A. F. Kay
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February 26, 2022 - Update
🕑 Added 2022-02-26 09:01:39 +0000 UTCHi!
This week went better. I hope in the coming weeks I can build on this momentum to help push me quickly to the end.
I had mentioned in a previous update I planned to investigate my strengths in an effort to increase my productivity. This week I took the Gallup CliftonStrengths test and learned my ordered list of 34 strengths. My top five are: Analytical, Intellection, Input, Deliberative, and Strategic.
There is good news and bad news.
The bad news is I think my dream of writing one book a month like some of my author friends will never happen. Or if it does, it will quickly lead to burnout. This is because, from my limited research so far, three of my top five strengths are associated with slow writing: Intellection, Input, and Deliberative.
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
The good news is I finally understand the reasons for my inability to just write a fast and crappy draft, and can let go some of the guilt and stress I had around that.
The other good news is that those same strengths, while slow, are perfect for writing high quality (I know that standard is different for everyone), well-planned worlds, with wonderful characters. It also explains why my first drafts are so clean, I can’t dictate, and why I can’t just sit and immediately write all the time.
I learned a lot, and I’ve just started my research. The biggest thing for me though, I think, is that I can let go of the fear something was wrong with me because I couldn’t produce a book a month, when so many of the authors around me can.
My plan is to lean into my strengths: not feel guilty about thinking all the time and accept it is part of my writing process, read more, and avoid my phone while walking.
If you know your top five strengths leave them in the comments (if you want). Has knowing them made a difference for you?
I opened up chapters 48 and 49 to Root.
I opened up chapters 50 and 51 to Harvester.
I added chapters 52, 53, and 54 to Step Master, Blapy’s Favorite, and Divine.
Enjoy!
My eighth strength is Responsibility, which is why this deadline every week is so vital to me. You are important, and my commitment to you drives my writing forward. I’m so thankful for that.
Take care,
AFK
PS-Next week I’ll send out books for February and March. Sorry for the delay!
Comments
A. F. Kay
Thank you very much! That is great to hear.
A. F. Kay
I really appreciate that! Thank you so much. I need to get comfortable with myself and just be happy with doing the best I can. Thanks for the feedback.
A. F. Kay
Awesome Strengths! Thank you so much for sharing. A number one Analytical like me. Thanks for sharing.
A. F. Kay
I appreciate that! Sometimes it seems like things are never good enough.
A. F. Kay
Hahaha. So true. I should try writing with my thighs. Maybe it will be faster. lol.
A. F. Kay
You are so welcome!
A. F. Kay
Very true. That man really got me this week with his youtube video. I honestly thought he was going to tell us he didn't write that fast and he had a team of ghost writers. What a marketing genius. Thanks for the feedback!
A. F. Kay
I really appreciate that! Thank you!
Ryan DePriest
Your pace is perfect and the quality of the chapters and a sign of it.
Daemon Shade
I find faster production to be ultimately disappointing. Things get streamlined, character development suffers, and (worst of all) I'm in a constant state of waiting or searching for the next book to read. For what it's worth, I find your schedule to be basically perfect for me. I'm always waiting for another chapter, but I know there's more to the book, instead of wondering if another book is coming this year. Everything that makes you who you are is just fine by me.
Cory Altman
1. Analytical 2. Responsibility 3. Consistency 4. Futuristic 5. Relator
Acoga
I’ve never seen a top quality book that was written in a month. Will Wight is a successful progression fantasy author who typically puts out a book every six months, and among writers I respect this is known as a breakneck pace!
Bob of Doom
Huh, I thought most people's strength lies in their quads considering they're the largest muscle. Who knew?
Rick White
Thank you for the chapters. Very enjoyable.
Stephen Neville
I wouldn't worry about putting a book out a month. Brandon Sanderson doesn't do that and he is very fast at putting out books.
Andrew Goudie
I'm glad you're taking the time and putting in effort to develop your understanding of yourself and your processes. I really enjoy reading your updates as well as the chapters each week, and appreciate the time and honesty you put into your updates. Thank you!
