Starting A New Writing Project (Explanation, Color Coding, & Writing Planner Setup)
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- I'm starting a new book! Except that it's really an older story that I haven't been able to stop thinking about.
Hear about why, what's happening to Book 12 in the meantime, and watch me set up my plotting planner for a new story with 7 distinct POVs. Color coding for the win!!
Here's the interview with Neil Gaiman and VE Schwab that made me cry: www.tor.com/2020/06/14/read-h...
Interested in some of the supplies I'm using? Check out my Amazon storefront list called "Writing Tools and Stationery" here: www.amazon.com/shop/heartbrea...
Here are some of my older videos on plotting inside a Happy Planner:
• How I Use An Old Happy...
and • Plotting My Books In A...
Timestamps:
0:00 Preview
0:17 I'm switching things up!
14:45 My Plotting Setup
20:28 Plotting Wall
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Heart Breathings, Episode 356
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About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 26 books and sold well over half a million copies.
I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.
Happy Mail can be sent to my P.O. Box
Sarra Cannon
445 E FM 1382
Suite 3 - 419
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
My most sincere thank you to anyone who takes the time to send me something. I cherish each gift. You all mean so much to me!
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#authortube 
Хобби
I hope you enjoy today's video, which is part soul confession about what it's like to be a writer in this day and age of "never fast enough" and part eye-candy as I play with lots of stationery. Enjoy and don't forget to leave a "like" and a comment. They help so much!
Oh no! I don't want your writing process videos to leave your Heart Breathings channel! I love watching all of your methods and processes! The notecards method was game-changing for me! But I totally understand the need to cut down on obligations and focus on what you need to 🙂 I'm just being selfish 😀But as an aside, I loved the video, it was very hypnotic, and also thank you for all that you do (and bare) to us viewers! Your honesty and transparency comes through on all of your videos and it's heart-warming
@@lynnlefay9631 I was trying to say that most of my videos will likely be more closely tied to my writing process! Less stationery hauls maybe? Not sure what that will look like moving forward but don’t plan to stop covering my writing process!
@@HeartBreathings Phew! You've been so important to my author journey and can't wait to see what's next for you! All the love!
Love what your doing with your stories and how you're taking such good care not just of your mental health but also giving your creative side the time it needs to grow this story. ❤️ Definitely writing vlogs and plotting set ups. Love those videos!
Also, girl, you HAVE FINISHED so many projects already! And if finding the right projects to work on at the right time is part of what allows you to finish, more power to you. ❤️
We have become such slaves to the multi-book per year concept that it's taking all the joy from the art and the craft of writing, at least for those of us who feel pressured to follow this pattern. We should not feel guilty for taking the time to create on our own terms. Like you said, that's not the way art works.
What you said at the end about the fear of the negative comments really resonated with me....
I hope you know that the value in your content is NOT "Hey I wrote this huge pile of books", but rather in the sharing of your PROCESS and your PROGRESS-- and your absolute willingness to share your journey with us along the way....the good, the bad, AND the ugly!!!😁 Keep on keeping on, Sister!!❤️
Neal Stephenson used to have a single web page as an author saying, "thanks for reading. I don't give interviews. I don't write on demand. I don't answer emails. I am writing. Thanks for understanding. Or not." And I sooooooo respected that. I've never been able to write on demand. I wrote an epic novel series that took 15 years and spanned 5000 years of history and I never finished it or published it. Because in the end I wasn't up to the story as an author at the time. And that just is what it is. Maybe I'll finish it someday maybe not. It's been 10 years since I sat with it. But I've written 3 other books in the past, so I know it is possible. But the Muse comes to me when she comes and takes as long as she takes. Can't be rushed.
Wow! look at what you have achieved and you said Mid-40's? That can't be right. You look amazing. I love your books. I LOVE your videos. They bring such joy! You are doing what so many of us want to but I can't seem to get it off the ground. Well done. 🥰
Yes! Focus on your joy and reclaim the breathings of your heart. We'll just be over here cheering you on 💕
Right after watching this video, I started to scroll down RUclips and there was an ad for summer fashions for women-and the model was wearing a blue shirt with TWO dragonflies!! A sign that your path leads to working on two stories at once! 😍 At least that’s what I saw the second I saw the shirt. I took a screenshot and can send it to you if you’d like to see it. 🙂
We love to see you excited and joyful!! I can't wait for more "breathings from your heart!"
Hello Sarra. I'm one of your Publish and Thrive 2022 students, and the most important thing I took away from the course is that every author's path is different. And you as an Indie author make choices that feel good to you. You are your own CEO, so do as you please. And after the course the first thing I did was write down: I decide upon my own pace and not the readers. Rapid publishing is not my thing, because just as you said in the video above speading up my writing would take away all the joy of writing in the first place. And if your books and stories are great your readers will wait for them. Of course you will lose some, but most of them will stick if they love your writing. And to me that is what this career is all about. Doing what you love and enjoy, and don't let anybody else dictate your pace. The course was amazing and I've learned a million. Thank you for putting it together and sharing all your wisdom with the rest of us newbies.
I love the writing vlogs and setups bc that definitely helps especially in my planner
Thank you!
Loved the analogy about the gravity blanket. It's so true!
Sarra I'm going to be honest with you . Yes, I would love to read how Eternal Sorrows ends. But if you get Vanesa Shaw or Luna Day out before that, I'm not gonna be mad. Actually, I prefer that you put out a story you enjoy writing, because then I know I'll enjoy reading it! I'm reading the Witching Well now, so good!
This really resonates with me - I spent several years trying to write a book that would please my agent but was never really satisfied with the results myself. I ditched the agent, and during lockdown started a new project purely for my own enjoyment. It took a while for all the pieces to come together, but it's finally written and I'm hoping to publish it early next year 😀
No girl! We love you and you are real. You give us permission to breathe and create. We are not machines. Let those haters hate! Trust your heart and intuition❤️
So glad to see you happy again! That story about George dreaming, gave me chills.
Sarra - bravo! Thank you for sharing. Reigniting your writing passion and encouraging us to follow our hearts. 🥰
I love videos where you put together a plotting planner and all your color coding. It's so soothing to watch. Also *love* the upcoming book titles!
No need to ask what we want to see because we want to see you writing with joy! You have done so much for us, Sarra, it's time to give back to yourself. Whatever videos come, whatever you want to share is fine with me!
Thank you so much
Whenever you are feeling like you are “taking too long” on a series just remember George RR Martin! 😂 Glad you are honoring your creative process and timeline!
Take the time to find your joy! That is the most important thing for any author and you DESERVE to have that joy. I'll repeat that: You DESERVE to have that joy. Best of luck with your new (again) project. :)
Ooh. Both writing blogs and plot setups! Yes to both! :D
These last two or three years, every time I saw TDOVS in the back of your plotting planner, I thought, "there's no way she's getting to that," because every mention of it was qualified with "but first this zombie book and then this Shadow Demons book and then this witch book and then this other demon book" (and so on). It was like an unattainable reward for writing the books you "should" be writing. So, I'm happy for you that you are finally making it a priority! Have fun.
Your excitement with the writing process really helps me get into the right mindset. For the last few years I’ve been working on finding ways to make my process more enjoyable; finding what I truly love about it all. Thanks for helping with that!
Beloved do whatever you have to do to make your dreams and goals come true period NO need to explain or apologize to anyone! Good Luck beloved keep shining
Dear Sarra, your energy is just floating through this video and I'm so happy about the decision you've made! You take your time with your books and the space you need. If making less videos here and taking another two years or more to finish book twelve so be it. I'll always be happy to hear from you and read your books and waiting will not make me give up on you. I found you as an author and will always be looking forward to your projects!!!
It makes me really sad to hear about people leaving you those negative comments. What happened to the old adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." I'm so glad that you have decided not to listen to the naysayers and do what is right for you. It really is inspiring for those of us who feel the same as you. It may not help those people mentioned above, but it helps me to know that it's okay to start over, get excited about new projects, even if others remain unfinished, to come up with new systems and tools. Keep doing what you're doing, Sarra. I guarantee there are more of us in your corner than not. 💙💜
Congratulations! Tough decision, bravely made. Art is not only craft! You are no machine. I love how you leave the pleasing place. You will go your way and things will turn out good!
Yay one of my fave type of Sarra videos. So glad you are feeling excited again x
I would be interested in all the writing content! Thanks for the inspiration!
Your videos and IG posts have really been speaking to my heart lately. I just realized I've still been putting pressure on myself to finish editing my stories and get them "published," even though my co-author and I decided to post them on Wattpad instead of trying to publish for profit. I've been beating myself up for not doing what I've been talking about doing. The only difference between our situations is that I've never been published, unless you count a blog that I update sporadically. Every attempt I've made lately to rekindle the flames of creativity has fizzled out, and now I think I know why. Thank you for this epiphany! Sending lots of "good juju" your way! 😉
Sarra I could not be more happy for you, and your excitement is contagious. You do so much for this community that its your right to want to do this. As I write this, I thought about this book that I have had for a while its called You are a badass by Jen Sincero, I haven't read it all but as I was opening it and I think this is a sign from the universe, I don't know but for some reason I automatically opened the book to this one page (64) and it said in capitals Do Not Waste Your Precious Time Giving One Single Crap About What Anybody Else Thinks Of You, this really resonated with me. Thank you so much for continuing to be so inspirational to all of us. So please continue to follow your heart!!!!
I knew you were going to a hotel for the weekend. When I saw on the news about the rain and flooding going on in Texas, I thought, "Oh no! Where did Sarra say she was going? Is she safe?" But when you talked about the rain and how it felt like a sign for your life, I knew it was all okay. Better than okay! You do what you need to do to take care of you! Happy Writing!
BRAVO!!! We are SO grateful for your leadersip!!
Sarra, I'm so glad that you are taking the space you need to just breath and get back what to you love. Please continue to show up for yourself. As it's always been said, "you can't pour into others if you don't pour into yourself first." And yesss to the writing vlogs. I love those videos sooo much. Praying for you☺️
I'm glad your taking charge of your artistic life and finding your joy in it! YOU GO GIRL!
I watch you all the time but don't comment frequently. I love this video so much and the seeing the space you are in. Please post anything and everything on your writing process. I'm definitely with you on the dreams. When my dreams are interesting and uplifting I know I'm in the right space. Looking forward to your journey!
Oooh, Vanessa Shaw! I am so excited for this story!
I just can't seem to write lately, but I did get my rights back on the first book I published years ago (not the first book I wrote). I have a third of the second book written for that series but my publisher had not wanted it and I'd sat it aside years ago. And I also have a finished first draft of third book for the the series. After a lot of procrastination, I've decided to dive in to this series again and I'm starting by reading the original book (maybe do a little tweaking of the story/secondary characters) and get it ready for re-release. My HOPE is that by reading the first book after all these years, my energy will burst forward and the next two books will be ready to flow and complete. My PLAN is that I then do quick releases on the three of them at the beginning of 2023. You are exactly right...we're indie writers and we get to say what and when we write!!! Let's do this!!!
You look so happy and relaxed!!! Get it!
I love that you’re “just over it”! 💜
Just want to say that I recently read a series that was fabulous . . . right up until the last book. One of the reviews claimed the author got sick, but didn't want to miss out on her preorders, so rushed things. I'm sure some readers would have been angry about the preorder being canceled, but I think most fans would have preferred to wait longer, and receive a final book that ended the series the way it deserved. I hope most of your fans are grateful that you're taking the time that the final book needs!
I love your writing vlogs, B rolls of you just writing and planning, etc. Basically, i love anything writing. what ever you want to share im down with it.
This is an encouraging video in so many ways! I love that you’re becoming more confident and comfortable in yourself and your decisions (although I’ve always thought you were confident), and along the way inspiring others. I’m happy that you are happy with your plans, and as always, would love to see every process. But no pressure, I respect what you said that there might be less videos here. Love you, Sarra!!
Plotting, brainstorming, and scenes would be awesome.
I’m so heartened (no pun intended) to hear that someone else is going through the same thing.
I'm so happy we're going to follow along on your writing this book! I was just missing that and wondering if your project was going okay and if you were going to keep us updated with vlogs or anything so thank you and keep going!
Yay, so glad you're happy to see this!
Booya~ This is excellent news, You look happy and have that productive vibe blooming. Good for you and thanks for the share. Sweet Sarra, you've got this. Write on sister!
The dream thing with your husband makes total sense to me. I think being super connected does that to someone.
What I did was just as bad, to avoid the pressures, I walked away. That doesn't get stories written either. It's been years since I've written. I've been going through a lot of other things personally during that time, and I've been developing another talent. But, now I'm finally starting to feel like I might be able to write again. But, as it's tender, I'm not pushing, yet. Like weathering a seedling that is coming back up from a nearly dead root, you don't stick out outside immediately. Watching your videos is one of the things that have been helping to heal and regrow that desire that is rooted deeply, in me but had almost withered away. Thanks for sharing your heart.
My heart goes out to you. Truly.
You are the wisest "authortuber" I know. Thank you for a super video :)
So so excited and happy for you. I relate to you and your struggles *soooo* much and I'm so proud of you that you are prioritising yourself and your happiness and your creativity and your joy. So, so, so happy for you lovely! 🤗
Sarra I am so excited for you. I too am going through some similar thoughts about myself and slowly healing from past traumas. You got this! Find your joy!
Aren't there people who have been through your classes consistently and you feel they could teach one class so you can teach the spring class and they can teach the fall class?
I look forward to you sharing this new (old) unfinished book.
The lighting of this video is awesome! A weird comment but maybe it's encouraging. Love your heart and generosity with your fans Sarra!
Your words about writing for yourself as opposed to other people's timeline has hit me right in the jugular. Thank you. I hope you find the balance you need.
So so happy for you making this choice, Sarra. I hear it in your voice and just feel that spark of new beginnings in the air throughout this video. Every good thing to you all! ✨
Wonderful decision! You've put yourself in the position to be able to do it. You worked hard to get to this. Go for it!
Sarra, I think you have view inside my heart.
Sarra thank you for once again talking right into the reality of the creative process. You are also so inspirational as you move forward. After writing and publishing my last three books back to back I was so burned out. And what has started to pull me back from the brink of wondering if I will have have a creative spark again is working on other stories that are not to market completely different to what has been so successful for me. I sat down yesterday with your amazing planning materials and planned how to still write the books that pay my bills and also moonlight on these new stories coming up for me. I’m always so so grateful for your honesty and this video has so confirmed for me that I’m on the right track for my own creative well being. THANK YOU!
i feel like one of the things that people dont talk enough when it comes to pleasing people and making our loved ones happy is that our own happiness is actually >part< of what makes our loved ones happy. if im completely honest, i would never be happy if someone i love is sacrificing themselves to make me happy, my happiness depends also on if they are happy by themselvs as well. I talked about this with a few friends of mine and that was what helped me come to terms of doing things for myself. me being happy with my life and my own work makes them happy, they are so happy to see that i've gotten happier, healthier and more content with everything. and in the end, everyone can celebrate the journey of life together. happiness is not a trade but a commitment that people chose to do together you know? i hope it makes sense.
It makes total sense! Thank you.
The Haunting of Luna Day - what a BOMB ass title!
Happy for you and I wish you lots of happy writing days!
Watching this video inspired me to resurrect my book. Going to start plotting it today itself! Thanks a million. You are truly a Godsend.
It's wonderful to see you so happy :)
Thank you mary!
Your transparency, authenticity, and integrity are inspiring. I am so grateful I have found your channel, and subsequently HB90 and P&T, as you normalize the true life of a creative individual. I am grateful you are following your heart and soul into this new book. It certainly sounds like you and George have an amazing bond, and if the dreams are telling you to go for it - I'm glad you're diving in!
I am excited to learn more about your process as you work through this book, but make sure to keep prioritizing yourself. 💜
OMG, I've been watching you since you started Heart Breathings and I need to say this is the most invigorating video I've seen you do. Love the energy - Sal from Oz x
Yesss!! Thank you! Follow your heart.
I find your approach really resonates with me. I wish you made a transcript or even just the main points of your videos so I could review your tips and suggestions even when I’m not in a place where I can watch your videos. Your blog seems more like just another way to watch the videos.
Only someone who isn’t a creative would give you grief about needing to switch gears. People don’t understand that you need emotional energy to write, and we can’t always gauge where our emotional tank will be down the road. I actually really appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. So happy you’re settled into your new house and getting your writing mojo back! ❤️
I stumbled upon your videos about a month ago, and I just wanted to say I admire what you are doing. I have been struggling to write my book series for years, and your content has really helped me gain a new perspective on how to plot each of my novels. I'm not 100% there yet, but you've been a huge inspiration! And go you for blocking out the haters and following your heart! Its a lesson every writer needs to learn.
That is all, keep up the awesome work!💕
You have no idea how much I needed this today! I've been plotting away (your writing great scenes series has been a great help) but I needed something I can carry around that's visual. I'm using sheets from an old Happy Planner and doing the same. Can't wait to see what you do next.
Yes to all of this I myself am working on book 2 and a lot is happening personally and part of me is wanting to buckle down and push myself through but another part of me doesn't want to burn myself out or just go at a slower pace to what feels right. I really needed to hear this video right now and know others are dealing with the same things
Interesting! I have not been dreaming much for awhile as well! But I have been these passed few days! I remembered how reading right before bed helps that happen…change IS coming!
I admire what you do. I'm a discovery writer. Seeing all that stuff gives me a headache and makes my brain shut down. lol
Haha, totally get that! One of my best friends is a brilliant writer, and she is the same. Give her a a torn off piece of notebook paper to jot a few notes and she's got a full novel, haha. I wish I could do that!
So excited for you!! Many blessings as you get restarted on this story!
Loved this so much! It's inspiring to really see you own your creativity and make decisions based on what's best for you, not necessarily what others think or what the market says. Very empowering for newbie writers who want to try different things. I'm also a big fan of writing vlogs and seeing working writers in action, so definitely more of that please! And I'm excited to read this new book once it's done! Sounds absolutely delicious and amazing :)
I am so happy to see your growth it is inspiring. thank you for the reminder we are artist. blessings and joy 😊
I’m so excited for you! I know I get in funks sometimes and it takes making a change to get out of it. This will be amazing for you. That last book in the saga will be even better because you allowed it time to come to you. I quit my job of 11 years this week because I just couldn’t get out of the funk I’ve been in and 3 days later I have found a whole nee spark in me. I know I’ll be able to write again. Don’t worry about what others think. Do what is best for you!
So excited. Did you say Christopher Pike? Always do you. Do what you’re passionate about. It’s not about us. This is your life.
Yes!! I was obsessed with his books for forever!
I would love to see more of your process as you go along! And I really want to see how you use that character board. My heart hurts for you and the struggle with negativity. I'm so grateful to you for showing this side of the author world. I don't think it gets enough discussion. I'm looking forward to this new book! You are amazing.
I have wanted to write novels for years. Your videos are so inspirational. I think it time to fly into my novel journey! Thank you!
I love the writing and plotting vlogs and I'm super proud of you for making this momentous decision!!
So happy that you are doing what brings you joy! I look forward to any videos that you post. I always find inspiration in what you post and encouragement to keep going with my book!!❤
I love that you share journey with us, it’s so inspiring! My favorite videos are the ones that share the process of organizing or “getting ready” to write because even though I’m not a writer I can still utilize all your tips and tricks in my business. Can’t wait to follow along on this new journey!
I love all of your plotting methods and tips. Really excited to see any videos you make on your journey with this story.
NaNoWriMo for the 1st time this year! (Not 50,000 words, My goal - 20,000). Thanks for the organizational tips, your energy and expertise. Love you and keep giving. You are helping lots of folks and am so happy to have you on this part of the journey.
You've crystalized something for me. The reason I'm procrastinating about a particular story is because I don't like the first draft and I'm not ready to write it. Or its not ready to be written. I think if I put it aside and focus on something else I will hopefully move past the procrastination. Maybe the little voices will be silent. This video has inspired me more than a class I took to overcome what was holding me back.
🙌
Yay I’m so excited for you! You have been such an inspiration to me and I’m grateful for you! ❤️
This video was so helpful - I’m right there with you on so many things. Yes, time to let go and just level up already and work on this book!
I'm so happy that you're going to be making time for YOUR writing. Good for you! I'm excited for you.
Loving this! Good for you to taking a step back and realizing what you want! I’m taking labor day weekend to do my time to think about where I’m going next and my book as well. Would love writing videos as you write your new book! 💜🙏🌸
Wonderful to see you so energized about a project! Thanks for such an open and honest video!
You do you. Your well-being is the most important thing.
Sarra, thanks for being vulnerable - what a great video! Congrats on following your heart and I look forward to following your progress (however fast or slow that is) on both books!
I'm so excited for you!
Life-affirming magic!! Agreed, agreed, agreed about every thought you share. Sometimes we need to pivot to shake off the stagnant energy and get inspired. I'm so excited for WHATEVER you choose to joyfully create next!!
You are not a failure. Nobody is a failure. I love the way you expressed yourself in this video and it is one of the many reasons why I love watching your content. You tell it like it is and you are honest! I so appreciate this video and I want the best for you and I really admire the way that you are approaching things. You've made me realise a lot about my own writing journey, so thank you for that. Excited to see what's next for you and excited to support you through it all 😀🥰
They have reboots for a reason. No one said it has to be the last book ever 😉 writing vlogs are my favorite
I love your organized setups, and Huntee, you are allowed to do what you want to do. You have earned it!😊
Thank you Dee.
I would Love to see anything that you are able and willing to share with us. I am so happy for you! You deserve this and I know we will always support whatever choice you make. You are so kind and generous to all of by sharing your journey.