Semper deinceps! (SEM-purr dee-IN-keps) That’s Latin for “Ever forward.” It means you continuously strive for progress. You experience growth through consistent effort. But what if instead of “semper deinceps,” you/I feel more like “whimper deinceps”? If you/I want to stomp away from stagnation to gain ground, it will require a smidge of strategy. (Not to worry. It’s simple. Sorta.)

Let’s hatch a plan

It helps to have something to look forward to, so let’s whip up a plan. It doesn’t need to be fancy-schmancy, but the more curlicues (as in details) you can add, the more “ever forward” you’re going to feel.

You’re making a list & checking it thrice

How about this? On your phone, or better yet, using a pen and a piece of actual paper (because you know what’ll happen if you pick up that phone), make a list of three things. (You know how writers like things in threes.)

Fair enough, my little shiny yellow No. 2 pencils, I’ll start:

1. “Audit” my old writing files in search of stories worthy of resuscitation.
2. Go on a weekend-long spring writing retreat with friends for feedback on my revived stories.
3. Spend three Saturdays in a row at my favorite branch of my local library with my most beloved, yet most neglected writing project. (I don’t know how they feel, but I miss my characters!)

No longer feeling list-less

Looking at my list, I must say, I already feel less schlumpy. The idea of sifting through my old stuff sounds fun. For one thing, it will (gosh, I sure hope) prove to me that I’ve made progress. And for another, who knows what germs of ideas or gems of inspiration may be tucked in there? Spending time with writer friends is always good for the soul and encourages accountability. And devoting time to a novel that is nearest to my heart will feel like a family reunion (and I won’t have to bring potato salad!)

To be fair, jotting down a list isn’t technically progress. BUT devising a detailed plan to move “ever forward” is a start. In the coming days, I will embellish my list with curlicues like adding specific names, blocking calendar dates and collecting files. Dare I admit it? I feel some semper simmering!

Did you make a new plan, Stan?

How about you, my little fountain pen of creativity? Care to share what’s on your list? I’d love to see it and cheer you on. Together, we WILL move ever forward. Semper deinceps!

You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence. ~  Octavia E. Butler