I Think I Can, I Think I Can

This morning, I was watching the Today show when Craig Melvin asked Aaron Sorkin if there would be a West Wing reboot.

Now, I still need to watch The West Wing (I know, I know!), but what caught my attention was Sorkin’s response. He said he wished there was, but he’s living in a state of writer’s block.

And while I am certainly no Aaron Sorkin, I felt that. A LOT.

My mind is constantly swarming with scenes, thoughts, ideas, and conversations between characters. I can see them. I can hear them. I know what I want to happen. But when I sit down to write, there’s a block.

It’s like everything swirling around in my head can’t quite find its way down to my fingertips and onto the page. And of course, this would be happening right now. Because I have a deadline.

I’m contributing a short story called It Happened in August to an anthology, and my deadline is October 15. No pressure. Okay…maybe a little pressure.

The story features one of my favorite characters I’ve ever written: Aunt Viv from From This Day Forward. I’ve been working on it. Well…sort of.

It’s outlined on paper. I have scenes written in my Notes app. I have conversations and ideas floating around in my head. Now I just need to put it all together, get the words on the page, and edit it in the next ten days.

Oh, and I have two big author events happening during that time, too.

I think I can. I think I can.

But I’ll get it down. I know I will.

At some point, Viv will take over. The characters always do. I’ll disappear into my head, the story will start to flow, and suddenly those little pieces I’ve been carrying around will begin to fit together.

I often remind other writers—and myself—of something important: You can’t do anything with a story until the words are on the page.

They don't have to be perfect. They don't even have to be good. They just have to be there. Because once the words are down, the door opens to all the possibilities. Then I can shape the story. Move things around. Cut what doesn’t belong. Add what’s missing. Find the heart of it.

It’s a little like being a sculptor with a giant piece of clay. I can’t mold the story into what I envision if I’m still staring at an empty space.

So that’s where I am right now. Trying to get the clay onto the table.

My hope is that by October 15, It Happened in August will be off to the editor for the anthology.

And then I’ll be able to share it with you!

Until then, I’ll be repeating:

I think I can.I think I can.I think I can.

And while I’m writing, I’d love to see you at one—or both—of my upcoming events.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m proud to be able to share my novel, Regret No More, Justine and Becca’s story about a daughter helping her mother through breast cancer treatment while also trying to heal their fractured relationship.

A portion of the proceeds from each book sold at my in-person events this month will be donated to the Susan G. Komen and Think Pink Foundation.

So come say hello, talk books with me, and maybe help me get a few more words onto the page while you’re at it.

I’ll bring the books. You bring the encouragement. We can do hard things together. I KNOW WE CAN!

With love and encouragement,

Wendy ❤️