Tag: positivity

Week One

Posted on by staceyjaine in 365 Challenge, Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

I’m writing this retroactively, because it’s just ticked over to January 8th.

In December, I signed up for the 365 Writing Challenge. It’s something I’ve participated in for a few years now, but this year I’m determined to write every day. It’s something I haven’t quite managed to accomplish in previous years.

It’s the first week and I set myself a goal of 300 words a day. So far, it’s not going well. I wrote 1,296 words out of 2,100. But I did manage to write a little each day, so that’s a huge plus and ultimately what I set out to do. Write each day.

Fingers crossed I do better during week two.

100 Followers

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Updates, Writing

wood-3190203_960_720.jpgOMG! Thank you all so much. You guys are awesome! I actually didn’t expect to reach this milestone so soon after I resumed blogging much more often in April. But I have, so thanks.

But, this is not just about the numbers, or the likes, comments or even the follows. It’s about community.

And while I know there’s a few of my followers that probably aren’t writers or authors or even artists, you’ve still taken the time to read my posts and follow me on my journey and listen to what I’ve got to say. And for someone who always hesitates to click PUBLISH every time I finish a blog post that’s a big thing. Huge, even.

So, THANK YOU.

When I started this blog back in 2013, I had a different path for it.  I’d started it with the idea of just sharing my accomplishments as a writer and the odd stories about my kids. And while I know I should continue to perhaps blog about my kids, I do need to share my accomplishments and writing process more.

So, while their won’t be any less of the informative tidbits I’ve been sharing there will be more about me, my kids and my writing. I started publishing in November 2011, which oddly also coincides with when I started writing. I started my writing journey in November 1997. I still have the first story I ever wrote, miracle of miracles it survived to this day despite bad storage methods. Floppy Disks…! Anyone remember those? If you don’t, it’s okay. I’m in my 30s…

Anyway, enough rambling from me. I do hope you stick around though, and continue to enjoy my posts and maybe even find some useful tidbits along the way.

Affirmations

Posted on by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

FD2CEF27-D321-408C-8DBE-3AD9005F1A30My husband and I were having a conversation about a book he’d just finished reading when he turned to me and said: “Don’t take this the wrong way but if that’s published why aren’t you?”

My answer was a one word response. “Editing.”

It’s expensive. So, I’ve been putting it off and putting it off.

My book has blossomed into six books, with three more still to write.

But, I can say I’m one step closer to publishing. Having found an editor who just might be the perfect fit for me.

It still doesn’t stop the self doubt and anxieties from creeping in and sometimes that alone is enough to make me pause and consider not publishing because I’m scared.

Of course then I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be scared. That the reason I put pen to paper in the first place when I was fourteen hasn’t changed. I still want to share my words with the world. My dream of being publishedhasnt gone anywhere and all this is just a bump in the road that I will get over.

It’s okay.

Being scared, is okay. In fact, it would be a little remiss if you weren’t. Writing. The entire process is huge. It’s sharing a part of yourself with strangers. What’s not scary about that?

The trick?

Breathe. And let go.

Focus on getting the words down. It’s not a sprint. You don’t have to compare yourself to any other writer.

Just do you. Be accountable. Show up and put in the effort. The words on the page will speak for themselves.