Life as an author: day one.
I’ve always been a pretty dedicated girl. When I set my mind to something, I do it. Now…the ultimate challenge–writing 300 pages in four months. Everyone has their “creative hour” and mine is first thing in the morning. Always has been, always will be. When I used to churn out 30 page manuscripts for workshops in college, I’d wake up at the crack of dawn to write when it was still dark and quiet outside and this is no different…..I just have to get a routine down. So today, got up at 6 a.m., made some tea and dived completely in head first.
Later, had breakfast at my DESK just like a grown-up!! 
This is the same combo from the other day—1/2 cup oats, 1 cup water, 1/2 scoop protein, 2 tsp maca, 1 banana and almond butter. Writer’s fuel!
Resolution: less time on google reader, g-chat, facebook and twitter…..more time on Word. To help that get accomplished, I physically have started to pull the plug on my internet connection while I’m writing (as in, take out my Verizon card). That way I’m not even tempted!
***
Bout to head to the gym in a little bit here…..Happy December 1st! What were you doing a year ago today??! Life is CRAZY! 
{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
What a difference a year makes–to think that last year you would have been covered in flour right about now!
It doesn’t seem like much has changed for me since last year at first glance (same place, same job) but…A year ago I would have never imagined I’d learn to swim (and looove it), or that I’d start running again, much less run two 5ks (and looove them), or that I would have signed up to dress up and take part in Trinidad Carnival! I also thought I wanted to stay in my current line of work, though it didn’t make me happy, and now I know I’d rather risk trying something new than be miserable or dissatisfied with what I do.
Oh yeah, and I was missing out on bloggy goodness last year–what did I do with my time before that??
While sitting on the floor is fun, long writing sessions are probably more comfortable at a desk
I love looking back to where I was a year ago, it’s crazy how much things change!
Good luck with your writing!
I bet it feels great to get started on the book! You can do it! My sister just finished writing a book- she wrote all 400 pages (over 100,000 words) in a MONTH!! It’s amazing. I was in shock when I heard.
Congratulations, again!
I really am so happy for you
I am sure your book will be awesome! I know what you mean about being better at work in the morning – I am EXACTLY the same! 
Banning the internet for a while always helps me get work done! Good luck!
Check out ‘Self Control’ for Mac. It’s a LIFESAVER during finals. Just be careful if you do download it – totally not reversible!
I like to also set a timer for work so that I know I have 45 minutes to work and then a 5 minute break. I get freaked out if I can’t take breaks or I take too many. But I love that you physically remove the internet. I should try that more often when working on sermons.
Love the pix! I have a thing about a small, neat desk with my laptop and always, a cup of tea. I did the same thing as you in the UCLA Writing program–intent on getting finishing the 3-year program in 18 months with a 4.0+ and a completed novel, got up at 6AM and started and just worked like crazy to a schedule that also included time for exercise and fun.
Last December: I’d just arrived here in Carmel from San Francisco via a two-week visit in Shell Beach with a friend–and in response to my brother’s tragic death and wanting to get away. A year of tears, over 3,000 miles walked on the beach, transformation, and finally a measure of peace and back to my intentions for novel.
From UCLA’s Coach Wooden I’ve just taken my best clue for dealing with a devastating loss: After his wife died 3/21/84 he started writing her a letter on the 21st of every month since then, and he keeps these together. I started writing a letter the 23rd of each month to my brother and put these in a hinged box that is covered with a painting of the sea [that we both love so much]. It really helps. I now can move forward knowing that on the 23rd, I can write out all that am thinking/feeling and ‘continue’ the relationship.
The funny thing is, this is what I was doing last year: http://kristinsnibbles.com/2008/12/01/crossing-the-border/
Which is EXACTLY what I did this year!
http://kristinsnibbles.com/2009/11/30/excited-for-life/
Got back from Canada and now I am home again, trying to get back on track!
Good luck with the writing!!
xo
K
hmm one year ago today? I was doing exactly the same thing! Stressing out about school!!! Do you have a mac?
Maybe that is what I should do when I need to make my lesson plans. I have a tendency to get way too distracted!
Yea for writing (and eating!) on a desk. I do have to admit that I missed seeing your lovely floor though
I totally know what you mean about needing to “unplug” from the temptation of the internet! I work from home as well, and it can be very easy for the mind to wander!!
A year ago from today, I don’t think I had ever read a single food blog! What a new world has been opened up to me! Other than that, I probably spent a lot less time on the internet than I do now…
Wow Jenna- Such AWESOME news and fantastic lead into the new year. Question: Am I the only one left who doesn’t know what this book is about??
That’s so cool that you can just look back at your blog and it really is a document of where you have been in your life! I think a year ago I was just getting back from Thanksgiving in London visiting my brother. I had JUST found out that the start date for my job was pushed back 4 months and I was freaking out. I think this December 1st beats last year. You are right… life is crazy
Yay! So excited for you, Jenna! Congratulations on “breaking fround” on your book!
It’s so hard to give up bad internet habits.. especially google reader!! Good luck, praying for you on this new adventure!!
One year ago today, I was super excited to learn that I would be able to attend my top choice university as a full-time student. I was also preparing for my daughter very first Christmas
A year ago today, I was living with a family of five on Park Avenue. Now, I’m on my own in a fabulous studio apartment. Basically, in one year I became a self-sufficient grown-up. Oh, time, you’re pretty amazing.
Maybe a certain “MacSpeech dictate” will help you with those 300 pages when it arrives.
← Previous Comments