Weekly Note: Words by the Ocean
Plus how I focused on retreat, what I've been reading, and bookseller insights
As I mentioned last week, I got to go on a retreat this past weekend! I was able to focus on my novel for the first time this year and dig in to my revision. I got 6K words done!
Even on a retreat in a beautiful setting it was still a challenge to stay on track and not procrastinate. Here are some things I did to keep going:
Connected with other writers - being on retreat as part of a group (SCBWI CenCal) really inspired me to write.
Set a goal - at the beginning of the weekend I set a goal to revise 5 chapters.
Accountability - I wrote my goal up on a chart in the room for everyone to see and told people about it.
Short focused sessions - I stuck with my method of doing 25 minute writing sprints, using the Forest app to keep me off my phone.
Internet blocker - I set up a blocker to stop me using Facebook etc on my laptop.
Walks by the ocean - a refreshing walk first thing on Saturday and again in the afternoon cleared my head and got me in the mood for writing.
Reading - I also spent time reading to feed my creative brain.
Painting - when I needed a writing break I switched to painting, following along with some
sessions.
I call the weekend a success. I loved meeting so many wonderful creative people and remembering why I’m excited about my book.
p.s. some of the links are bookshop.org affiliate links so I might earn a small commission if you buy from them, but as always I encourage you to visit your local independent bookstore instead. This month I’ll be donating any affiliate earnings to the LA wildfire relief.
On Kidlit Survival Guide this week I interviewed a local bookseller for her advice to authors. It’s well worth a read in my humble opinion!
I’m taking bookings for in-person and virtual author visits with a few slots left for the remainder of this school year and plenty of room for 2025/26. You can read more about my visits on my website.
The Kidlit For Los Angeles auction smashed its goal and raised $172,469!! You can read more about the auction at Publishers Weekly.
I finished It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant and thought it was so smart and funny. Definitely recommend. Then I also loved The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. It’s been described as Knives Out with romance and I would agree! A lot of fun.
After two mystery novels I’ve switched to fantasy with Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Honestly, I’m struggling with keeping up with all the characters, places, and plot but I’m sure it’ll all come together as I’m only about 20% in so far.Next on my reading list I have one of the 2025 Newbery Honor winning books, The Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy. Have you read any of this year’s Newbery books?
That’s all for this week!
With love,
Christine xo
Buy my books from your favorite local independent bookstore, my local indie Linden Tree Books, Bookshop.org, or other online retailers.
What a productive weekend! I am so sorry that I missed the retreat this year.