Love this, Susannah, and agree with all your points… except children and parameters. I found if I gave mine time to play or watch tv, they would waste the whole time challenging the amount of time I’d given them and then whinge because time was up. Aren’t everyone’s kids like that? Just mine then …
Hahaha Sue, you have a very good point....can you tell I don't have kids!? Maybe anther way to say it is that kids feels safe when they know the parameters...Maybe I need to find a non kid analogy haha
I think I had a similar reaction with On Chesil Beach. I must say though if a book hasn't "got me" by 50-100 pages I do give up on it. Although I am plough through Anuradha Roy's "The Earth Spinner" and am not sure if I like it or not
Susannah thank you for bringing all this invaluable advice in one place: it is always good for me to be reminded of what I know but don't often follow. I've brought out the kitchen timer and begin with this immediately. Thank you once again - have a productive autumn💙
That second one strikes particularly true. 3 years ago I had a single idea that I thought might have long enough legs to make it to a book lengthed thing. Now I have about ten.
I’d love to see a picture of your desk and what you keep there, if it’s not too personal.
I couldn’t agree more about the Tortured Artist nonsense. For me, writing can be a bit like going to the gym. Initial why bother? I’m only going to be there for 40 mins. But then feel much better when I’ve been.
Love this, Susannah, and agree with all your points… except children and parameters. I found if I gave mine time to play or watch tv, they would waste the whole time challenging the amount of time I’d given them and then whinge because time was up. Aren’t everyone’s kids like that? Just mine then …
Hahaha Sue, you have a very good point....can you tell I don't have kids!? Maybe anther way to say it is that kids feels safe when they know the parameters...Maybe I need to find a non kid analogy haha
I wish I'd realised that writing loves a container earlier! It's so true though. Also love Jess Pan ❤️
Me too! I resisted it for the longest time!
I think I had a similar reaction with On Chesil Beach. I must say though if a book hasn't "got me" by 50-100 pages I do give up on it. Although I am plough through Anuradha Roy's "The Earth Spinner" and am not sure if I like it or not
I’m usually the same. I always feel like there are so many books to read, that I generally won’t ’suffer’ through a book I’m not enjoying.
Susannah thank you for bringing all this invaluable advice in one place: it is always good for me to be reminded of what I know but don't often follow. I've brought out the kitchen timer and begin with this immediately. Thank you once again - have a productive autumn💙
Thank you so much for these kind words and for reading, Sofia. I wish you abundant, timed writing sessions.
ahh, loved this!!! and such great points!!! thanks for the shout out -xoxoxo
Ahh thank you for reading and I'm delighted to shout out your fabulous newsletter!
That second one strikes particularly true. 3 years ago I had a single idea that I thought might have long enough legs to make it to a book lengthed thing. Now I have about ten.
Wow, I love this- yes creativity begets creativity for sure! Hope preparing for publication is going well!
Thanks! It’s all feeling a tad overwhelming and stressful, but there is excitement knocking about there somewhere as well!
Oh gosh, I can totally understand that! Apparently the first one is the hardest and then it's a bit easier after that...maybe that's reassuring?
I can see that because once you've done it once you kind of know what to expect! Or at least I hope that is the case!
I’d love to see a picture of your desk and what you keep there, if it’s not too personal.
I couldn’t agree more about the Tortured Artist nonsense. For me, writing can be a bit like going to the gym. Initial why bother? I’m only going to be there for 40 mins. But then feel much better when I’ve been.
Ooh great idea! I'll look for a pic and then post it on Notes and tag you, because I don't think I can share photos here in the comments.
I totally agree that writing can feel like exercising, you have to force yourself there but you're always glad you went.
Exactly! And thank you ☺️
The perfect summary!
Aww thank you!