34 Comments
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Mark K. Pellegrin's avatar

Outstanding and really inspirational piece. I have been sporadically working on my first novel for the past seven years. I truly appreciate what you said: "I won't worry about those writing days when the word count doesn't go up and the main focus is on planning and thinking. Additionally, you may play the game online at: https://geometrydash-lite.io if you're interested.

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kevin white's avatar

So encouraging...The bits of wisdom I have gained from reading your words have catapulted, well nudged me, to finally finishing my query~~~phew! Thanks~

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Rose's avatar

Thanks for that.

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Rose's avatar

Well, that IS good news that someday in the not too distant future, there will be a book out in the world with your name on it, and your words in it! I just wanted to ask, in regards to subscribing, there doesn't seem to be any information on how to cancel if you no longer want to subscribe. Is that possible, or when you subscribe, it is for the rest of your life? Sorry, I'm new to this!

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Kate McKean's avatar

There should be a link at the bottom of every email that says "unsubscribe." Follow that and you can adjust as needed!

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Susan Weis-Bohlen's avatar

I love reading your notes!! Good luck!

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maddy elruna's avatar

I wrote my first book in bed each morning-6.30-7.30 before my teens were up, or my day job started. That beautiful quiet hour in the house!

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julie brown's avatar

Oh, Kate, you sweet summer child...I’m rooting for you. And we’re agency sisters, by the way.

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Val Saksornchai's avatar

Thank you for the behind-the-scenes look!

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Claire Fitzsimmons's avatar

I love the simplicity of this. I keep waiting for whole days and the perfect sentence. This post was so great to remind me that a couple of hours and TK works too.

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Tuğba Avci's avatar

Loved reading this! I now have a topic for my first book, finally :) I've been contemplating for years on how, what and when. The other day I told myself I don't need to make such a big deal out of writing my first book as it will not be my last one. What was holding me back was perfectionism. Finding the perfect topic, the perfect time to write the perfect book, but perfect doesn't exist. I need to get going and enjoy the ride. It's great to read from more experienced writers about their experiences. I am excited for more posts.

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Ashley Lowe's avatar

Thanks for the inspiration and motivation to keep writing... I’ve been working on a book for some time and feel disheartened at the thought of knowing what to do when the manuscript is finally ‘done’. How to get someone to read it? How to find an agent? A publisher? It’s all so overwhelming so thank you for your posts x

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Mary Carroll Moore's avatar

Great to hear the inside story, always. Writing with a kid in the house can be crazy--I remember coffee shops saved my sanity last book. But you're right, they do get used to mom working on her laptop and if you can get away with not having total quiet, it works. I do love Scrivener for those early draft organizing but I got hooked early on.

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Dawn Downey's avatar

"I'll find out when I get there" is now my new mantra. Thanks for writing about your writing.

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Auste Skrupskyte Cullbrand's avatar

Loved this, my writing is best in the morning too, and this just encouraged to prioritise that even more so!

Have fun while writing it, one day we will have fun reading it 😍😍

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Ben Monaco's avatar

33k, nice! Almost half way there!

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Alison Hirschi's avatar

Hi there. Brand new to SubStack and this is my first ever comment. Kate, you're the lucky winner! 😃

Great post and really encouraging. I've been working on my first novel (on and off) for 7 years. Thank you for these words in particular: "I won’t worry about those writing days that are mostly thinking and planning, when the word count doesn’t rise. That’s writing, too."

Excited to explore, discover and participate in the community here on SubStack.

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