On Discipline

Why is it that I must discipline myself to do something that I thoroughly enjoy? Because I have a hard time getting started. Before I begin writing each day, a negotiating session takes place between the adult me and the child me. The child me would rather read than write.

The child is full of fear and chants, "I can't. I can't. I can't."

The adult me has to bargain with the child. "Just one sentence, that's all you need to write. Can you do that?"

The child nods her little head. "I can do that."

By the time that one sentence is down, the child is having so much fun, she doesn't want to stop.

What about you? How do you get the process started each day?

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: A Blue So Dark (H. Schindler) Restoring Harmony (J. Anthony) The sweet, terrible, glorious year I truly, completely lost it: a novel (L. Shanahan)

Transitions

Bye bye cute summer clothes
Hello thermal underwear

Bye bye long sunny days
Hello crackling fires

Bye bye gardening
Hello binge reading

Bye bye revising
Hello first draft

I'm having a rough time with transitioning right now. Like I'm a five-year-old child being told it's time to leave the playground. I don't want to let go of summer and I don't want to let go of revising my favorite WIP.

What helps you deal with transitions?


WHAT I'VE BEEN READING: Grass Angel (J. Schumacher) Scars (C. Rainfield) Freefall (M. Scott) Girl Stolen (A. Henry) Bright Young Things (A. Godbersen)