keep going

one of the most important elements of my writing routine is consistency. for so long, especially when my kids were little, i felt like if i didn’t get so many words in a day, or work for so many hours, the day wasn’t a success. but, i’ve learned over the years, that the most important thing for me is to be consistent. if i get 500 words out instead of 1500 (which is my typical daily goal), that’s ok. if i spent a couple hours researching or working out a plot kink, or world building, that’s ok, too, because all of those things are necessary to have a strong story.

the most important thing is to keep going. and the more you do this, the more confident you’ll become in your process, because you’ll see your progress—even if it’s only an inch at a time.

years ago, at a writer’s conference, i remember Sarah Davies, agent with Greenhouse Literary, say, “never let your quest for publication steal the joy of writing.” all these years, that has stuck with me. and while, i’m very much a go getter, these words are always in the back of my mind, reminding me why i write.

i write because that’s who i am. all my life, there have been stories in my head that i couldn’t rest until i got down on paper. i’m a creative, and i honestly can’t imagine a version of myself not being that way. so while, i’ll continue to dream, and chase those dreams like nobody’s business, i write to create, not just get published. because even after publication, my mind is reeling with more ways to create—marketing, anyone? sometimes, i think that’s even more fun! creating swag, and merch, and coming up with fun ideas to engage readers and constantly reach new ones.

so, if you’re in the query trenches, or trying to write while raising your babies, or working a full time job, keep going. don’t give up. remember why you do what you do, even if it’s slower than you want it to be. one day, all that work will pay off.

the joy is in the process.