I Wrote a Book!
Last night I sent off my manuscript into the ether. Well, the ether being an Australian literary award competition.
I won't find out anything until September, and won't be allowed to share any information until 2021 (seems like forever, huh?) but honestly, right now, I couldn't give a shit.
I'm just so happy it's done. Not because it was hard – writing the story was surprisingly easy – but because I was worried that I wouldn't be done in time. That I would be sending a half-finished manuscript hoping for the best.
Like with many situations in life, the worry was unnecessary, because I did it!
It was a strange process, and one that offered a lot of opportunities for me to reflect on my personal rhythm and creative strategies, which is something I'm excited to explore in one-on-one coaching sessions with some of you.
For example, the experience cemented a few things that I suspected, but had never put to the test. The first being, that I cannot and will not write unless I feel ready to. Procrastination and self-doubt are irrelevant (although they occasionally pop by too) – for me, it comes down to passion. Fire. Desire.
I need to be excited to write well. And if I'm not, then there's no point. I learnt that in order to work best around my creative rhythm, I would often have to sacrifice my nights, or start writing at 10pm when I'd usually be in bed. It meant removing all distractions and only having my Google Doc open until I'd written at least 1000 words. Not getting up from my chair until it was done – even if I felt the pull of snacks or Instagram.
There was, of course, many other things I learnt too, but that one has really stuck with me.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to reflect on your own creative rhythm, particularly when it comes to the actual creating part.
Are you like me, and have to have a full body YES to do anything of substance? Or are you able to gently coax yourself into producing work? Or do you rarely create, and instead spend extended periods in the dreaming phase?
These are some of the questions I look forward exploring with my coaching clients in the coming months. In the midst of final book edits, I also decided to redesign Rust's website from scratch (see? all in, or nothing at all) and with that came the revelation of the type of coach I want to be.
But more on that next week.
Now, we celebrate. Or I do, at least. Tomorrow I'm going to get my manuscript printed and bound, as a keepsake more than anything, and perhaps obnoxiously read it in cafes when Melbourne reopens again.
I hope you're keeping well, and find this letter as an encouragement to continue exploring and pursuing the creative endeavours that light you up.
Love, Viv
Need a second pair of eyes on your manuscript?
In addition to broad creativity coaching, I offer 1:1 consultations and guidance on book writing. Ready to dive deep and create some magic?