Kim on turning 50, and actually getting some writing done.
A close-up of a birthday cake with chocolate icing. Someone is lighting the candles. Photo credit Ańvēsh, on Unsplash.
Hi hi! Kim here, one of the writing coaches at Firefly.
There is this thing that happens to me every September.
It’s that January-first-new-year energy, only better, because I’m not feeling forced into making a resolution that I’m never gonna keep.
It just feels like — beginning.
This makes total sense considering that for most of the first 25 years of my life, September was a new beginning: kindergarten, grade 1, high school. Now as an adult, there’s something comforting about getting back into a routine after the summertime pell-mell of activities, outings, dog walks, festivals, and grocery shopping.
This year, that fresh-start energy was even higher than usual because it’s my birthday in September, and it’s a big one. I turned 50! It was impossible to ignore the question — what is starting fresh this fall?
Of course, I started thinking about writing.
One of the questions that we hear so often from writers is: How do I get myself to write more?
How do I get my butt in that chair? How do I just do it?
I struggle with this myself. I’ve tried so many things.
Putting writing time in my calendar
Getting up early
Writing during my Netflix hours
Setting intentions
Setting deadlines
Creating mini habits
Creating elastic habits
All of these worked… for about a week.
It finally dawned on me that certain things do work for me, and that maybe I should be doing more of those things instead of trying to make things work that never have.
Truth is — the only thing that gets my butt in that chair is other people.
That’s the main (and sometimes only) ingredient for me. Sometimes it’s a big group and other times it’s a small one. Sometimes it’s in person and other times it’s on Zoom. What matters is just that they are there.
I spent so many years trying things that don’t work, and just felt really disappointed when it didn’t happen.
Now that I’m trusting my instincts, and doing what feels right, I’m way more satisfied and productive.
Enter: Push Week.
We created this during the height of Covid when we were all stuck inside. I’ve kept it going because it just works so well for me.
It’s a 5-day program where a group of writers gather over and over for long and short writing sessions. Some are facilitated, some are not. Some are in the morning, some are in the evening. All are optional. The whole thing ends with a big Open Mic night and celebration at the end.
I can’t say this enough — Push Week is my happy place. It’s where I get to write in good company, stay on course, and indulge my need for short, intense writing spurts.
I won’t be one of the main facilitators this time around, instead I’m gifting myself this time to be a participant.
It’s a birthday gift to myself. I can’t imagine a better one.
Also very cool — since this is a large format program (no maximum number of participants) all spots are sliding scale, so you can find a price that works for you.
There’s a lesson in here that’s bigger than this one program.
We all have our own recipe for writing flow. When I stopped fighting myself and started doing what I know works, something changed for me. This program is what came from that.
The big question is — what works for you? Do you need to write by hand, or on a computer? Deadline, or freedom? Lots of time, or intensive spurts? Noise in the background, or perfect quiet? Snacks? Socks?
See what happens when you listen to yourself, and lean into what works for you.
In it with you,
