She loves books and reading. Put a pen in her hand, and she can turn a pithy phrase. Writing is on her mind at least thirteen times a day. She always dreamed of being a writer. It’s in her blood. It’s her destiny. Her books would be on the bookstore shelves beside those of PickaFamousAuthor.
If only she had more time to write. If only she didn’t have to do so and so. If only so and so didn’t get in the way. If only her day job didn’t drain her down to the bone. If only she was wealthy enough to write full time. If only she had no obligations. If only she felt better. If only she had more energy to write. If only the planets would align.
Who is this? I call her Wendy WannaBeAWriter.
I used to be a Wendy. And then I decided to be an author. With the help of some wonderful mentors and supporters, I dipped my toe into the craft and eventually published seven books. Then I experienced the devastating loss of my husband of 41 ½ years. This was followed by the closing of my publishing house. Slowly, some of my Wendyness began to reemerge.
If only writing was really worth it. If only authors were actually appreciated these days. If only everything wasn’t so darn technical. If only writers didn’t have to spend so much time marketing and figuring things out. If only writers supported each other more. If only there was more time to write. If only the planets would align.
Do you have some Wendy problems, too? Here is what helped me cope with my latest spell of Wendyness. The mindset and daily non-negotiables were inspired by coach Jennifer Blanchard. I call her The Firecracker. She is a great example of living the law of attraction. I call the regimen I came up with my Quantum 4.
Laws of the Quantum 4:
Pick 4 things that will help you move toward your goals if you do them every day.
Decide to do these 4 things every day, come hell or high water.
See these as non-negotiable.
Do them first thing in the morning or at your first available time each day.
My Quantum 4 as I first set them up:
Mindset work
Write 20 minutes a day on 1st Rough Draft
Ride stationary bike 15 minutes a day
Eat low carb
Mindset work: This includes journaling a page that envisions desired outcomes for each area of my Quantum 4. I journal fast and from the heart as the thoughts come. To give a few examples — I am an international best-selling author. My books are made into movies and audiobooks. I write 7,000 1st Rough Draft words a day. I am fit and have oodles of stamina. I love eating foods that are healthy, low calorie, and low carb.
Write 20 minutes a day on 1st Rough Draft: This is the messy, ugly writing that initially spews out on the blank page. Because it had all the charm of a root canal, it was urgent for me to include it in my daily habits. Performing the task on a daily basis lessens the pain. 1st Rough Draft is now more of a friend than a foe. 20 minutes a day resulted in about 500 words. I’m now up to 40 minutes.
Ride stationary bike 15 minutes a day: It doesn’t seem like much, but remember—small steps! 15 minutes renders approximately 3.5 miles. I’m now up to 20 minutes. I’m amazed how much I actually enjoy riding that bike. I never would have thought! I call it my horse, and my valiant, magical steed has a secret name.
Eat low carb: I always feel better, cleaner, and have more stamina with low carb.
Your goals and regimen are up to you:
Pick 4 things that will move you closer to your goals if you do them every day.
Decide to do these things every day, come hell or high water.
See these as non-negotiable.
Do them first thing in the morning or at your first available time each day.
After a week you will start to feel more powerful and in control. You’ll be amazed that you are actually working toward your goals a little each day. Results are becoming visible. After a month nothing can stop you. You are piling up the pages. You’ll be so gung ho that you’ll adjust your Quantum 4 upward. Your productivity will increase. You are well on your way. Wendy WannaBeAWriter has morphed into Super Writer. With the Quantum 4 you show the universe what you want and what you are committed to. The Universe clears the way for you.
Cheers & Happy Writing!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
This was awesome. I am a Wendy. I have a quantum 6 30 minutes to wake up and do emais FB etc work 1 hour on current WIP 15 on the treadmill 1 hour decluttering 1 hour in the garden eat healthy low carbs and veggies. Ill try this out though this month i have some trips coming up
Your 6 priorities sound fabulous, Cathy. 4 is about the limit I can commit to as performing everyday come hell or high water. After those 4 are done, any other writing, revising, marketing, or whatever, is golden.
Fabulous post, Flossie! I hit Wendy status often. I need to develop my own Quantum 4!
Thank you, Mae. The 4 help to keep me on a path.
Flossie, I love love loved this. Thank you.
Thank you, Judy! I’m glad you enjoyed my sharing how Quantum 4 got me back on track.
Good ideas, making my list now!
Good for you! Keep us posted.
Love this, Flossie! Reminds me to put my own Quantum 4 together. It’s easier for me in the winter because no garden to weed (those darn weeds behave about as well as third grade boys hopped up on Mountain Dew 🙂 ), but you have reminded me that even weeding is no excuse!
Hahahaha, I understand, Julie. Winter is easier for me, too, as I have my Snickerdoodles many days of the summer. Thank you for reading and commenting on my Quantum 4. I’m hopping over to see you. Love the image of boys hopped up on mountain dew. Sounds like my Snickerdoodles.