How's your writing going lately?
If it could be going better, I have some suggestions.
Oh hello, writer dear.
I start a lot of my writing classes with the same question: How’s your writing going lately? It’s a quick way to gauge how a writer sees themselves and/or their words—always useful when delivering feedback—and is something I wish I’d been asked more, especially when my writer-identity was still nascent.
I’m going to ask you now,1 which I hope you take a moment to consider.
How’s your writing going lately, writer dear?
What are you working on? How does it feel? What do you wish was different? How long have you waited to get here? Hit reply or tell me in the comments, please!
Now let me tell you about mine.
Most of my Secret Novel still lives in my mind: pieces of the story I either haven’t found yet or that still need arranging, plus the pretty-and-polished versions of my already-gathered words.2 It’s going to be a while before I can seeholdhear my completed novel, but, for now at least, I’m content. I’m delighting in the process of writing this book, which, given how hard I’ve historically been on myself, is new.
I committed to writing (although it feels more like writing committed to me) years ago, but as a self-critical, insecure writer—not a confident, self-compassionate, or eager one. This has made writing harder than it ever had to be; it’s only been since the start of 2025 that my relationship with writing is not only healthy, but happy.
Loosening my self-imposed rules and expectations has given me so much more room to imagine and re-consider and try again. For years, I berated myself as I wrote. Now, I try to let writing feel as good as possible, and the paragraphs and pages usually appear well before I expect them.
I welcome them warmly every time—especially this one.
I met (and exceeded!) my goal for #1000wordsofsummer, my all-time favorite writing challenge, because I’m done making things so hard. I’m tired of hearing the unkind things I say to and about my writing. Being hospitable, rather than exacting, to my writer-self makes it easier for the words to come.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
Follow your mind and body’s lead. Today, writing might mean banging out your words all at once and first thing. Tomorrow, it might mean squeezing the sentences in throughout the day. Pay close attention to the changes in what’s best for you and your words. We already do hard things; let’s move with ease as often as we can.
Redefine progress. I make progress such a higher, more specific bar than it needs to be. Does this3 move the project forward? “Yes” can look like so much more than the self-imposed and uninspired criteria we tend to use. Progress gets to be measured in more than drafts and on our own terms.
Dedicate some time to internalizing that you are a writer. Don’t talk yourself out of this identity that’s meant to be yours. Trust that the reason you want this is because it’s who you are. Who you will continue to be.4
It’s a thrill to enjoy and be excited about my writer-life, especially after how long I criticized and doubted it. If you’re in that heavier place, let’s talk about it. I want the commitment between you and your words to be kind, not cruel—it’s the least you deserve.
Thank you for being a writer, and thank you for being a reader of Writer Dear.
~Kerry
P.S. A quick reminder to members: the 25th is the last day to participate in June’s AMA. I’ll send you the form for July’s in our next emotional support letter.
Readers, you’re always always always welcome to join us. Learn more about Writer Dear membership here.
I would love for you to tell me; I am really and truly curious!
I hope to begin revising in a few-ish months, and cannot wait.
Going for a walk, making lists, writing backstory you’ll never use, etc.