Realized this weekend that I could outline and fill out plotting worksheets forever, but I think I’ve gotten as much good as I can from that approach by now. It’s time for me to plunge back into writing again. At this point I think I’m only going to have a handful of hours free for writing for the foreseeable future (maybe 10 or so in a good week, less in a bad one). But a handful is better than none, and I want to make use of what time I’ve got.
So I’m about to start this rewrite. Scared as anything, but I have a gorgeous iris blooming on my desk, and the sun is shining, and it’s time to begin.
I’ll start with a fresh file, though I’m not above importing text as and when I need it, to save my hands. (If the hands weren’t an issue, I’d just re-type, but they are, and that’s that.)
And as I go, I’ll keep these wonderful words from Antonio Machado close at hand, as I always do when I need courage:
Traveler, there is no path.
The path is made by walking.
Alchemy Pie 
I know that moment–I haven’t got there yet on this WIP. But its a good one, when you can just feel the writing pulling at you. Good luck with the time you have–and I love the quote!
when you can just feel the writing pulling at you
You put it very well: That’s exactly the moment I mean! I never quite feel ready when it comes, but maybe that’s the point.
A handful of hours is WAY better than none. Even minutes here and there can keep me attached. When my non-napping daughter was a babe, that was how I moved along, ever so slowly, but somewhat surely.
What a beautiful quote. And an iris, too. Have a great journey.
Thank you for this, Jeannine! Hearing about your journey is a real help. And yes, a handful of hours is nothing to be sneezed at. In my first year as a mother, I wasn’t able to write at all, beyond a few sporadic journal entries. So it’s been good to have time and energy for something more.
Sending good writing thoughts, Amy.
They’re much appreciated, Cathy. Sending good thoughts of my own to you…
I hope you enjoy both the rewrite and the iris, Amy. Thanks for sharing on your beautiful blog. I’m enjoying your wonderful presence.
And thank *you* for stopping by and for the kind words! They’re much appreciated.