lifestyle

The #BlogLikeCrazy Playlist

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Birmingham-based writer Marie Sutton once shared at a See Jane Write workshop that she was able to complete her first book thanks to late-night writing sessions. Marie is a wife and a mom and has a demanding day job, so writing as night was her only option. Marie says she would “get in the zone” around 9 p.m. each night. She’d sit at her dining room table and write while snacking on Skittles and sipping on Red Bull. She even had a comfortable outfit she’d wear that she called her writing uniform. And she’d also listen to music — Kanye West to be exact (old-school Kanye, of course, not the new, ridiculous “Make America Great Again” Kanye).

Thinking back on Marie’s story I decided I needed some music to help me power through my month of publishing a new blog post every day. I decided I needed a #BlogLikeCrazy playlist!

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How to Make the Most of the Day Designer

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Before I started writing for StyleBlueprint Birmingham I was interviewed by the publication for its FACES of Birmingham feature. There’s one question that’s asked of every woman profiled for this feature: What are 3 things you can’t live without?

My answer? Beyonce, Essie nail polish and my Day Designer.

The Day Designer is a planner by Whitney English and it’s the answer to another question I’m often asked — How do you do it all? If you’ve ever wondered how I teach full-time, write part-time, run See Jane Write, exercise most days of the week and still find time to hang out with family and friends you should know that the Day Designer is my secret weapon.

The Day Designer’s January 2019 Flagship Daily Planners go on sale today. If you’re someone who still loves writing down to-do lists and planning your months, weeks, and days on paper then the Day Designer is for you.

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your Day Designer.

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Currently

Tank and the Bangas

If you want to be a successful writer you must learn to find inspiration anywhere. I often get inspired by shows and movies I watch, music I listen to, as well as the things I read. That’s why I occasionally share on the blog what I’m into in hopes that you can find inspiration in these things, too.

Here’s what I’m currently listening to, watching, reading, and obsessing over.

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Currently

My friend and teaching colleague Kwoya Maples always says there’s no such thing as writer’s block. You just have to be willing to write things that aren’t all that great. In other words, we have to remember that writing is a practice. This is exactly why I love blogging. And if you’re struggling to find something to blog about, just think of all the things you’re into right now. I am certain you’ll find inspiration from one of them. Or better yet, you could write a post sharing what you’re into and why — which is exactly what I’m in the mood to do right now.

Here’s what I’m currently listening to, watching, reading, and obsessing over.

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A Birthday Note to Self

Dear Javacia,

As you turn 37 today I want you to enter this new year with this reminder: You are enough.

You are enough because you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Your worth is not determined by your blog, your business, your byline or even the work you do in your classroom. You are enough.

Your worth is not determined by the number of miles you run or the number of pounds you lose. You are enough.

Your worth is not determined by the things you have or even the things you have done. Your worth is determined by who you are and you are enough.

So go on and celebrate another year on this crazy, beautiful earth. Go on and make your 37 for 37 list. Go on and go after your goals.

But, as you chase your dreams, do not forget that you are enough.

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