The Goal = 23 stories written - and finished! - for Story A Day in May
Stories Completed So Far = 10
Stories Still To Go = 13
Well, I'm about halfway through the Story A Day Challenge, and honestly? I'm loving it.
Don't get me wrong, it's not easy. Some of my stories stink. Two - so far - might actually be scenes for a bigger project, like a novella or novel (what?! no, no, no! focus, woman, focus!) And some days I stare at the blank notebook page - yes, I'm going old school - and wish I hadn't gotten out of bed. Ever.
But then there's the story I revised and submitted already. And the handful I can definitely see myself returning to, revising. And the biggest benefit so far?
Finding my way back to creativity, to reviving a part of myself that was struggling to breathe, that was drowning beneath layers upon layers of anxiety and doubt, fear and normalcy. Now, when I finish a story, a sense of peace, of completeness, of rightness fills me, and I believe it's because - to paraphrase something Julie Duffy said in one of her Story A Day podcasts - I've done the thing that makes me, me. Writing.
Well done! This really sounds like a great challenge to get one's focus back on writing and let your creativity come out to play.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It really is amazing how much more connected I feel to my creativity again.
DeleteThat is amazing! Good for you. Even if some are duds, that means some are gems.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Madeline!
Thanks so much, Maria! It's funny, because in the past, I would've been really disappointed with the duds, thinking I failed, etc. Now, even though I'm not necessarily pleased with them, I can see them for what they are - creative exercises - then I move on.
DeleteThat's great! If it got you writing again, then that was the main goal, right? And you'll have a few things you can work with to boot.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right, Alex! :)
DeleteIt's great that you've got some gems in there, despite a couple of not-so-good ones. The act of writing comes first, and then in June you can assess what you've got. Good job so far!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be a creative and productive summer around here! :)
DeleteSounds like this challenge is working for you. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is!
DeleteGlad you're enjoying the challenge. Finding your way back to creativity is an amazing perk!
ReplyDeleteThat was my main reason for participating in the challenge. I hoped for some stories I could revise, sure, but it was more about finding my way back to who I believe I truly am.
DeleteWoohoo!!! I'm glad you're enjoying the challenge. It tempted me, but I decided to stick to my WIP and journaling this month.
ReplyDeleteI'm super glad that you've renewed your creative energy!
Thanks, Tyrean! And good luck with your WiP and journaling. Yeh for the month of May! :)
DeleteHow wonderful to be inspired!! I want to read them. I bet there are amazing.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, some of them are real clunkers. Hopefully, I can shine up a few, get them out into the world eventually. :)
DeleteGetting your creative energy back and some good stories out of it sounds awesome! Good luck with the rest of the challenge!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah. It's nice to feel that creative energy flowing again.
DeleteThat is fantastic! Way to go.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteCongrats! You go girl. That feeling like you have finished a story is wonderful. Glad the creativity is flowing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Murees! It really does feel wonderful, even if the story is not up for revision.
DeleteYou are doing great!! I'm now toying with the idea of trying to do that on my own in June. It would definitely keep my mind busy!
ReplyDeleteYou could even start now, go through the rest of the month and into June, if you wanted! I believe she runs another session in September if that works better for you. I might do it again then myself. :)
DeleteCongrats. I don't think I could do it. You must have a magic wand nearby.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I do have a magic wand! From Harry Potter World. Maybe waving it around, coming up with a few spells will amp up the creativity even more. :)
DeleteThat's so awesome! I'm so proud of you. You are killing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, JH!
DeleteGlad to hear you're back in a great place. This month seems to have done wonders for your creativity. Good luck for getting to the end!
ReplyDeleteIt really has, Nick. But I'll take all the good luck I can get - there's still a long way to go until the end of the month.
DeleteThat's awesome! I love that feeling. Keep on pushing forward. You can do it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine! Fingers crossed! :)
DeleteWooohooo! I'm so glad to hear you're doing well with your stories! Yay for writing and I hope things keep encouraging your creativity!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Loni! And I agree - yay for writing and for the things that encourage creativity! :)
DeleteLove it! You make me want to take up the challenge...in the distant future...when I can afford the time. =) Kick that creativity into high gear and take the world by storm, eh?
ReplyDeleteI'm kicking the creativity as high and as hard as I can...but in a good way, of course. I don't want to hurt it or anything. :)
Deleteso excited for you, regaining your breath and kicking butt writing so many stories! way to go and keep it up!
ReplyDeleteTara Tyler Talks
Thanks, Tara! I'm trying. :)
DeleteOh, I love the last line of this post! Exactly!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read the challenge is working for you - congrats on those completed stories. And one already submitted?! Yay!!
Good luck with the rest of the month. Write, write, write. :)
Thanks so much, Julie! I will write, write, write! :)
DeleteThat sounds great. I always feel happier when I've spent a couple of hours writing. I need to do more of it or at least write more regularly.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's become more about writing regularly - working that creative muscle - than for how long I write during each session. That's the case in the creating and drafting stages anyway. Revisions are a whole other story. :)
DeleteFantastic energy. Great post. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
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