Practice Writing

Introduction

I believe in the power of setting a timer to turn a giant, scary project into simple bite-sized chunks.

My mom used to do it to help me clean my room, finish schoolwork, and even to get me to obey. (I'm going to count to three...) I started doing it three years ago when I quit my job to try writing full-time. I would set the timer for 20 minutes and come up with all of the story ideas I could think of. My plan was to write quickly, edit, and publish novelettes. I ended up having to get a new job and getting so burned out there that art wasn't even a comfort to me. It was just more work to drain me dry.

Then the virus broke out.

I quit my job and stayed with my family. I helped out with the business and in the garden. I keep trying to get back into writing, but it's not the same as it used to be. It hurts. I keep staring at these folders collecting dust. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd drafts growing older. Fully plotted stories left in their gestation.

I don't know if I'll ever finish a novel.

But if I can just enjoy telling a story. I may have grown out of it. Who knows? I still want to try. So, here's to trying.