Writers and writerly folk, I'm running FREE writing sprints on Thursdays at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (12 noon Eastern) through the end of October in my online Called to Write community. This is a powerful way to get help making writing happen, especially as we transition out of summer into back-to-school season. You'll also get a feel for what our Monday through Saturday writing sprints are like with a Called to Write Community membership.
How to Join Me
If you’d like to join me, please email our community manager Sarah at support@calledtowrite.com, and she'll send you a link to set up a free account in our online community so you can write with us. She can also answer any questions you have about how our writing sprints work. (Hint: via a private online chat room, no Zoom, so come as you are.)
Writing Sprint Basics
We gather online at the top of the hour in a private chat room where we say hello and share our writing plans and intentions for our writing session. (We share just the broad strokes, e.g. "I'll be working on my script pages," so don't worry about having a grand writing plan. This is a digging in the word mines kind of a deal.)
I kick off the sprint right around the :05 minute mark.
We individually go work on our own writing projects for one hour.
We reconvene at the end of the sprint (the next :05) and celebrate our progress.
We say goodbye and get on with the rest of the day until we meet again!
Tip: Put the Sprints In Your Calendar To Make It Stick
If you'd like to check this out, there's no obligation, no credit card, no commitment required, though having said that, you'll get more out of these sprints if you put them on your calendar and show up to write with me each week. ◡̈ And if you like it, we'd love to have you to join our larger community where we have weekday and Saturday writing sprints (same time — 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET) on an ongoing basis.
Again, just email Sarah for the link to sign up and you'll be good to go!
Invite your writer friends too! Truly, this is a "more the merrier" kind of situation.
It’s time for a new installment in my A Leap of Wonder column at Script Mag. This time I've written about making peace with my writing pace, in my latest article, "Faster Than the Speed of ... Something?"
Though this column publishes every other month, I didn't manage to get out an announcement about my June column since our household was laid up with covid, annoyingly. However! The article is (and was ;)) live, so you can check it out here: "Enough to Go On." You may want to read that one first, if you're following along with ye olde writing journey.
The Latest
Writing plans never quite work out the way we expect, do they? I was recently reminded that it's not sticking to the plan that's important (something something no plan survives first contact with the enemy etc. etc.) but rather that we plan at all. Planning and adapting our plans to reality is what's important.
Alongside our household setbacks — and some lovely time spent with our kids over the summer — I've learned a ton through the screenwriting classes I've been taking, and I’ve adapted my plans to use the classes to develop my current script, rather than trying to do both separately in parallel. Though that was my original intent, I got too behind between the covid-summer-from-hell and the amount of classwork. So... onward!
And, at the same time, it's hard when we don't write as fast as we might wish we could, yeah? One of my biggest ah-ha moments this summer was through feedback from my instructor about how much I second-guess myself and my writing. So the deep work I'm doing alongside my coursework is delving into the why of that, into the specific self-protective mechanisms getting in my way. It's already proving valuable and I will be very curious to see if clearing out some of those mental cobwebs helps me with my writing and development pace.
Extra Extra Read All About It
You can read more about this exploration and conundrum in my latest article, "Faster Than The Speed of ... Something?" or by clicking the image below. You can also check out the full "archive" (all three articles, whee!) for A Leap of Faith & Wonder, at Script Mag, here.
Check out the full article by clicking here ⇣
What Else I'm Up To:
I'm still (still!) reading! My reading pace is still slower than last year — mainly because I don't have a book series I'm locked into, I realize. Most recently I read The Midnight Train* by Matt Haig (which nearly killed me), Here One Momentby Liane Moriarty (not my most favorite of hers, but my word, she is a genius when it comes to posing narrative questions), Master Alvin by Orson Scott Card (a disappointing installment in the Alvin Maker series), and Starter Villain by John Scalzi (loved it!). I also picked up a copy of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner and I'm slowly working my way through that one. I'm waiting for the first book in the Robin Hobb series to become available through Libby, then I'll likely get lost in that series.
I've been playing oodles of games with our 12 year old and really enjoying it. We've got a little routine of playing some NYT games (we subscribe every three-ish days through our public library) and play, in order (very important!), Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword, and Connections. Then we venture over to parseword.com to do a cryptic puzzle — so tricksy! — and after that we've been playing an iPad game called Slay the Spire. However, we just got Slay the Spire II on Steam so I'm getting left behind, LOL.
On the watching front: mainly TED LASSO. There's a new season of Ted Lasso but we got caught up in rewatching the last three seasons so we're doing that before fully committing to the new season. So fun! I've also been rewatching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to improve my learning of "heart of darkness" and "bisociation" (two concepts from the screenwriting classes I've been taking). And I white-knuckled my way through Widow's Bay (not a horror fan, but wowza so good). Also, we LOVED the new Spider-Man movie and saw it in theaters.
I’m running FREE writing sprints on Thursdays at 9 a.m. Pacific Time through the end of October in my Called to Write Community. This is a powerful way to get help making writing happen, and get a feel for what our Monday through Saturday writing sprints are like. If you’d like to join us, please message our community manager Sarah at support@calledtowrite.com and she’ll send you a link to join us. She can also answer any questions you have about how our writing sprints work. (Hint: via a private online chat room, no zoom, so come as you are.)
I've been enjoying doing a fair amount of editing lately, including providing script notes for many fantastic screenwriters. I expect to have more space in my editorial calendar again in September, if you're looking for support in the editing department. Find out more here: https://jennaavery.com/for-writers
Thank you for reading, and happy writing!
* Any book links herein are affiliate links for Bookshop, which means I earn a small referral fee if you purchase from them, and which helps me keep my writing ship afloat. Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed the first installment of my new column for Script Mag: A Leap of Wonder. If you missed it, you can check it out here. Continuing with the peek behind the scenes of my writing journey, this month I'm sharing the self-reinforcing actions I'm taking as part of making a critical mindset shift to "Jenna as screenwriter."
The Mindset Shift to Jenna as Screenwriter
The big shift I’m most happy about is an internal one, and that’s the one I’ve been most wanting to make. I’m now farther across the bridge to Jenna as screenwriter than I was when I last wrote to you. Back then I’d say I was standing at the edge of the chasm, thinking I’d have to entirely Indiana-Jones-it across.
Sure, I had plans, but now I have actions and steps I’ve been taking (more on this below).
Now I feel like I’m, I don’t know, maybe 30% of the way across the bridge? What’s happened is that I’m less and less thinking of myself as a coach or editor (though I’m still doing and loving those things — I’ve read three scripts for clients lately, two about AI, so interesting, so different!), and thinking of myself more and more as screenwriter.
The Choices I’m Making About Where to Focus
For me, at least, this mindset shift feels critical because it informs what I’m doing with my day, the choices I’m making about where to put my focus and spend my money. It’s also a result of those things. So, here’s what’s happening.
I’m working on my “second” script.
I’m taking a series of classes that are blowing my mind.
I’m entering my market-ready script into contests.
I’m (further) developing marketing materials for my market-ready script.
I’m working on developing my “personal narrative” talking points and a new more “writerly” bio.
I’m keeping up with my screenwriting immersion.
I’m staying connected to my faith, wonder, and awe.
You can read details about these actions that are helping me make this mental shift in Enough To Go On, at Script Mag, here or by clicking the image below.
It’s been a minute since I last posted — and I’m back now with the first installment of my brand new column for Script Mag: A Leap of Wonder.
This column is meant to be a behind the scenes kind of deal — a look at my (continued) writing journey since I’ve made rather a large shift in the way I’m approaching both my writing and my coaching business.
The TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) is that I’ve spent a chunk of time redesigning my business and life (again) to make more space for my own writing.
Faith ... and Wonder
If nothing else, this requires a pretty significant leap of faith.
It also takes a leap of wonder into the world of story — and particularly with sci-fi and fantasy. This is what I love about sci-fi — the awe, amazement, and expansiveness the genre lends itself to so well.
This Big Shift got started when I taught my “Step Into Alignment with Your Writing Life” class last year. As I walked through the process myself, it became pretty clear, pretty fast, that my desperation to write more, to have more time to write, and to do that with some urgency was feeling rather pressing in a way I couldn’t ignore.
What I've Changed (So Far) & Plan to Do Next
I canceled a bunch of stuff (you can read about that in the article). I also made some big screenwriting craft and business decisions (ditto). And right now I’m in the midst of putting them into action (whilst also getting my older child sorted out for college).
You can find out more in my first article, A Leap of Faith & Wonder, at Script Mag, here or by clicking the image below. You can also read a little more there about what I expect to write about for future articles.
I hope you’ll join me for the ride.
Check out the full article by clicking here ⇣
What Else I'm Up To:
I'm still (still!) reading! Last year I posted about the resurrection of my reading habit, which has continued, though at less of a brisk pace. By the end of December, I’d read about 66 books for the full year. This year, so far, I’m at about 12, so far fewer on a per month basis. I’ve been reading John Scalzi’s books lately, and continuing my serial author monogamy, which has been fun. I have in mind to read a female author next, maybe Ursula K Le Guin or NK Jemisin or Premee Mohamed or Julie Cznerda or Annalee Newitz (they/them). We shall see! Maybe all of them.
I’ve been traveling more than I have in ages, mostly because of college touring, but I have to say, it’s pretty fun. I used to travel more, pre-kids, but lately we’ve been jumping on planes in a way I haven’t done since forever ago. This may or may not die down, depending on what happens with screenwriting (trips to L.A.?) and my college-bound child’s location.
For fun, here's what I've been watching, too. I'm catching up on the latest from Outlander, which I have mixed feelings about. I'm not up to date on the books so I don't know if it's matching the book series any longer or if it's gone off on its own track. I hesitate to look anything up because (if you know me, you know this about me) I strongly dislike spoilers and the worst kind are those I inflict on myself!
Thank you for reading, and happy writing!
In other news:
If you're looking for support making writing happen day in and day out — including regular writing sprints — check out my Called to Write Community, now available at a new lower rate: https://calledtowrite.mn.co
I've just finished a delightful edit for a lovely client and have space in my editorial calendar. Please reach out if you're needing support in the editing department. https://jennaavery.com/for-writers
* Any book links herein are affiliate links for Bookshop, which means I earn a small referral fee if you purchase from them, and which helps me keep my writing ship afloat. Thank you!
It's that time again! My December "Ask the Coach" article is live on ScriptMag. I've written this month about a tricky subject: perfectionism, and specifically within the realm of determining whether to send out work, or not. This is something many writers wrestle with, including me, so it's worth talking about how to identify when you're being a perfectionist, and real reasons not to send out work just yet.
The Question
The article is called "Am I Being a Perfectionist With My Writing??" and in it, I respond to the following reader question:
“How do I know if I’m being a perfectionist with my writing? I’ve got friends pushing me to put my spec script out before it feels ready, and I’m worried I’m just holding back when I shouldn’t be. On the other hand, I’ve seen enough under-finished work out there, I’m hesitant to send out work until I know it’s done. I want it to shine, not go straight into the slush pile.”
Exploring What Being a Perfectionist Means and What to Aim For Instead
In the article, I explore ways to identify if you're stuck in perfectionism and the dangers that brings, look at the real reasons work might not be ready to go out, and give some targets to aim for instead of "perfect."
Here's a little excerpt on that last point:
"If you’re trapped in perfectionism, begin by shifting your focus toward work that is 'excellent,' 'working,' and 'close enough' instead. (Click through to the article to read about each one of these in more detail.)
"None of these means 'perfect.' It might mean 'good enough' but in the literal sense, not in the sense of 'not good enough,' which is often code for the negative thinking we’ve internalized from parents, teachers, and the wider culture over the years.
"If your script doesn’t quite meet these criteria, it’s time to dig in and do the work. Once you’re there, it’ll be time to start querying and sending it out."
Check out the full article by clicking here ⇣
Plus, here's what I'm up to:
I'm still (still!) reading! I'm now finished reading all of Michael Connelly's Bosch-universe fiction books. I've also read the first three books of the Old Man's War series by John Scalzi, and while I'm waiting on the 4th to be liberated from Libby, I'm trying to talk myself into starting in on The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey, but so far have read a time travel story first. I'm now up to 62 books since my June 6 counting streak, huzzah.
For fun, here's what I've been watching, too. It's been pretty fun watching Pluribus and catching up on Slow Horses. Pluribus is an odd and intriguing show about a semi-self-inflicted alien consciousness takeover of Earth, and features Carol Sturka, oddly immune to the takeover and royally pissed off about it. Slow Horses is continuing series adapting Mick Herron's books for the screen. (I have to read those soon too!) My husband and I were also watching The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix but we're between subscriptions now, ha, so we'll wait to go back to that one.
It's time for a break! Over winter break, my family and I are planning to watch loads of movies (the LOTR trilogy is likely on the docket), play tons of board games (most likely Arkam Horror, Terraforming Mars, and Wingspan — plus a secret game they don't know we're getting yet!), and take some hikes. It should be restorative and restful, once the holiday dust has settled.
Thank you for reading, happy holidays, and happy writing!
In other news:
If you're looking for support making writing happen day in and day out — including regular writing sprints — check out my Called to Write Community, now available at a new lower rate: https://calledtowrite.mn.co
If you're looking for developmental editing support, I'm booked through mid-March, approximately. If you'd like to get onto my editorial calendar, let me know. https://jennaavery.com/for-writers
* All book links herein are affiliate links for Bookshop, which means I earn a small referral fee if you purchase from them, and which helps me keep my writing ship afloat. Thank you!
It's that time again! My newest "Ask the Coach" article is live on ScriptMag. I've written this month about a subject that has always intrigued me: Theme. I have found thinking about theme in my own work to be both utterly confounding and quite simple, depending on the day, week, month, or state of my draft.
Debates About Theme?
My writing friends and colleagues run the gamut too, from thinking theme is important to completely ridiculous.
Personally, I think of theme as a tool I can use or not use, as I see fit, especially because my clarity about theme varies with each story I write, though I do have common writer-centric themes I tend to explore.
The Question
Long story short, I was happy to see a question come in about theme, so I'd have the chance to explore it further. The article is called "How Do I Find the Theme For My Script?" and in it, I respond to the following reader question:
“How can I find the theme for my story? It feels complicated and confusing to identify. Maybe even above my pay grade. ;) I know the story I’m writing… but the theme isn’t obvious to me.”
Using Theme
In the article, I talk about ways to discover your theme and about ways to use it as a tool. Most importantly, I believe you can use theme to enhance your story, as well as using your story to discover your theme. (It works both ways.)
Here's an excerpt explaining more about what I mean:
"Stories should be about something, obviously. Examining theme — our underlying intention — can take us into the deeper meaning of a story. Once identified, theme can serve as a guidepost and decision-making tool for key story elements like the title, opening, climax, and resolution, the main character’s arc, and more. And while we can clarify and enhance these elements with our theme (once/if we know it), these story elements can also be used to help us identify our theme."
Finding Theme
If you’re wanting to find the theme in a story, take a deeper look at some of the following aspects of your writing. (You can click through to the article to read the details.)
Who are you as a writer?
Why are you writing this story?
What’s the main character’s journey?
What does your title reveal about your theme?
What do your opening, climax, and world building point to?
Check out the full article by clicking here ⇣
Plus, here are three fun things:
It's nearly my birthday. My formula for a happy birthday is simple: A meal out at a favorite place, a movie in a theater, and a trip to a bookstore. If it's a weekday and my family members are at school and work, I go by myself (and we go out for a separate family birthday dinner later). If my birthday falls on a weekend day, they come with me for the full day of delights. ◡̈ This year, we'll probably see two movies, one on Thanksgiving and one on my birthday, since we're celebrating T-day early. I'm looking forward to seeing the new Knives Out movie (Wake Up Dead Man) and Wicked For Good.
I'm still (still!) reading! I finished reading nearly all of Michael Connelly's Bosch-universe books other than his non-fiction Crime Beat* and his newest Mickey Haller book, The Proving Ground, which I'm waiting for from the library or Libby. Now I'm diving into theOld Man's War series, by John Scalzi. I had intended to read The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey (two writers writing as one, fun!) but I seem to be rejecting physical books (we have the whole series in print) in favor of ebooks — which are easier on my wrists and work better with my current love of reading in the dark with the screen dimmed — and Leviathan Wakeswas on hold on Libby 4-ever. I'm now up to 57 books since my June 6 counting streak, which is pretty fun but also weird. It feels like a reunion of sorts.
I had some adventures in binge watching, too. I had a small reading hiccup between October 24 and November 15 or so whilst waiting for Libby to liberate ebooks for me and banging up against the end of the Bosch universe. I instead got swept up into a little binge-watching. In addition to watching the Bosch and Bosch-related TV series with my husband, and the newest season of the Great British Baking Show with our younger kiddo, I watched the newest season of The Diplomat on Netflix... and then for good measure rewatched the whole series, ha. I also watched the newest season of Upload (didn't rewatch the whole series) and The Peripheral on Amazon Prime Video (I haven't canceled Prime, I know, I know...). The Peripheral is pretty darn cool, I have to say. I'll get around to reading that sometime soon, I'm sure.
Thank you for reading, and happy writing!
In other news:
If you're looking for support making writing happen day in and day out — including regular writing sprints — check out my Called to Write Community, now available at a new lower rate: https://calledtowrite.mn.co
If you're looking for developmental editing support, I'm booked through mid-March, approximately. If you'd like to get onto my editorial calendar, let me know. https://jennaavery.com/for-writers
* All book links herein are affiliate links for Bookshop, which means I earn a small referral fee if you purchase from them, and which helps me keep my writing ship afloat. Thank you!
