I hope you enjoy today's video, which is part soul confession about what it's like to be a writer in this day and age of "never fast enough" and part eye-candy as I play with lots of stationery. Enjoy and don't forget to leave a "like" and a comment. They help so much!
Oh no! I don't want your writing process videos to leave your Heart Breathings channel! I love watching all of your methods and processes! The notecards method was game-changing for me! But I totally understand the need to cut down on obligations and focus on what you need to 🙂 I'm just being selfish 😀But as an aside, I loved the video, it was very hypnotic, and also thank you for all that you do (and bare) to us viewers! Your honesty and transparency comes through on all of your videos and it's heart-warming
@@lynnlefay9631 I was trying to say that most of my videos will likely be more closely tied to my writing process! Less stationery hauls maybe? Not sure what that will look like moving forward but don’t plan to stop covering my writing process!
Love what your doing with your stories and how you're taking such good care not just of your mental health but also giving your creative side the time it needs to grow this story. ❤️ Definitely writing vlogs and plotting set ups. Love those videos!
Also, girl, you HAVE FINISHED so many projects already! And if finding the right projects to work on at the right time is part of what allows you to finish, more power to you. ❤️
We have become such slaves to the multi-book per year concept that it's taking all the joy from the art and the craft of writing, at least for those of us who feel pressured to follow this pattern. We should not feel guilty for taking the time to create on our own terms. Like you said, that's not the way art works.
What you said at the end about the fear of the negative comments really resonated with me.... I hope you know that the value in your content is NOT "Hey I wrote this huge pile of books", but rather in the sharing of your PROCESS and your PROGRESS-- and your absolute willingness to share your journey with us along the way....the good, the bad, AND the ugly!!!😁 Keep on keeping on, Sister!!❤️
Neal Stephenson used to have a single web page as an author saying, "thanks for reading. I don't give interviews. I don't write on demand. I don't answer emails. I am writing. Thanks for understanding. Or not." And I sooooooo respected that. I've never been able to write on demand. I wrote an epic novel series that took 15 years and spanned 5000 years of history and I never finished it or published it. Because in the end I wasn't up to the story as an author at the time. And that just is what it is. Maybe I'll finish it someday maybe not. It's been 10 years since I sat with it. But I've written 3 other books in the past, so I know it is possible. But the Muse comes to me when she comes and takes as long as she takes. Can't be rushed.
This really resonates with me - I spent several years trying to write a book that would please my agent but was never really satisfied with the results myself. I ditched the agent, and during lockdown started a new project purely for my own enjoyment. It took a while for all the pieces to come together, but it's finally written and I'm hoping to publish it early next year 😀
No need to ask what we want to see because we want to see you writing with joy! You have done so much for us, Sarra, it's time to give back to yourself. Whatever videos come, whatever you want to share is fine with me!
No girl! We love you and you are real. You give us permission to breathe and create. We are not machines. Let those haters hate! Trust your heart and intuition❤️
Wow! look at what you have achieved and you said Mid-40's? That can't be right. You look amazing. I love your books. I LOVE your videos. They bring such joy! You are doing what so many of us want to but I can't seem to get it off the ground. Well done. 🥰
Sarra I'm going to be honest with you . Yes, I would love to read how Eternal Sorrows ends. But if you get Vanesa Shaw or Luna Day out before that, I'm not gonna be mad. Actually, I prefer that you put out a story you enjoy writing, because then I know I'll enjoy reading it! I'm reading the Witching Well now, so good!
This is an encouraging video in so many ways! I love that you’re becoming more confident and comfortable in yourself and your decisions (although I’ve always thought you were confident), and along the way inspiring others. I’m happy that you are happy with your plans, and as always, would love to see every process. But no pressure, I respect what you said that there might be less videos here. Love you, Sarra!!
These last two or three years, every time I saw TDOVS in the back of your plotting planner, I thought, "there's no way she's getting to that," because every mention of it was qualified with "but first this zombie book and then this Shadow Demons book and then this witch book and then this other demon book" (and so on). It was like an unattainable reward for writing the books you "should" be writing. So, I'm happy for you that you are finally making it a priority! Have fun.
Happy for you to have found clarity! Definitely do what you want to do. Isn’t that the life we all want to create for ourselves? The freedom to live how we want! ❤️ Go for it!
Your words about writing for yourself as opposed to other people's timeline has hit me right in the jugular. Thank you. I hope you find the balance you need.
Whenever you are feeling like you are “taking too long” on a series just remember George RR Martin! 😂 Glad you are honoring your creative process and timeline!
Hello Sarra. I'm one of your Publish and Thrive 2022 students, and the most important thing I took away from the course is that every author's path is different. And you as an Indie author make choices that feel good to you. You are your own CEO, so do as you please. And after the course the first thing I did was write down: I decide upon my own pace and not the readers. Rapid publishing is not my thing, because just as you said in the video above speading up my writing would take away all the joy of writing in the first place. And if your books and stories are great your readers will wait for them. Of course you will lose some, but most of them will stick if they love your writing. And to me that is what this career is all about. Doing what you love and enjoy, and don't let anybody else dictate your pace. The course was amazing and I've learned a million. Thank you for putting it together and sharing all your wisdom with the rest of us newbies.
I'm so happy we're going to follow along on your writing this book! I was just missing that and wondering if your project was going okay and if you were going to keep us updated with vlogs or anything so thank you and keep going!
I watch you all the time but don't comment frequently. I love this video so much and the seeing the space you are in. Please post anything and everything on your writing process. I'm definitely with you on the dreams. When my dreams are interesting and uplifting I know I'm in the right space. Looking forward to your journey!
Your excitement with the writing process really helps me get into the right mindset. For the last few years I’ve been working on finding ways to make my process more enjoyable; finding what I truly love about it all. Thanks for helping with that!
Congratulations! Tough decision, bravely made. Art is not only craft! You are no machine. I love how you leave the pleasing place. You will go your way and things will turn out good!
Dear Sarra, your energy is just floating through this video and I'm so happy about the decision you've made! You take your time with your books and the space you need. If making less videos here and taking another two years or more to finish book twelve so be it. I'll always be happy to hear from you and read your books and waiting will not make me give up on you. I found you as an author and will always be looking forward to your projects!!!
Sarra I could not be more happy for you, and your excitement is contagious. You do so much for this community that its your right to want to do this. As I write this, I thought about this book that I have had for a while its called You are a badass by Jen Sincero, I haven't read it all but as I was opening it and I think this is a sign from the universe, I don't know but for some reason I automatically opened the book to this one page (64) and it said in capitals Do Not Waste Your Precious Time Giving One Single Crap About What Anybody Else Thinks Of You, this really resonated with me. Thank you so much for continuing to be so inspirational to all of us. So please continue to follow your heart!!!!
Sarra, I'm so glad that you are taking the space you need to just breath and get back what to you love. Please continue to show up for yourself. As it's always been said, "you can't pour into others if you don't pour into yourself first." And yesss to the writing vlogs. I love those videos sooo much. Praying for you☺️
Your videos and IG posts have really been speaking to my heart lately. I just realized I've still been putting pressure on myself to finish editing my stories and get them "published," even though my co-author and I decided to post them on Wattpad instead of trying to publish for profit. I've been beating myself up for not doing what I've been talking about doing. The only difference between our situations is that I've never been published, unless you count a blog that I update sporadically. Every attempt I've made lately to rekindle the flames of creativity has fizzled out, and now I think I know why. Thank you for this epiphany! Sending lots of "good juju" your way! 😉
So so happy for you making this choice, Sarra. I hear it in your voice and just feel that spark of new beginnings in the air throughout this video. Every good thing to you all! ✨
Sarra I am so excited for you. I too am going through some similar thoughts about myself and slowly healing from past traumas. You got this! Find your joy!
I would love to see more of your process as you go along! And I really want to see how you use that character board. My heart hurts for you and the struggle with negativity. I'm so grateful to you for showing this side of the author world. I don't think it gets enough discussion. I'm looking forward to this new book! You are amazing.
So so excited and happy for you. I relate to you and your struggles *soooo* much and I'm so proud of you that you are prioritising yourself and your happiness and your creativity and your joy. So, so, so happy for you lovely! 🤗
I just can't seem to write lately, but I did get my rights back on the first book I published years ago (not the first book I wrote). I have a third of the second book written for that series but my publisher had not wanted it and I'd sat it aside years ago. And I also have a finished first draft of third book for the the series. After a lot of procrastination, I've decided to dive in to this series again and I'm starting by reading the original book (maybe do a little tweaking of the story/secondary characters) and get it ready for re-release. My HOPE is that by reading the first book after all these years, my energy will burst forward and the next two books will be ready to flow and complete. My PLAN is that I then do quick releases on the three of them at the beginning of 2023. You are exactly right...we're indie writers and we get to say what and when we write!!! Let's do this!!!
I love your writing vlogs, B rolls of you just writing and planning, etc. Basically, i love anything writing. what ever you want to share im down with it.
Sarra thank you for once again talking right into the reality of the creative process. You are also so inspirational as you move forward. After writing and publishing my last three books back to back I was so burned out. And what has started to pull me back from the brink of wondering if I will have have a creative spark again is working on other stories that are not to market completely different to what has been so successful for me. I sat down yesterday with your amazing planning materials and planned how to still write the books that pay my bills and also moonlight on these new stories coming up for me. I’m always so so grateful for your honesty and this video has so confirmed for me that I’m on the right track for my own creative well being. THANK YOU!
I stumbled upon your videos about a month ago, and I just wanted to say I admire what you are doing. I have been struggling to write my book series for years, and your content has really helped me gain a new perspective on how to plot each of my novels. I'm not 100% there yet, but you've been a huge inspiration! And go you for blocking out the haters and following your heart! Its a lesson every writer needs to learn. That is all, keep up the awesome work!💕
Only someone who isn’t a creative would give you grief about needing to switch gears. People don’t understand that you need emotional energy to write, and we can’t always gauge where our emotional tank will be down the road. I actually really appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. So happy you’re settled into your new house and getting your writing mojo back! ❤️
Loved this so much! It's inspiring to really see you own your creativity and make decisions based on what's best for you, not necessarily what others think or what the market says. Very empowering for newbie writers who want to try different things. I'm also a big fan of writing vlogs and seeing working writers in action, so definitely more of that please! And I'm excited to read this new book once it's done! Sounds absolutely delicious and amazing :)
Yes to all of this I myself am working on book 2 and a lot is happening personally and part of me is wanting to buckle down and push myself through but another part of me doesn't want to burn myself out or just go at a slower pace to what feels right. I really needed to hear this video right now and know others are dealing with the same things
Loving this! Good for you to taking a step back and realizing what you want! I’m taking labor day weekend to do my time to think about where I’m going next and my book as well. Would love writing videos as you write your new book! 💜🙏🌸
Life-affirming magic!! Agreed, agreed, agreed about every thought you share. Sometimes we need to pivot to shake off the stagnant energy and get inspired. I'm so excited for WHATEVER you choose to joyfully create next!!
Sarra, thanks for being vulnerable - what a great video! Congrats on following your heart and I look forward to following your progress (however fast or slow that is) on both books!
You are not a failure. Nobody is a failure. I love the way you expressed yourself in this video and it is one of the many reasons why I love watching your content. You tell it like it is and you are honest! I so appreciate this video and I want the best for you and I really admire the way that you are approaching things. You've made me realise a lot about my own writing journey, so thank you for that. Excited to see what's next for you and excited to support you through it all 😀🥰
Take the time to find your joy! That is the most important thing for any author and you DESERVE to have that joy. I'll repeat that: You DESERVE to have that joy. Best of luck with your new (again) project. :)
Right after watching this video, I started to scroll down UA-cam and there was an ad for summer fashions for women-and the model was wearing a blue shirt with TWO dragonflies!! A sign that your path leads to working on two stories at once! 😍 At least that’s what I saw the second I saw the shirt. I took a screenshot and can send it to you if you’d like to see it. 🙂
So proud of you Sarra! You are an inspiration to all of us writers who struggle with writing what’s in our hearts & not what others think we should put down on the page. I have followed you for years-gleaning all the great info you have so generously put online. I’ve hurt for your times of struggle & am thrilled to see you blossoming into the breathings of your own heart❣️
Love all of this. YAY for listening to your own heart and no one else's. And I love the idea that not all books can be written the same way. It opens up a lot of possibilities in my mind for my own work! I can't wait to hear how Vanessa Shaw is going for you; every time you've mentioned it in previous videos, I always thought it sounded really fun! I'll be sticking around even if you take a few steps back from Heart Breathings, so do what's best for you and we'll be along whenever you have time to share :)
It makes me really sad to hear about people leaving you those negative comments. What happened to the old adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." I'm so glad that you have decided not to listen to the naysayers and do what is right for you. It really is inspiring for those of us who feel the same as you. It may not help those people mentioned above, but it helps me to know that it's okay to start over, get excited about new projects, even if others remain unfinished, to come up with new systems and tools. Keep doing what you're doing, Sarra. I guarantee there are more of us in your corner than not. 💙💜
I’m so excited for you! I know I get in funks sometimes and it takes making a change to get out of it. This will be amazing for you. That last book in the saga will be even better because you allowed it time to come to you. I quit my job of 11 years this week because I just couldn’t get out of the funk I’ve been in and 3 days later I have found a whole nee spark in me. I know I’ll be able to write again. Don’t worry about what others think. Do what is best for you!
I would Love to see anything that you are able and willing to share with us. I am so happy for you! You deserve this and I know we will always support whatever choice you make. You are so kind and generous to all of by sharing your journey.
You have no idea how much I needed this today! I've been plotting away (your writing great scenes series has been a great help) but I needed something I can carry around that's visual. I'm using sheets from an old Happy Planner and doing the same. Can't wait to see what you do next.
I knew you were going to a hotel for the weekend. When I saw on the news about the rain and flooding going on in Texas, I thought, "Oh no! Where did Sarra say she was going? Is she safe?" But when you talked about the rain and how it felt like a sign for your life, I knew it was all okay. Better than okay! You do what you need to do to take care of you! Happy Writing!
Booya~ This is excellent news, You look happy and have that productive vibe blooming. Good for you and thanks for the share. Sweet Sarra, you've got this. Write on sister!
Just want to say that I recently read a series that was fabulous . . . right up until the last book. One of the reviews claimed the author got sick, but didn't want to miss out on her preorders, so rushed things. I'm sure some readers would have been angry about the preorder being canceled, but I think most fans would have preferred to wait longer, and receive a final book that ended the series the way it deserved. I hope most of your fans are grateful that you're taking the time that the final book needs!
OMG, I've been watching you since you started Heart Breathings and I need to say this is the most invigorating video I've seen you do. Love the energy - Sal from Oz x
I love that you and your husband are on the same page with your plans, and that he is supportive of you! I hope you enjoy your writing as you want to, and that both finished books are ones you’re proud of by the end!
Beloved do whatever you have to do to make your dreams and goals come true period NO need to explain or apologize to anyone! Good Luck beloved keep shining
I have been strugling with writing. It is what I want to do, what I dream about, to tell stories. But I have bipolar disorder and my mood swings keep being very hard to handle... Thank you for the video Sarra. Sometimes I feel that I need to get things done, but I simply can't. I don't always have energy and sometimes I have so much of it that nothing seems to make a logic on the paper. I yet don't know if I'm a plotter or a pantser, but your videos always bring me joy. I hope someday I can publish my novels. For now, I just wanna say thank you so much. I don't comment often because english is not my mother language. Thank you again.
Yay! You've talked about this book in your coffee chats, and while it's not my genre, I sooo want to read it (and the others!). As it's now multi POV, I'd love some multi POV content. Happy writing!
I find your approach really resonates with me. I wish you made a transcript or even just the main points of your videos so I could review your tips and suggestions even when I’m not in a place where I can watch your videos. Your blog seems more like just another way to watch the videos.
So happy that you are doing what brings you joy! I look forward to any videos that you post. I always find inspiration in what you post and encouragement to keep going with my book!!❤
I am so excited that YOU are excited to write this story!! You’ve been struggling with book 12 and forcing things never turns out well in the end. I can’t wait to read this one!!
What I did was just as bad, to avoid the pressures, I walked away. That doesn't get stories written either. It's been years since I've written. I've been going through a lot of other things personally during that time, and I've been developing another talent. But, now I'm finally starting to feel like I might be able to write again. But, as it's tender, I'm not pushing, yet. Like weathering a seedling that is coming back up from a nearly dead root, you don't stick out outside immediately. Watching your videos is one of the things that have been helping to heal and regrow that desire that is rooted deeply, in me but had almost withered away. Thanks for sharing your heart.
I love that you share journey with us, it’s so inspiring! My favorite videos are the ones that share the process of organizing or “getting ready” to write because even though I’m not a writer I can still utilize all your tips and tricks in my business. Can’t wait to follow along on this new journey!
Your transparency, authenticity, and integrity are inspiring. I am so grateful I have found your channel, and subsequently HB90 and P&T, as you normalize the true life of a creative individual. I am grateful you are following your heart and soul into this new book. It certainly sounds like you and George have an amazing bond, and if the dreams are telling you to go for it - I'm glad you're diving in! I am excited to learn more about your process as you work through this book, but make sure to keep prioritizing yourself. 💜
I’m so glad you’re taking the time you need to breathe and recenter. You’ve inspired me. I keep going to this dark place where I feel I need to ‘make progress’ and get down words when what I want to do is take a minute to sit with my story and just let it speak to me. Idk if that makes sense, but all that to say…I love what you do here, and I’m glad your doing what you need to do for you to be happy.
I hope you enjoy today's video, which is part soul confession about what it's like to be a writer in this day and age of "never fast enough" and part eye-candy as I play with lots of stationery. Enjoy and don't forget to leave a "like" and a comment. They help so much!
Oh no! I don't want your writing process videos to leave your Heart Breathings channel! I love watching all of your methods and processes! The notecards method was game-changing for me! But I totally understand the need to cut down on obligations and focus on what you need to 🙂 I'm just being selfish 😀But as an aside, I loved the video, it was very hypnotic, and also thank you for all that you do (and bare) to us viewers! Your honesty and transparency comes through on all of your videos and it's heart-warming
@@lynnlefay9631 I was trying to say that most of my videos will likely be more closely tied to my writing process! Less stationery hauls maybe? Not sure what that will look like moving forward but don’t plan to stop covering my writing process!
@@HeartBreathings Phew! You've been so important to my author journey and can't wait to see what's next for you! All the love!
Love what your doing with your stories and how you're taking such good care not just of your mental health but also giving your creative side the time it needs to grow this story. ❤️ Definitely writing vlogs and plotting set ups. Love those videos!
Also, girl, you HAVE FINISHED so many projects already! And if finding the right projects to work on at the right time is part of what allows you to finish, more power to you. ❤️
We have become such slaves to the multi-book per year concept that it's taking all the joy from the art and the craft of writing, at least for those of us who feel pressured to follow this pattern. We should not feel guilty for taking the time to create on our own terms. Like you said, that's not the way art works.
What you said at the end about the fear of the negative comments really resonated with me....
I hope you know that the value in your content is NOT "Hey I wrote this huge pile of books", but rather in the sharing of your PROCESS and your PROGRESS-- and your absolute willingness to share your journey with us along the way....the good, the bad, AND the ugly!!!😁 Keep on keeping on, Sister!!❤️
Neal Stephenson used to have a single web page as an author saying, "thanks for reading. I don't give interviews. I don't write on demand. I don't answer emails. I am writing. Thanks for understanding. Or not." And I sooooooo respected that. I've never been able to write on demand. I wrote an epic novel series that took 15 years and spanned 5000 years of history and I never finished it or published it. Because in the end I wasn't up to the story as an author at the time. And that just is what it is. Maybe I'll finish it someday maybe not. It's been 10 years since I sat with it. But I've written 3 other books in the past, so I know it is possible. But the Muse comes to me when she comes and takes as long as she takes. Can't be rushed.
This really resonates with me - I spent several years trying to write a book that would please my agent but was never really satisfied with the results myself. I ditched the agent, and during lockdown started a new project purely for my own enjoyment. It took a while for all the pieces to come together, but it's finally written and I'm hoping to publish it early next year 😀
I love the writing vlogs and setups bc that definitely helps especially in my planner
Thank you!
No need to ask what we want to see because we want to see you writing with joy! You have done so much for us, Sarra, it's time to give back to yourself. Whatever videos come, whatever you want to share is fine with me!
Thank you so much
Loved the analogy about the gravity blanket. It's so true!
Ooh. Both writing blogs and plot setups! Yes to both! :D
Yay one of my fave type of Sarra videos. So glad you are feeling excited again x
No girl! We love you and you are real. You give us permission to breathe and create. We are not machines. Let those haters hate! Trust your heart and intuition❤️
Yes! Focus on your joy and reclaim the breathings of your heart. We'll just be over here cheering you on 💕
Wow! look at what you have achieved and you said Mid-40's? That can't be right. You look amazing. I love your books. I LOVE your videos. They bring such joy! You are doing what so many of us want to but I can't seem to get it off the ground. Well done. 🥰
We love to see you excited and joyful!! I can't wait for more "breathings from your heart!"
Sarra I'm going to be honest with you . Yes, I would love to read how Eternal Sorrows ends. But if you get Vanesa Shaw or Luna Day out before that, I'm not gonna be mad. Actually, I prefer that you put out a story you enjoy writing, because then I know I'll enjoy reading it! I'm reading the Witching Well now, so good!
This is an encouraging video in so many ways! I love that you’re becoming more confident and comfortable in yourself and your decisions (although I’ve always thought you were confident), and along the way inspiring others. I’m happy that you are happy with your plans, and as always, would love to see every process. But no pressure, I respect what you said that there might be less videos here. Love you, Sarra!!
I'm glad your taking charge of your artistic life and finding your joy in it! YOU GO GIRL!
Sarra - bravo! Thank you for sharing. Reigniting your writing passion and encouraging us to follow our hearts. 🥰
I love videos where you put together a plotting planner and all your color coding. It's so soothing to watch. Also *love* the upcoming book titles!
These last two or three years, every time I saw TDOVS in the back of your plotting planner, I thought, "there's no way she's getting to that," because every mention of it was qualified with "but first this zombie book and then this Shadow Demons book and then this witch book and then this other demon book" (and so on). It was like an unattainable reward for writing the books you "should" be writing. So, I'm happy for you that you are finally making it a priority! Have fun.
Happy for you to have found clarity! Definitely do what you want to do. Isn’t that the life we all want to create for ourselves? The freedom to live how we want! ❤️ Go for it!
Your words about writing for yourself as opposed to other people's timeline has hit me right in the jugular. Thank you. I hope you find the balance you need.
Whenever you are feeling like you are “taking too long” on a series just remember George RR Martin! 😂 Glad you are honoring your creative process and timeline!
Hello Sarra. I'm one of your Publish and Thrive 2022 students, and the most important thing I took away from the course is that every author's path is different. And you as an Indie author make choices that feel good to you. You are your own CEO, so do as you please. And after the course the first thing I did was write down: I decide upon my own pace and not the readers. Rapid publishing is not my thing, because just as you said in the video above speading up my writing would take away all the joy of writing in the first place. And if your books and stories are great your readers will wait for them. Of course you will lose some, but most of them will stick if they love your writing. And to me that is what this career is all about. Doing what you love and enjoy, and don't let anybody else dictate your pace. The course was amazing and I've learned a million. Thank you for putting it together and sharing all your wisdom with the rest of us newbies.
So glad to see you happy again! That story about George dreaming, gave me chills.
I'm so happy we're going to follow along on your writing this book! I was just missing that and wondering if your project was going okay and if you were going to keep us updated with vlogs or anything so thank you and keep going!
Yay, so glad you're happy to see this!
I would be interested in all the writing content! Thanks for the inspiration!
I watch you all the time but don't comment frequently. I love this video so much and the seeing the space you are in. Please post anything and everything on your writing process. I'm definitely with you on the dreams. When my dreams are interesting and uplifting I know I'm in the right space. Looking forward to your journey!
Your excitement with the writing process really helps me get into the right mindset. For the last few years I’ve been working on finding ways to make my process more enjoyable; finding what I truly love about it all. Thanks for helping with that!
Congratulations! Tough decision, bravely made. Art is not only craft! You are no machine. I love how you leave the pleasing place. You will go your way and things will turn out good!
Dear Sarra, your energy is just floating through this video and I'm so happy about the decision you've made! You take your time with your books and the space you need. If making less videos here and taking another two years or more to finish book twelve so be it. I'll always be happy to hear from you and read your books and waiting will not make me give up on you. I found you as an author and will always be looking forward to your projects!!!
I love that you’re “just over it”! 💜
Sarra I could not be more happy for you, and your excitement is contagious. You do so much for this community that its your right to want to do this. As I write this, I thought about this book that I have had for a while its called You are a badass by Jen Sincero, I haven't read it all but as I was opening it and I think this is a sign from the universe, I don't know but for some reason I automatically opened the book to this one page (64) and it said in capitals Do Not Waste Your Precious Time Giving One Single Crap About What Anybody Else Thinks Of You, this really resonated with me. Thank you so much for continuing to be so inspirational to all of us. So please continue to follow your heart!!!!
Watching this video inspired me to resurrect my book. Going to start plotting it today itself! Thanks a million. You are truly a Godsend.
You look so happy and relaxed!!! Get it!
Sarra, I'm so glad that you are taking the space you need to just breath and get back what to you love. Please continue to show up for yourself. As it's always been said, "you can't pour into others if you don't pour into yourself first." And yesss to the writing vlogs. I love those videos sooo much. Praying for you☺️
I love your organized setups, and Huntee, you are allowed to do what you want to do. You have earned it!😊
Thank you Dee.
Your videos and IG posts have really been speaking to my heart lately. I just realized I've still been putting pressure on myself to finish editing my stories and get them "published," even though my co-author and I decided to post them on Wattpad instead of trying to publish for profit. I've been beating myself up for not doing what I've been talking about doing. The only difference between our situations is that I've never been published, unless you count a blog that I update sporadically. Every attempt I've made lately to rekindle the flames of creativity has fizzled out, and now I think I know why. Thank you for this epiphany! Sending lots of "good juju" your way! 😉
So so happy for you making this choice, Sarra. I hear it in your voice and just feel that spark of new beginnings in the air throughout this video. Every good thing to you all! ✨
I have wanted to write novels for years. Your videos are so inspirational. I think it time to fly into my novel journey! Thank you!
Sarra I am so excited for you. I too am going through some similar thoughts about myself and slowly healing from past traumas. You got this! Find your joy!
BRAVO!!! We are SO grateful for your leadersip!!
I would love to see more of your process as you go along! And I really want to see how you use that character board. My heart hurts for you and the struggle with negativity. I'm so grateful to you for showing this side of the author world. I don't think it gets enough discussion. I'm looking forward to this new book! You are amazing.
Happy for you and I wish you lots of happy writing days!
I’m so heartened (no pun intended) to hear that someone else is going through the same thing.
So so excited and happy for you. I relate to you and your struggles *soooo* much and I'm so proud of you that you are prioritising yourself and your happiness and your creativity and your joy. So, so, so happy for you lovely! 🤗
I just can't seem to write lately, but I did get my rights back on the first book I published years ago (not the first book I wrote). I have a third of the second book written for that series but my publisher had not wanted it and I'd sat it aside years ago. And I also have a finished first draft of third book for the the series. After a lot of procrastination, I've decided to dive in to this series again and I'm starting by reading the original book (maybe do a little tweaking of the story/secondary characters) and get it ready for re-release. My HOPE is that by reading the first book after all these years, my energy will burst forward and the next two books will be ready to flow and complete. My PLAN is that I then do quick releases on the three of them at the beginning of 2023. You are exactly right...we're indie writers and we get to say what and when we write!!! Let's do this!!!
I love your writing vlogs, B rolls of you just writing and planning, etc. Basically, i love anything writing. what ever you want to share im down with it.
Sarra thank you for once again talking right into the reality of the creative process. You are also so inspirational as you move forward. After writing and publishing my last three books back to back I was so burned out. And what has started to pull me back from the brink of wondering if I will have have a creative spark again is working on other stories that are not to market completely different to what has been so successful for me. I sat down yesterday with your amazing planning materials and planned how to still write the books that pay my bills and also moonlight on these new stories coming up for me. I’m always so so grateful for your honesty and this video has so confirmed for me that I’m on the right track for my own creative well being. THANK YOU!
I stumbled upon your videos about a month ago, and I just wanted to say I admire what you are doing. I have been struggling to write my book series for years, and your content has really helped me gain a new perspective on how to plot each of my novels. I'm not 100% there yet, but you've been a huge inspiration! And go you for blocking out the haters and following your heart! Its a lesson every writer needs to learn.
That is all, keep up the awesome work!💕
Only someone who isn’t a creative would give you grief about needing to switch gears. People don’t understand that you need emotional energy to write, and we can’t always gauge where our emotional tank will be down the road. I actually really appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. So happy you’re settled into your new house and getting your writing mojo back! ❤️
It's wonderful to see you so happy :)
Thank you mary!
Loved this so much! It's inspiring to really see you own your creativity and make decisions based on what's best for you, not necessarily what others think or what the market says. Very empowering for newbie writers who want to try different things. I'm also a big fan of writing vlogs and seeing working writers in action, so definitely more of that please! And I'm excited to read this new book once it's done! Sounds absolutely delicious and amazing :)
Yes to all of this I myself am working on book 2 and a lot is happening personally and part of me is wanting to buckle down and push myself through but another part of me doesn't want to burn myself out or just go at a slower pace to what feels right. I really needed to hear this video right now and know others are dealing with the same things
Plotting, brainstorming, and scenes would be awesome.
Yesss!! Thank you! Follow your heart.
I'm so happy that you're going to be making time for YOUR writing. Good for you! I'm excited for you.
Loving this! Good for you to taking a step back and realizing what you want! I’m taking labor day weekend to do my time to think about where I’m going next and my book as well. Would love writing videos as you write your new book! 💜🙏🌸
Life-affirming magic!! Agreed, agreed, agreed about every thought you share. Sometimes we need to pivot to shake off the stagnant energy and get inspired. I'm so excited for WHATEVER you choose to joyfully create next!!
Sarra, thanks for being vulnerable - what a great video! Congrats on following your heart and I look forward to following your progress (however fast or slow that is) on both books!
You are not a failure. Nobody is a failure. I love the way you expressed yourself in this video and it is one of the many reasons why I love watching your content. You tell it like it is and you are honest! I so appreciate this video and I want the best for you and I really admire the way that you are approaching things. You've made me realise a lot about my own writing journey, so thank you for that. Excited to see what's next for you and excited to support you through it all 😀🥰
Oooh, Vanessa Shaw! I am so excited for this story!
Take the time to find your joy! That is the most important thing for any author and you DESERVE to have that joy. I'll repeat that: You DESERVE to have that joy. Best of luck with your new (again) project. :)
Right after watching this video, I started to scroll down UA-cam and there was an ad for summer fashions for women-and the model was wearing a blue shirt with TWO dragonflies!! A sign that your path leads to working on two stories at once! 😍 At least that’s what I saw the second I saw the shirt. I took a screenshot and can send it to you if you’d like to see it. 🙂
So proud of you Sarra! You are an inspiration to all of us writers who struggle with writing what’s in our hearts & not what others think we should put down on the page. I have followed you for years-gleaning all the great info you have so generously put online. I’ve hurt for your times of struggle & am thrilled to see you blossoming into the breathings of your own heart❣️
Wonderful decision! You've put yourself in the position to be able to do it. You worked hard to get to this. Go for it!
You are the wisest "authortuber" I know. Thank you for a super video :)
Love all of this. YAY for listening to your own heart and no one else's. And I love the idea that not all books can be written the same way. It opens up a lot of possibilities in my mind for my own work! I can't wait to hear how Vanessa Shaw is going for you; every time you've mentioned it in previous videos, I always thought it sounded really fun! I'll be sticking around even if you take a few steps back from Heart Breathings, so do what's best for you and we'll be along whenever you have time to share :)
Wonderful to see you so energized about a project! Thanks for such an open and honest video!
I am so happy to see your growth it is inspiring. thank you for the reminder we are artist. blessings and joy 😊
It makes me really sad to hear about people leaving you those negative comments. What happened to the old adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." I'm so glad that you have decided not to listen to the naysayers and do what is right for you. It really is inspiring for those of us who feel the same as you. It may not help those people mentioned above, but it helps me to know that it's okay to start over, get excited about new projects, even if others remain unfinished, to come up with new systems and tools. Keep doing what you're doing, Sarra. I guarantee there are more of us in your corner than not. 💙💜
I’m sooo excited for writing vlogs!! And plotting videos.
This video was so helpful - I’m right there with you on so many things. Yes, time to let go and just level up already and work on this book!
I’m so excited for you! I know I get in funks sometimes and it takes making a change to get out of it. This will be amazing for you. That last book in the saga will be even better because you allowed it time to come to you. I quit my job of 11 years this week because I just couldn’t get out of the funk I’ve been in and 3 days later I have found a whole nee spark in me. I know I’ll be able to write again. Don’t worry about what others think. Do what is best for you!
I would Love to see anything that you are able and willing to share with us. I am so happy for you! You deserve this and I know we will always support whatever choice you make. You are so kind and generous to all of by sharing your journey.
You have no idea how much I needed this today! I've been plotting away (your writing great scenes series has been a great help) but I needed something I can carry around that's visual. I'm using sheets from an old Happy Planner and doing the same. Can't wait to see what you do next.
I knew you were going to a hotel for the weekend. When I saw on the news about the rain and flooding going on in Texas, I thought, "Oh no! Where did Sarra say she was going? Is she safe?" But when you talked about the rain and how it felt like a sign for your life, I knew it was all okay. Better than okay! You do what you need to do to take care of you! Happy Writing!
Booya~ This is excellent news, You look happy and have that productive vibe blooming. Good for you and thanks for the share. Sweet Sarra, you've got this. Write on sister!
I love all of your plotting methods and tips. Really excited to see any videos you make on your journey with this story.
Just want to say that I recently read a series that was fabulous . . . right up until the last book. One of the reviews claimed the author got sick, but didn't want to miss out on her preorders, so rushed things. I'm sure some readers would have been angry about the preorder being canceled, but I think most fans would have preferred to wait longer, and receive a final book that ended the series the way it deserved. I hope most of your fans are grateful that you're taking the time that the final book needs!
So excited for you!! Many blessings as you get restarted on this story!
I am very excited for plotting and outlining and writing vlogs!
OMG, I've been watching you since you started Heart Breathings and I need to say this is the most invigorating video I've seen you do. Love the energy - Sal from Oz x
The lighting of this video is awesome! A weird comment but maybe it's encouraging. Love your heart and generosity with your fans Sarra!
I love that you and your husband are on the same page with your plans, and that he is supportive of you! I hope you enjoy your writing as you want to, and that both finished books are ones you’re proud of by the end!
I’m so blessed to have him!
Beloved do whatever you have to do to make your dreams and goals come true period NO need to explain or apologize to anyone! Good Luck beloved keep shining
I have been strugling with writing. It is what I want to do, what I dream about, to tell stories. But I have bipolar disorder and my mood swings keep being very hard to handle... Thank you for the video Sarra. Sometimes I feel that I need to get things done, but I simply can't. I don't always have energy and sometimes I have so much of it that nothing seems to make a logic on the paper.
I yet don't know if I'm a plotter or a pantser, but your videos always bring me joy. I hope someday I can publish my novels. For now, I just wanna say thank you so much. I don't comment often because english is not my mother language. Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing your story. I believe in you!
Yay! You've talked about this book in your coffee chats, and while it's not my genre, I sooo want to read it (and the others!). As it's now multi POV, I'd love some multi POV content. Happy writing!
I find your approach really resonates with me. I wish you made a transcript or even just the main points of your videos so I could review your tips and suggestions even when I’m not in a place where I can watch your videos. Your blog seems more like just another way to watch the videos.
So happy that you are doing what brings you joy! I look forward to any videos that you post. I always find inspiration in what you post and encouragement to keep going with my book!!❤
I am so excited that YOU are excited to write this story!! You’ve been struggling with book 12 and forcing things never turns out well in the end. I can’t wait to read this one!!
Thank you Sarra! I am so glad that you are feeling excited about writing and you are listening to your heart.
I'm so excited for you!
Yay I’m so excited for you! You have been such an inspiration to me and I’m grateful for you! ❤️
I love the writing and plotting vlogs and I'm super proud of you for making this momentous decision!!
You’re always an inspiration. I’m proud of you honoring yourself and what you want to do. 💕✨
What I did was just as bad, to avoid the pressures, I walked away. That doesn't get stories written either. It's been years since I've written. I've been going through a lot of other things personally during that time, and I've been developing another talent. But, now I'm finally starting to feel like I might be able to write again. But, as it's tender, I'm not pushing, yet. Like weathering a seedling that is coming back up from a nearly dead root, you don't stick out outside immediately. Watching your videos is one of the things that have been helping to heal and regrow that desire that is rooted deeply, in me but had almost withered away. Thanks for sharing your heart.
My heart goes out to you. Truly.
I love that you share journey with us, it’s so inspiring! My favorite videos are the ones that share the process of organizing or “getting ready” to write because even though I’m not a writer I can still utilize all your tips and tricks in my business. Can’t wait to follow along on this new journey!
Your transparency, authenticity, and integrity are inspiring. I am so grateful I have found your channel, and subsequently HB90 and P&T, as you normalize the true life of a creative individual. I am grateful you are following your heart and soul into this new book. It certainly sounds like you and George have an amazing bond, and if the dreams are telling you to go for it - I'm glad you're diving in!
I am excited to learn more about your process as you work through this book, but make sure to keep prioritizing yourself. 💜
I’m so glad you’re taking the time you need to breathe and recenter. You’ve inspired me. I keep going to this dark place where I feel I need to ‘make progress’ and get down words when what I want to do is take a minute to sit with my story and just let it speak to me. Idk if that makes sense, but all that to say…I love what you do here, and I’m glad your doing what you need to do for you to be happy.
Makes complete sense!