"The Gentle Pen" - The Writing

Let’s Talk About the Grind (But Like… Gently)

Okay, real talk time.

So you’ve got your why, you’ve dreamed up some killer ideas, and maybe even outlined a bit. You’re feeling pretty good. Then you sit down to write and... crickets. Or distractions. Or the sudden need to reorganize your entire spice rack (??).

Here’s the deal: writing a book is a vibe—but it’s also work.Fun work. Soul-stretching work. But still… work.

This is where setting writing goals comes in. Not to stress you out—but to keep you moving forward when the sparkle fades and the "grind" kicks in.

🧭 Step One: Set Your Writing Target

Start by deciding how you want to measure your progress. There’s no one-size-fits-all here, so go with what feels natural for you:

• Word count – Great if you’re the kind who likes numbers. 300 words a day? 1,000 a week? Totally up to you.

• Time spent writing – More your vibe? Aim for 20 minutes a day or three 45-minute sessions a week.

• Chapter goals – Prefer milestones? “One chapter a week” is a solid win.

💡 Pro tip: Start small and stack up the wins. Consistency > quantity.

📅 Step Two: Create a First Draft Timeline

First drafts are like rough sketches—messy, imperfect, and super necessary.

Ask yourself:

• When do I want to be done with the first draft?

• How many words/chapters/pages is my book likely to be?

• How does that break down per week or month?

Example:If your book is around 30,000 words and you can write 1,000 words a week, you’ll have a first draft in about 7–8 months (with breaks!).

See? Totally doable.

🧘‍♀️ Step Three: Make It Fit Your Life

Let’s be honest—we’ve all got stuff going on. Work, school, kids, pets, snack breaks, TikTok wormholes…

So don’t force your book into some impossible routine. Instead:

• Block out your best writing times (mornings? late nights?)

• Create little rituals—light a candle, put on that playlist, pour that iced coffee

• Forgive missed days. You’re human, not a typewriter.

This is your journey. Make it sustainable, not stressful.

🎉 Step Four: Celebrate the Tiny Wins

Did you write a paragraph today? YES.Finished a messy scene you weren’t feeling? Heck yes.Just opened your document and stared at it for a bit? Still counts. You showed up.

Progress is progress—even if it’s slow. Especially if it’s slow. That’s how real books get written.

Final Thought: You’re Not Lazy, You’re Building a Habit

Writing a book takes time, effort, and a whole lotta patience. But with a gentle routine, a few reachable goals, and a whole lot of grace—you’ll get there.

And one day? You’ll look back and say,“Wow. I actually did this.”

So set the goals. Make the plan. And keep showing up.Your future author self is already cheering you on.

What kind of writing schedule are you dreaming up? Drop it in the comments—let’s cheer each other on! 💬🎉

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