I have been working intensively on the manuscript for my book, and it has been asking for new creative routines, and new versions of me, too.
For one thing, I’m no stranger to a deadline, but it feels as though my entire life is pinned to June 9th, when the manuscript is due to my editor, and this awareness is thrilling, haste-making, and a little intense. To write against a hard stop introduces useful curbs, though; I have been disciplined about working on the manuscript daily, and have a calendared plan for my own progress. I feel the clock ticking and find myself stepping quickly, and with intent. Constraints are, as ever, a blessing in disguise.
It’s also alien to know that whatever I hand off will eventually be non-fungible. Here on my blog, I can always catch a typo or amend a post if need be. I don’t do this often, really, but it’s like having a safety mechanism switched to on “just in case.” My book will live as its own self, uneditable, forever!
Meanwhile, the manuscript writing process feels legato where my typical routine runs staccato. I am working with much longer brush strokes. And it is laminative in a unique way: I find myself going over the same pages five, six, seven times in a row, trimming and reading aloud and alternating between poles of delight and (mild) despair.
Mainly it feels good. Pleasantly vigorous; the sensation of glissade. I love a creative challenge. And I can’t tell you how often I look at the little post-it note on my desk with my deadlines listed and the words JO MARCH written along the bottom and feel a dizzying degree of disassociation with myself: this can’t be my life?! I mean, really, it cannot?!
I was taking a break this week and found myself jotting down how it felt to be writing this book. Here’s what came out:
Long, effort-filled mornings give way to hazy afternoons in this new warm spring weather.
We are in a flow.
Post-it note confetti
Arrows and strike-throughs
Words pried loose from their origin stories
Portamento
Sunday Shopping.
Just pre-ordered Carley Fortune’s new summer book! Her last book was one of my favorite summer getaway reads. So atmospheric! I also picked up this cold cream cleanser from Alpyn — it’s gone viral on TikTok and sold out before! Can’t wait to try.
Meanwhile, Rothy’s just released a hemp (summer-weight) version of my beloved clog…tempted to add a pair to my collection! I wear these ALL THE TIME around the house and at my desk.
SPLENDID SWEATSHIRT AND SWEATPANTS // POCKET BRUSH (JUST GOT FOR MY PURSE) // MY FAVORITE NOTEBOOKS // QUINCE RUG // ROTHY’S SUMMER WEIGHT CLOGS // CARLEY FORTUNE’S ONE GOLDEN SUMMER // ZARA DRESS STEAL // PAM MUNSON X SCHUMACHER CLUTCH // TEN OVER TEN COCOON CREAM // ALPYN’S TIK-TOK VIRAL COLD CLEANSER
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Jen, so excited for you and your book! It’s such a long road. Congrats on nearing the end with your manuscript. From one writer nearing the end to one just starting my book, I would love any of your best writing advice you have to give on what currently feels like a larger than life undertaking. Feel free to email if you happen to have time. It is so greatly appreciated. Can’t wait to buy your book -Alex
Hi Alex! I love connecting with fellow writers; congrats on the beginning of something good (or, maybe, welcome to the long messy middle…, depending on how you’re feeling). What is the book about?
Here are some completely random and sometimes contradictory thoughts/learnings/discoveries:
1) Be disciplined. Create a real commitment to work on the project every single day. I actually have a check list item every day on my calendar: “BOOK.” My goal is to “x” that out every single day — whether that represents multiple hours of work, a couple of edits, one re-working of a piece, etc.
2) Create routines and rituals specific to and conducive of the project. I have a specific playlist I listen to on repeat; just the opening chords get me into the right headspace. I also like to work with minimal overhead lights / just natural light while working on the. manuscript. It’s interesting because the minute I’m done with my manuscript work, I flip on ALL the lights. It’s just a cue / ritual for me at this point, but it’s helpful! I also like to completely clear my desk of all its usual notepads and calendars — it’s like reducing visual clutter, clearing my desk and mind. I put the stack in a different room! Then I JUST have my notepad and pen for hand drafting with me. Similarly, I close out all my other windows so I just have my manuscript up. I have found each of these tiny adjustments helpful in inviting the work.
3) Let the work tell you what it needs. Originally, I had this very structured rubric where I was going to complete section one first, then section two, etc, etc, but I found that really hamstrung me. I am much better being a hummingbird, going from chapter to chapter, section to section, doing what feels right and organic. Some days, I’m in a wild state of productivity, creating a TON. Others, I just want to read the entire thing from start to finish, making modest line edits. Others, I do a deep dive on editing a few specific pieces. Sometimes I’m in a pruning mode, and I want to clip big portions. I guess just listen to what is organically making you lean forward, exciting you, etc.
4) Unclip if you’re not feeling it. There have absolutely been days where I sit down to work on the book and I’m begrudging, distracted, etc. On those days, I permit myself to skip book work. I usually try to exercise, get outside, read some poetry — all the things that usually get me back into a good creative mode.
5) Accept that self-doubt is part of the process. There have been many days I’ve looked at my manuscript and cringed / grimaced / despaired. I almost always come back a few days later and think “actually, this is kind of good.”
6) Keep lots of versions. I’m actually drafting this in Google Docs but I download a version with the date EVERY SINGLE DAY. Sometimes I realize I preferred an earlier word choice, I unnecessarily chopped something, etc.
7) KEEP GOING!!!
Please share what’s working for you, too — I’m new to this!
xx
A password is required to try the cold crème cleanser
Same … very interested in checking out this product but it’s asking for a password.
Hi Val! Sorry about that – try this link???
https://go.shopmy.us/p-17341983
xx
So sorry about that!! I think this one should work:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-17341983