Finding Joy in the Process

Lessons in Life and Writing

I’ll admit that, professionally, I’ve been in a weird place for the last few years. I’m a traditionally published author who worked damn hard to get my book out into the world, only to then realize it would take just as much work to do the same thing all over again. In other words, life after publication didn’t go quite how I expected. There was no immediate second book deal. I parted with my first agent. I wrote two more books after Not Our Summer that no one wanted. And now, I’ve switched genres completely to go back to my first book: a YA time travel romance.

Of course, these aren’t all complaints. I’m quite okay with how things have turned out. And if you haven’t read the story of how this last part came to be (and are interested), feel free to check out this post.

But working on a book you wrote so long ago, one that has undergone more edits than any book you’ve written since— and one that needs even MORE edits yet—is a real mind trip. I’m a hard worker, but let’s be honest, continuous rounds of edits can bog down even the most optimistic and diligent of writers.

After going on sub last fall with THE TRAVELER and not getting the eager response we were hoping to get, my agent and I decided to pursue more changes in order to really delve into the dystopian elements of this novel. I knew when I agreed to this, however, that I’d be faced with two options going forward:

1.) Slog my way through a big round of edits again

OR

2.) Rediscover joy in the process

Another tidbit about me: I’ve been on a bit of a self-discovery journey lately, so I knew I would have to aim for option number two. If I want to survive as a writer/author, finding joy in the process is essential.

And you know what? It’s funny how such a seemingly simple mindset shift can make all the difference. I’m usually a deadline person. If no one sets them for me, I love to set them for myself. But this time, there are no deadlines. Sure, I have a rough idea of when I’ll finish my edits, but I’m focusing on the journey rather than the destination. I am dedicating several hours each weekday (and weekends if I feel like it) to working on this book, but that’s how I like to do things. Keep in mind this could look different for different people.

If I need to hit pause in order to think things through or just take a break, I’m doing that too. I’ve found that walks and mowing and listening to my book playlist can do wonders when I’m feeling stuck.

Yes, I still want to sell this book (and badly!) but right now, I’m not thinking of anyone else other than myself and what I want for this book. Editors will either love it or they won’t. That part is out of my control.

For a change of scenery, I’ve been taking to our new outdoor kitchen to work much of the time, and I find being outdoors, surrounded by birdsong and summer air, quite invigorating. I often have coffee or glass of tea, along something chocolate at my disposal. :-) Yes, writing and editing are still work, but it’s also supposed to be fun, and I think so many of us who’ve been at this for a while have forgotten that.

If you’re feeling blah about writing these days, I encourage you to take a step back for a moment. Remember why you started this journey in the first place. Forget the comparison game. And do whatever you can to rediscover joy in the process. For me, it’s been a game changer.

Book Giveaway Winner

Congrats to H. Rose for winning my double book giveaway last month! I gave away a copy of A Catalog of Burnt Objects by Shana Youngdahl as well as a copy of Not Our Summer.

Stay tuned for future book giveaways on here!

Wishing you all joy in writing and reading,

Casie