November 2022 Writing Check-In
During the month of November, I wrote a variety of things. I brainstormed a list of 60+ ideas for essays and blog posts, outlined a couple of them, and wrote one. I also pitched a couple ideas to be a guest blogger, and they were accepted - yay! - and will be released in 2023.
This month, the big accomplishment for me was writing a short Christmas skit for the kids' program at my church. I love doing this, but it also drives me crazy every year. This is the eighth(!) year I've done it, and every year, I'm convinced the creativity well has dried up and this will be the year I come up short. I am happy to report that those thoughts will have to wait until next year, because I found my "angle" and finished the script over the weekend, with some tweaks to the ending on Monday.
I accomplished more in November because of hosting the Write On! accountability sessions. Thanks to all who joined me! Although I had set out to do them only in November as an alt-NaNo project, I've come to value them so much that I will keep doing them. I won't schedule them for every day, but I'm looking to do 2-3 each week. If you're already receiving the Write On! emails, you'll continue to receive info. If you hadn't already signed up, you can register here to join us.
During November, I also achieved my personal goal for 2023: learning Beethoven's Waldstein piano sonata. I've wrestled with this piece of music every day in 2022 (minus seven days of travel). It has been one of my great joys, and dare I say, life changing. Of course I will write about it, but it deserves more care than a quick post. I'm going to gather my thoughts during the month of December and hopefully I can write a reflection worthy of the experience.
My year of Beethoven inspired me to act on an idea I had carried for a while. I enjoy setting big goals with a time constraint - and I love the elation I feel when I achieve them! (Probably not a coincidence that Achiever, Focus, and Significance are in my top 5 Clifton Strengths...) That's why I'm creating the NOVEL RESOLUTION group program.
The goal of the NOVEL RESOLUTION program is to complete a novel in 2023. I am providing educational webinars to help participants write their novels - things like building a strong story foundation, outlining, revision strategies, and more. We'll have monthly Q&A group coaching calls. To help provide accountability, we'll each set our own weekly and monthly goals, and those who meet them will be eligible to win prizes, like a free 10-page edit.
You can click here to read more details about the program and to sign up for the waitlist. I will be opening the doors to the 2023 cohort in the next few weeks. Being on the waitlist will ensure you are the first to hear about registration, and there might be an incentive for early enrollers...
How did your writing go in November? Did you participate in NaNo? If you did, celebrate, regardless of your word count - you have more than you did last month! For all who didn't do NaNo, I'm right there with you. It's hard not to get swept up in serious FOMO, but remember it isn't for everyone nor is it required to be a "real" writer.
I wish you a great month of writing in December. This time of year is usually extra busy for many people. It's okay to adjust your expectations. Be intentional, but be realistic so you don't burn out.
Here's to a great finish in 2022!
