Begin Anywhere

Like writing a story, I’m not really sure where to begin, so I hope you’ll forgive the rambling today (and through the first few posts) as I figure out where I’m going and what I’m doing.

At the end of 2020, I had grand writing plans: weekly flash fiction and blog posts, monthly short stories, and an aggressive noveling schedule. I knew going in that it was probably too much, particularly in relation to all the other projects that have captured my interest. So pretty quickly I realized the schedule had to change.

I kept the weekly flash fiction. It helps that I’m really enjoying writing microfiction. Hopefully you’re enjoying it too. And if you haven’t read it yet, then I hope you enjoy it when you do. Regardless, let me know what you think.

The rest I pushed to February. Except we’re not even a week in, and overwhelm has already set in. So I’m taking an incremental approach. This month, I’m keeping the flash fiction on Mondays and adding the blog posts on Thursdays. Next month I’ll add the short story. Writing one short story a month should be doable right? I guess I’ll find out.

But what about the noveling?

Good question. This month, my goal is to create a character/scene breakdown of Death of a Cicada. Of course, that was my goal in December. And last month. I keep putting it off out of fear. But no more! (The exclamation point is more to convince myself of my conviction. Hopefully it works.)

But JMC, you may be asking, what is there to be afraid of? My brilliance for one thing. My lack of brilliance for another. I’m told this neuroticism is normal, especially among writers.

I know there are some good parts. I know there are some bad parts. I know a lot of it is probably mediocre. That’s what you get when you write the first draft of a novel in thirty days. You know what else you get? The first draft of a novel. And that’s pretty damn cool. So I should embrace that feeling of awesomeness and dive in.

And now that I’m posting about it, the level of accountability has increased. So here’s my promise to you: by next week’s post I will have broken down at least the first seven days’ worth of writing on Death of a Cicada. Sound reasonable?

In the meantime, let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like to hear about.

I’ll keep you updated on my writing progress.

I’ll write about the books I’m reading.

I’ll write about those previously mentioned, yet undefined, projects.

I believe life is more interesting when I’m learning something. Who knows, maybe one of my interests will pique your curiosity and you’ll want to learn more about it too. Or maybe you’re already interested in it and have your own insights to share.

I’m already excited about the possibilities.

Until next week. Thanks for stopping by.

And, as always, make good choices.