February 26, 2022 - Update

Hi!

This week went better. I hope in the coming weeks I can build on this momentum to help push me quickly to the end.

I had mentioned in a previous update I planned to investigate my strengths in an effort to increase my productivity. This week I took the Gallup CliftonStrengths test and learned my ordered list of 34 strengths. My top five are: Analytical, Intellection, Input, Deliberative, and Strategic.

There is good news and bad news.

The bad news is I think my dream of writing one book a month like some of my author friends will never happen. Or if it does, it will quickly lead to burnout. This is because, from my limited research so far, three of my top five strengths are associated with slow writing: Intellection, Input, and Deliberative.

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

The good news is I finally understand the reasons for my inability to just write a fast and crappy draft, and can let go some of the guilt and stress I had around that.

The other good news is that those same strengths, while slow, are perfect for writing high quality (I know that standard is different for everyone), well-planned worlds, with wonderful characters. It also explains why my first drafts are so clean, I can’t dictate, and why I can’t just sit and immediately write all the time.

I learned a lot, and I’ve just started my research. The biggest thing for me though, I think, is that I can let go of the fear something was wrong with me because I couldn’t produce a book a month, when so many of the authors around me can.

My plan is to lean into my strengths: not feel guilty about thinking all the time and accept it is part of my writing process, read more, and avoid my phone while walking.

If you know your top five strengths leave them in the comments (if you want). Has knowing them made a difference for you?

I opened up chapters 48 and 49 to Root.

I opened up chapters 50 and 51 to Harvester.

I added chapters 52, 53, and 54 to Step Master, Blapy’s Favorite, and Divine.

Enjoy!

My eighth strength is Responsibility, which is why this deadline every week is so vital to me. You are important, and my commitment to you drives my writing forward. I’m so thankful for that.

Take care,

AFK

PS-Next week I’ll send out books for February and March. Sorry for the delay!