Tag: writing

One Reason I’ve Been Slightly Absent . . .

Posted on by Katie Coughran

editing-mama-cartoon-1

 

Yep. That’s me, above. I’ve perfectly captured some of what I’ve been doing, though I’ll be sharing some exciting news about other things I’ve been working on in the next few weeks! I can’t wait!

In all seriousness, I have been working really hard on my authorial business in every “spare” moment that I “have.” Haha! More like “every minute that I’ve brutally removed activities, sleep, meals and many things I recently stamped as unnecessary from.” Wishful thinking, but don’t you all think it would be nice if there were a few more hours in each day??

Editing is going great and coming to an end. That’s why it’s going great! Also, I don’t always look like the above illustration when I’m working through my manuscripts, but I have to admit, it is a difficult task and one I’d prefer to not experience. I definitely relate much better to articles by writers confessing that editing nearly brings them to tears than the writers that cheerfully claim they enjoy the process.

In other authorial news; besides having a few big reveals in November, I am going to be participating in NaNoWriMo2016! First time and I think that I’m appropriately happy and terrified to join the challenge of writing at least 50,000 words of a novel in the month of November. For reference, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone was about 77,000 words. Stay tuned for my genre reveal tomorrow, plus I’ll be using the blog as an accountability tool and keeping you updated on my progress!

Happy Halloween!

 

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A Perfect Place for Writing

Posted on by Katie Coughran

I don’t love everything about being outside. In fact, as I get older, there are lots of things that I really dislike about being outside. Some perfect examples would be mosquitoes, over-zealous wasps, being extra sweaty and that feeling you get when you’re exhausted and want to sit on a sofa instead of a stump.

Looking up at trees

But overall, I am one of those many people that loves to be outside. The reasons listed above cannot countermand the immense satisfaction and serenity that I feel when getting fresh air. And the quieter it is, the more fulfilling it is.

Little Creek

We hiked, played, sang songs, ate yummy food and generally enjoyed the picturesque woods in which we stayed on a recent camping trip. It was so inspiring to be out in such a place of beauty. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I think it’s possible to become used to our other-worldly surroundings. Especially when it rains. And rains. And is overcast when it isn’t raining. It was amazing to take the time to fully submerse and enjoy it. And tuck away bits of writing inspiration for the nighttime when all was quiet and I turned on my laptop and easily wrote out a chapter that–even the next day–turned out great.

I want to go back and stay a week all by myself–sorry hubs and kiddos–to hike, drink tea, eat food cooked over a fire and hang out in this awesome yurt in between writing. It really was the perfect place for writing!

Yurt

It’s fascinating to me to learn how other writers get their inspiration. Do you think about your book while doing the dishes, walking, on your commute? Please share in a comment below–perhaps I’ll try some of your tactics!

On Tea and Writing

Posted on by Katie Coughran

I didn’t grow up drinking tea. I remember an attempt that my sister once made at getting me to try it and I thought it was bland and strange. And, quite frankly, disgusting.

A few years after marriage, I found myself turning to tea when I was pregnant. I began drinking all kinds of herbal teas to try to help with this ailment or that and found that I actually liked tea. Whether it was holding the warm cup, or tasting the interesting spices and flavors that I learned to appreciate, I’m not sure what made me finally enjoy it.

When I decided to embrace the writer within, tea became a huge part of the experience. Instead of helping with pregnancy ailments, it now helps me to overcome writer’s blocks, keeps me alert with the lovely spices or helps me to sleep. Even when a story is tempting me to write on later into the night.

Ahhh, tea. You are delightful!

Do YOU have a favorite tea? Please feel free to comment.

Click HERE to see today’s favorite cup–Tahitian Vanilla Honey by Yogi.

tea mug

(This link is placed here for your benefit, but is not an affiliate link. It’s simply a tea that I enjoy!)