Writing as a cure

 I have loved the time with the Coronavirus vacation. It has been so difficult for so many people. They didn't know what to do with the free time. Children were home and we weren't allowed to roam the streets because everything was closed. Trips to Walmart were a production with masks, gloves and handsanitizer, but I don't have to tell you any of this...you lived it. 
   For me, the last, almost, six months have been amazing. I've been working on projects one at at time or sometimes many all at once. Getting things crossed off my to-do list like a boss. I wrote a book in February and another in May. I've edited a few projects that I'm now working on self-publishing. 
   I know I'm rare. For me, writing and editing and creating new projects was my cure to the COVID blues. I had my family with me most of the time and I was so happy to announce that I had projects completed. 
   What can  you do to move yourself forward? I suggest you write a list and put everything on it. Once that is done, prioritize your list by what seems exciting and what are you willing to work on. Now, block out time and get to work. 
   Set a time for 30 minutes and focus for that whole time. Sit in front of your computer until the timer goes off. When the timer goes off, run around for a little while (no longer than 30 minutes), throw laundry in, do some dishes or let the dog out. These are all chores I use as procrastination. When the 30  minute "rest" is over, sit back down, set the timer and get back to work. Do this as many times as you can and you will see your list decreasing in size over the days and weeks.  
    October is now dubbed "Plantober" in honor of NaNoWriMo, which is National Novel Writing Month in November. To "win" NaNo, you have to plan in October. If you're not an author, use October to plan all of the great projects you can get done in November. Get the tools together, stock up on paint brushes. 
   I hope to write my second pirate novel in November. I have it planned out, now I need to block out my writing time and get ready for November first. 
   I hope this was helpful and enlightening. Let's rock the next two months. 
   Write to me at [email protected], or visit me on FB at Author Michelle Libby.

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