As all best plans go, mine over the last month basically haven’t. A bout of covid left me isolating and is still hanging around making me remember how important it is to prioritise and rest. And rest is something that I’ve always struggled with, but now, with an understanding of ADHD, I can reason with myself about how important it is and find ways to do it that work for me. These usually include biscuits.
One thing that I always struggle with when life gets in the way is guilt about not writing. About seeing other writers do well, publish, win prizes etc. And I know that the only way I can get there is to write too, and to send out work. Grappling with this and trying to be kinder to myself as I try to recover and keep myself healthy is not easy. And not something I see myself ever fully tackling. For now, I’m slowly feeling better every day, and have committed to carving out a little writing space so, if nothing else, I’ve achieved something.
This space is an hour before work, two days a week, in my local coffee shop. I usually sit in a back corner, chat TV with the lovely barista then, if I feel I can, write. So far, this has worked. A short sprint filled a page, and a focused thirty minutes helped me edit a short story and unstick a sticky patch.
And I feel like I’ve achieved something. Sometimes, that’s enough. I hope that whatever is going on with you, you’re finding ways to make writing fit into your world and to feel like you’re moving forward, one step at a time.
I’ve been overwhelmed with the response to my sessions and have loved meeting you all to talk writing. I’ve added a few new options now so you can book one-off sessions, or blocks of three or six. I’ve also updated my calendar with available dates through to November.
I will be closing my books to new mentees on 31st October to focus on a project until next year. So if you’d like to get booked in, pop over to the website here.
One-off session- £25
Three sessions - £75
Six sessions - £150
As the next DYCP round opens in November, I’m running my popular advice session. It’s suitable for new or existing applicants and will arm you with everything you need to get your application ready. The session is free or £5 PIYC. Places are limited to 25 attendees.
Book your spot here.
That’s all for now, hope to write with you soon!
Sarah x