Dear Friend,
Motivational experts say nothing is impossible!
Even taking the proverbial “How to eat an elephant?” question, which I would not, because the elephants deserve to thrive in the world. The answer is: One bite at a time.
As I taught communication courses earlier in my life, I helped people explore best practices for efficiency and productivity. Sure, eat an elephant one bite at a time, which means you’re breaking things down into manageable components so it’s possible to conquer the challenge of a gigantic project. Like a book, for instance.
Now, take the opposite approach. Take a bunch of annoying minor items that seem to hound you and block your progress. Then group the minor items and plan to knock them out in one block of time. The reward, you get them done and don’t have them hanging around bothering you. I have considered writing more than one blog in a week, releasing them over several weeks and saving myself time for pure book writing. I have yet to do that, as I prefer writing with a sense of immediacy. What you’re seeing I conjured this week from things happening to me or in the world, NOW.
And immediacy certainly pertains to my writing, since I write Contemporary (Steamy) Romance. I provide settings that are realistic for how the characters react, fitting our time. This week, my brain came up with a way to say something that was emphatic, but dated. (Forgive me, I’ve forgotten the specific phrase.) I started researching until I found words that reflected a more contemporary approach to what the character meant.
Randy’s Dilemma is hitting its major challenge this week, testing the protagonists’ resolve. How will they handle the challenge? Will they meet the challenge together, or will it create issues for their relationship?
To answer these questions, you’ll need to read the book when it comes out next month! It won’t be a gigantic or impossible effort to read Randy’s Dilemma. I included the maximum amount of love and steamy scenes with the minimum required amount of soul-searing grief.
Didn’t you know? Romance needs challenges, with characters being tested, and bugged, pestered, and sometimes tormented, so they can get to their HEA.(The Happily Ever After.) The joke among romance writers is that you should chase your protagonist up a tree, throw rocks at them, and then, burn the tree down. I have a really hard time with that!
Challenge for this week: Try the “one bite at a time” for a project you’ve been procrastinating on accomplishing. If that doesn’t work, switch, and group components to knock the project out. Just get started!
If you need motivation, take a break and read my short story, a humorous, fun story with Louisa’s Vineyard characters. Go to my home page, and click on the story, A Picnic at the Lake.
What do you do to accomplish what seems like an overwhelming task? Please share and email me at : Shelley@ShelleySommers.com or put your answer in the box below.
May you meet all your challenges and fulfill them!
Hugs,
Shelley
