…it’s that time again.
Undergraduates are moving into their dorms, orientations are kicking off, and if you, like me, are a fan of autumn, you’re looking ahead to cozier nights and turning leaves. 🍂🎃
The rumble of approaching campus tours also heralds the end of the summer writing season… that mythical time when we think we’re going to get so much done while the sun shines, campus is quiet, and we’re not consumed by other responsibilities.
But let’s be real — writing and researching anything takes much longer than one summer season. And frankly, sometimes our wrung-out bodies and minds speak up to let us know that they need attending to before any measly writing projects.
So if you’ve arrived on the other side of the break with less under your belt than you had hoped way back in May, don’t fret! Did you get enough sleep? Did you spend time with your kids, friends, pets, or partner? That’s not nothing. Cultivating your body and mind will benefit your work in the long run.
And if you didn’t, that’s ok too. It’s a new season, and there’s no time like the present.
Things are going to get overwhelming fast, so it’s critical that you lock in your fall writing plan now.
Here’s how:
1) Take a REALISTIC look at your weekly schedule. How much time can you devote to writing every week? An hour in the morning? Twenty minutes? What about an hour or thirty minutes just once per week? Schedule this time into your calendar.
This has to be a sustainable practice that you can do without too much effort, on a regular basis.
2) What are your goals for this semester? Finish that chapter draft? Submit that article?
What is the deadline for your goals? Is there a hard deadline?
Are your goals achievable with the amount of time and energy you’re able to dedicate to them? Be realistic about this. Superman couldn’t write (or revise) an entire book in fourteen weeks while also teaching a full load and doing whatever else.
3) Make a commitment to yourself to show up for your writing this semester in a way that is sustainable for you.
Do not sacrifice meals, sleep, or family time to do this.
Your writing goals must be achievable with as little effort as possible. If that means your goal is two sentences per day, then so be it. That’s nearly a page a week, which isn’t nothing! That’ll get you an article-sized draft by the end of the semester.
The key is consistency, routine, and taking care of your body and mind.
Need a little extra support?
If you’re under a tight deadline and could use some extra support, my 3-month 1:1 coaching package is designed to accommodate the semester and quarter systems. You’ll get a personalized writing plan, biweekly check-ins, and a dedicated writing partner in your corner to hold you accountable.
Prices for 3-month coaching packages are going up on September 15… register now to lock in your spot.
If you register now (regardless of your start date) you’ll lock in the current $600 coaching package. After September 15th, all 3-month packages will increase to $900.