3 Lessons from the Writing Process

Because we are in the middle of January, it’s time to take a second look at our goals. Let’s take the time now to reassess, to look at our habits, our schedules, and our process. Mid-January is a good time to question whether our goals are still important to us. (That’s what we did last January. See Starter’s Day.) Do your goals bring you joy or lead to more joy in your life? Remember your “why.” No goal without a strong reason behind it will succeed.

This time of year, there is a lot of talk about goals (Jon Acuff), habits (James Clear), and . . . publishing (Jane Friedman). Okay, that last one is a stretch. Jane is talking about publishing and if Jane is talking, I am listening. You may not think the topic of publishing fits with goals and habits, but for those of you who know me well, you know those squirrels can link the most dichotomous thoughts in my brain in a millisecond.

So, to connect the dots for you, this week I finished draft #13 of Finding Joy in the West. This iteration has caused me to realize on yet another level that a manuscript, if given the opportunity, can have an infinite number of drafts and hence never get published. It’s time to call this one done, D-O-N-E, DONE. There will always be facts to check, alternative ways to convey a story, and sentences to add or take away. Yet, because Finding Joy in the East is awaiting the completion of its predecessor, I’m calling the manuscript for my first book complete. My word for 2025 is finish. It’s time to get this thing published . . . or dare I say, “FINISHED!”

I’d like to share with you some lessons I have learned through this writing process. My hope is that my lessons will help you as you work on your goals.

          Lesson 1: Projects take longer than we think.

When I started writing in 2022, I naively thought I could knock the book out in a year. Others had done it, so why couldn’t I do the same? I failed to consider that I went to school to be a teacher, practiced teaching for thirty years, and never mastered the art of teaching. Why I thought I could jump into a new career and be on par with the best of them, I will never know. There is this thing called the learning curve, that everyone must round. The learning curve offers no specific timeline, nor a definitive end. Taking the hands of those who have offered their support has helped me tremendously.

            Lesson 2: Writing is a process.

No one publishes their first draft. That’s why Jane Friedman suggested I read Allison K. Williams’ book, Seven Drafts. And writers often refer to Ann Lamott’s famous quote “sh%$# first drafts” in her book Bird by Bird. Writers rely on early readers, editors, cover designers, page layout professionals, printers, and a sales and marketing team, like a builder relies on framers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, painters and more. Knowing it’s okay to never arrive, and knowing it is a process for everyone, is reassuring.

            Lesson 3: Projects require a system and a belief in the system.

Belief in the process and belief in myself to stick with this project to see it to completion is perhaps the biggest lesson learned. Understanding that there would be times when my belief would wane was key. Over this three-year process there have been many times when I relied on those who have supported me. My gratitude goes to those who believed in me when I couldn’t even see the finish line, much less see myself crossing it.

Here in mid-January, I can see the finish line. It’s a good feeling, but I still have miles to go. I want to encourage you to take some time to reassess. Look at your goals, your habits, your process. You have what it takes, but is what you are working toward still important to you? Is it still bringing you joy? It’s okay to reset. Tweak those goals. But don’t quit. I want you to know I am behind you every step of the way. Please email me or share your thoughts or goals in the comment box.

*Photo Courtesy of Joe@Pixabay