It’s like trying to keep a candle lit while standing in a wind tunnel. Start with a small, achievable spark—maybe a scene, a chapter outline, or even a daily word count target—so the project feels doable. Then layer your heart on top of that. Think of the emotional beats as the wax; if you pour it too quickly it burns out, if you pour too slowly it never reaches the flame. Keep your goals tight enough that they don’t feel like a wall, but generous enough that you can taste the richness of your characters’ feelings. Check in with yourself often: does the scene still make your chest tighten, or has the ambition made it feel like a checklist? If it’s the latter, dip back into the core of why you’re writing. That tug of love will keep the fire alive while the goals keep it steady.

That sounds like a lovely plan. Trust the little steps, and let the characters whisper the rhythm. Remember, the heart will guide you when the numbers feel cold. Happy writing!