Thank you so much for this Rebecca. I am undergoing a revamp. The ideas are there, my substack page revamped, or ongoing, but then I thought, what next. I love you plan, simple but inspired. I am going to nick it. I love your artwork. I was a bit in doldrums this morning you gave lifted my spirits. I may even get my pastels late xxx
A wonderful technique to take the pressure off. If it’s voluntary and Not Fun, then it just ends up as a burden. But you’ve made it all manageable. The Carrot approach certainly works for me. Well done. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗😘
Thanks so much, Beth! Carrots are much more fun than sticks, aren't they? And gosh yes - the word 'burden' - of course a donkey is a beast of burden....! I'd missed that metaphor, hadn't I?! 🤣
Of course, the list part of it is vital and something I always associate with you.
But I am such a pantster - my novels, my substack, quickly scrawled shopping lists before I dash off to buy food.
Like you, I'm a Saturday Substacker but by Sunday, I'm thinking 'Oh God! What on earth shall I write about next week?' Something of course, always turns up, but perhaps I need organisation, plans, bullet points. Or maybe not...
With the novels, I have an idea which I quickly plot into 2 pages, and then I just write, beginning at the beginning and going right through to the end. I let the characters take me on a journey rather than me telling them where they should go. It's exciting, surprising. I realised after reading your essay that the excitement of writing as a panster is my carrot.
LOL, Prue - it's lovely to hear your side of things!
I like to decide in advance - but not massively in advance - things that I'm going to write about, because once I've got an idea for a post I can be mulling it over for a while. Some ideas get written about straight away - for instance, I was so excited to have found that lost ticket that that became a post very soon afterwards - but others need more time or research, or I miss the seasonality of the subject, or I just don't WANT to write about just yet. I had an idea a few months ago for a post which is proving tricky - but I'm really pleased to have it in my Ideas Factory for when I feel like writing about it! And the seasonality thing - I found a lovely thing to write about last October... and then when I next blinked I realised that it was Christmas and nobody wants to read about golden autumn tints at Christmas! 🤣
I love that your carrot is pantsing! Thank you so much for sharing your process. It's great that your characters find their own way. Whenever I start to write I let my rational brain take a back seat and just see where the words end up taking me - well, they take me by surprise, most of the time! My recent post about the Austin shopping list, for instance, ended up mostly about geographical differences in seafood nomenclature - I hadn't seen THAT coming! 🤣
And that's now made me think of all the words for 'carrot' in the German language: Karotte, Mohrrübe, Wurzel, Möhre... blimey...! 🤣
Another metaphorical tack: Writing is a wellspring, not a machine. It bubbles up. There’s no “on” switch. You can’t force it. Rather, you need to listen for the gurgling, and dip your ladle in to scoop it up. And I find that the dipping act itself brings more gurgling. All wet here! 💦💦💦💦
LOL - thanks, Sharron! Having just been away for a week in the van for work I've just spent this morning reorganising the freezer... we ended up bringing quite a lot of stuff home, and when I'd got it back into the freezer it needed re-dotting onto my list! 🤣
"I don’t have a boss in this job, I have the freedom to find my own way, and it doesn’t matter if I get a little lost." This affirmation means so much to me. One of the reasons I don't want to get paid for my writing is that I don't want it to become a "job". I don't want the pressure of having to perform or conform. I am constantly amazed at your organizational skills, Rebecca. And that you keep to your plan.
Sharron, thank you so much - and I think I'm the same with the 'job' thing.
I regret that years ago I'd allowed myself to be led by people who were telling me that I should turn my glass art hobby into a business. I went for it, and guess what? I lost a hobby, and gained a whole heap of anxiety!
Pressure to perform is horrid. It's why I left Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It's also why you won't find me on 'Notes'. 🙂 Can't cope.
Congratulations on letting yourself out of the madhouses that are Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I am told that if one has been an inmate it is hard to check out? An addiction that is tough to overcome. Smart girl. I personally don't have the time to read "Notes", but I DO restack and recommend writers or posts occasionally. It feels good to give others a boost. Like a little gift. Have a happy week!
Thanks very much for the mentions, Rebecca. My cheque is in the post. I think your approach to planning is very good. In the last proper job I had, the annual plan I was given was ludicrous, only achievable if nobody was sick or had a holiday, and if we all worked 24/7. The first thing I did in my first meeting with my team was rework the list together so that some of it was actually doable. Jordan Peterson has said that a plan with 200 targets is not a plan at all, but a wish list. I myself plan meticulously; I even have a spreadsheet to schedule it all and map it out. And almost always I end up either writing a ticklist in Google Docs or a bulleted list on the back of old compliments slips I had printed ages ago.
I always assumed that on the Wednesdays you're not writing to me you're going round rummaging in people's recycling bins for discarded shopping lists (I've met your sort before).
Anyway, I always enjoy writing to you and reading your letters. We have a good laugh, don't we. And we learn a lot from each other too. For example, you're going to learn how to make a cup of tea properly when you read my next letter.
This was a great article, very interesting, lovely illustrations. Keep up the good work, but don't give up the day job.
I like what you've said about Jordan Peterson's 'wish list' - and it's rather reminded me of that adage that if everything's highlighted then none of it's highlighted. Discernment is a large part of deciding what to write about in the first place - almost a form of 'pre-editing', perhaps!
I am NOT a bin diver! But thank you. 🙄😉
There is absolutely no way that you will convince me that any other method for making a cup of tea than the one shown in my 100% accurate and highly-instructive video is worthy of your use of the word 'properly'. I therefore await your letter with interest (and suspicion)!
Excellent reminder Rebecca to not beat oneself up when life gets too busy. Old Gold is always fun. I have avoided keeping a posting schedule because I know it would soon turn writing into a chore for me. I suppose if I had paid subscribers, I would feel an obligation to keep to a schedule.
I do admire the discipline of your lists though. I write things on the back of envelopes and promptly lose them.
Thanks, Jim! And that's a good idea to avoid anything that would make writing feel like a chore. Although I do like to stick to a regular posting schedule I don't feel that it's set in stone - and like you, I think I'd feel a whole lot differently about posting if I had paid subscribers. I'm allergic to 'should' and 'I ought to'!
And now I'm hankering for the freedom of a list on the back of an envelope......!
Love this little insight Rebecca into your planning process! I always find it interesting to know whether other writers wing it or have a dedicated plan or are somewhere between the two. I'm inspired by your feelings of freedom and not worrying if you get lost as I tend to worry about getting lost and I sometimes worry about getting it wrong. It's all one big learning journey, right!? 💜💫
🥕
Thank you so much for this Rebecca. I am undergoing a revamp. The ideas are there, my substack page revamped, or ongoing, but then I thought, what next. I love you plan, simple but inspired. I am going to nick it. I love your artwork. I was a bit in doldrums this morning you gave lifted my spirits. I may even get my pastels late xxx
I used to love fruit pastels but my doctor won't allow me to eat them
🤣
Oh Jo, what a lovely comment - thank you. I'm so glad my plan has offered you some ideas for vamping your revamp!
And yay to digging out those pastels - I hope you have a brilliant time with them. 😊
A wonderful technique to take the pressure off. If it’s voluntary and Not Fun, then it just ends up as a burden. But you’ve made it all manageable. The Carrot approach certainly works for me. Well done. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗😘
Thanks so much, Beth! Carrots are much more fun than sticks, aren't they? And gosh yes - the word 'burden' - of course a donkey is a beast of burden....! I'd missed that metaphor, hadn't I?! 🤣
This is very helpful - I’ve been somewhat detailed from previous planning processes and needed a little nudge to start again!
Thanks, Alison - I'm so glad it's helpful! 😊
This is rather inspirational, Rebecca.
Of course, the list part of it is vital and something I always associate with you.
But I am such a pantster - my novels, my substack, quickly scrawled shopping lists before I dash off to buy food.
Like you, I'm a Saturday Substacker but by Sunday, I'm thinking 'Oh God! What on earth shall I write about next week?' Something of course, always turns up, but perhaps I need organisation, plans, bullet points. Or maybe not...
With the novels, I have an idea which I quickly plot into 2 pages, and then I just write, beginning at the beginning and going right through to the end. I let the characters take me on a journey rather than me telling them where they should go. It's exciting, surprising. I realised after reading your essay that the excitement of writing as a panster is my carrot.
Thank you!
LOL, Prue - it's lovely to hear your side of things!
I like to decide in advance - but not massively in advance - things that I'm going to write about, because once I've got an idea for a post I can be mulling it over for a while. Some ideas get written about straight away - for instance, I was so excited to have found that lost ticket that that became a post very soon afterwards - but others need more time or research, or I miss the seasonality of the subject, or I just don't WANT to write about just yet. I had an idea a few months ago for a post which is proving tricky - but I'm really pleased to have it in my Ideas Factory for when I feel like writing about it! And the seasonality thing - I found a lovely thing to write about last October... and then when I next blinked I realised that it was Christmas and nobody wants to read about golden autumn tints at Christmas! 🤣
I love that your carrot is pantsing! Thank you so much for sharing your process. It's great that your characters find their own way. Whenever I start to write I let my rational brain take a back seat and just see where the words end up taking me - well, they take me by surprise, most of the time! My recent post about the Austin shopping list, for instance, ended up mostly about geographical differences in seafood nomenclature - I hadn't seen THAT coming! 🤣
And that's now made me think of all the words for 'carrot' in the German language: Karotte, Mohrrübe, Wurzel, Möhre... blimey...! 🤣
I really am going to take a leaf out of your book and note down Substack ideas.
I'm going to call it the Rebeccan List!
😍
Another metaphorical tack: Writing is a wellspring, not a machine. It bubbles up. There’s no “on” switch. You can’t force it. Rather, you need to listen for the gurgling, and dip your ladle in to scoop it up. And I find that the dipping act itself brings more gurgling. All wet here! 💦💦💦💦
I could not have said it better, Peter, especially when it comes to fiction.
Interesting analogy. I agree.
Such a great way to look at it, Peter - thank you! 🙌
I can't wait to read about the 'scary fish movies' topic. Ha ha!
Me ,too!! Sounds like a departure.
I LOVE a scary fish movie! That post is one for the future, but I'll give you plenty of warning to have time to get out of the water! 🦈
This was really enjoyable. I loved it. Always fascinating to see how other peoples’ minds work
Thanks, Julie! 😊
Thanks so much for the mention and tag :) I loved seeing how you plan and schedule. I’m not nearly so organised but do feel inspired!
Such a pleasure, Nat! And thank you so much for reading! 😊
Carrots! Thank you so much for sharing this! I always love your process posts (your meal plan post is amazing.) I'll be re-reading this.
That meal plan post was EPIC! I was so impressed.
LOL - thanks, Sharron! Having just been away for a week in the van for work I've just spent this morning reorganising the freezer... we ended up bringing quite a lot of stuff home, and when I'd got it back into the freezer it needed re-dotting onto my list! 🤣
Aww, thanks, Nancy! So glad you enjoyed it! 😊
"I don’t have a boss in this job, I have the freedom to find my own way, and it doesn’t matter if I get a little lost." This affirmation means so much to me. One of the reasons I don't want to get paid for my writing is that I don't want it to become a "job". I don't want the pressure of having to perform or conform. I am constantly amazed at your organizational skills, Rebecca. And that you keep to your plan.
Sharron, thank you so much - and I think I'm the same with the 'job' thing.
I regret that years ago I'd allowed myself to be led by people who were telling me that I should turn my glass art hobby into a business. I went for it, and guess what? I lost a hobby, and gained a whole heap of anxiety!
Pressure to perform is horrid. It's why I left Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It's also why you won't find me on 'Notes'. 🙂 Can't cope.
Congratulations on letting yourself out of the madhouses that are Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I am told that if one has been an inmate it is hard to check out? An addiction that is tough to overcome. Smart girl. I personally don't have the time to read "Notes", but I DO restack and recommend writers or posts occasionally. It feels good to give others a boost. Like a little gift. Have a happy week!
Your posts and Noted are the highlights of my Substack feed! Most of what I read is politics, but you and Jillian are pure enjoyment.
Kerry, that's such a gorgeous thing to say - thank you so much! 😘
Thanks very much for the mentions, Rebecca. My cheque is in the post. I think your approach to planning is very good. In the last proper job I had, the annual plan I was given was ludicrous, only achievable if nobody was sick or had a holiday, and if we all worked 24/7. The first thing I did in my first meeting with my team was rework the list together so that some of it was actually doable. Jordan Peterson has said that a plan with 200 targets is not a plan at all, but a wish list. I myself plan meticulously; I even have a spreadsheet to schedule it all and map it out. And almost always I end up either writing a ticklist in Google Docs or a bulleted list on the back of old compliments slips I had printed ages ago.
I always assumed that on the Wednesdays you're not writing to me you're going round rummaging in people's recycling bins for discarded shopping lists (I've met your sort before).
Anyway, I always enjoy writing to you and reading your letters. We have a good laugh, don't we. And we learn a lot from each other too. For example, you're going to learn how to make a cup of tea properly when you read my next letter.
This was a great article, very interesting, lovely illustrations. Keep up the good work, but don't give up the day job.
Terry, thank you for this lovely comment!
I like what you've said about Jordan Peterson's 'wish list' - and it's rather reminded me of that adage that if everything's highlighted then none of it's highlighted. Discernment is a large part of deciding what to write about in the first place - almost a form of 'pre-editing', perhaps!
I am NOT a bin diver! But thank you. 🙄😉
There is absolutely no way that you will convince me that any other method for making a cup of tea than the one shown in my 100% accurate and highly-instructive video is worthy of your use of the word 'properly'. I therefore await your letter with interest (and suspicion)!
Excellent reminder Rebecca to not beat oneself up when life gets too busy. Old Gold is always fun. I have avoided keeping a posting schedule because I know it would soon turn writing into a chore for me. I suppose if I had paid subscribers, I would feel an obligation to keep to a schedule.
I do admire the discipline of your lists though. I write things on the back of envelopes and promptly lose them.
Good idea Mitch but I've also lost my address stickers.
🤣
Thanks, Jim! And that's a good idea to avoid anything that would make writing feel like a chore. Although I do like to stick to a regular posting schedule I don't feel that it's set in stone - and like you, I think I'd feel a whole lot differently about posting if I had paid subscribers. I'm allergic to 'should' and 'I ought to'!
And now I'm hankering for the freedom of a list on the back of an envelope......!
Loved this glimpse into your scheduling process!! And, of course, thanks for mentioning Noted💛
Thanks so much, Jillian! And that's my pleasure - 'Noted' is one of my favourite things to read! 😍
Love this little insight Rebecca into your planning process! I always find it interesting to know whether other writers wing it or have a dedicated plan or are somewhere between the two. I'm inspired by your feelings of freedom and not worrying if you get lost as I tend to worry about getting lost and I sometimes worry about getting it wrong. It's all one big learning journey, right!? 💜💫
Lyndsay, you're so right - it's absolutely one big learning journey! Thank you so much for reading!
I totally hear you about worrying about getting lost and getting it wrong. That's me to a T!