FIRST DAY BACK AT WRITING AFTER A TWO WEEK BREAK! | rested & recovered

[@honeybooks8443]

This here, people, this here is my favouritr youtube channel. I enjoy Kates’ videos so, so much! They inspire me when I’m in a writing slump and they are so relaxing and make me feel at ease. You are such a warm person, Kate, you’re so full of light and that clearly comes across in your uploads. I’m sending you lots of love & hoping you never quit posting! ❤

[@sydney2802]

You breaking the pencil point the first time you used it and then pausing and going 'that was dramatic' is such a mood. Also, I love when your brain and/or instincts sets something up in your writing that makes sense later! And you are way braver than I am, pouring hot water for tea into a mug sitting on the arm of the couch. As far as getting back to a routine, that's something i really struggle with. Then again, I find myself struggling to keep to a routine, so maybe I'm just bad at setting my own. I really do well under routine, I just haven't been able to set one myself without feeling guilty I missed a day. But I'm working on it! I normally just work on another project other than the one I set the routine for as a low stakes 'get back in the groove of writing again' kind of thing. For journaling, I'm a total freewrite kind of person. I struggle mightily with prompts unless I'm well and truly stuck (and when I 'use' a prompt I end up going off the rails within the first sentence or two. I'm working on version 5 of my most complete novel, and laying the groundwork on my first romance novel! It's been fun with the romance novel because I own Romancing the Beat (thanks for introducing that to me, by the way!) and I'm working through a few free things about Save the Cat. I had to stop with Save the Cat though, because I haven't read the first book on the breakdown list (Shadow and Bone) and don't want to be spoiled. I'm also using Scrivener for the first time and I'm actually really enjoying it! I used to use Google Docs which was nice because I could read it on my phone, but I really like Scrivener's functions and layouts so far. I haven't read in a long time unfortunately so I randomly chose a book I had on my bookshelf I have no memory of reading. It's called Chosen by Ted Dekker. I haven't started it yet, but it sounds interesting. As far as stationery, I adore journals but I usually end up picking up ones with cool covers from like the drugstore or something lmao. I don't own as many stickers as I'd like, but my tastes are so varied I end up drawing my own sometimes and then sticking them on my laptop. But I prefer pins because I don't want to stick the stickers on something I have to get rid of. Pins are like the perfect thing for me because they're often very pretty or cool and I can move them! Great video, I really enjoyed it!

[@reginaduke7451]

This was lovely. Isn't Spain wonderful? Loved the toadstools! And I also discovered the midday nap in Spain. So lovely...unless you are a married mother who needs to rush home, cook a full meal, and then clean up while everyone else naps. LOL Great for tourists, though.

[@glowllama]

Every time I go anywhere for a few days, I'm completely off my rocker. I did nano this November, I graduated and went back home in December, we temporarily moved in with family at the end of February, and I'm still trying to get back into writing. Oh, and we move out of here sometime in June. I think it's a little harder for me because I’m blind, and it takes several days to learn the layout of a place and about two weeks for me to feel comfortable walking around a space. But yeah, it's a struggle.

[@caitrinkeller]

Thank you for scaring the s*** out of me. The noise from your coffee machine was startling, to say the least. 😄😂🤣

[@AbiofPellinor]

Sometimes the brain just needs a break! Loved seeing how your productivity was impacted

[@RevanStarkiller0608]

When I journal do use a prompt but I also do some free writing. Then, at the end I include at least 5 things that I’m grateful for. You could say that I’m very inclusive…

[@KerriB]

I'm using Romancing the Beat for my outline too lol the outline has unfortunately taken a backseat to drafting other things, but I'm determined to finish it a few days before the 24hr novel challenge! I've been consistently writing almost 3k a day every day this week though so procrastinating on the outline has its benefits 🎉

[@tieyonnasvlogs894]

Free writing ✍️

[@alicechance]

Just discovered your channel - love!

[@supernaturalwriter]

I'm about to get back into writing to really excited since I've been away for so long and I already have new projects cooking in my brain

[@johntubbs6617]

I forgot to ad in post below,,.. "Romancing the Beat" from what I remember is orientated toward screen plays or scripts. Which is hard to use with novels being a novel is like ten times longer and needs more genre beats etc to pull off a sellable manuscript in today's markets. It's much harder to breakout now as an author being the midlist category is ten times smaller now, so things are much more competitive since the early 1980's, So a new author has to be on top of their game in regard to craft and technique. We all have to be super-authors right out of the box so to speak. No time for development like back in the day. Big shoes to fill now-a-days. I don't have MFA in Creative Writing, but I feel like I could pass a program (Maybe???)

[@johntubbs6617]

P.S. As you can see I made a few typos, what I found the more complex we think, the more redrafting and checking for errors in writing is required - typo's etc...I always forget that. All part f the game though! Take care all.

[@PaigeHWrites]

I just finished Ana Maria and the Fox! Loved it! It was fun seeing diverse characters in Victorian England and the different types of problems they faced because they were different.

[@HM-cp7gy]

i read “wasted and recovered” 🤣🤣 love you kate!!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

LOOOOL maybe a little of that too! 🍷

[@Heothbremel]

Looks very productive! I usually have a hard time settling in, no matter how much I want to be back in again... it usually just ends up with me pushing through until the writing kicks in again xD maybe I'll work out a better system eventually

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahahah, "I'll work out a better system eventually" sounds like something I could say for 99% of my processes. I usually do too, so you're not alone! I crave the routine and normalcy but still find it hard to adjust.

[@ash_days_]

The worst part about coming back from traveling abroad is eating the food in here (US). My stomach just gets wrecked when I try, especially after my trip from Japan I was stuck in the bathroom all day! 😭

[@reginaduke7451]

First first first!!! (I'll comment later. LOL)

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahahah HI REGINA. 🏆

[@LeeAnneRMT]

Currently reading: Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop I miss Journaling, but ever since my mom found it when I was 19 I've never been able to write without the idea that someone will read it and be hurt or angry if I use it to vent. Maybe a prompt like this would be helpful.

[@pixelsbykris5494]

Hey, I know this may seem weird coming from a total stranger, but I just wanted to say that I really hope you get back into journaling. I obviously don't know your history with your mother, but I DO know that journaling is supposed to be a private thing that you CAN CHOOSE to share, but is meant to be a way to peacefully vent your thoughts and feelings in a safe manner. If she read your journal without your consent for ANY reason, then that is a HUGE breach of privacy and the issue lies solely with her if she got upset while reading it. Or even if she didn't, really. So, again, I highly encourage you to get back into journaling if it's something that you genuinely want to do. And, if you do and somebody reads it without you explicitly allowing them to, then you can tell them that what they did was wrong. And shows not only a huge lack of respect for you and your privacy, but also that they're willing to go around snooping through your stuff and possibly even something worse. If they're okay digging through your drawers or closet, then who's to say they wouldn't be okay with stealing anything while they're there?

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oh noooo, I'm so sorry that happened to you, Lee-Anne!! :( That's really violating and I can completely see how you'd hold some pain from that experience. I had a similar, smaller incident with my (very young, at the time) brother and his friend drawing all over my journal when I was in middle school and I stopped writing in one for a long while after that. I second what Pixels By kris said! Another option would be a journal you can type in and password protect. I enjoy the feeling and process of thought-to-page but also use Google Docs when I need to and when that's what I have access to!

[@Lara_Ameen]

I hope you had a wonderful time in Spain! I like your routine. It’s really neat. I haven’t read Camille’s book yet, but she is also an editor and is the editor of my friend Jen St. Jude’s book IF TOMORROW DOESN’T COME (a queer YA speculative novel), which I just finished reading the published version of. Gorgeous and heartbreaking. Enjoy the book club!

[@pattyellis5359]

Hi. Glad that you enjoyed your time in Spain. Looking relaxed and refreshed. Just wondering, when you are writing about any of your characters, do you give a short description on how they look or not really?

[@KateCavanaugh]

I often don't** describe how my characters look! Some people hate that, some love it. If I do describe my characters, it's usually in the course of action. Like "she peeked through her curtain of black hair, watching as John left the room" or whatever! **I will describe how they look in romance stories more often than not though! Usually at first introduction/first time the main character "sees" them.

[@elizalagonia1049]

I took most of last week off from writting. I only wrote during my writing sessions with a friend and I crocheted the other days. I also wanted to finish a sewing project, but my sons had wanted "art time" last week and I was being lazy about taking down and setting g back up their art stuff. I was never a "notebook" person either then don't know what happened, I couldn't do anything. I currently work out of 4 notebooks and a planner. Though to be fair, one notebook I use in my Italian studies. I also want all the cute staionary stuff.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh what are you crochet & sewing projects right now?? I'm trying to learn how to make a granny square and it's kicking my butt. ☠️ What are your other three notebooks for? I'm so curious. Are they designated for certain things or moreso just whichever you grab first?

[@elizalagonia1049]

@@KateCavanaugh I'm crocheting a blanket for my niece using Harrington half double crochets and bobble stitches. My sewing project is a t-shirt made frome a stretchy cotton. Setting the sleeves in and the hem is all that's left. It took me about a five to really get the granny square down. It was the corner stitches and the base square that took forever to click with me. My notebooks: I have the Italian one, my writing notebook for random ideas and notes for my WIPs. The budget and spending tracking book has been a life saver most of the time. I use another notebook to list everything I have to do for the week: chores, hygiene, weekly tasks to achieve goal, that sort of thing. Finally, I have a meal planning and grocery list book, that I also track my BP in for my doctor.

[@wallacejames221]

The noise of that espresso machine never fails to freak me out every single time. MAN how do you LIVE with how loud it is???

[@KateCavanaugh]

BAHAHAHA! I thought about opening up a different way, worried it would be too jarring. Good to know the initial instinct was correct, sorry for jumpscaring you!! 😂 Somehow it's not as bad in person?? But it is still quite loud. That would be my only complaint! (But, like, a worthwhile sacrifice.)

[@wallacejames221]

@@KateCavanaugh Valid. As someone who cannot drink coffee and is sensitive to loud noises I think I am not the target audience for these XD So glad they're worth it for you!

[@blairewilde]

Where can I find the Self Love journal? I kinda want to try it alongside you!!

[@EMenozzi]

Alexa Donne has a series of videos on how to write a thriller (they're all compiled in one of her YT playlists). I don't write thrillers, but I found that to be pretty helpful in thinking through plotting for a mystery novel idea that I'm working on.

[@lindsayb1779]

Notebook Therapy has amazing stationary. Sorry, not sorry! LOL

[@KateCavanaugh]

OOOOH EVERYTHING IS SO CUTE! And their spring sale is going! OMG WHAT HAVE YOU DONE (I love it lolol, thank you).

[@KateCavanaugh]

No seriously, my Cart is full now. Omg.

[@lindsayb1779]

@@KateCavanaugh Now I really feel like I need to apologize! haha

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

I go to an in-person writing group and I love it! It started from Nano.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh that's so awesome! How often do y'all meet up? Do you usually spend a couple hours writing together or do you also exchange work? I have so many questions!

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

@@KateCavanaugh It's monthly at our local library. The host usually does writing challenges and we talk about our current projects and writing goals. It's a really great way to have accountability. But it's not a group where we share our work. We just do little writing sprints for about 2 hours. It's cool because we have different people. Some are poets, others are just writers for fun. It's cool to be around non-novelists!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh I love that! And YES there's totally some magic about being surrounded by fellow writers, but non-novelists, I agree!! I've seen my library has book clubs, maybe I should check out if they have some writing groups. 👀

[@MakerFishmeal]

Waking up at 4:30 sounds like a recipe for productivity... and also torture 😅 Also - your hair looks AMAZING in the final clip!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Aha THANK YOU. The sun was shining perfectly through the window so the smidge of red was popping! (Also I got a new conditioner.) And yesssss, I both enjoyed the quiet productivity and feeling like the world was mine alone, and also would never want to force myself to do it otherwise bahaha. (Unless it's for a silly experiment!) I've since been waking up at ~5:45am and that's also been nice!

[@wrestlingwithdisney]

When you call your cat ma’am ❤❤❤❤

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahaha she's so cute and so into mischief! (Also loooove Disney pins, excited to check out more of your channel!)

[@johntubbs6617]

I like Super-Walmart's for stationary stuff. Just read "Master List for Writers" by Bryn Donovan - great book for prompts of all kinds - even for crucial incidents or plot developments etc great resource for reference while writing - great book to Deep-Dive with. , . I'm working on my two writing areas right now, no writing at all - (Writing Vacation). I don't journal much yet, most of my ideas are on my hand recorders I use etc.. no time to listen to yet (Have 4 years' worth (Yikes). I never stop thinking of writings so never have to re-boot my brain to get back to the process, but long periods away any the arts, it takes a while to get back to the same level of mastery you left off at. It's just human nature that's all. They say it's better to read a few hours of great writing., not to copy, but to get in the mood for juggling the modes and wax poetic again. etc God, there is so much to remember craft wise it's mind boggling at times.

[@adalynlaan4066]

your book sounds so cool but why did among us come to mind???? im lost anyways keep up the good work you're fr the only thing motivating me to write atm

[@snapdragona]

Ah, that Amanda chick sounds smart 😂

[@KateCavanaugh]

Heheheheh.

[@KateCavanaugh]

I'm trying (ish) the backwards approach right now and I'll let you know how it goes. 🤞😂

[@snapdragona]

@@KateCavanaugh me too! I'll keep you posted if it helps me figure out where the key comes from 🤣

[@storiesnstoneware]

Thanks for sharing my comment❤❤ ❤

[@KateCavanaugh]

YES! Thank you for writing it! It was the perfect summation of it all. I've been pondering a lot over The Gap since. (Also since starting trying to crochet a granny square and failing like 10 times before finally succeeding bahahah.)

[@milesknightestrada3286]

Two weeks in Spain? Just like the Gentle Giant song.

[@searching4stars250]

Tea for wisdom. Does it work cause I really could use some wisdom?

[@KateCavanaugh]

I didn't notice it that day but who's to argue with the tea?? I'll try again midday and see if it helps me. 😂 I could also use some wisdom!

[@searching4stars250]

@Kate Cavanaugh Writes good luck for both of us. Epiphanies all around.

[@charmedvenuss]

Hi! I love your content, but as an autistic audience member if you could warn us if you're going to start the video with a loud noise so that theres enough time to turn it down before you get into it I'd be eternally grateful! Its just hard not to get overwhelmed by the whiplash of volume(: great video!