I woke this morning at 3:30, which is later than I’ve been waking. I’m frustrated, as I don’t feel as if I’m being as productive as I need to be. These months are very important to me, though when I’m not progressing as well as I should, I feel as if time is wasting. I need to pick up the pace and make more tangible, or measurable progress toward these preparations for my release.
As I was running this morning, some clarity came to me with regard to why I feel progress has slowed. On May 4, I began writing the new version of Earning Freedom. On May 24, I began writing chapter two, and I completed the draft of that chapter on June 8. During that time I’ve also done a considerable amount of editing on the proposal and chapter one, but I’ve suspended writing new content for the manuscript. My intentions were to wait until I heard from the literary agent who will represent the manuscript. That wait, however, could last through August, and I’m not willing to let all that time slip away.
During my run, I realized that I cannot allow this valuable time to pass without progress. Even though I may not hear from my agent until summer’s end, and Carole may fall behind with my typing, I need to resume my work. I haven’t felt productive because I haven’t done enough work to keep the manuscript project from advancing. That changes now.
I am focusing on the next 18 months. That goal takes me through the end of 2010. By that time, Carole will have completed her nursing education, and I will be well into my 24th year of imprisonment. I must have a solid draft of this manuscript complete by then, regardless of what my agent has done or Carole’s typing schedule. I’m responsible for preparing for release, and I cannot allow anything to interfere with my progress. When I do, I invite this frustration I’m feeling now. That ends as of this minute.
With my 10-mile run this morning, my tally now stands at 1,723 miles over the past 195 consecutive days. I followed the run with 200 pushups.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
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