Sydney Strand

This week has been all about prepping for NaNoWriMo. This year is the year I set myself up for success. No, the issue isn't whether I hit 50,000 words. As a girl determined to become a career writer, and as a girl who has already been published by NY, I know that I can write words. In fact, I have 3 manuscripts already completed. First drafts, though. So for this NaNo, I'm changing up the rules. I'm using it to benefit me and my goals. I'm using it to revise. And so I did some prep in order to get to this point. But first, a moment to see a Week in My Life: He wasn't in the aisle I was in. Found him at the bubble wrap. Of course. The temperate days of fall are going away soon--must make the most of them! I may have a slight crush on fall. And maybe this girl here, my La Petite. Costumes done! He was so happy with his Super Why. Hey, Fall. Stop with the cute  photo opps already! Off we go to get some cavity creat...

This is from a guest blog I wrote in October 2015. I go through seven drafts, and I can’t decrease the number. I’ve tried. But when I do, I ultimately make MORE work for myself, which increases my stress eating and self-loathing. (More than the average amount.) I finally made peace with my Seven Drafts when I read a great quote from, uh, somebody writerly once upon a time. He/she said don’t mess with your writing process if it works for you, even if another writer friend seems to be cranking it out faster, better, etc. Cuz you ain’t that person. You are you. But the thing is, do you even have a process? Go to the original post to read more!!