Full disclosure- I have been in a funk all week. I couldn’t motivate myself to write. I just honestly didn’t have my heart in it. I blame my dog’s death and talking my sister through it but that was two weeks ago I haven’t been able to shake myself out of my funk… until yesterday. Which is weird, I mean, I missed another deadline. That should be enough to make anyone feel down and further in the dumps. But a coworker of mine, who is awesome, helped me by linking me to a video I’ve seen before (at least I think so) of one of my more favorite internet personalities, Sean “Day9” Plott. Relistening to his advice on being relentlessly positive really helped me get my creative juices flowing again. Now fully out of my funk, I have made a couple of a decisions. One is a step-by-step plan to get the chapter back on track and flowing AND something I’ve put some extra cash into as a special thank you to everyone for their patience while I’ve been dealing with things.
Let’s start with my plan. It’s a three daily-step plan. First, WRITE 500 WORDS A DAY. This actually isn’t much but I have found if I set myself a daily goal, even a small one, that keeps me flowing and I tend to go over that. At the very minimum it gets me out of my head and into the story at least 500 words a day. Second, GET MY ROOM COMPLETELY CLEAN ON SATURDAY. I’ve been distracted by the mess I’ve created and a deep clean should help clean up my physical and mental space. Third, TAKE AT LEAST 1000 STEPS A DAY ON MY DESK ELLIPTICAL. I tend to feel more mentally fresh if I exercise and I set up my work space so I could do that and write at the same time. Gasp! I could do that and get my 500 words a day done! Shocking synergies!
With that, here is the bonus that is coming your guys way. In lieu of the usual cannon picture we do each month, I’ve done a bigger commission than usual to have Pip draw us a 3-page comic for MGP. It’s not cannon in any way and the characters as written in their more serious incarnations wouldn’t do the actions they are going to do here, but it should be fun and funny and drawn in that oh-so-adorable Pip artstyle. I look forward to rolling these comics out as the moth goes on!
As a side note, I only have had one person send their Q&A questions so far this month. Because of that, and the fact I’d like to post the Q&A on Sunday if I can, I’m opening up the questions to non-patrons this month. So, if you’re interested in sending me a question, please email me at taralynnand@gmail.com and put “October Q&A” in the title so I know what it’s about!
Also, before I head out, thank you all so much for the messages of support in what has been a trying time in my family. It’s times like that which make me feel so blessed to have fans as wonderful as you all! Seriously, without your support who knows how long it would have taken to get me out of my funk? You’re the best!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Taralynn
Oof, haven’t gotten on here to post in a bit. First, belated condolences for your family dog. It’s never easy losing a pet. Glad to hear you’re feeling better now.
Also, 3 page Pip comic? Awesome. Can’t wait to see that.
Also finally got my Q&A question up. Never let your work schedule change all of a sudden, kids. It’ll take a toll on you.
Losing a pet is never easy , it’s pretty much the same as losing a family member. Takes time to get over , you have a fulltime job and life outside of writing MGP – take as long as you need. Even the current patreon goals reflect this , using that money to buy commissioned artwork rather then speeding up production on new chapters means there’s a ton less pressure on you specifically. You have a sound plan going forward , stick with it as best as you can (and don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or more)and we’ll all read and enjoy the next chapter whenever it pops up 😀