In October I decided I needed to slow down and stop pushing myself so much. So I did… sort of. In terms of the blog and all other writing that I was (sort of) working on, I totally did. But, it turned out to be a busy month, especially at the end. I took advantage of soaking up every little bit of inspiration that I could from different opportunities that came my way this month. For a quick recap of the month I:
>> Attended NerdCon: Stories in Minneapolis, where I got to listen to some great talks and meet Patrick Rothfuss and Daniel José Older (!!!).
>> Took my nephew to see Stomp.
>> Visited Ottawa for a long weekend. I traveled on my own, which is something that I have wanted to do for awhile, and I got to see some really cool sights, as well as attend (a last minute plan) a panel at a writer’s festival featuring Kelley Armstrong.
>> Attended a book signing with Jay Asher.
>> Celebrated Little One’s birthday.
>> Attended a much-needed writing class on Silencing Your Inner Critic.
>> Tromped through a muddy corn maze with a group of family and friends.
It turned out to be a busy month, but it was a good month and I think it was exactly what I needed. It was filled with some new experiences, as well as lots of book/writing-related events. I was kind of amused, as the month went on, that a few weeks after I went through a creative funk and was ready to give up on my writing dreams (only for a split second, the thought really didn’t sit well with me) I suddenly had all these opportunities to attend bookish events and I often heard things that I really needed to hear at this point in time.
So, after neglecting my computer this month (and my laundry, I currently have a mountain to fold and put away) it’s time to get back to work… but hopefully with more balance. I’m actually excited to write again, which feels so great! I have a book idea in mind that I’m looking forward to working on and I even have some ideas for new poetry. And, I have a lot of great topics that I’d like to write about on the blog.
Speaking of the blog, I think I’m going to try a slightly different schedule that will help reduce my stress-level a bit. Instead of posting Monday, Wednesday and Friday I’m planning to post on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. And, of course, for the sake of balance, if life is busy or I have a sudden burst of novel-writing inspiration that doesn’t leave much time for other writing, I won’t try to force blog posts. I’ll take breaks when needed, because, it turns out, breaks are good!
[Tweet “How was your October? #monthlyrecaps #monthend #october”]
PS – I started using Snapchat a lot more this month, so if you’d like to follow along on any adventures I go on, be sure to look me up! I’m dreamsetcblog.
I’m so glad that you are taking more breaks and taking care of yourself more often. Also! This seminar that you attended on silencing your inner critic sounds amazing–we could all do with that every now and then, right?
Solo travel is the best, isn’t it? So nice to know that you can do ANYTHING you want, whenever you want. I also hope you enjoyed Stomp! I saw it so many moons ago and thought it was a fantastic show š
XOXO
Thank you! And yes, definitely! It was so, so helpful! It turned out to be different than what I expected, but it was perfect and I think I’m more prepared to turn off the inner critic when it gets too loud.
It really is! It was so much fun to come up with my own schedule and to be able to change things and add things to my itinerary without feeling like I was messing with someone else’s vacation too. I loved the Stomp show! It was amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
You had a very busy October! That’s awesome that you were re-inspired to start writing again after attending some events. I got into a blogging funk recently. Hoping to get out of it. Hope your stress level is reduced in November!
It’s hard sometimes when inspiration and motivation starts to go away. Luckily I’ve found that those funks come and go. Hope you get out of your blogging funk soon!
Wow such a fun filled October you had, so many fun events! I’m also looking to switch around my blog schedule as I start a full time job. Best of luck!
Yes! October was busy, but so much fun. Good luck as you figure out how to change your blog schedule! When I got the job I currently have I had to adjust my blog schedule and I think I’m still figuring things out. š
I love that you took this month to rest and enjoy life! It is so important to find that balance and keep your priorities in line. I hope you have a wonderful November!
Thank you! It was so helpful and I’m already noticing that I have renewed inspiration and motivation. I hope you have a wonderful November too!