Adapting and Moving Forward
This week turned out to be busier than expected, and honestly, it took a toll on my creativity and productivity. Between a lack of sleep and realizing my planning system needs tweaking, it wasn’t my best week as a writer. But it wasn’t without progress—and some valuable lessons.
Wins and Challenges
Sleep Troubles:
Let’s talk about my dog. She decided this was the week to wake me up between midnight and 4 a.m. every night, for no reason other than to say, “Hi, you’re awake now!” As much as I love her, sleep deprivation doesn’t mix well with creativity or willpower – and my writing this week suffered for it. I’ve realized just how much rest fuels my ability to show up for my goals.
Planning Pivot:
Last week, I tested automating parts of my planning process to save time. The result? Not great. Without actively engaging in my plans, I forgot to do things. Lesson learned: I need a hands-on approach to stay on track. This week, I’m returning to my old method and adding a daily review to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Tech Troubles: Sunday Website Fixes
As if the week wasn’t already full, Sunday added an unexpected twist. I discovered the website wasn’t functioning as intended and spent a big chunk of the afternoon troubleshooting. Turns out the Patreon plug-in had a role to play in the chaos, but after some trial and error (and a lot of Googling), I managed to sort it out. It was a frustrating way to spend my Sunday, but hey, we’re learning as we go, y’all. The site’s back up and running, and hopefully, it’ll stay that way moving forward.
Fitness Update: Leveling Up
This week, I gamified my fitness by treating it like leveling up a video game character. Tracking progress as “stats” made it more fun and motivating. I didn’t hit all my cardio goals, but I’m seeing real progress in strength. Pull-ups and weightlifting are building noticeable muscle in my upper body, which feels fantastic!
FitXR has also launched a competition, and I’m tempted to dive in fully. The idea of climbing to number one is motivating. If I decide to go for it, I’ll share updates—and maybe even a visual of how I’m tracking everything.
Day Job Update: MegaCon Prep
Work has been packed with preparations for upcoming releases and gearing up for MegaCon in Florida. After clocking out, I’ve spent my evenings in the garage working on my armor for the event. It’s been a blend of crafting and problem-solving, and I might even need to dust off the sewing machine for a few finishing touches. Learning new skills is always exciting, so I’m embracing the challenge.
Writing Progress: Baby Steps
The writing desk didn’t see as much action as I’d hoped. I worked on a chapter for System of Redemption, but beyond that, I struggled to find the mental energy to write. At the end of the day, I often gravitated toward music and crocheting my shawl instead of tackling more work.
On a positive note, I have a new short story for Wicked Whisper going up this week. I hope you enjoy it! It feels good to contribute to this series, even during slower writing weeks.
Comic Update: Raven of Ruin Progress
Page 3 of Raven of Ruin is out! Collaborating with Lybonn on this project continues to be an incredible experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the story so far—what’s been your favorite moment? Let me know in the comments or messages.
Final Thoughts: Reflect, Adjust, Repeat
This week wasn’t my strongest as a writer, but it was full of lessons. I’m learning to listen to myself—when I need rest, when a system isn’t working, and when it’s time to pivot. These moments of self-awareness are just as valuable as hitting word count goals.
Next week, I’ll reintroduce my old planning system and set more realistic expectations, especially as life gets busier. Thank you for your support and for sticking with me through the ups and downs. Let’s keep moving forward together.
Your Turn:
How do you overcome creative slumps? Have you ever gamified your fitness or goals? Share your tips and tricks in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
