I was rereading the blog post of September’s kick-off, reliving a bit of the post-summer-vacations feelings, and figuring out if I had sticked to my plans.
I did eased myself back into writing, but not to all of my writing projects. Now I feel it’s time to prioritise my fiction writing.
But, first let’s look at September.
September’s Writing Efforts
I’ve started September with a dread. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with ‘The Shapeshifters’ project.
Why? I have two drafts in Portuguese and, suddenly, as I’m starting a third draft, I caught myself writing a new opening scene in English. Was it wise? I don’t think so. But it felt natural, so I went with it.
Sometimes I feel I keep putting stones in my way, just to see if I can destroy or go around them. But there I was, attempting to write my first full fiction book in English.
Quick reminder that I am Portuguese and even though I have been learning English since I was a kid, and have taught English to adults, and write quite a bit in this other language, I wasn’t prepared to make a full change to this project.
But I did. And here we are: a bit overwhelmed with the process…
September also brought me a few difficult days. I suffer from migraines since I was a teenager and they are back with vengeance. To make things worse, now my daughter has them too. She’s still a child, fresh out of pre-school… I am still torn apart with this. Talking about family painful inheritances!
September’s Goals
1. Get back to writing
I did. With happiness even if not effortlessly.
2. Find a new work rhythm
Also something that I manage to do, after a few different approaches.
3. Jumpstart my creative practices
Writing requires calmness and inspiration. I had to search for both using strategies that I try to keep at hand… like meditation, music, reading, series, walks and other activities.
4. Tending to my blogs
I have been putting in the work to get this done. I have changed the quantity of articles I expected to publish each week. And I feel it’s better to manage my expectations with some reality instead of wishful thinking.
5. Managing my YouTube Channel
Yes, I mentioned it in the article but I purposely left this one out of September’s Goals. I wasn’t feeling at ease with it… but VLook has made a big part of my efforts, and I hope you go and take a look at my videos. I know! I have a lot to learn.
6. Other goals
I have mentioned other goals on September’s post. Goals like Reading and productivity measurements. I failed to set a proper goal to Reading efforts but managed to read 9 books, and got 2 ongoing.
My Goodreads Challenge is looking good. Read 53 books of the 60 I planned to read in 2022(88%).
I found out that I mainly read in three categories: Classics, Chic Lit (I hate this designation) and Non Fiction. I like it!
As for the Book Club I kind of have fallen behind and am a bit unmotivated to keep going. Also, the book list released for next year envolves 12 books that aren’t a priority right now and that require a great investment… in books that won’t serve my bigger purposes.
I am kind of contemplating reverting back to my own book list… or find another Book Club more in sync with my wants and needs.
October’s Goals
They will not differ much from September’s, I guess. I will shift my attention a bit from writing poetry and revising short-stories to constructing “The Shapeshifters”. I have a list of scenes to work on and am, reluctantly, taking it seriously.
But, above all, I have a goal to keep working on my writings. Whatever the form or genre.
