Starting From Scratch
The first word is always the hardest
"Find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible, and approach life from there with ease." - Deepak Chopra
Dear Friend
How are you feeling today?
I’m a tad bit nervous, a little excited and procrastinating the hell out of Monday morning to be honest with you. As today marks the beginning of my next writing challenge - one that I’ve been eager to start, but the truth be told, I’ve got myself into a right old pickle.
It’s the starting of anything new, when spend far too many hours pondering and procrastinating. I find myself hesitating each morning, yet enjoying being so easily distracted by the laundry, family taxi services or answering work emails.
As I sit here at my laptop, waiting to get back into the groove of writing my Substack newsletter, I can’t help but feel a swirl of emotions. I’ve promised myself that I’ll write the bare bones of my new book “Journal with Ease”. This book has been sat on my book ideas list for a couple of years now, with me playing around with it and feeling “meh” about the whole idea. You see, this book is close to my heart. It’s not just another writing project; it’s a piece of my story, part memoir, part journaling guide designed to help women, like me, channel their emotions into something more positive and creative.
You may have read in my most recent newsletter Back From Hiatus, about the whole twist of my new book and the fact I’ll be writing my new book LIVE here on Substack. Why? Because I need accountability. I spent a whole year writing every day on Substack, I know I’m capable of writing consistently, but now I need to polish my writing practice and write with purpose, as apposed to rambling.
For those of you who are my cherished paid subscribers, you’ll get to see the raw, unpolished process behind creating “Journal with Ease”. Twice a week ( I hope), on Mondays and Fridays, you’ll witness the evolution of this book in real time - oh my gosh, what am I even thinking?! How is this going to pan out? I feel it’s doomed before I’ve even begun. Do you ever feel like this? Overthinking a writing challenge and then wasting time worrying rather than actually writing? Well I’m going to give it my best shot and I just pray you’ll enjoy reading through the highs and lows and everything in between on how to pull together a book LIVE on Substack.
I won’t lie to you, starting this writing challenge, project, whatever it’s going to end up being, especially one that is so personal, comes with its fair share of anxieties.
So where do I begin?
How do I encapsulate the essence of what journaling has meant to me and pour everything I’ve learnt, felt frustrated by and ignited by into one publication?
How I wish that I had journaled more through the years of my youth and especially when trying to navigate my way through divorce, bankruptcy and homelessness. There is a shed load of baggage to unpack, some really crazy time, lots of which I’ve compartmentalised. But now as I enter my 50’s, I’m fascinated by how transformative and life changing therapeutic journaling can be, especially for those experiencing major life challenges.
So many unanswered questions that I’d like to dive into, lift the lid on pandora’s box, channel my thoughts and share with you how therapeutic journaling becomes the balm for YOUR soul, no matter what your age or stage in life you’re at.
But today, instead of letting those questions paralyse me, I’m choosing to do what I do best - start small. Rather than diving headfirst into the writing, I’m easing into it today by curating some journaling prompts. They are not just for me, but for you also. They’ll hopefully serve as a gentle nudge, a way to ease your own anxieties and get the creative juices flowing, especially if you’re like me, procrastinating about how and when to start writing a book.
Whether you’re looking to start a new journaling practice or write a book, I think these prompts will be the kick up the butt you’re looking for, I know they are for me!
1. What emotions am I feeling right now?
2. What am I anxious about regards my writing, and how can I address it?
3. Describe a recent writing challenge I've faced and how I overcame it.
4. What does creativity mean to me and how do I express it?
5. What’s stopping me from writing 100 words, right here right now?
I invite you to use these prompts as you so wish - whether daily, weekly or whenever you need a moment of introspection. I’m going to use these prompts as my guideposts this week and I hope they can be useful for you too.
As I move through the weeks of autumn, I’m excited to hear from you. About your writing challenges, feedback about your journaling and your day to day frustrations when you’re feeling lost for words. I guess all I have to say now is that this process of writing my book LIVE on Substack is as much about you, as it is about me. So please feel free to comment, ask questions or even suggest ideas as we go along. I co-write with a fellow substacker
each week, so if you fancy joining us please let me know via DM.Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter today. I’ll be back this Friday with hopefully more gumption and less procrastination.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
What’s On with Ease
Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - ONLY 1 BEDROOM LEFT - 16th-18th November 2024
Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with another 6 women for the October class.
More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop-27th September 2024. Almost SOLD OUT!
Storytelling with ease & Tim Lott - This day retreat will cover both memoir and fiction. It will concentrate on the emotional journey of being a writer; but also the practical aspects of how to get your ideas on the page; including creating outlines, generating story ideas and understanding story structure and character development. 25th October 2024
Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale. New date just launched. Friday 8th November in Oxfordshire. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.
Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT. 18th-20th October 2024
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
– Maya Angelou
I loved this Tanya - thank you for sharing - starting IS always the hardest - and then consistency I find!!