Day 31 – March SOLSC
Hooray! I have made it to the finish line. 31 straight days of writing! So why is today the day where I’ve typed and deleted my post over and over? I’ve sat here staring at my screen, starting to type and then quickly starting over. Today’s the day I get writer’s block?!? I think it’s because I was trying not to just write a reflection post. But, maybe that’s exactly what I need to do – reflect on the past month of writing.
This was my second year doing the Slice of Life Story Challenge. I remember being so excited in the days leading up to March 1st. I created a list of possible writing ideas in my notebook. I went onto Pinterest to pin various ideas as well. I just started to listen and look at the world around me differently. It was like my writing warm up. Of course, I had the typical self-doubts….March is so busy. What am I thinking adding something else to my plate? I have to do report cards too! But I shook them off, and jumped in.
Once the challenge began, I just got into my groove. During the week, I set a goal to write the night before so I could post in the morning. This routine helped me to be successful. On the weekends, I wrote and then posted the same day. I found myself looking for slices in every part of my day. I even dug deep back into my memories and wrote about some things from a long time ago.
Last year, I was more overwhelmed with getting the posts done and I only really read 3 other slices (the minimum). This year, I found myself reading more and returning to the same people’s blogs – commenting and being inspired. I followed many more blogs and made sure to read the slices of the people who commented on my posts. I looked forward to reading the comments and found myself taking suggestions and trying different things. Such an amazing, supportive community.
I enjoy writing so much now because of participating in this challenge for the past two years. The goal of writing every day was a routine that helped me. Last year, when the challenge was over, I sporadically posted for the Tuesday slice challenge. But, it never became a part of my routine. I really want to keep my writing going. So, I’ve put calendar appointments in my phone for daily writing and a reminder to publish and post on Tuesdays. I’ve also joined the Facebook group “TeachWrite: A Tribe for Teachers of Writers & Teachers Who Write.” Hopefully, both of these new plans will help me keep up with my writing. It really does bring me Joy!
Thank you to all of the Slicers who read my posts and made comments. You’ve helped me become a better writer!
I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge! Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community. A place for us to grow together as writers.
Congrats!
I especially like your paragraph on commenting, and how it evolved for you. Many of us share that experience, and you described it so well.
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You inspired me to expand on some memories about my dad. I can’t thank you enough for that. It was like another part of my writerly self emerged!
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Oh, I’m so glad!
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Congratulations! After my first year, I also found that writing the night before really helped me, and I started commenting more. It’s hard to find the time to do all the reading and commenting I’d like to do now. I’ll look for you on Tuesdays! Happy writing!
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Thank you! I will look for you too. I just commented on someone’s post that the reading and commenting kind of overwhelmed me a bit. I would read and read, and use posts for inspiration, but not always comment. I got like comment nerves – like my comment wasn’t going to be good enough. So weird!
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Oh! I can totally relate to those comment nerves! I feel the same way often!
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Hooray! I’m glad you found joy in year two. I did too. I hope to read more of your pieces on Tuesdays!
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I just double checked my calendar appointments to make sure the reminders are set! I look forward to reading your pieces on Tuesdays!
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Great idea to put calendar appointments on your calendar! I’m off to do the same 🙂
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I’m really hoping this keeps me on track. It’s easier to forget when it’s only a once of week posting.
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I’m inspired by all those of you who’ve done this for several years. I’m hoping to keep the momentum from this month and post each Tuesday. Thanks for sharing how that can be difficult – fingers crossed that I can learn from your experience.
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Fingers crossed for both of us!
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Congrats on the finish line! That was some marathon. I’m glad it got you inspired to keep writing. Joining the TeachWrite tribe will help you with a group of like-minded people and you should definitely do Tuesdays, so easy after a whole month!
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Thank you! I think the pressure of slicing every kept me going. I will have to put pressure on myself for Tuesdays! Thanks for all your comments. I’m excited to keep at it 🙂
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This was my 2nd year slicing, also, and all I can say about the things you reflected on is “ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto!” I’m intending to participate more with Tuesday slicing… hope to see you there! 🙂 ~JudyK
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Yes! We’ll have to keep each other going 🙂
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Great reflection! I found myself reading and commenting on more blogs this year. Love all the amazing ideas from other slicers!
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Oh me too! So many great ideas from other slicers.
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I mimic your thoughts on commenting, especially the first years versus now. Congratulations on completing the challenge.
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I’ve loved reading your writing. It’s very conversational and vivid. You’ve made me smile and tugged at my heartstrings just like several of my favorite authors. I look forward to Slicing with you on Tuesdays.
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Thank you!
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I struggled this morning too–determined not to write a reflection post, but what I really wanted was to write a reflection post so….. I really like your idea of writing the night before and being ready to post in the morning. I also really struggle to keep slicing during the rest of the year. It’s always easier for me to do something every day than once a week. I think I’m going to try to borrow your idea of writing some every day and then hopefully having something ready to publish on Tuesdays.
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