I have a series I started in 2015 and never finished. I've written other things since then, but have never felt like I was ready to go back and finish that old series. This April, I'm focusing on the next part of that series. I want to finish it, and take control of my writer identity too. :)
40,000 words should finish this Book 2. Yay! The solo retreat two weeks ago was a huge help in allowing me to see where I needed to go. Being on location of my story didn't hurt either ;-).
It looks like you are doing everything right Sarra, no need to feel guilty about it: first you focused on the craft of writing, and then you focused on publicity (social media and teaching). Unfortunately, writers can never completely focus on creativity because otherwise their books would never find their readers. Love you and your content.
That's what makes George a good husband, he told you what felt but didn't want to hear. It kicked your butt, I get it. Your writing and storytelling is #1 and as your fans and fellow writers, we understand, I LOVE all your videos, thanks for sharing the ups and downs ❤
Damn, Sarra, I had to pause this to catch my breath at your story…see, it parallels mine back to 2019. Leading up to that year I was writing consistently and teaching workshops in person and online and gaining momentum, then my mom had a stroke and I became her power of attorney. Over the next few yrs, my oldest got married and moved out, my husband changed my careers so I was an emotional support for him, our youngest graduated high school and my mom passed. I also changed careers and am writing full time ( wasn’t specific enough in manifesting “full time novelist “ and am now a full time marketing coordinator 😮) . But my heart hurts for the loss of actual story writing and especially broke when my husband also mentioned “hobby “ in relation to my novel in progress. I am here for this reset and cheering you on as well! This is our year! This is our comeback 🎉
I wrote down that I'll be writing out 25,000 words for the month. But this will be a mix of writing, plotting, and editing the remainder of my book. My real goal is to do a little bit of writing everyday, even if it's just 100 words. I just want to get back into writing. I miss the spark of creativity that I had back in 2019/early 2020 and pulling stories after stories out of my brain.
Hey Sarra. I'll link this video in mine tomorrow. You are a Writer. Leave it to George LOL. He meant well. Time think about the hats that are most important then pack the rest away for now. We are blessed to have you always encouraging and coming up with new ways to keep us on track. Time to run your own race now, sweetie! We're here to cheer you on! Creative Blessings & Hugs!
Ugh, Sarra. This one hit HARD, as a writer who hasn't been writing. Sending you all the good vibes moving into April, and I'm going to try to get back to that happy creative place as well. I miss my story worlds.
This resonates so much!! I haven’t written anything (or much of anything) since starting a Patreon. I ADORE my Patreon tribe but it’s time to find balance because I miss my passion. I miss my words. My stories.
Thank you so much! I loved the gameboard for NaNoWriMo in November. I actually made one up for myself for the novel I'm working on now. I will be doing the Camp NaNo, and am looking forward to the Writer Reset videos!
There are no rules to being a writer- no matter how many hours/days you write, or how much money you earn, you are an author! Sarra, you’re a natural born teacher and if you find fulfillment in that side of your author life, you should spend as much (or as little) time doing that as *you* want. But if you miss writing and you want to write more, go ahead and do it! As moms our priorities will shift overtime, so if you write less (or teach less) that is totally normal. This is your journey, so do whatever feels right for you. ❤ You’re amazing-you’ve got this! Just don’t feel bad for focusing more on teaching if that’s what you enjoyed at the time- that does *not* make you less of an author! ❤
I'm planning to do Camp Nano. A writer reset really resonates with me, my 2023 has been super shaky and the last real writing I did was for NaNoWriMo. I did my math for April and I only have about 16 days, so...going to see what comes out. Lots of love and good writing vibes everyone! ❤
Sarra, I have been watching your HB channel since almost the very beginning, and I remember when I saw a change in your energy back toward the end of 2018. You have been very open with your fans about all the things (wonderful and less wonderful) both personally and professionally, and frankly you've handled it all like a Boss! Lately, I've seen your writing energy coming back, brighter than ever. :) I have a really great feeling about TDOVS! I've been looking forward to it ever since the summer of 2019! I can't wait to read it, and I bet you're going to see HUGE success with it! Love you, Lady. Thank you for all your generous time and effort in helping so many of us!
I am going back home in April after being with my daughter to be her doula at the birth of my grand daughter. As my life moves and changes I realize that we as women go through seasons. We devote ourselves to our family sometimes. This may not be conducive to the writing life. But as I prepare to go home I realize that now there will be a whole lot of season for writing ( I retired in March!!!). So I am following this journey with you - JOYFULLY. Thanks for all you do Sarra!
I think i'm going to actually participate in camp this time around! my goal is going to be an editing one - not sure how many hours yet, but we shall see. waaaaay back in the early days of NaNo, there used to be 'NaNoEdMo' in march (not through the official nanowrimo group, but regularly scheduled for a few years). so this will be like that for me! i felt energized about writing for the first time in ages while doing the live sprints with the HB crew this past november, and i want to hold onto that spark.
I am so happy you are getting back to claiming the "Writer". Your stories are amazing and I am looking forward to any and all stories that you write. The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw sounds so interesting, I can't wait to read it!!! Your workbooks help me so much and help me to stay excited about writing. Thank you for all that you share with us.
Thank you for this one. You are so encouraging. I need to Reset! My Muse & I used to dance almost daily. Now she sits in a corner of my spirit glowering at me tapping her foot with impatience since my “other life” has overtaken my creative life. Looking forward to your Reset Journal & tips on your channel❣️
One thing that comes to my mind about the year you were pregnant with your daughter is... You were very healthy. You had your PCOS managed enough to get pregnant. That's huge! As you've been struggling to get it back under control after she was born. Yes, it was hard, but you had your husband helping, so you don't have to do it alone. I understand splurging, but girl it's time you get back on the wagon and I bet your creativity will return! 💖🌞🌵😷
The how and why is that having kids takes so much energy, sometimes all of it and there’s nothing left for writing. When you add that second kid it feels like chaos. Now imagine adding a third one! 😮
Sarra, I'm so grateful to you for every writer reset you encourage and share. Lately, I have gone quiet with my fiction goals and progress because it feels better than announcing more goals that I don't meet "on time." But I'm still strapped in my seat on this roller coaster. And I deeply appreciate that you're always up for another go with all of us on this crazy ride. Here's to a fabulous Camp NANO in April! ❤❤❤
I'm in for Camp! My goal is 40k words on book 2 of my space opera series that I am cowriting with a friend. That will put me right about at my half of the wordcount, so if he's on schedule with me, we should finish by the end of the month! :) April will be busy, particularly at the end of the month, but I'm gonna give it a shot. I, too, am super excited about Writer Reset. Great video as always!
I had to pause this video as I burst into tears. This is so freaking on point. I am planning on doing Camp Nano to get my novel all fleshed out so I can hit Nano running. I am excited to get back into the swing of writing after a couple of really rough years. Thank you Sarra for helping me and everyone else to not feel alone on this great adventure!
I so resonate with this! I get ideas in the bathtub for whatever I'm working on. Or when doing dishes or anything menial. I, too, need to get back to doing more writing!! I have a memoir to finish!
Feeling SO optimistic and jazzed up about this upcoming quarter after going through HB90!! Not doing Camp, but I just feel so clear-headed about the goals I've set and the projects/tasks to get there!! Even though I bought your planner a long time ago, I really needed the class to bring clarity to the system. And WHAT is the deal with your hatred of spaghetti???!!!! 😀 I've never heard of someone throwing it up against the wall as much in my life!!! LOLOLOL 🤣🤣🤣 💜
You are so validating to me!!! I care for my 89 yr old dad, single mom of two- sole supporting... I struggle with paid writing for client's work (ghost) overtaking my creative work. So hard juggling everything and making writing a priority. Until I watched this...I beat myself up for falling short with my own writing...Watching you struggle to complete your creative work over all your other responsibilities helped me realize I was a normal mom juggling all this stuff. Thank you for sharing the real side of writing and supporting yourself and your family❤️❤️❤️
Having a lot of stuff in my schedule with school, work and chores that makes me less motivated for writing but ur my inspiration to help me go through hard time and tried to do my writing no matter wha happen.
I'm going to try and do nano this April. I really need a reset. I've been jumbled in my own head I can't think straight. My lovely brain can only be a pantser in writing because every time I try and plot out a book, my brain thinks I'm all done. I need a new way of doing things.
My stories love to come right before I’m about to sleep so I have to write them down, and I think about them in the shower! This is also my first camp nano!
Oh, Sarra, I feel you. I'm over 12 years and 45 books in and I still struggle with claiming my identity as a writer. Thanks so much for sharing this. I plan to reset and reclaim my space right along with you!
You spoke to my soul, Sarra! I am in the same season with needing a writer reset. Starting to feel that excitement again! Thank you for all you do for us!!!
I feel like a broken record but again I want to use April and the sprints with y'all to get back to my writing. But I have a marvellous Disco Chad notebook and it is already filling up with ideas, so I hope this time it will work. And your positive energy and beautiful smile and realness will help me ❤
I published my first book last year and had a new baby, but now I'm struggling to find my identity as a writer again. I keep reminding myself this is a season. A wonderful (sleepless) season, but a short one. I have to let myself be ok with not writing every day. I will publish another book one day! I am editing book 2, but it's slow going. Perhaps I will set a small goal for camp. Thanks for the inspiration and helping me not feel alone with the need to reset. Looking forward to the new series!
You will!! I think we all go in seasons and every writer I know has had a season where we don't write as much. Both of my kids being little was tough for my writing but it won't last forever!!
I got the same hoodie and I love it! I love keys. Going through HB90 now and loving it! Thank you so much for sharing it. I occurred to me last night that it's a good thing the planning is done quarterly - my schedule changes because of what my son is doing with school activities, etc. Good luck with Camp Nano! I'll have to put NaNo on the back-burner for a bit as I start grad school this fall for publishing! I'm using HB90 to get me into a good routine of making time for homework and balancing family and work with it.
Lovin' Camp! I'm going by minutes instead of words as I'm working on my characters, well one character. I've also started an ideas book and have been carrying it around with me and so as something for my novel pops into my head (scenes, secondary characters, songs that give me a feel for certain situations). Anyway, looking forward to Writer Reset and thanks again for all the work you and your team put into everything!
This is so great, Sarra! I love your positivity! I'm definitely up for a writer's reset. I've been working on a memoir for years, and the goals I thought of while watching your video will definitely help me get it over the finish line--as well as all the other writerly projects I have swirling in my head. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sarra, you've done it again. This video spoke straight to my heart. I've been struggling so hard this year to reconnect with my writer self. I can get started during sprints sometimes, but then once the sprints are over (or I get interrupted, which happens way too often), the urge to write dissipates. It's like my writer self has given up. I am so, so looking forward to the Writer Reset! I don't think I've ever needed anything more in my life right now! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and being you. 💖💖💖💖
Thanks for the workbook. Really enjoy it. I’m doing camp this April as a way to finish up this round of revisions on my WIP. Best wishes to everyone going to camp.
Yay, found you during Nano this past year. Love your authenticity. Because of your videos, I was encouraged to try solo writing retreats which made a huge difference. Have my next writer’s retreat booked at a cabin this weekend!
I am hoping to do Camp Nano in April. And I'd like to do the Writer Reset with you. I REALLY need that. I have been so out of sync the last few years, I desperately need to get back on track now that my life is settling into a better place. I have three books that are crying out to be written and my hubby of almost 45 years keeps telling me to hurry up and get successfully published so he can be a 'kept' husband...LOL He's so funny. But he does support me. Kind of like George supports you. He's my best friend. We met on a blind date, dated for 4 years, got married on the anniversary of the day we met, and have been married 45 years this July. We have two children and 3 grands. He's a keeper, Like your George!
Hi Sarra. I’m new to your channel and new to Camp Nano. I started watching your channels in October of 22 and participated in Nano, but not officially. This year, I am going to participate in Camp Nano. I binged watched all your content from previous years and I’m starting to get ready for this magical journey. Thank you for all the advice and talks about struggles and things. I can relate to some of those struggles as a new writer.- Krissy
I am hoping that during this Camp NaNoWriMo is going to be when I finally finish the budget workbook I've been working on on-and-off since 2020! Then I am basically free to start writing stories again and your writing reset is right on time!
I am going to try to write poems and blessings in April. In July, I made a goal of 500 words, I hit 499 (ugh!) I forgot how different it is to write poems than stories. I am aiming for 550 this time. It sounds like a weak goal but clearly, it will be a stretch. 😊 I really appreciate your chanel. You inspire me to try to write. I know I *need* to write. I am enjoying just being stirred up to actually do so. Thank you so much!❤
I loved this video so much. Thank you for being so authentic and honest. I love how you talk about your passion for writing and I completely relate. Best of luck during Camp !!! My goal is to do plot edits with Save the Cat 😊
Excited! I'm definitely doing Camp NaNo and I'm interested in Writer Reset. My writing room will be ready before April so I'm really looking forward to having a dedicated space. I will spend part of Camp plotting (first week?) and the rest writing so may set a relatively low word count goal, but I plan to continue writing in June, and doing Camp again in July. Woot! SO ready! Thanks for another awesome workboook! 💜
Thanks for recommending my newsletter! ❤ And I totally hear you on reclaiming that writer identity. I’ve actually had to do work to make sure I don’t only define myself as a writer because then when writing isn’t going well, it feels like I’m failing at being me. So I’m trying to figure out the balance of both owning the writer label with confidence but then also not basing my self-worth on how the writing is going. Being human is complicated! Lol
I'm so happy you're getting back to writing! ❤ I've been writing consistently(with some zero rest days) so I'm not sure I'll be participating in Camp NaNo, but I'll be writing! 😊 I lost my full time day job last week, so I'm adjusting and juggling while avoiding the fear of falling and failing. ❤
Thanks so much for sharing your story, highs and lows. I really appreciate hearing you talk. It's very inspirational. I think I always thought writing would have to be a hobby. Right now, I'm not sure I'm good enough to write full time, though that's what I really want to do.
I'm doing Camp this year and I'm going to try and do 20k. I'm working the 1st draft (I have a rough draft) of book 2 in my soap series. This year should be easier because I'm not moving house this year. Not sure about July since I'll be 8 months pregnant, but I'm determined to do April.
I'm doing camp nano! - my pl;an is to finish editing the book I'm working on. I'm also super excited to see/hear about your writer reset because I haven't written in a hot minute because Life. :)
I'll be joining in. I'm planning on writing 150,000 words at least during this camp. I have 4 different novels and novellas that should get me there, already outlined and what not.
🎉🎉 yeah !! For April nano wrimo....I will be continuing on with my horror novel titled The Woods with a goal of 10,000 word count!!!🎉🎉 ✍️ Writers gotta ✍️✍️✍️....
I set my April Camp goal for 75K on a project I didn't get to really work on during NaNoWriMo 2022 due to a 2 week cruise and an unexpected event at work that took a lot of my focus away from writing. When I first heard you mention the title of your current ms, I had to do a quick search of the name because I remember there being an actress with that name. Her name is spelled as "Vinessa" Shaw. Good luck to everyone who plans to participate in April's Camp!
I'm doing Camp Nano. I'll be working on my 2nd book of Bethany Willow. I'm excited and already planning out the month with your workbook for Camp Nano. I can't wait to see how everyone is progressing. Remember you guys have fun with it.
I will have to play April by ear on Camp. I'm moving into a new apartment, so I may not be settled enough to work. But I love the "Writer Reset" idea. I have some developmental edits I need to work through.
I am so excited for the writer reset! My birthday is this month, and it feels like a great time to reclaim my writer identity and get some words on the page! Thanks for the inspiration!
What if you get some of those waterproof pens and pads to stick in your shower for those "shower thoughts". I only know about them because I was recommended them as a kid with ADHD.
Finishing the subsequent books in my debút Series during camp Nanowrimo. After I finished the course on write your own first novel. Coursera. I wrote the full draft in 2021. But I’m rewriting parts of it. My debút novel will be 50K( draft) while the subsequent books( 4 books will be 30K (5000*6 days. Fast drafted.)
You’ve inspired me to do Camp NaNo! Thanks! How do you plan and track revisions? (I think your first drafts are cleaner than mine!) Would love to see a video of that when you tackle revisions on TDOVS!
I tend to just do word count the same as I do with drafting and I just count edits and new words together! I sometimes will also track those final edits by chapter. And I'll definitely do some revision vlogs. This book is going to need lots of it haha
I am still a little undecided on camp. I will be traveling to Dallas for a week in April and while I like to tell myself I'll write, when I went on vacation in November I ended up with 0 words during that time. I'm thinking maybe a lower level goal to have something to work to and ensure progress while not putting too much pressure on it 🤷♀
graduated with a writing degree in 2019 and haven't really been able to write since. i have ideas but can't seem to put words on paper and i want to get back to the actual story writing this year.
Love the videos as always! I won't be officially joining camp NaNoWriMo because I have another word-tracking process that works better for me, but I will definitely be working towards finishing my book because my personal deadline is May 1st. Thanks for another amazing workbook!
I've already set up my goal for Camp Nano. Hoping to get through 15k words in my partial first draft. It also starts my first quarter using the HB90 planner.
I am so grateful for your videos, your inspiration, and your information that you share. I know it takes a lot of your time. Thank you.❤ I’m going to try Camp Nano. I definitely need a writer reset. I was so excited to “win” NaNo last year… until I read my rough draft. I deflated like a balloon with holes. It wasn’t anything like I “thought” I wrote. I’ve been struggling to find motivation to get back into it. Maybe April is going to be the motivation I need. 🤞
I still haven't decided if I'm gonna join or not. I need to get edits back to my editor first and then I'll see where I'm at. But I am planning on editing my first draft from nanowrimo and writing another book so, I just might hop on :)
Lol don’t punch ur man❤ I know what you mean though. I’m about to self publish my 3rd book and just keeping up with newsletter swaps takes so much time, but if I don’t do swaps my sales decrease immediately ☹️
Thank you for your videos, all your resources, and support! I REALLY appreciate it. Because of everything you set up, I won Nano last year. Thank you!! Question... any tips for doing camp nano for revisions? It know it's harder to track... Thank you!
I'm doing Camp Nano and writing a new play. Not sure of the word goal yet, but my last play came in at about 19000 words, so probably around there. And no, I don't have an idea of topic yet...
Put my goal at 10000 with the hope of reaching it in a month as I already have around 15 more scenes set that I'm kinda zero drafting (the explailnation of what I want to happen, the place feelings thoughts and sometimes conversations or at least what I want said) the scenes I have already planned with the notes on 3 notebooks and index cards and I'm still about half way through the story so I have hope that if I set my mind to it I can finish outlining/zero drafting my story. Gave myself only 16 days for it that I hope to work, but today (a no work day) I'm writing cause I couldn't wait until Monday 😅 so I'm hopeful❤
I was wondering if you had any suggestions for non-fiction writers? Most of what I find is for fiction writers but I write family history. And this camp I am writing my family history at my church. So this is actually more complicated as now I am writing the history of the church (and some other churches) at the same time. I use two monitors, I have a dozen tabs open. But writing non fiction tends to move slower because you need to look up (in my case) dates and places and correct spelling of names. When others can get five hundred words (and I can get that amount journalling) I will struggle to get 100 words because I need to verify the information before moving on. Camp is nice because I can set a lower goal (I figure if I write 500 words a day I will get 15000 words by the end of the month and that will give me a nice turn around). I have just never seen anyone talk on the differences and it would be nice to find something out there. (Granted I do watch several channels that touch on writing family history, but not in a Nano style context.) I just wondered if you had any insight as you have made the Nano workbooks and others with your business. Any advice you have would be much appreciated.
It's almost April! What are your goals for the month?
I have a series I started in 2015 and never finished. I've written other things since then, but have never felt like I was ready to go back and finish that old series. This April, I'm focusing on the next part of that series. I want to finish it, and take control of my writer identity too. :)
40,000 words should finish this Book 2. Yay! The solo retreat two weeks ago was a huge help in allowing me to see where I needed to go. Being on location of my story didn't hurt either ;-).
@@JimmieHammel Congrats! We're here for you! You got this. Creative Blessings!
25k on a new project and 10k to finish a different project hopefully
I was thinking of writing one book. But I feel writing a few short books is the best way for me to go so I can stick with my goal of writing in April.
It looks like you are doing everything right Sarra, no need to feel guilty about it: first you focused on the craft of writing, and then you focused on publicity (social media and teaching). Unfortunately, writers can never completely focus on creativity because otherwise their books would never find their readers. Love you and your content.
I was doing laundry by hand. And while I was washing, a whole book formulated inside my head.
Oh, this is really interesting!!! I love that story.
@@HeartBreathings Thanks.
That's what makes George a good husband, he told you what felt but didn't want to hear. It kicked your butt, I get it. Your writing and storytelling is #1 and as your fans and fellow writers, we understand, I LOVE all your videos, thanks for sharing the ups and downs ❤
Damn, Sarra, I had to pause this to catch my breath at your story…see, it parallels mine back to 2019. Leading up to that year I was writing consistently and teaching workshops in person and online and gaining momentum, then my mom had a stroke and I became her power of attorney. Over the next few yrs, my oldest got married and moved out, my husband changed my careers so I was an emotional support for him, our youngest graduated high school and my mom passed. I also changed careers and am writing full time ( wasn’t specific enough in manifesting “full time novelist “ and am now a full time marketing coordinator 😮) . But my heart hurts for the loss of actual story writing and especially broke when my husband also mentioned “hobby “ in relation to my novel in progress. I am here for this reset and cheering you on as well! This is our year! This is our comeback 🎉
Let’s do it!!
Me three! ❤
I wrote down that I'll be writing out 25,000 words for the month. But this will be a mix of writing, plotting, and editing the remainder of my book. My real goal is to do a little bit of writing everyday, even if it's just 100 words. I just want to get back into writing. I miss the spark of creativity that I had back in 2019/early 2020 and pulling stories after stories out of my brain.
I had JUST decided to consider writing a hobby since I wasn't getting anywhere with it and then you hit me with this...
Hey Sarra. I'll link this video in mine tomorrow.
You are a Writer. Leave it to George LOL. He meant well. Time think about the hats that are most important then pack the rest away for now. We are blessed to have you always encouraging and coming up with new ways to keep us on track. Time to run your own race now, sweetie! We're here to cheer you on! Creative Blessings & Hugs!
Ugh, Sarra. This one hit HARD, as a writer who hasn't been writing. Sending you all the good vibes moving into April, and I'm going to try to get back to that happy creative place as well. I miss my story worlds.
This resonates so much!! I haven’t written anything (or much of anything) since starting a Patreon. I ADORE my Patreon tribe but it’s time to find balance because I miss my passion. I miss my words. My stories.
Thank you so much! I loved the gameboard for NaNoWriMo in November. I actually made one up for myself for the novel I'm working on now. I will be doing the Camp NaNo, and am looking forward to the Writer Reset videos!
Since I’ve made a deadline for myself of end of April for my first draft, I may as well do Camp Nano. Count me in!
There are no rules to being a writer- no matter how many hours/days you write, or how much money you earn, you are an author! Sarra, you’re a natural born teacher and if you find fulfillment in that side of your author life, you should spend as much (or as little) time doing that as *you* want. But if you miss writing and you want to write more, go ahead and do it! As moms our priorities will shift overtime, so if you write less (or teach less) that is totally normal. This is your journey, so do whatever feels right for you. ❤ You’re amazing-you’ve got this! Just don’t feel bad for focusing more on teaching if that’s what you enjoyed at the time- that does *not* make you less of an author! ❤
Thank you so much for this message. It touched my heart!
I'm planning to do Camp Nano. A writer reset really resonates with me, my 2023 has been super shaky and the last real writing I did was for NaNoWriMo. I did my math for April and I only have about 16 days, so...going to see what comes out. Lots of love and good writing vibes everyone! ❤
Good writing vibes your way too!
Sarra, I have been watching your HB channel since almost the very beginning, and I remember when I saw a change in your energy back toward the end of 2018. You have been very open with your fans about all the things (wonderful and less wonderful) both personally and professionally, and frankly you've handled it all like a Boss! Lately, I've seen your writing energy coming back, brighter than ever. :) I have a really great feeling about TDOVS! I've been looking forward to it ever since the summer of 2019! I can't wait to read it, and I bet you're going to see HUGE success with it! Love you, Lady. Thank you for all your generous time and effort in helping so many of us!
You are so sweet thank you Pamela!
I am going back home in April after being with my daughter to be her doula at the birth of my grand daughter. As my life moves and changes I realize that we as women go through seasons. We devote ourselves to our family sometimes. This may not be conducive to the writing life. But as I prepare to go home I realize that now there will be a whole lot of season for writing ( I retired in March!!!). So I am following this journey with you - JOYFULLY. Thanks for all you do Sarra!
I think i'm going to actually participate in camp this time around! my goal is going to be an editing one - not sure how many hours yet, but we shall see. waaaaay back in the early days of NaNo, there used to be 'NaNoEdMo' in march (not through the official nanowrimo group, but regularly scheduled for a few years). so this will be like that for me! i felt energized about writing for the first time in ages while doing the live sprints with the HB crew this past november, and i want to hold onto that spark.
Sarra - CONGRATS! on Plottr using your Scene Roadmap! I'm so excited for you!
Thank you so much!!!
I am so happy you are getting back to claiming the "Writer". Your stories are amazing and I am looking forward to any and all stories that you write. The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw sounds so interesting, I can't wait to read it!!! Your workbooks help me so much and help me to stay excited about writing. Thank you for all that you share with us.
Thank you, Sarra! I'll be working on finishing my draft during Camp. Can't wait for the Writer Reset!!
Thank you for this one. You are so encouraging. I need to Reset! My Muse & I used to dance almost daily. Now she sits in a corner of my spirit glowering at me tapping her foot with impatience since my “other life” has overtaken my creative life. Looking forward to your Reset Journal & tips on your channel❣️
I'd love to be doing Camp Nano to be able to use your workbook! I'll be working through structural edits though, so maybe next time.
One thing that comes to my mind about the year you were pregnant with your daughter is... You were very healthy. You had your PCOS managed enough to get pregnant. That's huge! As you've been struggling to get it back under control after she was born. Yes, it was hard, but you had your husband helping, so you don't have to do it alone. I understand splurging, but girl it's time you get back on the wagon and I bet your creativity will return! 💖🌞🌵😷
The how and why is that having kids takes so much energy, sometimes all of it and there’s nothing left for writing. When you add that second kid it feels like chaos. Now imagine adding a third one! 😮
Sarra, I'm so grateful to you for every writer reset you encourage and share. Lately, I have gone quiet with my fiction goals and progress because it feels better than announcing more goals that I don't meet "on time." But I'm still strapped in my seat on this roller coaster. And I deeply appreciate that you're always up for another go with all of us on this crazy ride. Here's to a fabulous Camp NANO in April! ❤❤❤
I'm in for Camp! My goal is 40k words on book 2 of my space opera series that I am cowriting with a friend. That will put me right about at my half of the wordcount, so if he's on schedule with me, we should finish by the end of the month! :) April will be busy, particularly at the end of the month, but I'm gonna give it a shot. I, too, am super excited about Writer Reset. Great video as always!
So happy for this video as I prepare for my first Camp Nano!
I had to pause this video as I burst into tears. This is so freaking on point. I am planning on doing Camp Nano to get my novel all fleshed out so I can hit Nano running. I am excited to get back into the swing of writing after a couple of really rough years. Thank you Sarra for helping me and everyone else to not feel alone on this great adventure!
I so resonate with this! I get ideas in the bathtub for whatever I'm working on. Or when doing dishes or anything menial. I, too, need to get back to doing more writing!! I have a memoir to finish!
Feeling SO optimistic and jazzed up about this upcoming quarter after going through HB90!! Not doing Camp, but I just feel so clear-headed about the goals I've set and the projects/tasks to get there!! Even though I bought your planner a long time ago, I really needed the class to bring clarity to the system. And WHAT is the deal with your hatred of spaghetti???!!!! 😀 I've never heard of someone throwing it up against the wall as much in my life!!! LOLOLOL 🤣🤣🤣 💜
😅😅😅
You are so validating to me!!! I care for my 89 yr old dad, single mom of two- sole supporting... I struggle with paid writing for client's work (ghost) overtaking my creative work. So hard juggling everything and making writing a priority. Until I watched this...I beat myself up for falling short with my own writing...Watching you struggle to complete your creative work over all your other responsibilities helped me realize I was a normal mom juggling all this stuff. Thank you for sharing the real side of writing and supporting yourself and your family❤️❤️❤️
Having a lot of stuff in my schedule with school, work and chores that makes me less motivated for writing but ur my inspiration to help me go through hard time and tried to do my writing no matter wha happen.
So needed to hear this today. Thank you❣ Sending you and yours lots of love and magic!!! 💖✨🌻
I'm going to try and do nano this April. I really need a reset. I've been jumbled in my own head I can't think straight. My lovely brain can only be a pantser in writing because every time I try and plot out a book, my brain thinks I'm all done. I need a new way of doing things.
My stories love to come right before I’m about to sleep so I have to write them down, and I think about them in the shower! This is also my first camp nano!
Oh, Sarra, I feel you. I'm over 12 years and 45 books in and I still struggle with claiming my identity as a writer. Thanks so much for sharing this. I plan to reset and reclaim my space right along with you!
You spoke to my soul, Sarra! I am in the same season with needing a writer reset. Starting to feel that excitement again! Thank you for all you do for us!!!
I feel like a broken record but again I want to use April and the sprints with y'all to get back to my writing.
But I have a marvellous Disco Chad notebook and it is already filling up with ideas, so I hope this time it will work.
And your positive energy and beautiful smile and realness will help me ❤
I published my first book last year and had a new baby, but now I'm struggling to find my identity as a writer again. I keep reminding myself this is a season. A wonderful (sleepless) season, but a short one. I have to let myself be ok with not writing every day. I will publish another book one day!
I am editing book 2, but it's slow going. Perhaps I will set a small goal for camp. Thanks for the inspiration and helping me not feel alone with the need to reset. Looking forward to the new series!
You will!! I think we all go in seasons and every writer I know has had a season where we don't write as much. Both of my kids being little was tough for my writing but it won't last forever!!
I love me a good workbook, so I appreciate that you do these! Looking forward to the writer reset one. :)
I got the same hoodie and I love it! I love keys. Going through HB90 now and loving it! Thank you so much for sharing it. I occurred to me last night that it's a good thing the planning is done quarterly - my schedule changes because of what my son is doing with school activities, etc. Good luck with Camp Nano! I'll have to put NaNo on the back-burner for a bit as I start grad school this fall for publishing! I'm using HB90 to get me into a good routine of making time for homework and balancing family and work with it.
Lovin' Camp! I'm going by minutes instead of words as I'm working on my characters, well one character. I've also started an ideas book and have been carrying it around with me and so as something for my novel pops into my head (scenes, secondary characters, songs that give me a feel for certain situations). Anyway, looking forward to Writer Reset and thanks again for all the work you and your team put into everything!
This is so great, Sarra! I love your positivity! I'm definitely up for a writer's reset. I've been working on a memoir for years, and the goals I thought of while watching your video will definitely help me get it over the finish line--as well as all the other writerly projects I have swirling in my head. Thanks for the inspiration!
My goal is sticking to my writing/chapter schedule. The Heart Breathings writing sprints are tremendously helpful!!
Thank you, Sarra! This video just came in the right time. 🥰
Need to set my goals! As apparently I'm once again motivated ❤
Sarra, you've done it again. This video spoke straight to my heart. I've been struggling so hard this year to reconnect with my writer self. I can get started during sprints sometimes, but then once the sprints are over (or I get interrupted, which happens way too often), the urge to write dissipates. It's like my writer self has given up. I am so, so looking forward to the Writer Reset! I don't think I've ever needed anything more in my life right now! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and being you. 💖💖💖💖
Thanks for the workbook. Really enjoy it. I’m doing camp this April as a way to finish up this round of revisions on my WIP. Best wishes to everyone going to camp.
Yay, found you during Nano this past year. Love your authenticity. Because of your videos, I was encouraged to try solo writing retreats which made a huge difference. Have my next writer’s retreat booked at a cabin this weekend!
I am hoping to do Camp Nano in April. And I'd like to do the Writer Reset with you. I REALLY need that. I have been so out of sync the last few years, I desperately need to get back on track now that my life is settling into a better place. I have three books that are crying out to be written and my hubby of almost 45 years keeps telling me to hurry up and get successfully published so he can be a 'kept' husband...LOL He's so funny. But he does support me. Kind of like George supports you. He's my best friend. We met on a blind date, dated for 4 years, got married on the anniversary of the day we met, and have been married 45 years this July. We have two children and 3 grands. He's a keeper, Like your George!
Yes I’m doing Camp Nano & looking forward to the reset
I'm revising for camp NaNo. Yes, I'm interested in the reset notebook. Thanks so much
ME! My Camp NaNo is to edit my cookbook memoir I drafted in November. Between setting up my veggie garden!
Hi Sarra. I’m new to your channel and new to Camp Nano. I started watching your channels in October of 22 and participated in Nano, but not officially. This year, I am going to participate in Camp Nano. I binged watched all your content from previous years and I’m starting to get ready for this magical journey.
Thank you for all the advice and talks about struggles and things. I can relate to some of those struggles as a new writer.- Krissy
I am hoping that during this Camp NaNoWriMo is going to be when I finally finish the budget workbook I've been working on on-and-off since 2020! Then I am basically free to start writing stories again and your writing reset is right on time!
I'm doing Camp NaNo. My goal is to create a new "Frankensteined" master of my WIP. Thank you for the video and I hope Evie feels better soon.
I am going to try to write poems and blessings in April. In July, I made a goal of 500 words, I hit 499 (ugh!) I forgot how different it is to write poems than stories. I am aiming for 550 this time. It sounds like a weak goal but clearly, it will be a stretch. 😊 I really appreciate your chanel. You inspire me to try to write. I know I *need* to write. I am enjoying just being stirred up to actually do so. Thank you so much!❤
I loved this video so much. Thank you for being so authentic and honest. I love how you talk about your passion for writing and I completely relate. Best of luck during Camp !!! My goal is to do plot edits with Save the Cat 😊
Excited! I'm definitely doing Camp NaNo and I'm interested in Writer Reset. My writing room will be ready before April so I'm really looking forward to having a dedicated space. I will spend part of Camp plotting (first week?) and the rest writing so may set a relatively low word count goal, but I plan to continue writing in June, and doing Camp again in July. Woot! SO ready! Thanks for another awesome workboook! 💜
Thanks for recommending my newsletter! ❤ And I totally hear you on reclaiming that writer identity. I’ve actually had to do work to make sure I don’t only define myself as a writer because then when writing isn’t going well, it feels like I’m failing at being me. So I’m trying to figure out the balance of both owning the writer label with confidence but then also not basing my self-worth on how the writing is going. Being human is complicated! Lol
Oof that's good too. You are so wise my friend
@@HeartBreathings we’re all just figuring it out as we go along 🤪
I'm so happy you're getting back to writing! ❤ I've been writing consistently(with some zero rest days) so I'm not sure I'll be participating in Camp NaNo, but I'll be writing! 😊 I lost my full time day job last week, so I'm adjusting and juggling while avoiding the fear of falling and failing. ❤
Oh my gosh I'm sorry to hear that but maybe this is the best timing!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, highs and lows. I really appreciate hearing you talk. It's very inspirational.
I think I always thought writing would have to be a hobby. Right now, I'm not sure I'm good enough to write full time, though that's what I really want to do.
I'm doing Camp this year and I'm going to try and do 20k. I'm working the 1st draft (I have a rough draft) of book 2 in my soap series. This year should be easier because I'm not moving house this year. Not sure about July since I'll be 8 months pregnant, but I'm determined to do April.
I'm doing camp nano! - my pl;an is to finish editing the book I'm working on. I'm also super excited to see/hear about your writer reset because I haven't written in a hot minute because Life. :)
I'll be joining in. I'm planning on writing 150,000 words at least during this camp. I have 4 different novels and novellas that should get me there, already outlined and what not.
🎉🎉 yeah !! For April nano wrimo....I will be continuing on with my horror novel titled The Woods with a goal of 10,000 word count!!!🎉🎉 ✍️ Writers gotta ✍️✍️✍️....
Yes!!
You can do it, Sarra! I'm going to set a writing goal too. Launching a new pen name and very nervous.
Yikes I forgot about Camp Nano. I won't be participating but I am writing and ready for a reset.
I think I will do Camp Nano! It wasn't on my radar to do so but I think this is what I need to do. Thank you for the printouts in your newsletter!!
You are so welcome!
So excited for the writer reset!
I set my April Camp goal for 75K on a project I didn't get to really work on during NaNoWriMo 2022 due to a 2 week cruise and an unexpected event at work that took a lot of my focus away from writing.
When I first heard you mention the title of your current ms, I had to do a quick search of the name because I remember there being an actress with that name. Her name is spelled as "Vinessa" Shaw.
Good luck to everyone who plans to participate in April's Camp!
I am doing Camp Nano, I can’t wait as I haven’t written much this year
Yes doing Camp Nanowrimo
I'm doing Camp Nano. I'll be working on my 2nd book of Bethany Willow. I'm excited and already planning out the month with your workbook for Camp Nano. I can't wait to see how everyone is progressing. Remember you guys have fun with it.
April is about executing everything I learned in publish and thrive. I have a book that needs to get out there.
🙌 I’m cheering you on!
Definitely joining ❤ thank you Sarra 😇
I will have to play April by ear on Camp. I'm moving into a new apartment, so I may not be settled enough to work. But I love the "Writer Reset" idea. I have some developmental edits I need to work through.
I am so excited for the writer reset! My birthday is this month, and it feels like a great time to reclaim my writer identity and get some words on the page! Thanks for the inspiration!
What if you get some of those waterproof pens and pads to stick in your shower for those "shower thoughts". I only know about them because I was recommended them as a kid with ADHD.
Ooh this is a great idea!!
Finishing the subsequent books in my debút Series during camp Nanowrimo. After I finished the course on write your own first novel. Coursera. I wrote the full draft in 2021. But I’m rewriting parts of it. My debút novel will be 50K( draft) while the subsequent books( 4 books will be 30K (5000*6 days. Fast drafted.)
You’ve inspired me to do Camp NaNo! Thanks! How do you plan and track revisions? (I think your first drafts are cleaner than mine!) Would love to see a video of that when you tackle revisions on TDOVS!
I tend to just do word count the same as I do with drafting and I just count edits and new words together! I sometimes will also track those final edits by chapter. And I'll definitely do some revision vlogs. This book is going to need lots of it haha
@@HeartBreathings Thank you!!
Your book 5 of shadow demons just came up on my for you on Apple Books lol it’s a sign!
I am still a little undecided on camp. I will be traveling to Dallas for a week in April and while I like to tell myself I'll write, when I went on vacation in November I ended up with 0 words during that time. I'm thinking maybe a lower level goal to have something to work to and ensure progress while not putting too much pressure on it 🤷♀
graduated with a writing degree in 2019 and haven't really been able to write since. i have ideas but can't seem to put words on paper and i want to get back to the actual story writing this year.
Love the videos as always! I won't be officially joining camp NaNoWriMo because I have another word-tracking process that works better for me, but I will definitely be working towards finishing my book because my personal deadline is May 1st. Thanks for another amazing workbook!
I've already set up my goal for Camp Nano. Hoping to get through 15k words in my partial first draft. It also starts my first quarter using the HB90 planner.
I am so grateful for your videos, your inspiration, and your information that you share. I know it takes a lot of your time. Thank you.❤
I’m going to try Camp Nano. I definitely need a writer reset. I was so excited to “win” NaNo last year… until I read my rough draft. I deflated like a balloon with holes. It wasn’t anything like I “thought” I wrote. I’ve been struggling to find motivation to get back into it.
Maybe April is going to be the motivation I need. 🤞
I need more than a reset. I've hardly written much since the year started.
I'm going to be editing for Camp!
You go girl!
I still haven't decided if I'm gonna join or not. I need to get edits back to my editor first and then I'll see where I'm at. But I am planning on editing my first draft from nanowrimo and writing another book so, I just might hop on :)
Lol don’t punch ur man❤ I know what you mean though. I’m about to self publish my 3rd book and just keeping up with newsletter swaps takes so much time, but if I don’t do swaps my sales decrease immediately ☹️
Hallo... I'm Indonesia, 🙏
Thanks for sharing..
Thank you for your videos, all your resources, and support! I REALLY appreciate it. Because of everything you set up, I won Nano last year. Thank you!!
Question... any tips for doing camp nano for revisions? It know it's harder to track... Thank you!
I'm doing Camp Nano and writing a new play. Not sure of the word goal yet, but my last play came in at about 19000 words, so probably around there. And no, I don't have an idea of topic yet...
Put my goal at 10000 with the hope of reaching it in a month as I already have around 15 more scenes set that I'm kinda zero drafting (the explailnation of what I want to happen, the place feelings thoughts and sometimes conversations or at least what I want said) the scenes I have already planned with the notes on 3 notebooks and index cards and I'm still about half way through the story so I have hope that if I set my mind to it I can finish outlining/zero drafting my story. Gave myself only 16 days for it that I hope to work, but today (a no work day) I'm writing cause I couldn't wait until Monday 😅 so I'm hopeful❤
Ok I am dying for that cup. Where did you get it? Have to have that :-) Rainbows and Hello Kitty
Finish my current WIP! Probably 25k.
I was wondering if you had any suggestions for non-fiction writers? Most of what I find is for fiction writers but I write family history. And this camp I am writing my family history at my church. So this is actually more complicated as now I am writing the history of the church (and some other churches) at the same time. I use two monitors, I have a dozen tabs open. But writing non fiction tends to move slower because you need to look up (in my case) dates and places and correct spelling of names. When others can get five hundred words (and I can get that amount journalling) I will struggle to get 100 words because I need to verify the information before moving on.
Camp is nice because I can set a lower goal (I figure if I write 500 words a day I will get 15000 words by the end of the month and that will give me a nice turn around). I have just never seen anyone talk on the differences and it would be nice to find something out there. (Granted I do watch several channels that touch on writing family history, but not in a Nano style context.) I just wondered if you had any insight as you have made the Nano workbooks and others with your business.
Any advice you have would be much appreciated.
My goals for Camp Nano? Finish the first draft of my the novel I started 9 months ago. I have about 37k words left in that draft. Wish me luck
Yes you can do it!!
@@HeartBreathings Thank you