Speaker 1: 0:00

I know it can be so hard to sit down to write when you know there are dishes in the sink or laundry to be done or, in my case, a lot of dog hair to vacuum up. This is something I definitely need to work on, because in almost all scenarios I know that I will prioritize cleaning or doing chores or whatever, and I will blame it on my brain needing a clean space to do the work, which is probably partly true, but I also know somewhere in the back of my head that it's kind of a cop-out. Welcome to the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast. My name is Savannah Gilbo and I'm here to help you write a story that works. I want to prove to you that writing a novel doesn't have to be overwhelming, so each week, I'll bring you a brand new episode with simple, actionable and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. So whether you're brand new to writing or more of a seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you. So pick up a pen and let's get started. In today's episode, you're going to hear from five different coaches and editors on how to manage your mindset while writing your book.

Speaker 1: 1:03

At the end of last year I polled you, my lovely listeners, and I know that so many of you are working on your first drafts maybe even your first draft of your first book ever and you're coming up against some common roadblocks that almost all writers face A lack of time, perfectionism that says everything you write is terrible, self-doubt that makes you question everything you're doing, and so on and so on.

Speaker 1: 1:26

These are all very common hurdles that new and experienced writers face.

Speaker 1: 1:31

So the very first thing I want you to know before we dive into the episode is that if you're struggling to start your book or finish your first draft, you are so not alone. And second, this episode is going to help you with some of those mental and emotional roadblocks. And second, this episode is going to help you with some of those mental and emotional roadblocks. So what I did is I asked five book coaches and editors to share their number one tip to help aspiring writers get to the end of their first draft. So you're going to hear tips from Candice Coakley, sam Henke, jenny Luke, carla Diaz and Sam Cameron, all geared towards helping you build the writing life you want, overcome some of the most common mental and emotional roadblocks that hold writers back and start making heaps of progress on your book. So, without further ado, let's dive in, starting with a tip from Candice Coakley, and she's going to talk to you about having compassion for yourself as you go through the process of writing your first draft.

Speaker 2: 2:21

Let's take a listen of writing your first draft. Let's take a listen. Hi there to all of Savannah's listeners. I'm Candice Coakley, a writing coach, developmental editor and meditation teacher. I am passionate about helping writers craft and share transformative stories, whether through a compelling memoir or an unforgettable novel. Today, I want to talk about something that affects every writer at some point being kind to yourself during the messy process of writing your first draft. It's so important to have compassion for yourself. I often see writers unnecessarily beating themselves up. Here's a scenario A writer sits at her desk ready to tackle her first draft.

Speaker 2: 3:02

She has high hopes for today's session. She's made a fresh cup of coffee, set the mood with a candle and cracked open her laptop. But after a few sentences, that familiar voice of doubt starts whispering. This is terrible. You don't know what you're doing. The more she writes, the louder the voice gets, until eventually she's frozen staring at the screen. She slams her laptop in frustration, thinking I'll never get this right. Does this sound familiar? It's so common, especially when we're creating something new.

Speaker 2: 3:36

But what if we approach these moments with humor instead of frustration? What if, instead of feeling rage, we made a huge joke of it to bring down the tension, instead of listening to that nasty inner critic, we could think well, there's my writing neuroses showing up again. Guess we're in for a wild ride today. A little laughter at ourselves can go a long way. After all, these imperfections are what make us human. This type of authenticity is the perfect fodder for deepening our characters. Plus, making fun of quirks gives us something to laugh about later and to commiserate with our writing friends. As writers, we're drawn to exploring the human condition, and what's more human than imperfection? Channeling these raw feelings into your work is far more valuable than letting them stress you out. That's why my self-compassion tip for today is simple but powerful Keep your sense of humor. By lightening up and laughing at ourselves, we can be more compassionate toward our writing and its inevitable imperfections.

Speaker 2: 4:38

Some of my favorite authors and meditation experts use humor and don't take themselves so seriously. I love the way best-selling author Anne Hood talks about writing. She jokes it's not brain surgery. When we mess up, nobody dies. She keeps it in perspective and encourages us to approach our craft with dedication, but without the paralyzing pressure on ourselves. Another example from another writer named Anne is Anne Lamott's humorous, self-deprecating tone, which is what makes her work so authentic. She encourages us to embrace our shitty first drafts without being so harsh on ourselves. Some of my favorite mindfulness experts also take a lighthearted approach.

Speaker 2: 5:20

In interviews, the Dalai Lama often laughs at himself, joking about his bald head or the simplicity of his monk's robes. He finds joy and humility in the everyday. In, jack Kornfield, a renowned teacher of mindfulness and Buddhism, says If you can't laugh at yourself, you've missed the whole point of being human. He reminds us that the spiritual journey isn't just about discipline and seriousness. It's also about joy, lightness and celebrating the human experience in all its messy beauty. This perspective is exactly what we need when we're sitting in front of a blank page or a messy draft, thinking why isn't this perfect? Yet, instead of treating every imperfection like a catastrophe, we can approach it with kindness and a little fun. Even as we take our writing seriously, we can take ourselves lightly. So take that messy first draft in stride. Keep your sense of humor and remember that your neuroses and imperfections are part of the journey, maybe even the best part. Embrace it all and use it to deepen your story, your characters and your writing life.

Speaker 2: 6:30

To wrap up, I want to share a quick way to bring compassion and humor into your writing practice. It's called self-compassionate reframing. So here's what you do when you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts like this is terrible. So here's what you do when you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts like this is terrible. I'm a bad writer. Pause and reframe it with humor. Even bad puns or silly jokes work. For example, if writing bad dialogue is a crime, lock me up or plot twist. The real genius of this chapter is its ability to confuse even the author. Sure, it's cheesy, but you get the point. Crack yourself up. A good laugh will trigger the endorphins and put you in a better mood about your shitty first draft. If you want more self-compassion mindset ideas, there's a list on my website called Take your Writer Self Less Seriously. Thanks for listening and happy writing.

Speaker 1: 7:36

I love what Candice said there. Less seriously Thanks for listening and happy writing feeling and I love how Candice shared some tips for how to shift your mindset when this happens, especially how she talked about reframing some of our negative thoughts with humor. I also like to check myself sometimes when the negative thoughts creep in and I'll pause and think to myself is this something I would ever say to a friend? Like, if a friend was writing a book, would I ever stop and tell them hey, just so you know your dialogue is really bad. You should probably give up on your dream of writing a book? Absolutely not. There is no way I would ever say that to a friend.

Speaker 1: 8:10

So sometimes just thinking that through helps me realize I'm being so tough on myself and I deserve a little compassion Because, let's face it, writing a book is challenging, right? We all deserve a little compassion, not just because we're human, but also because we're actually setting out to do something challenging. So no wonder we're not pros right out the gate, right? Anyway, candice, thank you so much for sharing this tip with us. If anyone listening wants to get in touch with Candice or follow along with what she's doing, I will link to all the places. You can find her on the internet in the show notes. Next up, we're going to hear from Sam Hinke, and Sam's going to talk about how to prioritize your writing time when life gets busy. So here's the tip.

Speaker 3: 8:51

I'm Sam Hinke, an author accelerator, certified fiction book coach. I live in Louisville, Kentucky, with my husband, two daughters, a dog and a bunny named Sherlock. Prioritizing writing when you have a full-time job or are a stay-at-home parent is difficult. Time is one of our most precious resources and none of us feel like we have enough of it, especially when we have responsibilities that take up most of our day. If there is anyone out there who does have plenty of time for everything that they need and want to do, I'd love to meet them so they can teach me their magic. But for the rest of us, mere mortals that are writing in the margins of our day, I've put together some tips to help us give ourselves permission to prioritize writing. So, first and foremost, you need to be clear on why you're writing. Why does writing this story mean so much to you? What is the goal you're trying to reach? How will it feel when you reach that goal? Write down your why and put it up on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself that this endeavor is important and that you must prioritize it if you are to meet that goal. Now that you're clear on your why, what does giving yourself permission to write look like on a day-to-day level. It looks like scheduling your writing time on your calendar just like you would schedule a doctor's appointment. Be careful to be realistic about where that time fits best and how much time you actually have available to you. Don't set yourself up for failure by scheduling the most idealized option that is not actually attainable. If you're a morning person, consider scheduling writing for the morning before the kids get up or before you have to leave for work. If you are a night owl, the evening will be a better option.

Speaker 3: 10:49

I personally use a daily top three list to make sure I'm accomplishing my top priorities. Of course, there's always more than three things that I want to accomplish in a day, but these are the three things that are non-negotiable highest priority for the day. But these are the three things that are non-negotiable highest priority for the day. So if your goal is to write three days a week, then for three days writing should be on your top three list. Resist the urge to leave it off. This is part of giving yourself permission to prioritize writing.

Speaker 3: 11:19

If you're struggling to consistently put it on a list, read your why and remind yourself of its importance. At night, check your top three lists to see what you accomplished and what you didn't. If you didn't get your writing done, ask yourself why it didn't happen. Was it something totally out of your control, like a kid getting sick or the car breaking down? Or was it losing time scrolling on your phone or putting other tasks first or kids interrupting? Note down the reasons and, after a few weeks, look for patterns.

Speaker 3: 11:55

Once you've identified the obstacles in your way, you can work on making changes. If you have ADHD and find you're distracted by other tasks, post that top three list somewhere where you will see it multiple times throughout the day. You may need to move where you post the list every few days so that you don't get used to seeing a note card there and stop noticing it. Finally, we must communicate what we need from our families. They love us and want to help us, but they aren't mind readers.

Speaker 3: 12:27

If you have young children, schedule with your spouse for when your spouse can keep them occupied while you write. I strongly encourage you to share your writing goals with your kids so they understand why it's important to you. Check in with your kids and tell them how your draft is coming along and celebrate with them when you hit a milestone. Kids, especially young kids, are more cooperative when they feel like they're involved. If you have older kids or teens who have a habit of interrupting because they simply forget that you're busy, it is absolutely fine to hang a writing in progress sign on the door to remind them that you're busy. It is absolutely fine to hang a writing in progress sign on the door to remind them that you're busy.

Speaker 3: 13:08

Brainstorm with your spouse on ways to simplify life, even a few days a week. This might look like ordering grocery pickup or delivery, your spouse taking over cooking a few nights a week, or your spouse handling bedtime on their own so that you can start writing earlier in the evening. In summary, get clear on why writing is important to you and prioritize it like any other appointment. Use a daily top three list to identify obstacles and communicate the support you need from your family. I hope these tips help you make more time for writing so you can reach your goals.

Speaker 1: 13:44

I love all of these tips, sam. Thank you so much for sharing these. I know for me personally it sounds easy to give yourself permission to write, but in reality it can be super hard to do for all of the reasons Sam pointed out. I love the idea of getting friends and family involved and rooting for you, and I've heard from so many writers who have done this that it really helps in terms of their ability to show up at their desk.

Speaker 1: 14:07

One of the writers in my notes to novel course recently shared with me that during dinner her family does a little check-in on each of their days or the different things they're working on, and she loves having that time and space to update her family on her novel, and she even said that recently she's been getting her kids involved in brainstorming things for her book as well. She said they don't always come up with the best ideas, but talk about a fun family activity that really helps your kids and your spouse feel a rooting interest in your book. Right? I think that's so neat. So anyway, thank you, sam, for sharing these tips with us. I will, of course, post all the links to where you can find Sam around the internet in the show notes All right. Next up we're going to hear from Jenny Luke on the idea of having the courage to write your first book and really owning the idea of being a beginner. So here's the clip.

Speaker 4: 14:53

G'day. It's Jenny here and I'm so excited to be part of this podcast episode because I love sharing my passion for writing anytime I can. I'm an author, professional copywriter and certified book coach and, I'm happy to say I've made my living out of writing for over 15 years now. I love all things writing, but I also know how tricky it can be to keep your head in the game when you're starting out as a new writer or you're deep into a big writing project like drafting a novel. As an active writer and writing coach, I'm pretty familiar with the crazy roller coaster ride of drafting a novel, and I love helping writers find their groove and rise to the challenge. Taking on a novel-length project is thrilling, but it's not for the faint-hearted, and mindset can be so important to see you through. So today I want to zero in on two key mindset ideas that I believe can be super useful in helping you successfully finish your first draft. Idea number one is giving yourself permission to be a beginner, and idea number two is having the courage to start writing, no matter where you are in the writing process. If things have stalled, it could be one or both of these things making it feel hard for you to write. Firstly, I want you to take a moment to remember that every writer starts out as a beginner. Including the successful authors you admire most, they didn't start out writing perfect drafts and it's likely they still don't. I can promise you that your first draft won't be perfect, no matter how hard you try, but writing a perfect first draft isn't the name of the game, so that's totally okay. Try to give yourself freedom to write imperfectly, be creative and messy and make mistakes, and embrace the notion that this raw draft is really just the beginning. Your draft will be imperfect relative to your intended finished product, but it's an essential ingredient in the process. So be cool with the rawness and imperfections. See how it changes your writing sessions for the better. Now, the second idea I want us to talk about is having the courage to start.

Speaker 4: 16:54

Sometimes, sitting down to write is the hardest thing to do, and it's so strange because, on one hand, we want to write but on the other hand, we find ourselves reluctant to do the writing. Weird, huh. But the reason why often comes down to us feeling some sort of fear. What if I'm no good at this? What if nobody wants to read what I've written? What if I get stuck and I don't know what to do next.

Speaker 4: 17:18

You're not alone if you've had thoughts like these, because I'm pretty sure we all do. There can be so much going on in our heads before we've even picked up a pen or put our fingers on the keyboard. But here's the thing fear or a lack of confidence is a natural part of the process and every creative, no matter how experienced, goes through it from time to time process and every creative, no matter how experienced, goes through it from time to time. So what can we do when fear shows up? Well, we can identify these fearful thoughts for what they are, which is mostly unhelpful, and then replace them with a different set of thoughts that are grounded in courage rather than fear.

Speaker 4: 17:52

It really does take courage to be a writer, but when we muster courage and make a start, that's when motivation and inspiration show up, and this is really important to know. Motivation and inspiration often show up after we've begun putting words onto the page, not before then. With this new courageous mindset that says, stuff the fear and self-doubt, I'm just going to write. Anyway, your writing session that started out feeling pretty shaky transforms into an inspired and productive writing session. It comes down to taking that first step. So at this point there's part of me that wants to say give yourself permission to fail. But I also want to tell you that in writing, you actually can't fail.

Speaker 4: 18:37

Writing is a process of trial and error and it's iterative in nature. You are going to write bad sentences, you will have off days and you will get stuck, but it's all part of the journey, because you'll also write gorgeous sentences, have great days and, with any luck, experience your own version of writer's flow. The challenging days are what make the eventual great days feel so amazing. You just have to keep showing up. Okie dokie. I'm so glad we've had this chance to chat and I really hope you find these tips useful. You really can write a whole draft from start to finish. So start where you are, use what you have and trust the process, and remember what that wise fish once said just keep swimming.

Speaker 1: 19:23

I love this, jenny, and I totally agree with everything you said. These are such great reminders for everyone who is in the writing trenches right now, and I especially like the idea of having courage to show up and be a beginner. This is something I talk about a lot in my Notes to Novel course the idea of having courage before confidence. And that's just because the confidence is going to come. It will come the more you show up at your desk, the more you hone your writing skills and things like that.

Speaker 1: 19:48

So, yes, we might not have confidence right now, but we are all capable of tapping into that source of courage we have inside of us that helps us do hard things. Even if you're brand new to writing, you can tap into this well of courage and let it propel you through your first draft. That is absolutely true. So thank you so much, jenny, for sharing these tips with us and for my listeners. I will link to where you can find Jenny around the internet in the show notes if you want to get in touch with her. Next up, we're going to hear from Carla Diaz and she's going to talk to us about letting curiosity guide our way forward. Here is the clip.

Speaker 5: 20:21

Hello, my name is Carla Diaz. I am a bilingual author, accelerator, certified book coach, a story grid scene writing workshop coach and a developmental editor. I support writers in English and Spanish in taking their stories from an idea to a finished draft on which they can proudly sign their names. Today, I'm excited to share how writers can spark their creativity just by staying curious.

Speaker 5: 20:45

According to the online Oxford English Dictionary, curiosity is defined as a desire to know or learn In the best way. It's that eagerness to explore anything new or unusual. It's that eagerness to explore anything new or unusual. Curiosity is such a wonderful part of being human. Without it, we might not be where we are today. Just think about our ancestors. They ventured out of their caves, were eager to explore the world, and even crossed oceans to discover new lands. It's astonishing how curiosity drives our minds to grow and our civilization to flourish. This trait is incredibly valuable for writers. By nurturing their curiosity about the world around them, writers can discover answers to their own lingering questions and, in doing so, provide readers with the insights they are eager to find.

Speaker 5: 21:32

When writers lack curiosity, their storytelling can become stagnant and uninspired. Without curiosity, a writer may fall into the trap of relying on clichés and predictable plotlines, leading to a narrative that feels formulaic. The writing process can become mechanical, with the writer merely going through the motions rather than crafting a narrative that captivates and challenges the reader. This can lead to a disconnect between the writer and their audience, as the story fails to evoke the intended emotional response or provoke thought. Curiosity is essential for writers to create dynamic, engaging stories that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. The good news is that writers are curious by nature. They have a fearless spirit when it comes to asking questions. This curiosity inspires them to explore intriguing what-if scenarios, dive deep into their character psyches and uncover the rich nuances of their story worlds. The five Ws are always nearby who, what, where, when. Although not technically a W how and why. Who are the characters? What is the plot? Where is the setting? When is the timing of the story or when does it take place? How pertains to the story's structure or transformation arc, which might include a single, combined or group protagonist, and why is the theme?

Speaker 5: 23:01

Nurturing a mindset that actively seeks fresh perspectives and insights is key to keeping the spark of curiosity alive in your writing. Here are some strategies to help you maintain that curiosity in your daily life and as a driving force in your writing that curiosity in your daily life and as a driving force in your writing. Practice mindful observation. Take time to notice the details in your surroundings, whether it's the texture of a leaf or the rhythm of a bustling street. Paying attention to the small things can spark curiosity and inspire creative thought.

Speaker 5: 23:32

Engage in active listening. When conversing with others, focus on truly understanding their perspectives, Ask questions and seek to learn from their experiences. This practice not only fuels curiosity, but also deepens your connections with others. Set aside time for reflection. Dedicate a few moments each day to reflecting on what you've learned or observed. You keep your curiosity active by documenting your thoughts, questions and observations about the world around you. Journaling can be a powerful tool for helping you process and explore your thoughts more deeply.

Speaker 5: 24:08

Embrace the unexpected, Allow yourself to follow unexpected paths and explore new interests. Whether you take a different route home or try a new hobby, embracing the unexpected can lead to delightful discoveries and fuel your curiosity. As mentioned before, ask what, if Constantly pose hypothetical questions about your characters, settings and plot. This practice stimulates creative thinking and can lead to unexpected twists and developments in your story. And can lead to unexpected twists and developments in your story. This one is super important Study masterworks.

Speaker 5: 24:41

Masterworks are stories that have endured and resonated with readers across generations. Studying masterworks allows us to develop pattern recognition by identifying the structural elements that consistently engage readers. It also exposes us to genre mastery by helping us understand genre conventions and obligatory moments. Challenge assumptions. Don't take anything for granted in your writing. Question established norms and conventions and consider alternative viewpoints. This mindset can lead to innovative storytelling and fresh insights. This mindset can lead to innovative storytelling and fresh insights.

Speaker 5: 25:18

Engage with diverse media. Explore various forms of storytelling beyond books, such as films, theater and even video games. Each medium offers unique narrative techniques and can inspire fresh ideas for your writing. Travel and explore new environments. If possible, visit new places and immerse yourself in different cultures. The experiences and stories you encounter can provide rich material for your writing. By integrating these practices into your routine, you can maintain a vibrant sense of curiosity that continually fuels your writing. Remember, the ultimate goal is to generate catharsis, that satisfying release of tension and emotion, which is only possible when curiosity has been skillfully maintained throughout the narrative. So tell me, how do you ensure curiosity remains a central part of your writing process?

Speaker 1: 26:12

This is such a great tip, and I think that curiosity is something we're all born with and can exercise like a muscle.

Speaker 1: 27:09

I really resonate with what Carla said about asking why to everything too.

Speaker 1: 27:13

For me, this is so much fun to do, whether it's asking why about my character's motivations, or asking why a certain genre convention needs to be in a story in order for it to work, or whatever it is. I think this is such a great way to not only understand what makes stories work, but it's also helpful in terms of getting to the heart of what you're writing about or getting yourself unstuck. So I 100% agree with what Carla said being curious and stoking the flames of your curiosity is so important. I also love what she said about exposing our minds to new things, whether that be through travel, different storytelling mediums or whatever it is. It's so, so good and so important. So thank you, carla, and for anyone listening, if you want to get in touch with Carla, I will link to where you can find her around the internet in the show notes Next up. We're going to hear from Sam Cameron, and Sam is sharing such a fun and unique perspective on balancing writing with chores and how to figure out what to prioritize, if you feel.

Speaker 6: 28:13

Hello writers. I'm Sam Cameron, the author and book coach behind Truant Pen, a substack of weekly advice for stuck writers. I have always enjoyed cooking, mostly because cooking is a prerequisite to eating, which is my true passion. When I started my career as a high school teacher, cooking was a source of solace and a creative outlet. I would get home at 3 pm, hours before my wife, and be too mentally and emotionally depleted to write, but I could reliably get myself into the kitchen by 5 o'clock to make dinner. It was a pleasure to give my overtaxed brain a break while my hands were busy. Sometimes podcasts and music kept me company. Sometimes I cooked alone with my thoughts. At the end of my labors, I was rewarded with something warm and delicious to eat, as well as my wife's praise and gratitude.

Speaker 6: 29:12

When the pandemic began, I felt like the only person in America who started cooking less. That spring, as other people discovered their kitchens, I reconnected with the written word. Instead of homemade sourdough, I devoured books. Reading and writing became my escape. I realized how much I had missed storytelling as my creative outlet. So when the world began to open back up and my calendar started to fill up with pre-pandemic obligations, I knew that if I wanted reading and writing to stay front and center in my life, something else had to diminish, else had to diminish. I chose cooking From a utilitarian perspective. The point of cooking was to be able to eat, and there were plenty of ways to keep myself and my wife adequately fed without needing to spend an hour or more in the kitchen each night, plus all of the mental effort that went into meal planning and grocery shopping.

Speaker 6: 30:15

Having had this revelation about cooking, I began to have others as well, such as that I didn't need to fold and put away my clean clothes. My wife had happily lived out of a laundry basket of clean, unfolded laundry for years. It turns out I can too. On the surface, my wife and I might look like we've regressed. In our 20s, we had a tidy, well-decorated apartment and home-cooked meals. Nearly every night Our friends would come over and remark that it looked like real grown-ups lived here. Now, in our 30s, we eat fewer fresh vegetables and our apartment looks like the bachelor pad neither of us ever had. But we're so much happier Because we're no longer committing time and energy to live up to someone else's standard of excellence. We can devote ourselves instead to the work we each love to do. In my case, that's been writing books and running my business as a book coach.

Speaker 6: 31:19

Kurt Vonnegut once said that writing is a lot like inflating a blimp with a bicycle pump Anybody can do it. All it takes is time. If writing matters to you and you struggle to have the time or energy to do it, you may need to take other things off your plate so that you have time to rest and time to write. What can you drop or choose to fail at? For me, I've chosen to fail at keeping up with dishes and folding laundry. My apartment is messy, but my books get written.

Speaker 6: 31:56

You might be thinking to yourself okay, sam, maybe that worked for you, but I love to cook, or I need to have a tidy living space in order to function. So your equation might look different from mine. Maybe your answer is to share responsibilities with someone else, such as a partner or a child who is ready to take on some more responsibility at home, or a neighbor your kids can carpool with. It can be really difficult to ask for this help. It may even feel selfish, but you will be a much better friend slash partner, slash parent if you are carving out this time for yourself. My recommendation is to audit how you spend your time, to help you figure out what is truly essential to your functioning and to the well-being of your loved ones, and then to figure out what to drop, streamline or where to ask for support so you have more time to rest and write.

Speaker 6: 32:55

It's important to note that these decisions will require sacrifice. To get my writing done, I've traded in tidiness and home-cooked meals. I also have reduced my teaching hours to part-time and will eventually stop entirely, which has come with a pay cut and less stability. My wife and I agreed that for us, this was a doable and worthwhile sacrifice. What does that trade-off look like for you? What are you willing and able to give up so that you have the time and energy to write the book you've always dreamed of writing? I hope you find the spaciousness you deserve. I can't wait to read your book.

Speaker 1: 33:40

This is such a great tip and it's something that I think I personally needed to hear as well. If you're listening and your brain works like mine, I know it can be so hard to sit down to write when you know there are dishes in the sink or laundry to be done or, in my case, a lot of dog hair to vacuum up. This is something I definitely need to work on, because in almost all scenarios I know that I will prioritize cleaning or doing chores or whatever, and I will blame it on my brain needing a clean space to do the work, which is probably partly true. But I also know somewhere in the back of my head that it's kind of a cop-out. I definitely get more of that instant reward or that instant dopamine hit from cleaning up something or completing something, checking it off my to-do list, and sometimes because of that it feels easier than writing. But I also hear myself saying that right now and I'm like but wait a minute, I want to prioritize my writing, I want to get my book done. So it's such a funny thing our brains do to us right, and I know that I will definitely be putting some of Sam's tips into practice for sure. Everything she said is so true for me and so timely. So thank you so much for these tips, sam. For listeners, I will link to where you can find Sam around the internet in the show notes, and I know that Sam also has a free time audit workbook you can grab, so I will post a link to that in the show notes as well.

Speaker 1: 34:57

Now, before I let you go, I want to reiterate that if you're struggling with any of these common roadblocks, you are not alone and there is help available if you need it. You can reach out to one of the coaches or editors that were featured in today's episode, or you can get on the waitlist for my Notes to Novel course that will be opening for enrollment soon. Notes to Novel is my signature course that walks you through how to brainstorm, outline and write your first draft in a way that's both efficient and organic, and it's designed to help you overcome all of the roadblocks that aspiring authors face, while giving you the proven and practical tools, tips and strategies to actually get your book written. If you want to learn more about the Notes to Novel course, you can go to savannahgilbocom forward slash waitlist, and we will also post that link in the show notes for you as well. So that's it for today's episode.

Speaker 1: 35:47

As always, thank you so much for tuning in and for showing your support. If you want to check out any of the links I mentioned in this episode, you can find them in the show notes listed in the description of each episode inside your podcast player or at savannahgilbocom forward slash podcast. If you're an Apple user, I'd really appreciate it if you took a few seconds to leave a rating and a review. Your ratings and reviews tell Apple that this is a podcast that's worth listening to and, in turn, your reviews will help this podcast get in front of more fiction writers just like you. And while you're there, go ahead and hit that follow button, because there's going to be another brand new episode next week, full of actionable tips, tools and strategies to help you become a better writer. So I'll see you next week and until then, happy writing.