Taking time away from the WIP

Storm's comin'.

I did it, y’all!

Last Friday I finished the first draft of Book Two. It took a lot of effort to buckle down and get that final chapter out, but I did it. I might wind up changing it, because I’m not sure I really like what I did to a few characters at the end there, but at least I have something to work with. 
 
After celebrating over the weekend with too much wine and some trashy TV, I am committed to taking a break from everything writing for the next two weeks. Sure, I’m still getting ideas for my next book and jotting them down in my notebook, but I have vowed there will be no editing sessions until November.
 
Despite feeling fantastic all weekend, I woke up in a yucky mental place on Monday. I got very down on myself and could only focus on my failures. It was as though my successes didn’t even exist. There was a storm in my brain.
 
I’m not sure what caused it. I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to figure out why my mind whirrs and my emotions spiral. I do know, however, that when this happens it’s often a sign I need to take a step back. Slow down. Give myself a break. 
 
And there you have it!
 
A Thing I Enjoyed This Week
 
Those of you who follow me on Insta know that every Friday I listen to a podcast called The Last Action Critics. (Disclosure: I went to high school with one of the hosts, Ian. He and I have been friends for approximately 11,000 years. I also sponsored one of their recent episodes.)
 
Ian and co-host Will focus on action movies both good and bad. If you want a refreshingly hilarious take on the genre, I suggest listening. Over the course of an hour they discuss TV shows they’re currently watching, bad action movies that need improvement, and the latest action movies to hit the theaters (and/or streaming). 
 
If you need many laughs, head to your favorite audio streaming service and search for The Last Action Critics. You won’t be disappointed.