Happy Monday, Nerds!
I've begun reading Write for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer by Julia Cameron. I'm on Week 3 and have implemented a couple of her tools. The biggest takeaway from the book so far is the Morning Pages exercise.
Morning Pages are three full-size pages (8.5x11) written longhand every morning. The idea is that the very first thing you do in the morning (albeit, after brewing a cup of Joe... poor Joe) is write your Morning Pages. These pages aren't part of your work in progress, but you're writing about anything and everything that comes to mind.
I've found since starting this that I'm able to clear away the junk that lives rent-free in my mind. When I wake up, the first thing I'm thinking about is what I need to do for the day, who I need to email, what projects I'm working on, the personal errands that need to happen, that episode of Severance I watched last night that broke me, oh! the dogs are hungry, and did I remember to set out the dumpster? I should donate my old glasses... You get the idea.
But the simple act of "braindumping" my thoughts first thing in the morning has been really helpful for decluttering my brain before starting my day. It's like meditation, but I don't have to stress about sitting still.
That's all great, Katrina, but how I do get started? What do I do with my hands?
That's a great question. I'm glad you asked.
Morning Pages
Very first thing in the morning, grab a notebook or paper (8.5x11) and a pen or pencil. NO KEYBOARDS. You have to write this longhand - this removes distractions.
Find a cozy and/or quiet place to write.
Write everything and anything that pops into your head. If this means you're writing "So this is my first day of Morning Pages. I'm just going to keep writing like this to fill space. I love coffee, it keeps me going" then that's ok! The point is to dedicate time every morning to write your brain out.
You must fill all 3 pages. Even if you're just rambling. Again, that's ok!
I've found I'll wind up brainstorming my way through story ideas or plot issues while I'm writing my Morning Pages. Because I've given myself space to just sit and think, I'm able to work through a few things I expected to feel overwhelmed by.
Let me know if you give Morning Pages a shot! I'd love to hear if you find it helpful or not!
You can purchase a copy of Write for Life here.
Thanks to everyone who joined Scarlett Hoffman’s book launch on Saturday! We celebrated the launch of the third book in her series, The Lost Fairy Chronicles. We had a great time with some great giveaways!
We also have
's book launch party scheduled for next Sunday, February 23rd at 1p CST. She’s just released her debut novel, Villain Era Goddess, and there will be some fun giveaways there, too! I hope to see you there!
Join us for the Villain Era Goddess book launch party!
Join us as we celebrate the release of this thrilling new nonfiction book by The Fiction Lab's very own Ashley Kim! Don't miss out on the chance to meet the author, hear about the inspiration behind the book, and maybe even win a signed copy!
Date: Sun Feb 23 2025
Time: 13:00:00 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)
Wishing you ink-stained fingers and carpal tunnel,
Katrina Schroeder
Founder of The Fiction Lab
Editor & Book Coach