Keep Going Through the Middle
It’s about the half way point of the
Chapter Book Challenge, and we’re all at different points in our journey. Some
people are powering along, and others are still just starting. Wherever you’re
at, well done. You are further along in your book than you were at the start of
the month.
It is also the point when many of us start
slowing down and getting burnt out.
Don’t worry; you’re not the only one
feeling like this.
I’ve been participating in the Chapter
Book Challenge since the start and here are some of my tips for getting through
the middle:
Take
a break – A night off can make a huge difference.
I now factor in a night off when I’m planning my writing time.
Sit
somewhere different – Maybe you just need a
change in scenery. Take your notebook or laptop to a café, or even just sit on
the couch if you usually sit at a desk. A change is as good as a holiday,
right?
Use
a different medium – If you normally write
on a computer, try writing a chapter in a note book, or vice versa. It’s the
same idea as writing somewhere different as a change can help you get a new
perspective and help get you excited about your writing once more.
Get
some feedback – Sometimes it can be helpful to get
a bit of feedback on what you’ve written so far. It could be from other members
of the challenge, or from someone in your family. I get feedback from my kids.
Review
your research – If you’ve been doing a lot of
research for your book, reviewing your research can give you a fresh
perspective on your topic, or give you some ideas for things you could include.
Even if no new ideas come, it can help you get excited about your topic again.
Whatever you do to refresh yourself, keep
going. There is still half the month left. You can do it.
About the Author
Melissa Gijsbers is an Australian author and blogger. She has had
flash fiction stories feature in a number of anthologies and her first
children’s book, Swallow Me, NOW! was written in the 2013 Chapter Book
Challenge, and was published in October 2014. When she’s not writing or coming
up with ideas for stories, she’s running around after two active boys and
working in the family business. You can find her online at MelissaGijsbers.com or on Facebook.
Give-away
Melissa Gijsbers has generously offered an e-book copy of her book "Swallow Me, NOW!" as a prize for one lucky member. If you are a signed-up member of the challenge, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post in order to be entered into the drawing. the winner will be selected by a random number generator on March 31st.
