Summer Writing

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, writing Leave a Comment

by Roxanne Rustand

Howdy from the Midwest!

I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend holiday, and had a chance to be with family or friends. Can you believe that the holiday has already come and gone? How can summer be flying by so quickly? Though for those of you going to the wonderful ACFW conference in August, perhaps the days are dragging too slowly!

Summer brings so many distractions. How is your writing coming? My kids are now grown, but if you’re a mom with school-age kids, I can sure remember how completely crazy life could be with all of the activities, summer school, camps, sports and maybe a vacation added to the mix. I’m still in awe of a friend with five children (two were twins) who were ALL in sports one summer. Despite the sheer magnitude of all those twice weekly practices for each child, plus the games, she actually wrote an entire novel that summer by sitting in the bleachers with her laptop and staying up late at night–and even turned that manuscript in on time!

Are you able to carve out some time for yourself? Even if it isn’t much time, managing to make some writing progress every single day is incredibly helpful for keeping your plot and characters firmly in mind. Even a few days away from the keyboard can make it so difficult to slip back into the world of your story. Especially if you are working on your very first manuscript. Setting even small goals–a page a day no matter what, or a certain number of words–will help you keep going, if you make that goal your priority. Still, life happens.

After writing around thirty-five novels, I figured I had my productivity system down pat, but then I took a break of several years after my mom passed away. Starting back again was a far greater challenge that I expected. I spent a lot of time staring at the screen in during the first few weeks until I finally got back into the groove. And then of all things, I broke a bone in my hand and had to type most of the book with one hand! I loved the story, though–a Love Inspired out this month–and had such fun writing it.

I would love to hear about what you are working on, and how it’s going for you this summer. Are you able to ignore distractions? Find some time every day to make progress on your story?

Best wishes for a wonderful summer!

SINGLE  DAD  front cover 9780373044566_TLPRoxanne Rustand

USA Today Bestselling Author
The Single Dad’s Redemption, Love Inspired 7/2016
An Aspen Creek Christmas, Love Inspired 11/16
An Irish Christmas Blessing (Sweet Christmas Kisses Anthology 2015)
www.roxannerustand.com
www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
http://www.SweetRomanceReads.com
https://www.pinterest.com/roxannerustand

Comments 0

  1. I needed this today! I haven’t written in a year and a half since my husband fell ill, had to leave his job, and I had to go to work. I’m coming to the conference for the first time ever, and digging deep for inspiration. It really is hard to begin again after a long break.

  2. Sherri, Best wishes to you! I know what you mean about it being difficult after a long pause, and I am wishing you all the best. I think you will leave the conference with newfound excitement and motivation after spending time in workshops and with other people who write. Attending now is perfect timing!

    God bless,
    Roxanne

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *