i had to learn to be an author all over again 

Lindsay this vlog was sooo real. I feel like most disabled and chronically ill people can relate to that pressure of wanting to get things done on our "good health days" in anticipation of those not-so-good health days that inevitably come. We are (literally) measuring our spoons out day to day over here lol. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, as always!

for learning how to play dnd, the way I did it was by watching actual plays. It's a lot less overwhelming than reading the player handbook because you're enjoying a story while watching people who know what they're doing play the game. I recommend dimension 20's fantasy high for just starting out because the episodes are relatively short and they explain some of the rules as they go, but my personal favorite is critical role's campaign 2. that one's a little harder to get into because its 141 4+ hour episodes (i recommend watching on 1.5 speed lol), but the story and characters are incredible. also don't be afraid to dive in before you know the rules completely, I've played weekly in a bunch of different campaigns for several years and I still don't know the rules perfectly.

"It's giving 90's lesbian park ranger" made me spit out my drink

When your cat was walking across the counter like they own the whole dang house 😂 your reaction had my giggling 🤣 but seriously, this vlog was so relatable! I feel like my writing lately has been shotty so it's comforting to know that sometimes life is just life, and it smacks everyone in the face every now and again. Thank you for sharing this part of your author life 💞 also....that American healthcare....🙄😂

'Honey, you've got a big storm coming' meme about DnD had me howling! And your thoughts on the guilt about not working on good days when you know a bad day could put you out of commission yet again felt soooooo real. (Also, emo over you saying the troublemakers are one of your favorite streams 🥹)

Life is all over the place in general. I think this was a good real talk and multiple days in the life type of vlog. Progression is hard and up and down. Your feelings are understandable. Wishing you well as you get back into writing and handle your migraines. I hope you had a nice experience during the writer retreat! Lol, I'm glad you are filled with joy making DnD characters. I don't play, but my partner does. He's making a new character for himself because his last one died in the game. Also, when your dogs were leaning over you as you opened and were eating the dessert, that was quality!

This was what I needed. Validation AND you inspired me to throw away my word count goals and instead focus on a set amount of productive sprints, which I think will actually yield better results in the long run. Thank you!

I honestly found this vlog so charming. Thanks for sharing with us!

This is the content we want and need.❤

This was a wonderful video! I always appreciate the realness with chronic illness and disability stuff. Makes it harder to get stuff done. I love seeing your journey with CRIMSON GIRLS-so hyped for that one! Now you have a few openings to choose from! And best of luck getting back into a routine with BITTER BONES! Would have commented earlier, but I was deep in my own revisions (Draft 4) of my PhD dissertation novel after a 7 month hiatus. I still don’t know how I finished revisions in one week! But I also like knowing I’m not alone during the harder periods. Have fun on your writing retreat! 💜

I have weeks like this too! Sometimes due to seasonal/weather induced headaches and sometimes due to low motivation where I’m easily distracted. I appreciate your transparency. Regardless of the content your videos are always an instant watch for me as soon as I see them and I always enjoy them!! 🥰

Omg yes I love this kinds of vids!!!! I am so proud of you!!!!

OMG it's funny that you mention wanting to get into DnD. I've gotten into DnD lately too. I don't play myself, but my husband and I watch so much Dimension 20--it's amazing. I ALSo had gotten out of the habit of writing consistently, so I got a dice set for writing sprints so I roll a D20 and a D8 and sprint for that long now (and if I want a shorter one to finish up, I'll roll a D8 and D4). It's helped me get back into it and the randomness of rolling helps keep me excited for sprints instead of it always being the same number!

Ohhh. I LOVE the opening idea that you and Jess are doing!! Can't wait to see what you both come up with!!

For me The key to reading more has been to read the books I’m most interesting and make it a hugely indulgent pleasure by eating or drinking things mentioned in the book, and when I’m with others I always think oh I can’t wait to be reading. So I think the same principle could be applied to writing if you lack motivation. Why not work on the things you’re most interested in or find a way to think about it or make it your most indulgent pleasure. …Look at this bag of Kale, okay I’m going to go because I’m being goofy LOL love it

Thanks for sharing! I've been having difficulty writing

Your DnD character is so cool! I love the beehive 🐝 Have a great time on your writing retreat!!

Omg I can’t wait to see the writers retreat volg!!!!!!! I’m so excited for you!!!

The grandma gnome DnD character--she's the cutest plssss. Baldur's Gate 3 had me wishing to get into DnD and play the game that way first, but my laptop runs on AA batteries and duck tape. Your doggies behind you when you had your dessert like they were me lol. And please I loved this vlog no need for apologies. You listened to yourself and had a good week that sounds like a solid 10/10 to me.

Loveddd this video. Gives me motivation to start my novel 😊❤

omg I bought my first d&d set this week too!

LINDSAY! If you want someone to walk you through dnd, I volunteer as tribute!! I play a weekly game and it’s such an amazing game for working out storytelling muscles. Edit: Omg I just got to the end of the vid, I LOVE YOUR GNOME GRANDMA! if you ever want to play a game online, I’m a DM and can run a one shot for you

What is that book lift thing?? My neck needs to know!!! I love your DND character!!!!

I'm so glad for this vlog,like yes there are days when you feel good and you don't get everything done and then you feel terrible and feel like you wasted time. Mood on that 😅

not me using watching this vlog as procrastination from doing my own writing....hehe i absolutely love vlogs like this and i totally relate to the feeling of not spending a lot of time each day to writing/getting out of the routine.

I get what you are saying about getting back into practice!!! I have tried again to listen to more audiobooks and so far I’ve gotten 3 books in!!! What I’ve been trying is to also do like 30 min sessions each day or more lol.

The scene i just wrote hilarious

Dimension 20 is the DnD drug that got me hooked! Love your character!

I love your D&D character that you made! She's so cute & adorable! She kind of reminds me of Addie from The Glass Witch😃 Keep up the great work Lindsay! 💖

Lindsay, loved the vlog! Can I ask you which stickers and planner set up you're using?! It's soooo cute!

I feel you! This industry can truly zap our energy, hug all the dogs as a cure.

I'm so excited for your adventure into DND! Dimension20, as others have mentioned, is the best for an entry show, the episodes aren't that long (lol 2 hours isn't long) and there's a couple of season's where the DM goes through the rules; so like Fantasy High is on youtube and is so good, I think you'd like the manic highschool feel of it, and Dungeon & DragQueens is also beginner friendly. I love your lesbian comfy look, perfect for these cozy days where it's raining and cold. I also need to get back into writing, I took a week off to visit family and my motivation has frozen in it's tracks, I also worry I've gotten rusty. Do you have the link of the group you follow their streams? Also thank you for your hard work on your last video about trends, I shared that with a friend and it's been super informative. Can't wait for you writers retreat vlog

The word count feature for years. I've been using it for papers for so long. They just hide that feature in a different window. I love that everyone was present for that cake tasting 😂 What kind of smart watch do you have? I like the idea of upgrading mine that is a bit more than basic. I enjoy D&D a lot. I watch Dimension 20 on Dropout and the Oxventure Guild the most. I feel like those were great as a beginner, especially Oxventure since they are all new to it. I want to check out Girls Who Don't DnD. I love the system too because it makes me approach writing characters and world building differently. You're character is adorable.

Love your D&D character. If you're looking for any D&D podcasts to get an understanding of the game/roleplay aspect, I suggest Dungeons and Daddies, Critical Role campaign 2, and The Adventure Zone

**90's Lesbian Park Ranger** IS the best look. OMG I cackled when you held up the D&D books. 😆 I freaking Called It, and I think it was the perfect way to handle not having your computer. I briefly played a D&D adjacent tabletop game with a group of people years ago, but have always wanted to get into it again. I may be more of a Vampire: The Masquerade kinda girl, though. And your character is adorable! I'm glad you're not being too too hard on yourself on the writing; I'm sure you'll find your stride. Heck, it may not look like what you're used to--I mean, things are different now with two books out, doing the whole high-falutin (falootin?) published writer lady thing. And that's totally okay too, I would think. Ooh! Maybe that means more writing retreats... But I hear you on trying to GYST; I have a 12 day tour in April, and my writing game has pretty much been off since the beginning of March because of prep/anxiety/losing my mind, and I've just thrown my fate into the hands of the Great Spaghetti Monster until May. Then I'll get back on my writing flow with NO INTERRUPTIONS (ya hear that, Universe? please?). I am suuuper interested in the draft-math-graph video. A pleasure as always!

I want to be a dnd girlie so bad but it is SO intimidating 😅

Never stop being transparent Lindsay! It's always such a calming breath of fresh air to watch your content, regardless of when you post 😊On another note, let me know if you'd be interested in being a beta reader for my upper MG queer GN written manuscript. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it from one MG author to another😁

As a person who also deals with chronic migraines/illness I really appreciate this Vlog! I'm hoping to be traditionally published too, and it gives me hope that my challenges don't have to always be a barrier to achieving this dream.

Aw

If you ever need to chat happy to offer my non judgmental ear … I am a best selling author and very involved in a small traditional publishing house and always happy to help!

Migraines are the strangest thing. They are different for everyone. I have chronic migraines all day everyday and the only thing that helps is prescription pain meds without them I am dead to the wo rld. I have zero food triggers but I can no longer listen to certain types of music or play the instruments I went to school to play. My mom can't read books anymore at least not for more than 20 minutes at a time with hours in-between sessions. Which sucks because she feels bad for not "supporting" my writing but she does in other ways.

Hey! July 31 is Harry Potter's birthday. 😊

💜💜💜🫂🫂🫶

First comment!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Look no further than How to be a great GM youtube.com/@HowtobeaGreatGM?si=bBvPodmXhkMxdo63 as a wonderful entry level intro into gameplay and DnD The storytelling tips are so good they transcend just tabletop gameplay. I consider this channel part of my secret sauce 😊

i’m basically in the same boat rn 🥲 … retraining myself to feel like a writer bc the muscle is not as strong as it was last year. it’s been a slow q1 for me too! i so appreciate seeing other writers talk about this 💛