{"id":2957,"date":"2021-11-03T16:47:38","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T23:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=2957"},"modified":"2022-09-22T12:22:26","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T19:22:26","slug":"the-writing-process-can-be-messy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/11\/03\/the-writing-process-can-be-messy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Writing Process Can Be Messy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrestling With My Work- What I learned when I tried to write 1 post on Sabbath and it morphed into 15&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems fitting that to write these articles about Sabbath I had to slow down. I needed to sit, read, take notes slowly, and reflect. I was not able to write the article by pushing forward in my own effort. After all, Sabbath Rest is about choosing to pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It started as one gigantic article and slowly divided into 15. I&#8217;ve been wrestling with it for a few months. Trying to get it to take shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing lots of words that have been edited out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making lots of observations in my own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a lot of notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And reading&#8230; lots of reading. Gathering and processing information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making connections and trying things out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing 15 articles at one time is not recommended! It feels very scattered and a bit panic-ridden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>I have all the posts labeled in Evernote in one notebook. I am adding in quotes, fleshing out details, and creating structure. It is messy, disorienting, and scattered. Right now I am hoping that something good comes from all of this work. That somehow these haphazard notes become the bones of really great content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have you ever done work like that?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have you ever been in the messy middle of something and not able to see the finished results?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I know that I am getting there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That with each step of progress that it will all come together well. I will trust the process. I will rest in the fact that I am going at the speed that works for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain topics need time to simmer. To wait and develop in my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our society has this idea that we must be an expert at something before we can start. But, there is something very valuable about being a beginner. We might make a lot of mistakes, we might do things in the wrong way, but the newness gives us a fresh perspective. We are able to make connections with other things that we know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have not identified myself as a writer until this year. It is a big learning curve and I feel exposed. I am learning things that others have known for a long time. Practicing skills that my own high schooler has mastered already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is difficult to share when you are in the transition of something.&nbsp; Hard to be vulnerable when you are in the middle and you do not know how things will turn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large is-style-default\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210629_222901347-1-1560x1170.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What I do when things are getting messy:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rhythms and routines help me make the most of the pieces of time that appear in my schedule. I have created a routine for when I write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>See more about that in this article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/07\/07\/simple-writing-tips-inspiration\/\">Simple Writing Tips &amp; Inspiration<\/a><\/li><li>and this one: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=2693\">Rituals, Routines, and Rhythms &#8211; What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/a><\/li><li>or here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=2934\">4 Reasons Why Writing Can Feel So Lonely<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>I have also learned that consistency matters. Showing up is important. Even in the mess and chaos of organizing ideas and words into something that makes sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You can read more about that here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/09\/21\/simple-writing-tips-inspiration\/\">My #1 Writing Rule &amp; Finding Inspiration<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Prayer and reading great books will fill me up so that I can share great ideas with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Here is an article about my experience this summer: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/14\/enjoying-summer-reading-big-magic\/\">Enjoying Summer &amp; Reading Big Magic<\/a><\/li><li>Here is what I am currently reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/category\/currently-reading\/\">All posts in Currently Reading<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>from Unsplash <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>My goal is to share hope-filled words full of practical ideas. No matter if it gets messy or if some posts need time to simmer. I am learning that the writing process is worth it. That the waiting can be a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>So, for today, I will work on moving things forward. One inch at a time. I will lean into my routines that help me make space for meaningful words. I will show up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Prayer of Encouragement:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Lord Jesus, <\/p><p>Fill us with Your words. Give us Your wisdom to share with others. This life is messy and hard. There are so many things that weigh us down. We feel heavy with unrealistic expectations, decision fatigue, conflict in our homes, and the daylight that passes by so quickly. It is so difficult to share words of hope. Ground us on those days when the words swim around in the air. Give us comfort and show us how to be kind to ourselves. Help us with our Rhythms and Routines, show us how to show up, and give us clarity. Come Holy Spirit and guide us with Your Wisdom. <\/p><p>Amen!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>I am cheering for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:100\"><br>\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\udcddHugs! &#8211; April<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"4813\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Commonplace-notes-on-Growing-Slow-1560x1170.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1637\" data-id=\"2966\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-1024x655.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-1536x982.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-2048x1310.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PXL_20210707_160822444-1560x998.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption>my writing buddy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Writing is layered and difficult.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>There are so many pieces to starting something new and making space for creativity.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Here are some articles to help:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>This article will help you if you are stuck and not sure how to get started with writing.<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/07\/12\/stuck-in-the-fog-of-wanting-to-write\/\"><u>Stuck in the Fog of Wanting to Write<\/u><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>See this article for how I make space for my writing:<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/07\/07\/simple-writing-tips-inspiration\/\"><u>My #1 Writing Rule &amp; Finding Inspiration<\/u><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You are ready to share your message, you have made space for writing\u2026 now what next?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What if the words don\u2019t just flow onto the page like you had hoped?<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=2518\"><u>Finding Flow &amp; Focus in my Writing Routine<\/u><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>I have learned that my energy and my time are the most valuable assets for me to keep an eye on.<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=2542\"><u>Making Progress in Your Writing \u2013 How to be Efficient and Effective with your Energy<\/u><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Or maybe you need space in your household duties.<ul><li>More on the basics of energy levels and how I use them in my home: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/07\/09\/energy-focus-in-homemaking\/\"><u>5 Energy Levels in Homemaking<\/u><\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-5691 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-mom-life category-writing tag-april-edwards tag-substack tag-subtle-resistance tag-writer tag-writing-updates\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/join-me-on-substack\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1560\" height=\"1040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1560x1040.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Join me on Substack!\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1560x1040.jpg 1560w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1560px) 100vw, 1560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/join-me-on-substack\/\" target=\"_self\" >Join me on Substack!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Hey! Hello! \ud83d\ude01 I am so glad you have found my blog! This is my home place where I test out writing work, post weekly articles, and share updates on my books. I love having my own corner of the internet that I can call my own. Unfortunately, because of bots and ugly internet trolls,&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6264 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-mom-life\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/04\/14\/re-runs-real-life-my-may-writing-break\/\" target=\"_self\" >Re-Runs &amp; Real Life: My May Writing Break<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">graduations, a wedding, and making room for special family moments I loved sitcom re-runs in the 90\u2019s! \ud83d\udcfa In the off season writers, directors, actors, and all the people needed to make a TV show took time off. The TV channel would play old favorites from the season and it was my chance to catch&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wrestling With My Work- What I learned when I tried to write 1 post on Sabbath and it morphed into 15&#8230; It seems fitting that to write these articles about Sabbath I had to slow down. I needed to sit, read, take notes slowly, and reflect. I was not able to write the article by&hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"readmore-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/11\/03\/the-writing-process-can-be-messy\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2021-11-03 17:40:06","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[121],"tags":[198,199,197,200,123,125],"class_list":["post-2957","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing","tag-messy-drafts","tag-messy-writing","tag-the-writing-life","tag-wrestling-with-my-writing","tag-writing","tag-writing-inspiration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2957","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2957"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2957\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4852,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2957\/revisions\/4852"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2957"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2957"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}