Today I’m hiking the La Luz trail. A breathtaking hike that rises 3,200 feet over 7.5 miles to Sandia Peak. I’m taking on the challenge to prove to myself that I can still meet this challenge despite my aging knees.
Hiking up a mountain is much like writing a novel. Both are hard and require determination, perseverance, and a willingness to push through difficulties. I wrote about the similarities in my post Taking the first step to writing a novel.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of writing a novel and doubt your abilities. But just like hiking, taking it one step at a time is important. Each word, each sentence, and each chapter is a small victory that brings you closer to your goal. Take time to celebrate those achievements and relish the journey.
Another way to appreciate the journey is to look up and see where you are. Take in the progress you’re making and allow it to motivate you. When I feel I’ve reached my limit and can’t go on, I set micro targets. Something just out of reach that seems easy to accomplish.
When I’m hiking these can be to make it around the next bend, walk two-tenths of a mile further, or climb another fifty vertical feet. Examples of writing include brainstorming five scene complications, finishing a paragraph, or summarizing the main points for the next scene. By pushing forward I keep up the momentum with each step bringing me closer to the end.
In this next chapter of life, I’m pushing myself to let go of perfectionism, stress less, and embrace the idea used in tech. I’m starting with the basics and adding on or improving over time. This attitude seems to be an essential tool for writing since editing is when a story starts to come to life.
This is my ‘Beta’ newsletter and I’d be interested in your thoughts and feedback.
Cheers,
Julie Hartig
What I’m reading:
Creating Character Arcs by Weilan – This recommendation from cohort members is a prescriptive book on executing arcs. I’m finding it to be a good companion to the Story Grid framework, and parallel to the work of Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman.
Alice in Wonderland by Carroll – I enjoyed the chaos or jester archetype character of Hal Wyler when I watched The Diplomat. Hoping to weave this archetype into future works, I wanted to examine how Carroll handled the Cheshire Cat.
Catch 22 by Heller – This is a classic that I’ve never read and deals with mental illness. (Currently reading)
P.S. If you want to see if I made it to the top of La Luz, check out my Instagram.
