Stuck writing the same few chapters? | #130
Instead of finishing the draft? I have a solution (or two) for you
Hi, this is Celeste. I have been writing poems since 2017 and my crime novel Project Dylan since 2022.
This is where I share my thoughts every other week, on writing, creativity and interview creators/authors. Subscribe and join 630+ creatives to get 12 months of writing prompts. You can take a look at the archive in the meantime.
Want to share your product with 630+ creatives? Become a sponsor.
In partnership with Rize*
Writers need to write if they want to finish their manuscript and eventually publish it. But we are notorious for procrastinating. We notice that our home is not tidy enough when we already spent time every day organizing. We would be watching the latest TV series, instead of opening the writing software.
As we get past every obstacle and open the writing software, we are dreading in front of the screen. The fact that we could never get past the point of outlining is getting us stuck (talking about myself here).
After reading the same paragraph for the hundredth time this month, your brain is filled with all the scenes that you need to write, a chaotic timeline and plot beats to figure out. The chaos stay there rent-free and you can feel that you would go crazy if you do not at least figure something out during your writing session.
But there is no motivation in you.
Until you start using Rize.
Rize has everything you need for a writing session. Daily and weekly time-tracking reports, pomodoro timer, music without ads, reminders to take breaks (perfect for those who work for 3 hours straight🙋♀️), reminders to get back to work when you should be working.
You can also track your time for different tasks, projects and clients. It is useful when you want to predict the time you need to work on certain task or project, so you can arrange your workday much better with accurate time blocks.
If you want to enjoy all the features on Rize, use my discount code LFC25 for 25% off your first 3 months.
Apart from using Rize, you can start by writing for five minutes. Sooner or later, you would find yourself writing or editing chapter after chapter. And an hour has passed.
When the reminder to take a break pops up, you can pat yourself on the back and take your break. Then you can use the same method to trick yourself into writing the next day.
If you enjoy reading this letter, there are extra perks for paid subscribers:
Full access to the Literature Lab series, where I deconstruct fiction, including prologue, plot, character arc, etc
Full access to interviews with creators and authors, on their creative process, getting over roadblocks, their creative hero and more
120+ newsletter issues on creativity, storytelling and writing
TrackBear for 2025 Q2
If tracking your time does not help with your writing progress, try updating your daily word count on TrackBear.
has written over 123K words from January to this day.
If you want the accountability to write for Q2, join us on TrackBear. If you need guidance for how to join, you can see a guide here.
Some great resources for you:
Milanote allows you to put everything in one place, a great tool for your creative, design or writing projects.
The Sample sends you custom newsletter suggestions according to your interests, whether it is culture, business or literature. Subscribe to The Sample and your custom recommendations are ready in your inbox.
*I would earn a small commission when you use my affiliate link. You can use the link or discount code LFC25 if you want to get 25% off your first 3 months and support my work here.
See you in two weeks,
Celeste