaway I announced in the last issue of The What If Journal. Congrats, Andrea!
Some Final Thoughts
Finally, I want to say a few words about current events in our country. I don’t condone violence of any sort, directed at any person. Neither do I condone hateful rhetoric or the words and actions of those who incite violence. I applaud those working toward peace. I stand with those who want to unite us, not further divide us.
Please join me in working toward a country where common sense gun laws prevail, and where the lives of all citizens are respected and protected.
A word after a word after a word. *sigh* Thank you.