No slumps allowed

Today my friend Erica asked me, “Did you finish the novel yet?!” She was excited, like she was expecting me to say yes and then we could both cheer! I love her faith in me, but the answer is… not yet.

I had a good writing session last night. It was Daniel’s turn to do bedtime and instead of making dinner for the two of us or folding the laundry or cleaning the kitchen, I ignored the sight of all the undone things and worked on a pivotal scene in the final third of the manuscript. I didn’t think too hard, just drafted at a quick pace. I need a handful more solid sessions like that — not long, 30 to 60 minutes, but focused — and this draft will be done.

I am ready for this draft to be done.

This week in writing

Prior to last night, this week’s writing sessions were rough. I won’t go into all the reasons why, mostly because I don’t like to use this space to complain about regular hard life things that other people are also dealing with, at least not in an unprocessed way that won’t do any of us any good. But I missed Morning Writing Club twice, and the times I showed up were not productive. So last night felt important, and redeeming, because sometimes a whole week like that can lead to a slump, and we don’t need a slump right now, do we?

Anna is away, in the Faroe Islands, a place I had to look up when she told me she was going there. Since my collaborator is out exploring like the true adventurer she is, there are no book meetings, no brainstorms, no notes, just me and these last few chapters. I told her I’d have it done by the time she got back, which will probably not be the case, but it hopefully won’t be too long after. 🤞

This week in reading

To everyone who told me to listen to Tom Lake by Ann Patchett on audio because it’s narrated by Meryl Streep: you were right. The point of view, the pacing, Meryl Streep — it’s heartwarming and delightful and everything I need right now. I hope you are reading a book that’s doing the same job for you.