The backstory (feel free to skip if you’ve read before!)
I’m playing along with other picture book writers
on this blog,
setting some goals for the week
and reflecting on how I did.
I really wanted to do this because I’ve sort of been in a writing slump.
I AM writing, but not as consistently as I want to be.
I’m taking a step back
from doing writing prompts
and trying to grow my social media following
and instead
investing that time
in my manuscripts
and posts that will further my writing goals.
Don’t worry, I’ll still be doing prompts,
but for now,
I’m changing it up a bit.
Session goals (over the course of 8 weeks)
I mainly want to set a goal each week for my writing!
Right now it’s sort of hit or miss whether I work on it.
I’d like to revise a manuscript each week,
and maybe draft some new ones up.
My agent wants to see some new stuff, and I’d
REALLY like to knock her socks off.
I’d also like to work on building content for my blog/podcast
that I’m going to be relaunching this June,
featuring thoughts on books and actionable tips
for writers to improve their writing and presentations.
BACKSTORY OVER! 
Fourth week writing goals:
I want to paginate those books (Story Bot, Friendship Bracelets, and UniCorn)
I want to write that Indie Bookstore post!
I want to write up a new picture book idea
and start a Scrivener file for the YA that is dancing around in my head (I know; ME? YA? Just maybe!)
How did I do?
Not too shabby.
I kicked off Monday with a GREAT writing day,
writing over 3K words
for that YA idea I’ve been kicking around.
It was good to finally get the idea on paper,
well, figuratively; it’s in a file.
I am not the type that can carry ideas around in my head…
I need to get them out into the world somewhere!
I’m happy with what I wrote,
and even wrote some character descriptions, scenes,
and funny moments.
It’s got A LONG way to go,
but I’m glad I started it.
Indie bookstore day post?
I’m halfway through drafting it!
So I count that as a half success!
Paginate those manuscripts?
No.
I really wanted to,
but, this week…
well, it’s more like a trend I think.
It’s work/school ending (since I work in schools,
I get that stress from teachers about the school year ending)
and going into the third trimester
(I’m basically doubling my blood right now and that is tiring!)
and capoeira stuff (our batizado/graduation is coming up),
and don’t forget
picking up more hours at the bookstore.
(three days this week)
I’m not making excuses.
I’m just trying to refocus.
Those are all things that are seasonal;
new challenges will arise after they leave
(um, BABY!)
but they are keeping me busy for now,
and each is important.
That’s why, for my 5th week,
I’m not setting ANY GOALS.
If I have time to work on writing, I will.
If I don’t, I won’t.
We’ll see what happens.
I always have a list of things I could be working on,
so I won’t be lacking in that regard.
But this week is super busy.
Our first birthing class,
a book event,
capoeira every night,
and seeing capoeira friends from around the US/world,
then the graduation and party on Saturday.
I’m going to enjoy this season
and not stress myself out too much.
We’ll see how that goes!
I’ll check in with you guys next week to tell you how it went!
I hope this is bringing some more insight into
what a writer’s week looks like,
and a little bit of behind the scenes into my process.
Thanks for following along and keeping me virtually accountable!
Bye for now,
Kathy Ellen
