Wrapping Up the 15 Habits

Here is the much-awaited final post summarizing my progress on the 15 day writer's challenge.  Thank you for obliging me these past few weeks.  It's only taken me about 30 days, and I am motivated by my progress.  I also have a lot to learn.  

I took a risk last week, when I published this post .  I thought about how I usually play it safe with my posts.  I don't like conflict, and I want people to like me.  I like to write about my children when they are sweet and funny.  But I also need to stand up for my convictions.     

I will be putting more effort into sending my work out for publication.  My problem is not fear (too much), it is in getting bogged down as a mom of four.  I am ashamed with what little it seems I've accomplished the past year in this area.  This will change.  

I reviewed my purpose and brand.  I hear a lot about brand or platform for writers.  I took a good hard look at my blog, which is my main marketing tool right now.  I definitely need to update my photo, and make a few changes to the settings.  But I mostly focus on the content.  When I set up the blog, I didn't want to limit myself to a particular topic, even though most of the posts are about parenting or my children.    

This brings me to the day 15 challenge.  I enjoy writing, and I write what comes up in my life.  But from my readers, I want to know what interests you.  I hear from some of you that you enjoy reading my blog, but what is it that makes you come back each week?  What do you want to see more of?  How can I make this a better blog for you? 

It's been exactly one year since I published my first post.  Can you believe it?  Thank you for sticking with me! 

 

Cut the Clutter

For the past two weeks, I've been summarizing my progress through a 15 day writing challenge.  If you missed it up to this point, you can read it here. 

I planned to finish up this week, but to be honest, I want to give the last few days the justice they deserve.  I need to make some changes that will take a little time.  Fortunately, I have a break coming up this week that will allow me to focus on those changes. Thanks Mom and Dad!

The challenge for day 11 involved a word I love to hate. 

Declutter.

Oomph!  As much as I hate clutter, I have a knack for keeping it around.  But this challenge also entails cutting the clutter in your writing.   

The post came in the midst of cleaning out for a yard sale, so my house was in chaos.  We had piles of clothes, toys, and dishes in every room.  The clutter has been building, and I haven't been able to use my computer desk because of much needed filing.  I've been spending my time writing on my bed with the laptop.  It does get a little uncomfortable after awhile. 

I read the challenge, looked at my desk, looked around the house, then tabled day 11 until after the weekend. 

Today I took five minutes, and moved the piles of paperwork out of site.  I reclaimed the desk chair from my daughter's room, and set up my laptop for an hour of clutterfree writing. 

As far as decluttering my writing, I try to do that on a regular basis.  I like to keep my blog posts to the point.  I typically edit them down several times before I hit publish.  As a fellow reader, I know time is limited, and I want you to feel your time was not wasted.    

I also want to know - how do you stay on top of clutter? 

15 Habits Update: Days 6-10

For the past two weeks, I've been focusing my blog topics on working through a 15 day challenge from Jeff Goins.  My last post summarized my progress for days one through five, so now I'll focus on days six through ten.

Since my biggest obstacle right now is trying to believe in myself (from day 2), I was pleased to find some of these challenges much easier.  Day 7 taught me that it is okay for my work to be primitive (ugly) before it becomes smooth and refined.  This freed my writing time.  I spend less time on the backspace key.  More ideas make it to the screeen. 

Day 8 affirmed what I have been doing by working my book to completion.  Instead of starting another project, I am positive I will be halfway through my first draft this Thursday.  I have started gathering people to read my work, give honest feedback, and keep me on task.

The area where I'm having trouble right now is in connecting with other writers.  While I have the ability to read blogs and other information on my iPhone, it's more difficult for me to comment, join forums, and seek out discussions with other writers.  We don't have the internet at home.  I know this is something I eventually need to work on, but for now the penny pincher in me is winning.  

The day 10 challenge was easier.  Even though I am a day behind, I hope you'll indulge me in sharing what I've been reading.  This was one of my goals for the year,  and the pick for June was short and powerful.  I hope you have had a chance to read Who Moved My Cheese.  It was much more than what I thought it would be.  Note to those who haven't read it:  I would not recommend reading this on an empty stomach.

If you're looking for humor, I recommend Jon Acuff's site Stuff Christians Like.  If you have spent any time in the church, I promise you will laugh out loud.  He also has another blog with great ideas on moving forward with goals. 

For ministry minded reading, take a look at Paul Stohler's blog.  His wife Michelle shares insights on life with young children on her blog Seriously Underpaid.


If there is someone's writing that has impacted you, please share. 

Five habits to go, and I already sense a difference in the direction of my life.  I'm so glad you've joined me on this journey!