It's so cool to read the history of how you got to working on your book. And I totally hear the fear present in stepping away from something you know works, toward something bigger and more abstract. But I respect the way you set boundaries and manage your time.
I'm more than confident that you can level up. Even in the rewrites, I'm already seeing it. Your steady drive for better craft, combined with the levity and whimsy you bring to your life make this effort sustainable. You will level up because you've created a great roadmap for yourself to level up...and I can't wait until others get to see that roadmap!
Camilo T_____T this is so sweet for you to say. It's extra special because I'm extra confuzzled in my drafts. I'm so grateful you're able to see the shiny bits in it!
Enjoyed this one. There’s comfort in the familiar. Your comp with fitness resonated for me. Made me think a lot about my daily exercise regimen last year, needed to build in active rest days to get stronger. These 2 years running are worth a lot though- no doubt in my mind you’ll figure out what works well for the next level of your writing.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Matt! How are you planning your rest days? I've just started working up to 6 days/week and being quite strict about not exercising on Sundays. Also trying to intersperse cardio/strength training.
Hey Becky! Thanks for this. Weekends are prime workout time for me simply because that’s when I have more time. I have two kids and a job that occasionally requires me attend some after work networking event, so I tend to work backward on my weekly workout plan. Basically, I find the bad day and make that my rest day. On those I aim for 8k steps+ (dog walks and walking downtown) and I’ll do some pushups (~100 or so) in the evening. Sometimes there are 2 of those in a week but very rare. I’ve done rest days on Wednesdays the past several weeks because I’m currently in a fiction class in on Wed evenings.
I’m with you on mixing strength and cardio. For me it’s just easier on the body. I typically work out at night, which I know is unconventional, garage gym type thing, nothing special, a bike and free weights. So even if the day gets sideways on what was planned and I have to work out late, I can usually still get in 30-45 lift or lift+cardio.
Truth be told, I don’t do much for fun, so to speak. Write, family stuff, work and exercise. It’s just where my priorities are now, not necessarily what I’d recommend for anyone. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with picking a weekend day as your rest day, many do, since it makes doing different things on the weekend easier to plan.
Whatever you decide on cadence I won't be going anywhere while you experiment and take a break if necessary, but if anyone can level up without powering down it would be you. I like your idea to keeping this going but with shorter posts. There is something about the weekly publishing habit that provides a palpable energetic anchor for a writer I think. Maybe I don't want you to stop your streak because it would shake the foundations of my own, and I'm still attached to it for some reason. But do your thing. Following your instincts has worked in spades so far.
can't wait for photo essays ! i think these will be brilliant and combining images + text to create an open narrative is its own new challenge <3
AHHH teach me your ways
It's so cool to read the history of how you got to working on your book. And I totally hear the fear present in stepping away from something you know works, toward something bigger and more abstract. But I respect the way you set boundaries and manage your time.
Looking forward to seeing your next level!
Thank you for your support always, Maksim!
I'm more than confident that you can level up. Even in the rewrites, I'm already seeing it. Your steady drive for better craft, combined with the levity and whimsy you bring to your life make this effort sustainable. You will level up because you've created a great roadmap for yourself to level up...and I can't wait until others get to see that roadmap!
Camilo T_____T this is so sweet for you to say. It's extra special because I'm extra confuzzled in my drafts. I'm so grateful you're able to see the shiny bits in it!
love it, get 1% done each day and you are on your way.
Yeahhhh! Thanks Franco!
Becky this was great! I like how you broke down the two different levels and explained the concept of multiple timelines.
I also dig your update logs at the end of each essay, thanks for sharing!
Aw thanks so much Brian! Hope these are somewhat useful to you :)
Enjoyed this one. There’s comfort in the familiar. Your comp with fitness resonated for me. Made me think a lot about my daily exercise regimen last year, needed to build in active rest days to get stronger. These 2 years running are worth a lot though- no doubt in my mind you’ll figure out what works well for the next level of your writing.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Matt! How are you planning your rest days? I've just started working up to 6 days/week and being quite strict about not exercising on Sundays. Also trying to intersperse cardio/strength training.
Hey Becky! Thanks for this. Weekends are prime workout time for me simply because that’s when I have more time. I have two kids and a job that occasionally requires me attend some after work networking event, so I tend to work backward on my weekly workout plan. Basically, I find the bad day and make that my rest day. On those I aim for 8k steps+ (dog walks and walking downtown) and I’ll do some pushups (~100 or so) in the evening. Sometimes there are 2 of those in a week but very rare. I’ve done rest days on Wednesdays the past several weeks because I’m currently in a fiction class in on Wed evenings.
I’m with you on mixing strength and cardio. For me it’s just easier on the body. I typically work out at night, which I know is unconventional, garage gym type thing, nothing special, a bike and free weights. So even if the day gets sideways on what was planned and I have to work out late, I can usually still get in 30-45 lift or lift+cardio.
Truth be told, I don’t do much for fun, so to speak. Write, family stuff, work and exercise. It’s just where my priorities are now, not necessarily what I’d recommend for anyone. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with picking a weekend day as your rest day, many do, since it makes doing different things on the weekend easier to plan.
Whatever you decide on cadence I won't be going anywhere while you experiment and take a break if necessary, but if anyone can level up without powering down it would be you. I like your idea to keeping this going but with shorter posts. There is something about the weekly publishing habit that provides a palpable energetic anchor for a writer I think. Maybe I don't want you to stop your streak because it would shake the foundations of my own, and I'm still attached to it for some reason. But do your thing. Following your instincts has worked in spades so far.