Hope your projects are coming along and that you're having fun!! ❤ This was a vulnerable one for me to post because I just look so tired and run down at the end of the day and didn't realize just how awful😢. But I'm pushing through my insecurities and showing up with reality as best I can. We aren't always going to be aesthetic 😂.
You’re doing the best you can do with what you’ve been given. We all have. We all are. It’s a lot of work to get to that point, and to be able to give ourselves the forgiveness that we deserve. I am not saying that you need forgiveness for anything, as I don’t know your situation, I just know you are a human being and that we all can use more forgiveness from ourselves to ourselves. You’re welcome to take what works and leave the rest, as with anything else in life. You are not alone.
Sarra, you’re absolutely beautiful inside and out, i dont know what you’re talking about. I’m all for challenging the notion of how men get to just put on a shirt and show up as whatever and no one questions that, while as women we feel like we have to be as pretty and as presentable as possible at all times, and maybe we should get rid of that feeling. You are an absolute rockstar, and a champion for female writers everywhere and we love you for it!❤❤❤❤❤
One of the crappy things about growing up as a girl in this culture is the constant drumbeat of how important prettiness is. Sometimes I wonder if it's even possible to reach adulthood without some kind of emotional scarring because of it.
When you said that it’s hard to see yourself on camera, my heart felt for you. As someone who has struggled with confidence her life, nothing has been harder than being on camera. Plus, now I’m getting older so it’s even harder. However, I know this: I am perfectly made and loved by God. And so are you. Whenever you start to hear the lies that have hurt you, remember the voice of truth. God says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” You are just as He intended you to be. 🙌🏻
Rest! Remember what you can do when the words flow? You can do this! Noodle and rest! I’m 500 words behind where my 7k goal is right now, but I’ll slowly catch up! Sunday threw me for a loop but I added buffer days!!! ❤ The Zettle thingy is very interesting! One day you’ll need to do a video on what you’ve learned so far. It doesn’t have to be a perfect, all-knowing videos or anything because you’re learning too!
As someone turning 44 in December, terrified of getting older, I LOVE seeing your glow when talking about writing or your family; 48 looks great! Thanks for being raw and vulnerable as it helps me embrace my age with grace and dignity ❤ Slow start to the Rough Draft Challenge for me but it's okay. Noodling my way through and I'll never stop because I want to be a prolific writer - Come what may 😊
I really like your late night talks. You always show us your authentic self and that's one of the reasons why I follow you. Accepting and loving ourselves is hard but it's absolutely worth it. It changes everything. I'm with you, Sarra, and I'm sure we'll get there ❤ Every quarter I have the same thought: "I want to read more". Even with my lack of concentration, I want to read tons of books and fall in love with reading again, like in my teens. So, let's go! 2025 is the year ☺️ Have a great day!
I'm older than you, Sarra. I learned a long time ago not to listen to anyone else but my own heart. My mom was my biggest critic, though she seemed to always deny her own faults. It doesn't matter how you look, it's what you do and what you leave when you leave this realm. That's all I am concerned with since my mom died in 2015. My partner and I are all that is in my immediate sphere.
You know it makes me happy to know that there are other people in the world with struggles with their past wounds... I am someone who has a lot of mental health issues, so much to end up having to be on disability with some physical attributes. But the people around me are telling me that I need to move forward and stop thinking like I did in high school, but I am only 24 and somethings are going to be hard to get over. I may never be someone who can work a full time job, but I can at least enjoy what I am doing now and I can be happy with the progress that I have made already.
This may sound dorky but at 49 and a boat load of shadow work and multiple watches of Encanto I learned to put me first and I healed a ton of old wounds from people saying things to me as a kid, teen and now. I'm so glad you brought it up cause it's important to take care of ourselves.
As always, your honesty is inspiring. Writers lives are not static, we go through phases of needing creative input before we can express it in our own words ❤
One thing that immensely inspires me about you, Sarra, is your constant perseverance and dedication to self-improvement. In today’s day and age I really feel like it’s so rare to find individuals who genuinely value and strive towards personal development. Seeing your determination in these last few years has honestly been so incredibly inspiring and motivating for me. I don’t have anyone in my life who shares the same strive for self-improvement as I do, but I see that in you and it makes me feel like I’m not alone in this journey. Your strength, your resilience, your determination and your dedication to your craft is what makes you such a special person for me. I just want you know I’m always going to support you and cheer you on in my heart 😊❤
What I discovered getting older (49 on Sunday) is that the Boomer generation (our parents) is very concerned with being and looking pretty and perfect, fitting in, being seen but not heard,… but it didn‘t work completely with us. We are Gen X, the wild and free generation, the generation that started breaking some unspoken rules, that showed everybody it‘s not all about our bodies and good jobs. They had their reasons for sure but we have to shape our own world 🙂
You're always entertaining even if you're just having late night thoughts. Take the time to catch your breath, enjoy working on your new story, and do some reading. You've totally earned it! ❤
I used a slip box when working on my dissertation and I started with hierarchy and then switched to conversation once the connections came together. Try not to force it too much and use it to remind yourself of interesting things and concepts. Also, its okay to just be. As someone also turning 48 in 2025, theres some freedom in being kind to myself and listening to my own needs instead of listening to others/society's
I already have my Hobonichi Cousin and Weeks for 2025, plus a pocket Moleskine weekly. These are tried and true for me. I wouldn't do without my HB90 project planner which changes format almost quarterly. I switch between A5 rings, A5 booklet in a TN, and disc-bound in Happy Planner classic size depending on what I feel like at printing time. I have some pretty complex projects lined up for 2025, so I'm betting Q1 will be another classic disc-bound setup. HB90 FTW! Every time you say "someday a bound HB90 planner," I light a mental candle! Thank you for showing up as you are. It means a lot. You are a treasure! ✨
I really enjoyed Ballards of Songbirds and Snakes but agree not quite enemies to lovers. I loved Red Queen too. Gosh do i know all about a way too large physical TBR lol I am doing a little vlogging for RDC but only like once a week, you're friggn superwoman over there 🎉😅 Love to see you owning your process and doing the "noodling" ❤
I've written 500 words so far this month. I was really hoping to hit the month running and get a lot done early, but that just hasn't happened. I keep on telling myself it is still early November, there is still a lot of the month left to hit my goal. Deep breaths, you got this.
Haha I love that. I have a baby name book for writing too. Best purchase ever! And Red Queen was great… but the rest of the series disappointed me so I’m curious as to other’s thoughts.
It’s a hard one to learn, but I found that you’re enough just by the basic things you do in life and the work that you do on a daily basis because nobody else can do what you do and that makes you special. You’re special, that’s enough ❤
I want a new planner but I haven't found one that I like so far. I don't have a printer so I can't print off what I want to do. I wanted one that I can fill with new items each year instead of having to replace it every year. I'm looking for the kind where I can create covers for myself or whatever. Anyway, I'm turning 49 on January 4th and totally understand how it feels to have some things that I wanted to do with my life that never got done. But you know what? I've done so much more of other things and survived a ton of crap in my life. I've succeeded in other ways even though I never became that historian professor in colleges or teaching about history to kids, etc. I think I found what my destiny was and not what I thought I needed. Anyway, happy birthday early! :D
I reward myself by binging audiobooks once I’ve finished a writing milestone. So getting a rough draft out, or getting things ready for publishing, I reward myself with a really solid audiobook or three, lol. And, reading an audiobook allows me to make progress on all the house tidying projects I put off while I’m pushing to reach a writing milestone! ❤
I've had an index card system for about 20 years; I didn't know it had a name. I have it in an old apothecary cabinet we inherited. I love it, and if the house was on fire, I would die saving it.
I feel like the first week and a half of November is always rough for you post-Spooktacular and preptober. Maybe include that in your future planning for November? Give yourself mental rest days, more fun activities, extra rest in general? I love doing the rough draft challenge in November with you, but you can extend the RDC into December, too! Or perhaps plan a break at the end of this rough draft challenge to give you space to recover? I adore you and really appreciate everything you've done for this community. My whole family is inspired by you and grateful to you for changing my life post-TBI with HB90. I wish you a speedy recovery from your eye strain and that you get the rest your body needs. Also, your TBR list is amazing!
I think you should make yourself a reading nook plus a reading journal that you keep in that nook. Also, every time I see you and George glance at each other at the end of the opening video, my heart skips a beat ❤
I had to take yesterday off due to getting a cold. I still kind of feel bad tonight but I think I might try to squeeze in a sprint before bed, or at least brainstorm some ideas for separate projects. I totally agree about the whole ‘seeing yourself on camera’ thing. That’s the whole reason I haven’t started a TH-cam. Especially because I’ve put myself on what feels like a permanent back burner, so it feels like the neglect to myself has really caught up with me appearance wise and health wise. But I for one think you are beautiful inside and out. Every time your face pops up that’s my thought. I’m always like dang look at her… ❤
Thank you for the encouragement and kindness. We are always so hard on ourselves! And I didn't start TH-cam for a few years after I wanted to because of the same thing but I finally went for it! But it's a matter of just deciding you want it and will try to trust yourself. Hope you are feeling better.
I've also felt a more chill approach to the RDC this year. Not sure if it's because I'm not doing NaNo, or if I'm just feeling more chilled about it. Glad to see you prioritizing yourself this month and working at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Thanks for asking us to let you know if we're doing vlogs. I'll be doing vlogs this month, and can't wait to vlog my 2 night writing retreat!
This isn’t because I thought you were fishing for compliments, but when I saw you tonight I was thinking how you are such a naturally beautiful woman. You’re really wonderful. Thanks for sharing and all you do!
I'm so curious about your experience with the zettlekasten. It caught my attention, but it also feels complicated to keep up and manage. Not sure if it's something I would start and just stop. But there's more about it that I don't know, than I do.
oh, Zettel Kasten, great! "small paper's wardrobe"😅. First learned about it from Niklas Luhmann, German Sociologist. I wish I could tell you all how to pronounce the Z 😂😂😂 maybe like this: pronounce it like the s after it's. Like a snakehiss? Lot's of love from Austria. Sarra, you rock!!! Thank you for your exceptional work.
On and off the past few months, I've been working on creating a Zettelkasten/Second Brain hybrid. I'm using Amplenote (I don't use it for task/time management because having it all together is too much for me). Anyway, I'm still working it out and have actually been kinda slacking on keeping up with it lately. But using it inconsistently is better than not at all lol
I read every night before I go to sleep. Even if it's just one chapter. It's the only time I have, and have turned it into a contest for myself to not break my record!
I love physical books, especially hardcovers. However, ever since I moved to the UK, I just don't have the space to keep them as I live in studio flat. It was just easier to keep books when I was child. So I read on Kindle and I buy only the books I know I will read multiple times. Because yes, I read them over and over if I like them. My favourite for a few years already is The Blood We Spill from Jo Havens. But I don't even own a TV and instead of binge watching series and going to cinema, I binge read books. Even when I'm busy, I finish a book within 24 hours. But one day, I will get a house and I will have a library with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a desk with laptop only for writing. But to get there, I need to get to a position where I will actually use my two degrees... Or successfully publish books. Whatever comes first. And I really hope you can find a way to love yourself the way you are, because you are beautiful regardless of the makeup. And I know exactly how hard it is, I'm on the same journey. It just takes a lot of time and self-reflection and self-growth.
I recently had a period where I wasn't reading enough and the kindle/kindle app on your phone is the best way to get back into it, in my opinion. I deleted all social media apps from my phone and just left the kindle, audible, and music. In those little waiting moments that come about in daily life it's quicker and easier to click Instagram - and easy to justify with those algorithims that require engagement to get views - but you can get a decent amount of reading in during those moments and those little tastes of the story will also keep it in the forefront of your mind. So when you have some real chill time you won't want to watch tv or whatever else, you'll be wanting to read the book.
I love this video. Thanks for reminding me that fiction books are good for research as well. So now I would love for you to give us some non-fiction books that has helped you learn craft and helped you & even now. I have never heard about Zettlekasten before. Thank you for sharing this with us. I like the idea of a project 47 which I won't be 47 until August but thinking and working on myself is never too early to get started. Thank thank you so much for all that you do. Speaking of things I've been wanting to do for awhile is to take your HB 90 class. When do you normally do the class?
If you have an Ollie’s store in your area check for These Violent Delights. I just bought it there for like 2.99 or 3.99. Looking forward to reading The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw.
Zettelkasten! I’ve only recently learned about it and I’m doing it in baby steps digitally using Obsidian. I also tend to think in hierarchy so it’s been challenging to write only small notes. Good luck with your process!
I also have the same struggle with reading. I’m so frustrated with my current reading slump, and honestly, I don’t even remember which books I’ve read this year. Trying to catch up on reading in November feels like a moot point for me😅, but I feel it will hopefully help me out set some expectations for my goal for next year.
YAY Zettelkast, been working on mine for years. Love Scott and his book, Victoria Crowder has an amazing channel about using a zettelkast for fiction writing. I have two boxes, one for learning/ input and my other for my writing. I am a discovery writer and use my Zettelkast next to it to make connections
@@HeartBreathings I posted above but it disappeared -- I am working with Scott Scheper in his author incubator to write "Zettelkasten for Fiction Writers' (should finish the BEAST of a book by year's end) -- I would LOVE to help build Sarra's Second Brain!! Happy to be of service if you wanna riff on the coolness of notecards!! (Thanks Tamara for the shout!!)
I love the idea of "noodling" through the story, and I think I really need to do more of that myself. I'm not doing RDC this month but I had been hoping to get two books drafted this quarter, since I tend to work on multiple projects at once, but I'm struggling with creative block when it comes to getting words on the page. Brainstorming and plotting has been a lot of fun, though, and maybe I just need to embrace that part of the process and give it the time it deserves until drafting is fun again. It's been great to see you working in your journal and counting those words, because it's all progress. Thanks so much for being such an inspiration, as always! (PS. I started reading Sacrifice Me because you mentioned it again a few videos ago, and I absolutely adore it! And I'm so excited to learn more about AMOS!)
What I've done when there is no time to read. Is fit in chunks of time, mostly I've done it during lunch time while eating I read. I'm not sure this would work for you but it's worth a try.
I have been using a zettelkasten for my author career for about 10 years now. A high school teacher introduced me to the method and I’ve been using it ever since. Ive never seen another writer use one.
I'm not writing this month due to study schedule but I am outlining my debut Christmas romance novel and write it during the holiday breaks. Hopefully I can release it around this time next year for Christmas next year Wish me luck ☺️
Haha. I feel you with the tbr. I read one and end up with two more... I have no idea how. Haha. No one needs to see the kindle tbr. I have the Red Queen series. I, also, have not sat down to read it. I love reading all book styles although I have a preference for physical books. I like the feel of the paper as I turn pages and the weight of the heftier books. I read Cruel Prince. I still need to read the rest of the series. Part of my probably is putting it off so I can get the rest of the books so I can just binge it.
I promise I was just on authortube last night to compile my booklist for romantasy or similar books! lol My nonfiction book released today (thanks to P&T for helping me) and now all my attention is on fiction!! I ordered 3 of the books in your hands now. Reading til my eyes bleed like I did in graduate school 😂
Oooh I'm reading 'The Cruel Prince' at the moment. I have the trilogy and haven't read any of them before - I'm enjoying it so far. I loved 'Fourth Wing' (haven't read the sequel yet but it's on my shelf!) I'm not a fast reader (or writer!) but once I've finished TCP nothing is going to stand between me and my paperback copy of TDOVS! 😊😉 xx
If you get the audiobook of Lightlark, you will have to listen to 12 hours and 57 minutes of narration. If you begin listening to the audiobook at 7:00 am in the morning, then you may finish 8:00 pm at night. See, you can finish in 1 day. Now, you will probably say, "I have other stuff to do." Yes, you do. But if you play the audiobook in the background, then you are going through the book. You are free to pay attention if you want. Even if you don't pay attention to the narration, the reading is still going by.
Hope you feel better soon Sarra! I completely related to the conversation of appearance, especially when we are constantly staring at ourselves through the screen. It's hard but I'm hoping it'll get easier! 🩵🩵🩵
Loving the RDC so far and all the vlogs. So pleased you're showing us that it's okay to show up as ourselves and not perfectly aesthetic all the time (though quite frankly you look fab all the way through this video!). Love hard backs, but just don't have the space (or the funds), so for me it's paperbacks and ebooks from the library (this has massively increased what I've read as I can always have a book on my phone and read whenever I can). Have you read the Bone Season by Samantha Shannon? The first one in the series is sort of competition / training and the whole series is really an enemy to lovers theme.
I’m not a big spicy fan either but I did enjoy From Blood and Ash. I’m not the biggest fan of all of the books in the series (for reasons unrelated to the spice level) but the first few would definitely be worth checking out. Especially in your research phase!
Never heard of Zettelkasten as a system of anything. Here in Switzerland if you buy a Zettelkasten you get a box with squaresized notespages. A Zettel is a notespage and a Kasten is a box.
Yes! It's a system by a socialist so it's more than just the box and most people do it digitally now but I can see how it's confusing since the literal translation is just slip box!
Hi there, I've been working my way through the Antinet book as well and have started making my Zettelkasten. I also watch a TH-camr by the name of Victoria Crowder. She talks about how to merge Zettelkasten into writing. She is also writing a book about it.
I don't know if there's still time to recommend a book, but I just read My Lady Jane and loved it. While I'm not a fantasy writer or really a reader I loved that story because it didn't have a lot of elements for me to keep up with. It's a great enemies to lovers with a forced marriage that may be great for your research or just a fun read.
My daughter moved to Indiana back in July, and now I'm feeling as if I no longer have a purpose. So, trying to love myself and discover me has been very difficult.
howdy dear- my suggestions: create a TBR of 4 books - see your daughter once a season for couple nights-have facetime or zoom calls once a week with her- send mementos like concert tickets, museum tours, gallery visits in the mail so she can see physical Rembrandts of your goings - creating new memories discovering more memoirs ....
@HeartBreathings Ah, okay. Yeah, it's pretty spicy. I kinda got annoyed with it, lol. But if you can get past that, it has a lot of good elements for note taking.
Child...you were made in the image of the most high God...a child and heir to His kingdom, you were bought back and ransomed out of sin at a GREAT cost, you are a treasure and bride of Yeshua your Savior...you are enough in EVERY way and all you have to do is turn to HIM, repent and believe. May God bless you as you seek HIM not all the ways you chase endlessly to be enough for in HIM in Christ you are made whole and beautiful a chosen treasure of the Most High God. ❤
I feel what you say about looking at yourself and being "triggered" (I don't know a better word atm either) after being told you are not pretty for so many years! It really sucks, and even when I can see that I am pretty I still feel like I am not 😂 But slowly we will get past it!
OMGHS the first clip is ligit me almost every day 🤣🤣 also From Blood and Ash series wasn't that spicy... and the spicy scenes are quite spaced out... its mostly tension and innuendos everywhere haha It does get spicy near the end of the series though.
Well, I don't want to be rude or something, but: Maybe you are just exhausted or burnt out and need some vacation/rest? I mean when was your last vacation without filming, writing, events, maybe even without the kids. Everybody needs now and then some space to breath and just being. Even if it's only for two or days. Please take care of yourself. You are the most important human in your life. ❤ Obsidian might interest you. It's kind of a Zettelkasten (so funny to hear not Germans to say the word 😅) where you can make connections between your notes and sooo much more. Worth to have a look on it. By the way: You look great. Never thought you might be older than 35. 😊 And: Fourth wing was soooo great! Maybe you need a hotel room for a reading retreat? Without anyone else. 😅😊
Reading retreat would be amazing!! I tend to work better analog personally with a lot of things but I've watched a few videos on obsidian and it looks very cool!
And I don't really do vacations on my own. With the kids so young and George already taking on so much when I'm gone to write it I conferences it wouldn't feel right for me! But someday when they are older. Plus I love my work. It's okay to be tired doing things you love! I am sleeping 9-10hrs right now but I've obviously not recording it lol
Did you take a day off for day 5? I know I was through the roof with anxiety and stress yesterday. I was barely able to get a sentence done and every time I hated the words I was using.
What I find really helpful when it comes to reading books and being really busy is making reading a relaxing ritual to end my day. So instead of watching a movie or an episode of a show before going to bed I read for an hour :) For some reason I'm faster in my reading when reading an e-book instead of printed books :P Sometimes I have time to binge read but mostly I enjoy to read a little longer in one book. It's like a small island waiting for me at the end of the day that I'm excited for. And even if it's not a whole hour I make sure that I'm reading at least one chapter a day, when I started a book :) My RDC is going great. I finished my last interview of five for my Master's Paper today and tomorrow will start with the transcription :D Why not make "Project 48" a project for a whole year while you are 48?
Hope your projects are coming along and that you're having fun!! ❤ This was a vulnerable one for me to post because I just look so tired and run down at the end of the day and didn't realize just how awful😢. But I'm pushing through my insecurities and showing up with reality as best I can. We aren't always going to be aesthetic 😂.
Aw bless. We're just grateful you keep showing up for us
You’re doing the best you can do with what you’ve been given.
We all have. We all are. It’s a lot of work to get to that point, and to be able to give ourselves the forgiveness that we deserve. I am not saying that you need forgiveness for anything, as I don’t know your situation, I just know you are a human being and that we all can use more forgiveness from ourselves to ourselves. You’re welcome to take what works and leave the rest, as with anything else in life.
You are not alone.
You are doing amazing!!!!
Sarra, you’re absolutely beautiful inside and out, i dont know what you’re talking about. I’m all for challenging the notion of how men get to just put on a shirt and show up as whatever and no one questions that, while as women we feel like we have to be as pretty and as presentable as possible at all times, and maybe we should get rid of that feeling. You are an absolute rockstar, and a champion for female writers everywhere and we love you for it!❤❤❤❤❤
One of the crappy things about growing up as a girl in this culture is the constant drumbeat of how important prettiness is. Sometimes I wonder if it's even possible to reach adulthood without some kind of emotional scarring because of it.
When you said that it’s hard to see yourself on camera, my heart felt for you.
As someone who has struggled with confidence her life, nothing has been harder than being on camera. Plus, now I’m getting older so it’s even harder.
However, I know this: I am perfectly made and loved by God. And so are you. Whenever you start to hear the lies that have hurt you, remember the voice of truth. God says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
You are just as He intended you to be. 🙌🏻
I struggle with confidence as well. The scripture that I think of I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Rest! Remember what you can do when the words flow? You can do this! Noodle and rest!
I’m 500 words behind where my 7k goal is right now, but I’ll slowly catch up! Sunday threw me for a loop but I added buffer days!!! ❤
The Zettle thingy is very interesting! One day you’ll need to do a video on what you’ve learned so far. It doesn’t have to be a perfect, all-knowing videos or anything because you’re learning too!
You know how fast you can write when you're feeling good. My vote is rest rest rest. George is very insightful. I hope it's detox and not illness
That’s my hope too!!! I hope Sarra rests. The words will come!
As someone turning 44 in December, terrified of getting older, I LOVE seeing your glow when talking about writing or your family; 48 looks great! Thanks for being raw and vulnerable as it helps me embrace my age with grace and dignity ❤
Slow start to the Rough Draft Challenge for me but it's okay. Noodling my way through and I'll never stop because I want to be a prolific writer - Come what may 😊
I really like your late night talks. You always show us your authentic self and that's one of the reasons why I follow you. Accepting and loving ourselves is hard but it's absolutely worth it. It changes everything. I'm with you, Sarra, and I'm sure we'll get there ❤
Every quarter I have the same thought: "I want to read more". Even with my lack of concentration, I want to read tons of books and fall in love with reading again, like in my teens. So, let's go! 2025 is the year ☺️
Have a great day!
Your "late night thoughts" were so good--they should be a thing. This whole video was so inspiring and endearing
I'm older than you, Sarra. I learned a long time ago not to listen to anyone else but my own heart. My mom was my biggest critic, though she seemed to always deny her own faults. It doesn't matter how you look, it's what you do and what you leave when you leave this realm. That's all I am concerned with since my mom died in 2015. My partner and I are all that is in my immediate sphere.
You know it makes me happy to know that there are other people in the world with struggles with their past wounds... I am someone who has a lot of mental health issues, so much to end up having to be on disability with some physical attributes. But the people around me are telling me that I need to move forward and stop thinking like I did in high school, but I am only 24 and somethings are going to be hard to get over. I may never be someone who can work a full time job, but I can at least enjoy what I am doing now and I can be happy with the progress that I have made already.
This may sound dorky but at 49 and a boat load of shadow work and multiple watches of Encanto I learned to put me first and I healed a ton of old wounds from people saying things to me as a kid, teen and now. I'm so glad you brought it up cause it's important to take care of ourselves.
Same here but I watched „Inside Out“ to remind me that every emotion is needed as part of the team 😁
As always, your honesty is inspiring. Writers lives are not static, we go through phases of needing creative input before we can express it in our own words ❤
One thing that immensely inspires me about you, Sarra, is your constant perseverance and dedication to self-improvement. In today’s day and age I really feel like it’s so rare to find individuals who genuinely value and strive towards personal development. Seeing your determination in these last few years has honestly been so incredibly inspiring and motivating for me. I don’t have anyone in my life who shares the same strive for self-improvement as I do, but I see that in you and it makes me feel like I’m not alone in this journey. Your strength, your resilience, your determination and your dedication to your craft is what makes you such a special person for me. I just want you know I’m always going to support you and cheer you on in my heart 😊❤
I'm also doing daily vlogs for November! (heavily inspired by the rough draft diaries) thanks for always creating such a great space for community!
What I discovered getting older (49 on Sunday) is that the Boomer generation (our parents) is very concerned with being and looking pretty and perfect, fitting in, being seen but not heard,… but it didn‘t work completely with us. We are Gen X, the wild and free generation, the generation that started breaking some unspoken rules, that showed everybody it‘s not all about our bodies and good jobs. They had their reasons for sure but we have to shape our own world 🙂
You're always entertaining even if you're just having late night thoughts. Take the time to catch your breath, enjoy working on your new story, and do some reading. You've totally earned it! ❤
I used a slip box when working on my dissertation and I started with hierarchy and then switched to conversation once the connections came together. Try not to force it too much and use it to remind yourself of interesting things and concepts. Also, its okay to just be. As someone also turning 48 in 2025, theres some freedom in being kind to myself and listening to my own needs instead of listening to others/society's
Good tips thank you
I already have my Hobonichi Cousin and Weeks for 2025, plus a pocket Moleskine weekly. These are tried and true for me. I wouldn't do without my HB90 project planner which changes format almost quarterly. I switch between A5 rings, A5 booklet in a TN, and disc-bound in Happy Planner classic size depending on what I feel like at printing time. I have some pretty complex projects lined up for 2025, so I'm betting Q1 will be another classic disc-bound setup. HB90 FTW! Every time you say "someday a bound HB90 planner," I light a mental candle!
Thank you for showing up as you are. It means a lot. You are a treasure! ✨
I'm on book 4 of SDS. You have me hooked!
I really enjoyed Ballards of Songbirds and Snakes but agree not quite enemies to lovers. I loved Red Queen too. Gosh do i know all about a way too large physical TBR lol I am doing a little vlogging for RDC but only like once a week, you're friggn superwoman over there 🎉😅 Love to see you owning your process and doing the "noodling" ❤
I've written 500 words so far this month. I was really hoping to hit the month running and get a lot done early, but that just hasn't happened. I keep on telling myself it is still early November, there is still a lot of the month left to hit my goal. Deep breaths, you got this.
Haha I love that. I have a baby name book for writing too. Best purchase ever!
And Red Queen was great… but the rest of the series disappointed me so I’m curious as to other’s thoughts.
It’s a hard one to learn, but I found that you’re enough just by the basic things you do in life and the work that you do on a daily basis because nobody else can do what you do and that makes you special.
You’re special, that’s enough ❤
I want a new planner but I haven't found one that I like so far. I don't have a printer so I can't print off what I want to do. I wanted one that I can fill with new items each year instead of having to replace it every year. I'm looking for the kind where I can create covers for myself or whatever. Anyway, I'm turning 49 on January 4th and totally understand how it feels to have some things that I wanted to do with my life that never got done. But you know what? I've done so much more of other things and survived a ton of crap in my life. I've succeeded in other ways even though I never became that historian professor in colleges or teaching about history to kids, etc. I think I found what my destiny was and not what I thought I needed. Anyway, happy birthday early! :D
I reward myself by binging audiobooks once I’ve finished a writing milestone. So getting a rough draft out, or getting things ready for publishing, I reward myself with a really solid audiobook or three, lol. And, reading an audiobook allows me to make progress on all the house tidying projects I put off while I’m pushing to reach a writing milestone! ❤
I've had an index card system for about 20 years; I didn't know it had a name. I have it in an old apothecary cabinet we inherited. I love it, and if the house was on fire, I would die saving it.
Fourth Wing is going to inspire you so much, its everything you've been describing!
I can't wait!
I'm hoping to pick up Divine Rivals before the end of the year, all the things I've heard about it sound right up my alley and I'm so excited
Ha ha! Another reason to love you Sarra! Lol. I am a zettelkasten enthusiast as well! It’s so NERDY and I love it. Mine is digital however!
Oh yay!! Do you do it in Obsidian?
Fourth Wing has crazy fast pacing that's hard to put down. I think that engagement engine is part of why it's selling so well.
thank you for being so vulnerable with us 💖
I feel like the first week and a half of November is always rough for you post-Spooktacular and preptober. Maybe include that in your future planning for November? Give yourself mental rest days, more fun activities, extra rest in general? I love doing the rough draft challenge in November with you, but you can extend the RDC into December, too! Or perhaps plan a break at the end of this rough draft challenge to give you space to recover?
I adore you and really appreciate everything you've done for this community. My whole family is inspired by you and grateful to you for changing my life post-TBI with HB90.
I wish you a speedy recovery from your eye strain and that you get the rest your body needs. Also, your TBR list is amazing!
It's just going to be a busy quarter always. I plan accordingly but I've also been basically resting so far all month!
@@HeartBreathings All the hugs! I've adored your videos. I hope you feel better soon!
I think you should make yourself a reading nook plus a reading journal that you keep in that nook. Also, every time I see you and George glance at each other at the end of the opening video, my heart skips a beat ❤
❤ I edited out the kiss that comes next 😂
@@HeartBreathings I knew it! I could feel it getting spicy 😆
I had to take yesterday off due to getting a cold. I still kind of feel bad tonight but I think I might try to squeeze in a sprint before bed, or at least brainstorm some ideas for separate projects. I totally agree about the whole ‘seeing yourself on camera’ thing. That’s the whole reason I haven’t started a TH-cam. Especially because I’ve put myself on what feels like a permanent back burner, so it feels like the neglect to myself has really caught up with me appearance wise and health wise. But I for one think you are beautiful inside and out. Every time your face pops up that’s my thought. I’m always like dang look at her… ❤
Thank you for the encouragement and kindness. We are always so hard on ourselves! And I didn't start TH-cam for a few years after I wanted to because of the same thing but I finally went for it! But it's a matter of just deciding you want it and will try to trust yourself. Hope you are feeling better.
I've also felt a more chill approach to the RDC this year. Not sure if it's because I'm not doing NaNo, or if I'm just feeling more chilled about it. Glad to see you prioritizing yourself this month and working at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Thanks for asking us to let you know if we're doing vlogs. I'll be doing vlogs this month, and can't wait to vlog my 2 night writing retreat!
I adore the Cruel Prince - that series is incredible.
It is!!
House of Comarré Series by Kristen Painter is awesome. Also love her Nocturne Falls Series. Not spicy but soooo fun.
Thank you!
This isn’t because I thought you were fishing for compliments, but when I saw you tonight I was thinking how you are such a naturally beautiful woman. You’re really wonderful. Thanks for sharing and all you do!
Thank you. I think it's a learned habit to be hard on yourself.
I'm so curious about your experience with the zettlekasten. It caught my attention, but it also feels complicated to keep up and manage. Not sure if it's something I would start and just stop. But there's more about it that I don't know, than I do.
oh, Zettel Kasten, great! "small paper's wardrobe"😅. First learned about it from Niklas Luhmann, German Sociologist.
I wish I could tell you all how to pronounce the Z 😂😂😂 maybe like this: pronounce it like the s after it's. Like a snakehiss?
Lot's of love from Austria.
Sarra, you rock!!!
Thank you for your exceptional work.
On and off the past few months, I've been working on creating a Zettelkasten/Second Brain hybrid. I'm using Amplenote (I don't use it for task/time management because having it all together is too much for me). Anyway, I'm still working it out and have actually been kinda slacking on keeping up with it lately. But using it inconsistently is better than not at all lol
I read every night before I go to sleep. Even if it's just one chapter. It's the only time I have, and have turned it into a contest for myself to not break my record!
I love physical books, especially hardcovers. However, ever since I moved to the UK, I just don't have the space to keep them as I live in studio flat. It was just easier to keep books when I was child. So I read on Kindle and I buy only the books I know I will read multiple times. Because yes, I read them over and over if I like them. My favourite for a few years already is The Blood We Spill from Jo Havens. But I don't even own a TV and instead of binge watching series and going to cinema, I binge read books. Even when I'm busy, I finish a book within 24 hours. But one day, I will get a house and I will have a library with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a desk with laptop only for writing. But to get there, I need to get to a position where I will actually use my two degrees... Or successfully publish books. Whatever comes first. And I really hope you can find a way to love yourself the way you are, because you are beautiful regardless of the makeup. And I know exactly how hard it is, I'm on the same journey. It just takes a lot of time and self-reflection and self-growth.
I really feel you on the insecurities. But you truly are gorgeous, inside and out. And I cannot believe that you're almost 48!
I just started Fourth Wing and I'm 200 pages in. It's amazing and worth all the hype so far. 👍🏿
I recently had a period where I wasn't reading enough and the kindle/kindle app on your phone is the best way to get back into it, in my opinion. I deleted all social media apps from my phone and just left the kindle, audible, and music. In those little waiting moments that come about in daily life it's quicker and easier to click Instagram - and easy to justify with those algorithims that require engagement to get views - but you can get a decent amount of reading in during those moments and those little tastes of the story will also keep it in the forefront of your mind. So when you have some real chill time you won't want to watch tv or whatever else, you'll be wanting to read the book.
So smart!!
so when I get that tired here is what I do: SELF-CARE; nice bubble bath, fresh water with your choice of fruit, cucumber slices on your eyes and REST.
This sounds like perfection.
@@HeartBreathingsIt really is. You could also bring a book to read in your bath. Self-Care is so very important to me.
I understand everything you’re saying about nearing 50! 💛
I love this video. Thanks for reminding me that fiction books are good for research as well. So now I would love for you to give us some non-fiction books that has helped you learn craft and helped you & even now. I have never heard about Zettlekasten before. Thank you for sharing this with us. I like the idea of a project 47 which I won't be 47 until August but thinking and working on myself is never too early to get started. Thank thank you so much for all that you do. Speaking of things I've been wanting to do for awhile is to take your HB 90 class. When do you normally do the class?
The next HB90 class is in December! Sarra will let us know when it’s available for registration.
Check out this list I made! th-cam.com/video/N6uVzDgfHvg/w-d-xo.html
If you have an Ollie’s store in your area check for These Violent Delights. I just bought it there for like 2.99 or 3.99. Looking forward to reading The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw.
I love zettle!! I love physical and my obsidian version!
Zettelkasten! I’ve only recently learned about it and I’m doing it in baby steps digitally using Obsidian. I also tend to think in hierarchy so it’s been challenging to write only small notes. Good luck with your process!
I also have the same struggle with reading. I’m so frustrated with my current reading slump, and honestly, I don’t even remember which books I’ve read this year. Trying to catch up on reading in November feels like a moot point for me😅, but I feel it will hopefully help me out set some expectations for my goal for next year.
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was good! Quick, easy read, but good.
LOVE ME SOME 1/2 PRICE BOOKS! We visit every time we go to Kansas City, MO
Good morning Mrs Cheerful.. Brightens my day. I'm still sick lol but made a second coffee too. Some things are just worth it
YAY Zettelkast, been working on mine for years. Love Scott and his book, Victoria Crowder has an amazing channel about using a zettelkast for fiction writing. I have two boxes, one for learning/ input and my other for my writing. I am a discovery writer and use my Zettelkast next to it to make connections
Amazing! We need a small group chat lol. So fun!
@@HeartBreathings I posted above but it disappeared -- I am working with Scott Scheper in his author incubator to write "Zettelkasten for Fiction Writers' (should finish the BEAST of a book by year's end) -- I would LOVE to help build Sarra's Second Brain!! Happy to be of service if you wanna riff on the coolness of notecards!! (Thanks Tamara for the shout!!)
On Wings of Ash and Dust by Brittany Wang is really fun!
I also have 7 figure fiction! I can’t believe that you got to talk to her! 😮❤
She's amazing! Love hanging out with Theodora
lol. I’m a little jealous! 🥰😁
Girl you are looking a lot better than last year!
Thank you Nadine!
@HeartBreathings your worth watching. Also you have a great partner and family.
I love the idea of "noodling" through the story, and I think I really need to do more of that myself. I'm not doing RDC this month but I had been hoping to get two books drafted this quarter, since I tend to work on multiple projects at once, but I'm struggling with creative block when it comes to getting words on the page. Brainstorming and plotting has been a lot of fun, though, and maybe I just need to embrace that part of the process and give it the time it deserves until drafting is fun again. It's been great to see you working in your journal and counting those words, because it's all progress. Thanks so much for being such an inspiration, as always! (PS. I started reading Sacrifice Me because you mentioned it again a few videos ago, and I absolutely adore it! And I'm so excited to learn more about AMOS!)
Yay so happy you're enjoying it!!
What I've done when there is no time to read. Is fit in chunks of time, mostly I've done it during lunch time while eating I read. I'm not sure this would work for you but it's worth a try.
I have been using a zettelkasten for my author career for about 10 years now. A high school teacher introduced me to the method and I’ve been using it ever since. Ive never seen another writer use one.
Oooh, LOVE to hear this. I'd love to see pics of yours if you were willing to send any over or any resources you've found super helpful!
Fourth Wing is great!!
Ohhhh a future video on all notion. I would watch the crap out of that
I'm not writing this month due to study schedule but I am outlining my debut Christmas romance novel and write it during the holiday breaks.
Hopefully I can release it around this time next year for Christmas next year
Wish me luck ☺️
Haha. I feel you with the tbr. I read one and end up with two more... I have no idea how. Haha. No one needs to see the kindle tbr. I have the Red Queen series. I, also, have not sat down to read it. I love reading all book styles although I have a preference for physical books. I like the feel of the paper as I turn pages and the weight of the heftier books. I read Cruel Prince. I still need to read the rest of the series. Part of my probably is putting it off so I can get the rest of the books so I can just binge it.
" No one needs to see the kindle tbr." yess, exactly haha. My secret :P
I promise I was just on authortube last night to compile my booklist for romantasy or similar books! lol My nonfiction book released today (thanks to P&T for helping me) and now all my attention is on fiction!! I ordered 3 of the books in your hands now. Reading til my eyes bleed like I did in graduate school 😂
Huge congrats! Send me a link please so I can buy your book!
Oooh I'm reading 'The Cruel Prince' at the moment. I have the trilogy and haven't read any of them before - I'm enjoying it so far. I loved 'Fourth Wing' (haven't read the sequel yet but it's on my shelf!) I'm not a fast reader (or writer!) but once I've finished TCP nothing is going to stand between me and my paperback copy of TDOVS! 😊😉 xx
If you get the audiobook of Lightlark, you will have to listen to 12 hours and 57 minutes of narration.
If you begin listening to the audiobook at 7:00 am in the morning, then you may finish 8:00 pm at night.
See, you can finish in 1 day.
Now, you will probably say, "I have other stuff to do."
Yes, you do.
But if you play the audiobook in the background, then you are going through the book. You are free to pay attention if you want. Even if you don't pay attention to the narration, the reading is still going by.
Hope you feel better soon Sarra! I completely related to the conversation of appearance, especially when we are constantly staring at ourselves through the screen. It's hard but I'm hoping it'll get easier! 🩵🩵🩵
Indie book, not Trad, but On Wings Of Ash And Dust by Brittany Wang. YA Fantasy, 5 fairy clans, competition, enemies to lovers, no spice.
Loving the RDC so far and all the vlogs. So pleased you're showing us that it's okay to show up as ourselves and not perfectly aesthetic all the time (though quite frankly you look fab all the way through this video!). Love hard backs, but just don't have the space (or the funds), so for me it's paperbacks and ebooks from the library (this has massively increased what I've read as I can always have a book on my phone and read whenever I can). Have you read the Bone Season by Samantha Shannon? The first one in the series is sort of competition / training and the whole series is really an enemy to lovers theme.
Ooh I haven't read that yet! Thank you
I prefer softcover over everything!
I’m not a big spicy fan either but I did enjoy From Blood and Ash. I’m not the biggest fan of all of the books in the series (for reasons unrelated to the spice level) but the first few would definitely be worth checking out. Especially in your research phase!
I am currently reading 7 figure fiction^^
Never heard of Zettelkasten as a system of anything. Here in Switzerland if you buy a Zettelkasten you get a box with squaresized notespages.
A Zettel is a notespage and a Kasten is a box.
Yes! It's a system by a socialist so it's more than just the box and most people do it digitally now but I can see how it's confusing since the literal translation is just slip box!
@HeartBreathings Thank you for the explanation, Sarra.
I hope your eyes are getting better soon. Hugs from Switzerland
Hi there, I've been working my way through the Antinet book as well and have started making my Zettelkasten. I also watch a TH-camr by the name of Victoria Crowder. She talks about how to merge Zettelkasten into writing. She is also writing a book about it.
Wrote after my history class when I met up with my friend
I don't know if there's still time to recommend a book, but I just read My Lady Jane and loved it. While I'm not a fantasy writer or really a reader I loved that story because it didn't have a lot of elements for me to keep up with. It's a great enemies to lovers with a forced marriage that may be great for your research or just a fun read.
I haven't heard of this! I will look for it thank you!
My daughter moved to Indiana back in July, and now I'm feeling as if I no longer have a purpose. So, trying to love myself and discover me has been very difficult.
That's such a tough transition!
howdy dear- my suggestions: create a TBR of 4 books - see your daughter once a season for couple nights-have facetime or zoom calls once a week with her- send mementos like concert tickets, museum tours, gallery visits in the mail so she can see physical Rembrandts of your goings - creating new memories discovering more memoirs ....
@@RealEstateYubaSutter Thank you so much for the great ideas!
@@HeartBreathings It is very tough!
@@pagesofkelly thank you for responding !
Have you read the ACOTAR series?
I haven't! I've heard it's very spicy, so I have never been interested, but maybe I will give it a try.
@HeartBreathings Ah, okay. Yeah, it's pretty spicy. I kinda got annoyed with it, lol. But if you can get past that, it has a lot of good elements for note taking.
Child...you were made in the image of the most high God...a child and heir to His kingdom, you were bought back and ransomed out of sin at a GREAT cost, you are a treasure and bride of Yeshua your Savior...you are enough in EVERY way and all you have to do is turn to HIM, repent and believe.
May God bless you as you seek HIM not all the ways you chase endlessly to be enough for in HIM in Christ you are made whole and beautiful a chosen treasure of the Most High God. ❤
♥️
I feel what you say about looking at yourself and being "triggered" (I don't know a better word atm either) after being told you are not pretty for so many years! It really sucks, and even when I can see that I am pretty I still feel like I am not 😂 But slowly we will get past it!
OMGHS the first clip is ligit me almost every day 🤣🤣 also From Blood and Ash series wasn't that spicy... and the spicy scenes are quite spaced out... its mostly tension and innuendos everywhere haha It does get spicy near the end of the series though.
Oh cool! Thank you
❤😊
I need to read more too. I just don't make the time.
Arena battles: The Saviors Series by Jenna Moreci.
I don't like to read spice either. Nothing wrong with it, I think.
i just dint have time for spice in my life unless its in real life
Not sure if you've read Serpent And Dove by Shelby Mahurin. Enemies to lovers / Romantasy. Thought I would mention in case.
I haven't but several have recommended it! Thank you!
Hi I’m doing daily vlogs for the rough draft challenge ❤
groovy i will chekc out now
Well, I don't want to be rude or something, but: Maybe you are just exhausted or burnt out and need some vacation/rest? I mean when was your last vacation without filming, writing, events, maybe even without the kids. Everybody needs now and then some space to breath and just being. Even if it's only for two or days. Please take care of yourself. You are the most important human in your life. ❤
Obsidian might interest you. It's kind of a Zettelkasten (so funny to hear not Germans to say the word 😅) where you can make connections between your notes and sooo much more. Worth to have a look on it.
By the way: You look great. Never thought you might be older than 35. 😊
And: Fourth wing was soooo great! Maybe you need a hotel room for a reading retreat? Without anyone else. 😅😊
Reading retreat would be amazing!! I tend to work better analog personally with a lot of things but I've watched a few videos on obsidian and it looks very cool!
And I don't really do vacations on my own. With the kids so young and George already taking on so much when I'm gone to write it I conferences it wouldn't feel right for me! But someday when they are older. Plus I love my work. It's okay to be tired doing things you love! I am sleeping 9-10hrs right now but I've obviously not recording it lol
Did you take a day off for day 5? I know I was through the roof with anxiety and stress yesterday. I was barely able to get a sentence done and every time I hated the words I was using.
do you take on review requests? I would love for you to read my book The Bounded Curse!
I'm sorry, I don't but congrats on your book!
@@HeartBreathings thank you!
I'm sorry I can't find my comments to edit them and just make one big one. Fourth Wing audio isn't as good as just reading (sorry narrator)
What I find really helpful when it comes to reading books and being really busy is making reading a relaxing ritual to end my day. So instead of watching a movie or an episode of a show before going to bed I read for an hour :) For some reason I'm faster in my reading when reading an e-book instead of printed books :P Sometimes I have time to binge read but mostly I enjoy to read a little longer in one book. It's like a small island waiting for me at the end of the day that I'm excited for. And even if it's not a whole hour I make sure that I'm reading at least one chapter a day, when I started a book :)
My RDC is going great. I finished my last interview of five for my Master's Paper today and tomorrow will start with the transcription :D
Why not make "Project 48" a project for a whole year while you are 48?
I always prefer hardcovers, but there are often only paperbacks 🥲