What I learnt from this challenge from Day 1 (06.03.24) to now Day 70 (15.05.24)

1. While it might work for Stephen King, 90 days is too long for me. For my next challenge I’m going try to do 50,000 words over 50 days & post weekly updates on Monday – I’ll see how I get on.
2. My experience posting blogs has increased. I’m getting quicker, not worrying too much about mistakes – which has ultimately boosted my confidence and is helping me find my voice as a writer.
3. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound (SMART) goals was key. That along with the accountability I felt from posting the weekly updates has helped me keep on track. Thank you, invisible readers!
4. I had set myself a goal of 90,000 words in 90 days but didn’t achieve it. In the past, I would have been disappointed, been hard on myself for not reaching the goal, and given up and stopped posting. Challenging myself to stay present in the uncomfortable unknown space has been huge for me. Its taken a long time but valuing compassion and acceptance for myself, over productivity, is a healthier and nicer space to hold for myself. I’m ok that I didn’t reach the goal and I’m proud to witness that piece of personal growth.
5. From a project management point of view, writing a memoir is a Big project and is a non-linear process (it doesn’t follow a logical order). Keep coming back to your writing ‘why’, keep yourself committed to the creative process by showing up, and give yourself permission to be flexible to change direction or set new goals – but make sure you do it intentionally & write it down.
6. Digging deep into the emotions and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is challenging –  self-care is imperative.
7. I have learnt so much about myself as a writer, my creative process and how I’ve been holding myself back. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.
8. I have not given up! I am as determined as ever! (Two sentences with two explanation marks so you know I’m serious, lol). The themes I’m working with are playing out for me in real time, so the lines between art and real life can be blurry. It’s interesting & challenging to watch art imitate life.

What next for the memoir project?

1. I’m going to write an updated synopsis – the last one I did for my memoir was in 2021.
2. What is the hook for my memoir? My brain is percolating that question.
3. I’m still journaling, reflecting, and processing, and that will continue but for now I’m taking a step back from writing the memoir. Word count for Creative down draft for memoir  = 57,417 words at 70 days.
4. When I take a break from a project I often find it difficult to get back into it – so this time I’m using a visual prompt to help me when I’m ready to return. Cue nerdy Cork Board (ready to fill) – post-it notes for each chapter (21 in total) and a row for each part (7 chapters in each part).

Great job Christine – now go ahead and do that dance of joy to celebrate your achievements!

Thanks for reading/liking and best of luck with your own creative endeavours.