Sunday has come around again. Once a week. Always at the same point in the week. Almost like it’s on a calendar. However, this Sunday is different. Today I took three steps to help jump start the site and my writing.

I find it can be very hard to restart a habit when you have let it lapse. I almost feel as though breaking a habit is a kiss of death for that activity. This can be a good thing if the habit is something you want to lose, but writing was not that sort of habit. No, instead COVID, switching jobs and changing the part of the world I lived in broke my writing habit. I have kick started my writing before, but support and accountability can be fickle. I haven’t always had the right support and accountability is highly dependent on your own personality.

Hopefully, the three steps I took today will force me into a support and accountability virtuous cycle where I can write, write, write and win!

Not sure what I am winning, but hey, it’s better than doing nothing and ensuring that you take an “L” home with you. And with that, on to the three steps:

Bluesky

First, I started a Bluesky account. I never had a twitter account and never really cared to have one. The way twitter has become a flaming rage-fest makes me want that sort of an account even less. I plan on using the Bluesky account to keep me on track. I will post regular writing sprints and word counts. Also, M&W Books’ Operations Director, Zach will make occasional appearances to keep me in line and productive.

Discord

Second, I set up a couple of Discord servers. Discord really feels like a mildly updated IRC (Internet Relay Chat for those of us who remember the dark times). I have started the Yokai Server for discussions of the various books I have written and published. I also set up a Discord for early readers of books I have not yet published. This server will be by invitation only and will be for trusted early readers to give me feedback on stories that are in the editing phase of their journey into print.

Writing Sprint

Third, I started writing sprints. No sense in making a Bluesky account and then not using it, right? The first sprint was for 2,500 words and it was in the sequel to Garbage In, Demon Out. You can get a copy with Kindle Unlimited here, or purchase a physical copy here. The sequel, Good, Fast, Demon. Choose Two, is about 60% finished. My gut tells me I have about 8-10 chapters left to write. That probably means I will have 12-15 before I am satisfied the book is finished.

I think these three steps will get me back into the swing of regular writing and producing the kind of art that I want in the world. Check in next Sunday and see if I keep at it! Or check out @mdavidscoble on Bluesky and see if I make my writing sprints! It should be a daily challenge!