Week 0 Instructions

This is what you will need:

A notebook
A pen
A six inch piece of string (more on this later...)
A camera
A bag, backpack, or basket that can hold your writing practice materials

This is how you need to prepare:

Schedule some time each day to write. You don’t need to write yet—just figure out when you could. This is important. If you need childcare, find a time when that is available. If you need good light, don’t pick 10:30 pm. it doesn’t have to be the same time everyday, but it consistency helps you remember.

Make a space for your writing. Gather your notebook and your pen and your reading material into your container. Do you want to write at a table? Make sure it is clutter free (that’s part of the reason you get a whole week for this part). You don’t need a monk’s cell, but you do need to feel quiet enough to sit and practice.

Figure out how you can create a space of quiet around your writing time. Find a time during your day when no one will be offended if you don’t talk or listen. Your world doesn’t have to be quiet; you need to be quiet. Ideally, allow fifteen to thirty minutes before you write to simply allow yourself to quiet down (the longer the better, but try to aim for at least fifteen minutes). No phone, no podcasts, no music, and minimal talking. Find a way to quiet yourself (even if you are surrounded by four kids and three dogs). To be clear. I am not asking you to find a silent space, I am asking you to become as quiet as you can within your space. If you need to, set an alarm for fifteen minutes before your scheduled writing time.

To be clear, today your assignment is: