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April 2023

'ello reader !

It Will Be Better

For those that don't know, I am moving in May. Now, this move was expected, but that doesn't make it any easier. Especially since my husband and I are moving ourselves instead of having a company pack and transport our things.

The preparation for both is the same, but I believe since we're helping ourselves it is even more important. So in April we decluttered, donated, and threw away everything that hasn't been used in the past 5 years and has no sentimental value.

Unfortunately, my husband and I disagree on a few things, but he got to keep a lot of the baby stuff and I got to save all of my--I mean the kids' Disney Blu-Ray collection.

I think the same can be done for our writing. Even if you're a pantser, set your environment up for the best writing success. Reachable snacks, alarm reminders to eat, hydration breaks, etc.

I decluttered my desk, organized my desktop files, and I realized I need a better system for when I sign up for writing contest because two came down at the same time: Friday, April 28.

We just have to do our best and adjust the plan to fit our life as it changes (kids grow up or moving). Leave room for nostalgia, but donate to our future selves story ideas that aren't working now. Throwing away is NEVER an option, trust me, you'll regret it.

"Congratulations, you have successfully proven you prioritize your bottom line over those that help make you that money."


- OLD LINE: "Office Intrigue in the Future" Episode 24 FF Writing Prompts - 12 Dec '21

"In conclusion, we’d like to say “Congratulations,” you have successfully proven you prioritize your bottom line over those that help make you money."

- NEW LINE: "Office Intrigue in the Future" - FFL Catch up Stream on Chandra's Channel - 23 April '23

Editing:

There wasn't much changed between these two lines, but I really felt it needed another level of professional snarky-ism as it was in the form of a letter from disgruntled employees.

Writing Weekend

The 30 Hour Write-a-thon was the last weekend of April and I didn't realize I needed it.

I planned to use it as a time for me to pack what I could (like books and seasonal items), but then I had two flash contest open up that I forgot I signed up for.

The first was a 100 word flash with NYC Midnight and the second was a 400 word micro-fiction with Fractured Lit. I submitted the 100 word flash before midnight on 29 April. Which gives me time to finish the other flashes as they aren't due until 7 May.

To ensure I met all the goals, I alternated packing boxes and writing each sprint on Saturday. Luckily, packing boxes can also cross into chat time since I wasn't on screen and just listening anyway.

Below is the playlist for the 30 Hour Write-a-thon and you can see me at Sprint #7.

Outside Writing

Outside of Writing this month, Stitch, pictured above, had her left eye removed after issues with it since October 2022.

This poor girl has been able to keep her head up, despite the adjustment, even with a cone. Which she broke 3 times in one weekend.

Don't worry, she is getting all the cuddles to offset the medicine she has to take 3 times a day.

My goal of editing 104 flashes this year has fallen to the wayside (avg. two a week) So, my good friend Chandra suggested a catch up day. The sprint heavy 4-hour stream link is below.

Birthday Thoughts

I'm another year older and none the wiser.

Just kidding, I think I've learned a thing or two over the years through my writing.

Lots of self-reflection and societal reflection came from being a writer that I never thought about before.

Writing is still a muscle that always needs exercise. I noticed if I don't think about the evolution of stories, either through reading or writing, it is more difficult to create an enjoyable story.

The one thing I will always remember, is to treat myself. So pictured is my double decker cookie cake. I will not picture the weight I gained from it, though.
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