⋆. ̊⟡ ࣪ ˖ Day 20: Routines and Reality Checks ༄.

Progress is progress, and I’m happy to say that progress is being made! Though, at a surprisingly slow rate compared to what I would’ve quoted myself before tracking the actual time it takes to ACTUALLY finalize a chapter. I used to think a chapter a day was more than generous, but having just finished chapter two, I notice that I’ve needed at least 4 days each time.

The data collection aspect of this era is probably my most motivating factor at this point. It reminds me a lot of my third year of college when I started proof reading just to see if it made any difference, and went from consistently good marks to full points every time. Turns out a little extra attention does make a difference.

My current accountability measure is sending the drafts to my pre readers once I declare them legible. Currently, I have tortured them with reading chapter one three times, so this day should bring a little relief and shed more light on the story at large.

Daily routines and easing my resistance to performing them have not only proven helpful, but also necessary. Part of why this chapter took me longer than the first, I believe, is due to the few days that I let things slip. It was immediately obvious in my environment and my behavior. The house was suddenly a mess, I was frazzled, and writing felt like a punishment instead of an exciting opportunity which is how it feels now that I’m a single day into reinforcing said routines.

My take away: Let your first draft be sloppy, take care of yourself and your environment daily, and do things on purpose.

More to come! Don’t give up!

Best Wishes,

-Melody LeeMarie 9/25/26