Blank screen. Cursor… Cursor… Cursor…
I remember my English professor suggested free writing whenever the cursor blinked.
Hmmmm. Let’s see. Deep breath. Hands on keyboard. Ready.
Blank.
Okay. Try again. Deep breath.
No. No deep breath. I’m acting like I’m getting ready to jump off a cliff into a rushing river. Like I need to write the next great epic. I’m writing a blog for God sakes. A short piece on my thought for the day. I can do this. Yes I can.
Attitude has everything to do with what we want to accomplish. We’re writers so we’re thinking TASK is writing a novel. Correct? Okay. If we perceive the task as daunting, it will be. And for large percent of the human race, we will quit right there. But if we look at the big picture as the end result and then think okay, what steps do I need to do to accomplish the job, the task becomes manageable.
The thing about breaking the chore into steps is you can have as many steps you feel necessary for you to manage the undertaking. I would freeze up every time I open my laptop and the motto ‘I will write a hundred thousand word novel’ hung over the computer screen. Especially if I saw that dictum every single day for months and months and months. But the mantra ‘Word by word. Line by line. Page by page.’ works great. Writing a page a day is a goal I can handle. It’s a goal I can surpass most days, which drives me to do it again the next day. I still know what my ultimate goal is, but accomplishing the feat in small bits works for me.
In any task, look at it, step back, figure out manageable steps and then get to work. And if you’re stuck, try free-writing.
Autumn
www.autumnjordon.com
2009 Golden Heart Finalist
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
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Congrats and best wishes on the new blog and on finalling! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, right? And a novel of a 100,000 words begins with a single sentence. And a blog starts with a single post!
ReplyDeleteLooks good. Definitely conveys the message that you write thrillers. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI just had to comment. I need my feet kissed but I will settle for a smile from you instead.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture it tells us just what you write. I hope to be back to read you blog, but it will be awhile. I have bookmarked your blog for when I get back in July.
Good luck on the new blog!
I love the look of the blog! Congrats on getting it going!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being my first post, Jamie. I'm thrilled with everything happening this year. Email me at www.autumnjordon.com with your address, if you'd like. I want to send you something special for being the person in line to get your feet kissed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. I'm grinning from ear to ear that my words rang true.
ReplyDeleteEmma, Thank you for taking a peek. Please stop back. I hope to post each Sunday.
ReplyDeleteMary, Mary, Mary. You are wonderful to bookmark me. Cyber-kissing your feet. Thanks, AJ
ReplyDeleteHey, with seven comments, the kissing the feet ploy worked, Girl! (-: Good luck with your new blog.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging at Writer's Digest 101 Best Website picks, www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Kim, Thanks you for stopping by. Kim is another 2009 GH finalist. We're going to have so much fun in DC. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteOh my, Carolyn. I'm so thrilled you stopped by. I've learned tons from you. Thanks, for taking the time.
ReplyDeleteExcellent start Autumn. My daily goal is to write something, anything. Sometimes my blog is all I manage. Sometimes it's a bit of flash fiction which I do purely for fun. Sometimes it's that hundred thousand word novel. I just never know until I begin.
ReplyDeleteAutumn, I love the blog. I've yet to take the step into blogdom. Kudos to for doing it! Great attitude--one word, one line, one page. I've recently tried to adopt it myself. Not just in writing, but in other areas of life. Of course, remembering to apply it when you'd much rather strangle a boss when he brings you a project that could never be completed in a lifetime, much less an hour is sometimes difficult. Okay, little tangent thing going here. So sorry! Congratulations on the blog!
ReplyDeleteJune
Great post!! Perfect look too! I love free writing. It always gets me back on track. :) Best of Luck! I've got my fingers crossed for you!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Barbara. I write everyday too. It's the only way to get words on the page. Please stop back soon.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Jlove, I know exactly where you're coming from. I keep asking for my pink slip, but I've yet to get it. Keep the chin up and plug ahead. One day at a time. One word at a time.
ReplyDeleteMy feet will see you in DC, but I'll settle for a hug. Great look. And you're right, eating pizza requires a bite at a time lest you choke. (I'm on a diet. Food analogies have taken over my mind.)
ReplyDeleteMelissa! She is one of my line partners. We share many lines. She tells me when they're sucky and than helps me make them great. Thanks, lady for the support.
ReplyDeleteSee how this works? Your struggle.. then reminder of "one word at a time" was just exactly what I needed to read today. Exactly. I think that's the point of blogging, a transfer of ideas, of energy, that keeps us all plugged in. Thanks! Can't wait to read what you write next!
ReplyDeleteChristine Bush
Christine, Thank you for checking me-- well, my blog out. LOL. I'm learning. Hope to see you again. AJ
ReplyDeleteGreat looking Blog, and great blog.
ReplyDeleteHow do you eat an elephant?
Cut it up into pieces smaller than your head.
Goes for writing too.
Good luck with it all and congrats on finaling.
Bart
Lol, Bart. Yup. One bite at a time. And remember a bite from the ear, a bite from the leg. Change up and enjoy the spices of life.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the blog, Autumn. It's not easy trying new things, especially finding the time to add a new project to our already long lists. I wish you a lot of success with this and your writing.
ReplyDeleteLynda Coker
Best wishes for lots of visitors to your new blog. Seems you are off to a great start! Here's to time to write and do it all!
ReplyDeleteI'd rather read your blog than eat an elephant.
ReplyDeleteGood start, enjoy the ride, the picture at the top says something about you, kiddo.
Hi, Lynda. You don't have to tell me about finding time. That's why word by word works for me. Today's count a little over 400. More than I had this morning. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHey, a fellow Wayback author. Thanks, Anne for taking time out of your busy schedule to check out my blog.
ReplyDeletepeachette, Nice to meet you. The picture-- It's me sleeping on the floor. You know Sunday afternoon nap. Yeah, right. LOL. I don't have that luxury. Please stop by agian. I won't serve elephant. I promise.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Autumn! I love the advice - and you received wonderful responses as well!
ReplyDelete:-) Wishing you much success!
Hey, yet another Rose author. Hi, Marianne. You ladies are great supporters too. I'm sure you're all bubbly. WITH THIS KISS will be coming out soon too, right?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments and I hope you stop by my blog again.
Hey, what's wrong with elephant on a kaiser roll with horseradish? Especially if it's nice and lean. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.
ReplyDeleteBart
Hi, Di! I love the post. I think you're off to a fabulous beginning for your blog!
ReplyDelete<3Nisha
Nisha, Thanks and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteLOL. Too Funny, Bart!
ReplyDeleteI Live on wirter's block - pun intended - so I cn relate.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the blog. I'll stop by and comment whenever I can!
Thanks, KQ. Free writing is a common cure for the dreaded writer's block. You're a sweetie to stop by.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new blog. It looks great. I need to do this, too, but I keep putting it off.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this, and I'll be sure to check back often.
Great blog!!! I love the header.
ReplyDeleteChristine
Hi Autumn,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Nice Blog. I love black and red, always a great combination.
Cheers
Margaret
Rebecca, I did too. Setting a date to blog on a group's loop made me think, I need to have some experience. So one, two, three, I jumped into the world of blogging. I'm doggy paddling here but I think I'm doing okay. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can. Hope you stop back again.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. You will see the pic again.
ReplyDeleteHi, Margaret. I love the color combo too. It even makes murder classy, don't you think? Lol. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Autumn. For some reason blogging is more frightening than other aspects of writing, but you're off to a good start. Congrats on taking that first step into the dark side...
ReplyDeleteThe dark side isn't so bad. Thanks for stopping by, Ann.
ReplyDeleteAutumn, great job on the first post and the blog itself. Such great advice. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteWow. THIS MANY comments on the first post to your new blog... I'm green with envy. Pass some of that popularity my way ( - ;
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of blogging!
Good luck with the new blog! It certainly takes more work to maintain than one might think. LOL That's why I gave up on mine. I'd rather guest for others and not be under the constant pressure. LOL
ReplyDeleteBrenda Novak
THE PERFECT COUPLE, On Sale July 28th!
Hi Autumn, just popping in to say hello and congrats on the new blog. Great job.
ReplyDeleteExcellent start, Autumn! I like the look and the posting...you have an easy way with words that's very appealing. Perfect for a blog! (I'm still working on mastering that *sigh*.) I didn't read all the comments, so this may have already been suggested, but I just wanted to point out that you may want to add a "My Books" listing to your sidebar here.
ReplyDeleteOh, and congratulations on being a Golden Heart finalist, too!
I have ticklish feet, btw, so you can skip the kissing part! :)
Linda Poitevin
A Fairy Tale for Gwyn coming in January 2010
Good job on setting up your blog, Autumn! It looks really good.
ReplyDeleteTricia
Congratulations on taking the leap, Autumn!
ReplyDeleteNice job! Word by word, day after day, is how we all get from the beginning to THE END. Very nice blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy. I'm glad you liked it. Please stop back again.
ReplyDeleteHey, another fellow Rose author. Hi, Crystal rain. Glad you could stop by.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, So are so busy with the auction this month and yet you took the time to stop by. I hope I can ask you back as a guest.
ReplyDeleteEVERYONE, please jump over to www.brendanovak.com and check out the items up for bid. This auction will benefit Diabetes research. Under something for everyone, I have a Carebear baby quilt and a book FOR MOTHER'S TO BE. I've also joined with a few other Rose authors donating a Kindle. So please check all the pages. I promise, you will find something you'll love and will be doing a good deed.
Hywela, I'm glad you popped. In. Over. LOL. Thanks. Please stop back.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Thanks for the congrats on the Golden heart. I'm thrilled. And for the compliment on my voice. (OH MY! I have a voice) All these years finally. I'm tearing up here.
ReplyDeleteGood suggestion on the books. As soon as I have covers they will be flashing all over the page. But in the meatime, I'll do titles.
I hope to see you again. I gotta tell my DH, I have a voice. Yeah!
Tricia, Thanks. I feel like I made so many new friends. ;>) Please bookmark me.
ReplyDeleteTracey, Thanks for stopping by to see if I survived the leap. I appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteDonna B, Thanks for the compliment. I hope you'll stop by again.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and good luck during this exciting new year. Time to reap the reward and satisfaction of all your hard work, persistence, and patience! Love the look and feel of your site and blog!
ReplyDeleteEileen
Congratulations on the blog---it looks wonderful! Ellen
ReplyDeleteYour blogs looks great! I do pages goals. I push myself when I meet them and I see myself moving up slowly. It's tThe best way for me to go.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your blog! I started one but couldn't keep up with it. You're doing good so far and it looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eileen. It's been an adventure and this year so far has been AWESOME! For news like, I SOLD MY SECOND BOOK THIS WEEK, please consider bookmarking AJ's Notes or jump over to my website. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteHey, Ellen. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll peek again.
ReplyDeleteEmma, I understand, but I'm having a ball making new friends. I love making new friends, don't you? Thanks for the compliments. I hope to see you again.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! And all so true!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Autumn. Very helpful advice as well because i find myself looking at that blinking cursor and getting frustrated.....keep up the good work !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly. I'm glad it rang true for you.
ReplyDeleteKrista, Hi. Don't get frustrated. Let your mind go, write. I think all keywords have a delete key. The lettering on mine is all but gone. LOL. Thanks for commenting. Please peek again.
ReplyDeleteAutumn, my posts are coming in very late, but congratulations on your blog! Babe, you have it all over me. I won't do my own because I have a hard enough time guest blogging!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to take the breath, get the reality check, and plunge ahead. Free writing or just closing my eyes so I can't see the cursor helps. :)
All the best, dear heart!
Light,
Nancy Hadddock
Hey, Nancy. I'll have try closing my eyes and just type. Not sure I'll know what i wrote though. LOl. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHi, Autumn! Glad to see you've got your blog up and running.
ReplyDeleteFree writing works for me. I just rabbit on about anything as a warm-up.
Welcome to my world, Authorness. Let the characters take the wheel. LOl. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHey there! Great to see you here in the vast arena of blogdom.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Pammer
Pammer, you found me. YEAH! Yup, I jumped into the blog-kingdom. ;>) Stop back soon.
ReplyDelete