Insecure Writer's Support Group: Shaking it up Taylor Swift style!

#IWSG: Shaking it up Taylor Swift style!

10/1/2019

The first Wednesday of every month is the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Posts go up the 1st Wednesday of every month. Check it out here and join if you need support with your writing. Don't forget to stop by and say hello to the co-hosts: Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

Last month, I was enjoying a break from insecurity. I honestly didn't expect it to last long, but surprisingly, it has. This month, I'm not feeling terribly insecure. (Although, sales do still suck, but I at least got a few unlike last month.) There was a point I did worry my productivity was going to tank because I wasn't writing every other day like planned.

But I took a moment to think, and instead of panicking, I reorganized my schedule. Now, instead of writing every other day, I'm writing Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. That small change got me back on track and I ended up writing almost three thousand words this past Wednesday!

It got me thinking about how easily we panic when things start to go wrong. I could have fretted over it and tried to force myself to stay with writing every other day. Especially since it had worked well when I started. But by stepping back and allowing myself to change my work flow, I got back on track quickly. I don't think that would have happened if I hadn't swapped my writing days. Sometimes what works well, only works for a little while then we need to shake things up.

How has your writing been this month? Did you see the monthly question? Do you have a writing schedule that you stick to no matter what or do you have to swap it around every once in a while to stay productive?

50 Comments

Liz A. link

10/1/2019 05:05:08 pm

I've done that many times--switch up my writing schedule. As your life changes, your schedule should change, too. Glad you found something that works.

Patricia Josephine

10/4/2019 09:10:03 am

Me, too!

Ellen link

10/2/2019 05:31:32 am

I agree about needing to shake things up from time to time. Things that have worked for me in the past don't work as much these days. Plus it's fun to try out new routines and approaches.

10/4/2019 09:10:33 am

And this is something I know, but it took me forever to apply it to my life.

Rebecca Douglass link

10/2/2019 06:03:27 am

I have no schedule :). If I’m at the right stage when November comes around, I do manage the “write every day” thing for that month, but most of the time now my schedule is all over the place and I have to work when and as I can. Glad you found a way that is working again for you!

10/4/2019 09:11:18 am

I'm expecting my schedule these next few months to be all over the place since I have a bunch of craft shows that will take my focus from writing.

Madeline Mora-Summonte link

10/2/2019 06:34:26 am

Stepping back and really looking at what's working and what's not can be a huge help for creativity and productivity. Good for you!

Excellent on those 3000 words!

10/4/2019 09:11:34 am

Thank you! =)

CD Gallant-King link

10/2/2019 07:11:28 am

I also find changing things up helps my writing. I don't have a specific schedule, but I have been productive lately just by writing in any moment I can get (on the bus, in a doctor's waiting room, waiting for the kids to fall asleep, etc). It's not much at a time, but it adds up.

And speaking of Taylor Swift shaking things, I have to share my favourite song/music video:

https://youtu.be/DhvXST1Rc3g

10/4/2019 09:11:55 am

Thanks for sharing. I'll check it out.

Sadira Stone link

10/2/2019 09:52:41 am

I do stick to a schedule, as writing is my full-time business, but I enjoy the freedom to take a day off from time to time. A change of scene can do wonders to refill my creative well. (So does getting off my a** and going outside!)

10/4/2019 09:12:28 am

It's nice being your own boss sometimes, but you have to be careful not to let yourself slack off too much.

M.J. Fifield link

10/2/2019 10:11:18 am

I've never been able to implement a true writing schedule. I just tend to work whenever and wherever I am.

I'm glad that changing things up yielded such awesome results for you! 3000 words is awesome!

10/4/2019 09:12:59 am

I used to write like that, but I found it too easy to procrastinate.

H. R. Sinclair link

10/2/2019 10:12:28 am

My writing schedule sucks though I change it every season because I'm highly influenced by weather.

10/4/2019 09:13:23 am

I know a couple other writers who write better during certain seasons.

Lee Lowery link

10/2/2019 10:19:06 am

I try to write most days, but I keep the time flexible to accomodate other obligations. I.e., I like to write in the morning after exercise, but if the car has to go in to the shop or fasting bloodwork needs doing in the morning, I'll adjust. For me, it's not worth the stress to be fixated on an absolute. Mileage may vary for others.

10/4/2019 09:14:01 am

I agree. I have my schedule, but I allow it to b flexible so if something comes up, I can easily rearrange and not stress.

Tonja Drecker

10/2/2019 10:33:31 am

Shaking things up every now and then is good for the soul...and the writing, by the sound of it. I tend to write better if I don't do it every day, too. But lately it's been the eternal editing cave for me. Hope those sales go up, up, up!

10/4/2019 09:14:21 am

I've never been a write every day writer. It just burns me out.

Jemi Fraser link

10/2/2019 11:07:25 am

So smart! Looking at a challenge from a new angle often gives us that much needed perspective! Plus, shaking things up can be fun!

10/4/2019 09:14:47 am

Yup. Like getting fresh eyes on a WIP!

Cathrina Constantine

10/2/2019 01:20:39 pm

I work best with a schedule, however, life gets in the way and messes it up. I need to go back to it if I want to accomplish any writing. I like to idea of shaking it up. And I'm reworking a new schedule.

10/4/2019 09:15:08 am

Life gets in the way for me, too. I do my best not to stress about it.

Sarah Foster link

10/2/2019 02:12:38 pm

That's great that changing your schedule got things back on track!
I don't really have a writing schedule. I just try to write when the inspiration strikes. Or when I'm awake enough.

10/4/2019 09:15:29 am

I can't write if I'm tired or fatigued, so I feel you.

Lynda R Young link

10/2/2019 05:53:49 pm

Changing it up often helps. Sometimes I'll just find a different room to write in, and that's enough.

10/4/2019 09:15:59 am

I've never tried changing rooms. Mostly because where I write is the living room and the TV is there and I like having something mindless on for background noise.

Yvonne V link

10/2/2019 06:36:09 pm

Flexibility is helpful, I think. Glad you made it work!

10/4/2019 09:16:20 am

Flexibility keeps me from stressing when things change.

J.H. Moncrieff link

10/2/2019 07:22:02 pm

Glad to hear things are still going well for you. I'm finding it hard to write on my teaching days, but trying my best to make up for it by writing when I'm not teaching.

10/4/2019 09:16:41 am

I can imagine. Teaching must be draining (and rewarding.)

Heather R. Holden link

10/2/2019 10:09:45 pm

Many congrats! Glad this change has led to so much productivity for you. And so true how just because something worked in the past doesn't mean it will ALWAYS work. It's good to reevaluate our process!

10/4/2019 09:16:59 am

Life is always changing, so I have to change with it.

Heather M. Gardner

10/3/2019 04:33:01 am

I wish I could schedule my writing time. I can schedule editing, but not new writing. That comes whenever it wants, or doesn't want, to.
Good luck and keep moving forward!
Heather

10/4/2019 09:17:28 am

Maybe you need to trick yourself. You're scheduling editing, but first you have to write that page. ;)

Tamara Ann Narayan link

10/3/2019 05:42:51 am

My schedule is supposed to be to write every weekday while the kids are at school. But if something comes up, and it often does, those plans quickly turn to dust. I need to be more strict with myself.

10/4/2019 09:17:59 am

Kids are one good way to throw a wrench in writing, so don't beat yourself up too much.

Christine Rains

10/3/2019 07:41:40 am

That's awesome things are flowing. And yes, sometimes we need to shake things up to get the words out. I hope to do that later this month and into November.

10/4/2019 09:18:16 am

Good luck with that.

Samantha Bryant link

10/3/2019 05:59:16 pm

Love this post! And you're right! It's so easy to forget that you can make a change without chucking the whole endeavor. Writing is so personal even when its become your profession. It can be hard to step back and get that objectivity!

10/4/2019 09:18:45 am

Yeah. I think sometimes we get too afraid of the unknown that we refuse to change even though it will be helpful.

Kate link

10/4/2019 10:29:19 am

Sometimes a change in routine is just what the doctor ordered. Glad you're back on track!

10/7/2019 03:33:26 pm

Me too! But then I had some craft shows that eliminated my stock of knitted hats and I had to set writing aside to get those ready in time for the next craft show.

Chrys Fey link

10/7/2019 08:17:26 am

Good for you for staying calm, evaluating things, and rescheduling your writing time!

10/7/2019 03:33:46 pm

I know. I was a bit proud of myself for being an adult. XD

Ronel Janse van Vuuren link

11/5/2019 07:30:38 am

"Sometimes what works well, only works for a little while then we need to shake things up." So true!

Pat Hatt link

11/6/2019 03:08:22 pm

Yep, sometimes we overthink things or put too much pressure on ourselves when we don't need to. And sometimes we need a little shake to get a move on.

Juneta Key link

11/6/2019 05:01:14 pm

Makes sense. If I did not stay somewhat flexible I'd never get anything done.

Louise (Fundy Blue)

11/6/2019 06:15:14 pm

I'm glad that your new schedule is working out well for you, Patricia Josephine! 3000 words is awesome! I hesitate to make a formal schedule, because as soon as I do, I think the universe does everything it can to knock me off course. However my week has a definite rhythm to it, with blocks of writing time. I try to be kind to myself when I get out of rhythm and just do my best to get back on track. Happy writing to you in November!