Don’t get me wrong, I loved my summers. But I missed my friends and sports and yep, I missed reading and writing and even arithmetic. September was the start of something new and big and special and I just couldn’t wait to begin!
That September feeling still courses through my veins every Labor Day when I’m rarin’ to kick my writing into second gear. So what if I’m dismally behind on all those great January goals? It’s September and I can start again! And you can start with me!
EXERCISE
As a writer I spend an awful lot of time sitting. Even when I’m not writing, I’m sitting around, thinking about writing, or reading about writing, or talking about writing. It’s all very terrific for the writer’s brain. Not so much for the writer’s behind. Or heart. Or waistline. I needed to revisit my exercise goals.
Okay, I needed to make an exercise goal. Anyway, I decided to purchase one of those gadgets that will track steps and sleep and calories and frankly, I don’t know what all. And then something amazing happened: I started walking every day. I suspect it’s a combination of accountability (I mean, that thing is tracking my every move now) and my innate competitive drive (or maybe more like my compulsive need to do what I say I’m going to do, even if I’m reporting back to an app). The point is, September’s looking pretty good on the steps goal and just maybe my posterior’s looking a little less flat. Maybe it'll work for you, too!
THE SPIRITUAL SIDE
Perhaps your writing dreams have fallen by summer’s wayside; the fall is the perfect time to get back on track. And there is nothing like a writer’s conference for a little writing retreat and rejuvenation.
It’s not too late to find something perfect for you; you just need to know where to look. I like Shaw Guides, the Guide to Writers Conferences and Writing Workshops, for its variety and global listings. And if you’re looking for something for the kidlit writer, head straight to SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Plus, you can always find an event at RWA, Romance Writers of America. But don’t think an event geared toward a specific genre is only for those genre writers. You’ll benefit in all kinds of ways at any conference or workshop!
GETTING REAL WITH WORDS
And maybe you’ve had an idea bubbling around in your head all year. Or maybe you’ve got a manuscript that needs some serious revision. September’s a great month to hunker down and start planning any size project for National Novel Writing Month!
Yeah it’s in November. But there’s no law saying you can’t start thinking about your concept, getting that outline worked up, maybe researching characters and plot twists and surprise endings. Then you can, you know, put words on paper.
It’s September, y’all, the beginning of something new and big and special! Can’t you just feel it? (Now go do something!)
~Cathy C. Hall
Cathy--I recently got one of those "Simply Fit" boards (a Shark Tank product) and it's been making it easy for me to take a short break from writing and get some movement in. I can start walking after work, but it has to get cooler (for me).
ReplyDeleteAre you doing NaNoWriMo this year? I plan on it now, but I have another month and a half to cave in...
Sioux, I'm not sure why that little wrist band gets me up and moving. Maybe because I can see it all the time. It's like it's nagging me, honestly, so I find myself getting up from the desk and going up and down the stairs a couple of times. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know, Nano would be good for me. I have a manuscript that I can't seem to get to...
School always meant the beginning of good things to come! September is a great starting month and I have been rolling thoughts for my writing and my exercise. I got a Fitbit as a gift and I bought a stepper for myself. I really got bogged down, but I see the light again. I try to balance my sitting and my exercising-LOL I don't always succeed, but I am persistent. Thank you for the inspiration, Cathy :)
ReplyDelete"Sitting is the new smoking" is a phrase I've heard a lot recently. I quit smoking four years ago, and now I have to quit sitting! I work out religiously everyday with weights and cardio, but I don't walk enough, so I think I need a fitbit! I'm glad it's working for you, Cathy. :)
ReplyDeleteI decided to NaNo this year. This will be my first time... pretty excited!
I'm hoping to do a ms revision for NaNo.
ReplyDeleteBack to school always had a smell: the waxed corridors, pencil sharpener shavings, Chanel No.5 worn by the senior girls, canned starch to spray the cotton blouse collars. Nice post.