Although these furry critters are adorable and bring me joy to find hiding under hedges—I am not a long eared, hopping bunny. I am only me.
Though somehow, as a multi-genre author, I find myself like a rabbit chasing carrots here, there, and everywhere in the writing world, causing my home to be far from a cozy bush in a safe backyard but in overwhelm. Writers need to find their boundaries.
Let me say that again—Writers need to find their boundaries.
I think I’m mostly talking to myself, but maybe others are feeling similarly. If you follow me on social media, you may have seen an Instagram reel I recently posted requesting strategies for stamina. I was asking for motivation to help attack my many writing projects.
I received suggestions from more coffee to quitting my day job to taking things one day at a time. All of which sound perfect, although not quite the answer. Not only am I doctor-prescribed to decaf, but quitting my day job is not an option for my family, yet. And sometimes, for the ADHD side of me, taking things one day at a time can often lead to longer distractions. I appreciated every piece of advice though because it helped to know I wasn’t alone.
I decided to slow down and simply analyze my overwhelm. When I really thought about the pressures I place on myself, I realized each project that felt ginormous was also something I was (and still am) incredibly grateful for.
How can I complain about overflowing with story ideas and writing endeavors?
I can’t.
And I won’t.
However—I am at a place where I need to make some solid decisions. I must stop being the rabbit chasing a carrot on a string and choose my own path.
As of right now, spring 2024, I’m already stretched thin. I am diligently querying my children’s picture book. I have my YA fantasy sequel that’s getting closer and closer to query time. I have a Halloween novella I am contemplating making into a series or full-length novel (which would upset the dates planned for release). I am still in the midst of redrafting a new YA story that I’m in love with. I have an opportunity to write for a YA series my press is offering (that’s just a big maybe), and I have new poetry spilling out of me…so will definitely find a release for that!
That’s a lot of creative space filling my head…and I love all of it!
But now a couple other side projects have seeped their way into my brain…because why not?!
I will tell you why not—I am choosing own my path and my own lane and my own focus. For me, it’s going to be—finish what I’ve started!
Then breathe!
Then start anew.
So, I’m excited to spend true creative energy on the things already filling my plate. It will be hard to pass on the new dishes being passed around the table, but I’m hoping to stay true to the delicious delicacies already before me.
I plan to savor every bite!
Hopefully, whatever distractions or stress might have you living in overwhelm, you can slow down enough to analyze and then carve out your own boundaries. Maybe, like me, it’s finishing the veggies on your own plate before biting off any new carrots!
Happy Writing,
Celaine Charles
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Categories: fiction, poetry, Thoughts on writing...
Tags: #authorlife, #blogging, #bloggingaboutwriting, #chasingcarrots, #finishwhatyoustart, #multigenreauthor, #poetrycommunity, #stepsinbetween, #writerslife, #writerssupportingwriters, #writingadvice, #writingbalance, #writingcommunity, #writingideas, #writingjourney, #writingtips
Steps In Between 