What keeps you going when
progress feels slow? The power of reading aloud
I'm on my third round of reading Miles of Meaning: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher aloud, and I'm amazed by what I'm still catching. Words I didn't notice on silent reads jump out as awkward or unnecessary. Sentences that seemed complete now feel rushed or unclear. I find myself scribbling notes: need more here, this is redundant, this past-to-present tense doesn't work. (The tenses confuse me!)
This technique came from my online writing community, and it's been transformative. Reading aloud forces you to experience your writing the way readers will—you can't skip over bumpy passages or fill in gaps with your own knowledge.
While no book is perfect, I'm committed to going the extra mile (pun intended) to create the most honest, engaging account of my JFK 50 Mile journey. Just like training, editing requires patience, consistency, and snacks to keep you going, and it can feel very, very slow.
When the process gets tedious, I find myself returning to my why to stay motivated. This has become a recurring theme in everything I do. Why am I writing this book? Why am I running 50 miles? Why am I homeschooling?
I'm learning that the why matters more than anything. It keeps me from getting distracted or comparing myself to others.
Whether it's writing, running, parenting, or pursuing your goal, what keeps you motivated when progress feels slow? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments.
Today is our last write together of July. We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up. No experience is necessary.
Be part of our creative community! Use the link below to enter our Zoom room, and feel free to invite a friend to write alongside you. Together, we'll discover our creative voices and find the courage to put our stories on the page.
Let's write together. Let's grow together.
Summer Updates:
Monday Zoom write-togethers will return on August 18th. See you then and keep writing in the meantime.
Summer break: I will be unplugging to spend time with family. I’ll be back in your inbox on August 18. Thank you!
Project Updates: My next book, Miles of Meaning: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, is now at the book cover design and gathering photo(s) phase. I'm excited to share updates and reveal the cover soon.
Move. Write. Connect. Our fall group is now forming. No experience is required. Beginners welcome. Check out our community website for details and registration.
For me, "Love" is "Why"
Only "Love" keeps me going
Ask any mother‼️
Actually I have been thinking a lot about this lately. My 101 year old Mom died last week. I brought her up from Florida to care for her these past two years. I visited her everyday for a few hours and I could not have done what I did, day in and day out if "love" was not my why. She was the best Mom to me and my brother and leaves a gaping whole in my heart. Hopefully my beautiful memories will heal me over time. Yes "love" was my why and I believe it is the root reason we are able to keep on going no matter the circumstances...💔
A fellow writer recently told me about an app to which you can upload an entire manuscript and have it read to you. There are different voices to choose from. I forgot what it is called. I can find out if this interests you.