I’ve started and stopped writing so many times today I’m sick of myself. Do you ever get so sick of yourself you just want to scream and scream and scream until you’re hoarse? Yes, well.
Anyway, I decided to stop overthinking it and instead tell you about a tiny experiment I’ve started, because perhaps it’ll help you too.
I am going to write a few words of my cosy fantasy story every day for 100 days.
That’s it.
No end aim.
No big hairy audacious goal.
And absolutely no SMART parameters in sight.
I’ve started a Trello board and I’m adding a card every day. Look.
On day 1 I literally transcribed the handwritten notes from my notebook. If I only write 10 words, that’s fine. If I take a picture and give it a caption, that’s fine. The goal is to show up.
Anyway, just thought I’d mention it.
I’ve got Goodie Bag goodies for you now. You ready?
These two bros who could literally heal the world
There’s this Instagram account I adore. It’s two best buddies. They’re American. Their whole schtick is “Welcome to taking my white friend to do Black people stuff. Welcome to taking my Black friend to do white people stuff.” It’s SO wholesome. And absolutely hilarious. And very much NSFW so don’t have the volume loud in public (honestly good rule for life).
Munya Chawawa laments leg day
Another of my fave Instagram accounts (sorry there’s so much Insta today) in which one of my fave comics makes a funny. Honestly though check this out because there are so many clever little puns it’s a mini-masterclass in creativity.
This thread of world-shifting observations
Stumbled across this question on Threads: What’s something that someone just said to you in passing that changed your whole worldview? And got stuck there for a while.
Evidence that there is amusing content everywhere
Even on the side of a can of paint.
Me doing a fireside chat next week!
Oh HEY Anita Ellis invited me to Sutton Coldfield to sit in front of a fake fire and talk about creativity, writing, and why AI is destroying us all (and also how it isn’t). I will be chatting through what keeps people stuck, what gets them going again, and the biggest hugest mistake that I believe is at the heart of every single writing block ever. It’ll be lovely! Come meet me in person and enjoy my awkward T-Rex arms!
What I’m reading
I’ve just finished My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite and I tore through it. She’s written a book absolutely stuffed full of truly unlikeable characters and I really enjoyed the whole ridiculous romp!
I’m now moving onto Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea because my new personality is cosy fantasy.
What I’m writing
My own cosy fantasy story. A little a day for 100 days and let’s see what happens, ey?
(And my Kickstart Your Book course — coming soon to an internet near you!)
Word of the week
skeuomorph
n. an object or feature which imitates the design of a similar artefact made from another material.
For example: the floppy disc save symbol which is still in use and which Gen Z and younger will never have seen.
For example: camera phone apps that make a camera shutter sound.
For example: fake buckles on velcro shoes.
Quote of the week:
“The one thing, more than anything else, is learning to pay attention.” —Robert Irwin
p.s. Know someone who might enjoy my week-daily emails? Please get them to sign up here.
How to work with Vicky in July
Book Breakthrough Lab: A 3-month coaching programme to write your first draft (1 spot)
Book Breakthrough VIP Day: A full day of magic to FINALLY make progress on your book (1 spot)
Book Breakthrough: Unlocked: Outline your book, nail your idea, and understand your reader in 90 mins (1 spot)
Buy My Book: How the hell do you write a book?