In every writer’s life there are two stumbling blocks to overcome. On second thought, make them stone walls to surmount: writer’s bloc and writer’s resistance. Writer’s bloc, as I learned from a Robert McKee Story seminar, occurs when you run out of ideas. Writer’s resistance is a lack of dedication to your craft. Lately, I’ve been suffering from both.
“How is that possible?” you may ask. “She’s been posting content consistently all through December.”
Well, I have a confession to make. I’ve been coasting. Yes, that’s right. For my December postings, I’ve mined content already created for my WOW blog tour back in October and November. Regular readers of just “The Chronicles” may not have noticed this, but crossover readers between it and the WOW tour found at least one familiar post.
This strategy gave me a much-need rest, but now I’ve run out of content just as I’ve fallen out of the habit of writing every night. Of course this would happen just when my blog took a significant uptick in readership and e-mail subscriptions – for which I am amazed and incredibly grateful. In fact, all of this new interest, new subscriptions, increase in comments and “likes” has given me a new sense of purpose. I am now accountable to a new and growing invisible group of friends who drop by the Café regularly to catch up on the latest happenings.
Realizing that I might find it tough sledding in December I also promised my readers a chapter (one with a surprise ending) of my second book by the end of December. Many of you have also been kind enough to ask me about a sequel, and both things have motivated me to sit down and write.
I’m happy to report that although it doesn’t quite have the surprise ending I had in mind, I do have a chapter ready for you to read. It’s a Destination Chapter. Those of you who are familiar with the structure of my book Any Color but Beige will recognize that this chapter picks up the story where my first book leaves off. Where we go from here remains a mystery.
I’m superstitious so I decided to post it the first day of 2012 rather than the last day of 2011: a new chapter equals a renewed sense of purpose.
I’d also like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year. Whatever your projects are this year, may they bring you the satisfaction and joy of doing something you love.
Back Behind the Computer
Cafe Girl Chronicles 
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!!
And the very same to you Nicole! I’m looking forward to more great posts on travel and writing from you. I hope 2012 filled with wonderful things for you. Cat
Bess is auditioning for a role in your next book
Bess is a natural – she won’t even need a screen test!
I love the idea of a new chapter for the new year! Maybe I should wait until tomorrow to start the chapter I keep putting off…
Hi Emma – I’ve just subscribed to your blog – love it! So I’ll be keeping an eye out for that new chapter! Cat
Have a very Happy New Year!!!!
Same to you HM – I’m your biggest fan.
You can post as many articles as you can write about life in foreign cities, oddities of scenes and characters, unique culturalisms. I love those! Never worry that your insights into international life will bore your readers–it won’t.
For some reason, I don’t run out of material. I have 47 articles in my ‘draft’ file–all need work, but they’re ideas.
You’re back!! Happy New Year Jacqui – I hope you were able to get a lot of words on the page for the book. I really missed “Dreams” looking forward to new posts to keep me on track.
Thanks for the encouragement – I think the trick is to try and find a fresh perspective or a new take on familiar things. I will keep that in mind when I hit the road next week.
Cat – how exciting. A new chapter. Can’t wait to begin reading the next book. Patting Ann just finished her copy & loved it. Happy New Year!
Judy! I received a wonderful email from Patti Ann. It was so good of her to write and she really appreciated your surprise gift. Thanks for sending it on to her. It’s wonderful to get feedback and it brought back memories for her too – which is the best part of the book, sharing the memories with friends. Miss you, Cat…
[…] Once the guest posts were published, I could use them on my own blog. This bought me some much needed time off in the month of December. […]