It's about time to break forth with the rhythm and the rhyme...
Just kidding. It is about time for a break though. I have had a very busy year, and I have a feeling there will be more, not less, to come, so this summer, I need to make sure I take a break from the day job as much as possible. The school year winds down this week (with a few extra days next week for professional development), and I am ready. I have so much writing to do, and I have every intention of getting it done. I have a novella that is plotted and well on its way, but I need to devote time and energy to it. I also have another one that will write itself if I can ever get back to it. It is an awesome story with great characters I'm so in love with. Plus, I have a flash fiction story spinning around in my brain.
So, how can I do all of this in about eight weeks? Writing time, every day. I will be rising and shining each morning to get in a good three hours of writing time each day. Coffee will get me through the tough times, and when I have accomplished all I want to this summer, I'll pat myself and know it was all worth it. Just have to actually get to summer days.
Needless to say, I need room to move. (I am so channeling the 80's/90's right now). So, here's to the end of another school year and (cross fingers) the beginning of a fruitful summer.
Happy Writing!
Showing posts with label WIP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WIP. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
M-O-T-I-V-A-T-E, Find Out What it Means to Me
Lately, the motivation to write has been lacking, which is frustrating, to say the least. I have a plot in mind. I have characters who are coming alive in my mind. But lately, we're all in a waiting pattern, and life is a busy airport. Between my day job as a teacher with all its necessary planning, grading, meeting, and lessons, my counseling internship with its daily meetings and paperwork, my home responsibilties (clean clothes and dishes are so overrated), my motherly duties (food prep, homework guru, storyteller, calendar checker, and so many other crazy tasks I never saw on the job description), and my husband would like to sit down with his wife at least once a day. So what goes by the wayside? Yep, you guessed it, the writing time.
Scott Eagan tried to enforce the idea that the writers who make it are the ones that make writing a priority. They're the ones that make it clear to their friends and family how important writing is to them. He even suggested setting aside at least three hours each day for writing. Three hours? I don't have three hours to rub together (or something like that). I'm time poor currently.
So how do we stay motivated? How do we keep moving forward on the WIP without feeling like we're stealing time from so many other important things? What are your best time management tips? What works for you? I'm interested to know.
Happy Writing!
Scott Eagan tried to enforce the idea that the writers who make it are the ones that make writing a priority. They're the ones that make it clear to their friends and family how important writing is to them. He even suggested setting aside at least three hours each day for writing. Three hours? I don't have three hours to rub together (or something like that). I'm time poor currently.
So how do we stay motivated? How do we keep moving forward on the WIP without feeling like we're stealing time from so many other important things? What are your best time management tips? What works for you? I'm interested to know.
Happy Writing!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Mysterious XXXX
Ever been writing, words flowing on the page easily, when you come to a spot in the piece where the details get fuzzy, and you're not quite clear what you want to write, right there? Maybe it's a name or a description, or just something that catches you off guard, and everything comes to a halt. What do you do? Do you stop and work it out or go to a source to research, breaking your momentum, but getting everything just right?
I'm going to let you in on my little secret. Now, I didn't come up with this on my own. I saw it in another author's writer tips, but it has served me well.
Here it is: I don't stop for those time-stealers, and I don't waste time racking my brain for what to put there. I use XXXX to mark the place, so I can come back to it later, and I keep moving forward. But anyone who reads my draft and doesn't know what this is about might get the wrong idea, thinking that maybe the ring finger on my left hand sticks sometimes. It doesn't, in case you were wondering.
When I read about this originally, I was skeptical. I mean, shouldn't you try to get everything right the first time through, so that rewriting will be easier later? Yes and no. For me, if I tried to get it just right on the first draft, I would never write the words, "The End." I have finished four drafts, and in my most recent ones, I used this technique. Needless to say, they went much quicker, and I stuck with them more consistently.
And the funny thing was, when I did my document search, using XXXX as the search item, by the time I got back to that particular spot, my brain had often worked out what had tripped me up before, and the creative juices flowed to create a solution to my previous problem.
So, how about you? How do you handle the dreaded halt in the flow of your thoughts? Do you do something similar, or do you have to get it right in the moment before you can move on?
Happy Writing!
Don't forget to check out my other blog at: http://www.cheriemarks.blogspot.com/
I'm going to let you in on my little secret. Now, I didn't come up with this on my own. I saw it in another author's writer tips, but it has served me well.
Here it is: I don't stop for those time-stealers, and I don't waste time racking my brain for what to put there. I use XXXX to mark the place, so I can come back to it later, and I keep moving forward. But anyone who reads my draft and doesn't know what this is about might get the wrong idea, thinking that maybe the ring finger on my left hand sticks sometimes. It doesn't, in case you were wondering.
When I read about this originally, I was skeptical. I mean, shouldn't you try to get everything right the first time through, so that rewriting will be easier later? Yes and no. For me, if I tried to get it just right on the first draft, I would never write the words, "The End." I have finished four drafts, and in my most recent ones, I used this technique. Needless to say, they went much quicker, and I stuck with them more consistently.
And the funny thing was, when I did my document search, using XXXX as the search item, by the time I got back to that particular spot, my brain had often worked out what had tripped me up before, and the creative juices flowed to create a solution to my previous problem.
So, how about you? How do you handle the dreaded halt in the flow of your thoughts? Do you do something similar, or do you have to get it right in the moment before you can move on?
Happy Writing!
Don't forget to check out my other blog at: http://www.cheriemarks.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ten Minute Procrastiwriter
True to form, I procrastinated getting my current WIP where I wanted it to be by this time. You see, there is a workshop this weekend (information can be found at http://www.kentuckyromancewriters.com/Meetings.htm), and I'd planned to have at least two manuscripts to pitch to literary agent, Scott Eagan, but now I only have the one ready for him to see. *sigh* It's not like these opportunities come very often, but no sense dwelling on hard-headed procrastination epic fails, right?
But it has made me re-evaluate my situation. I know I can't always give my time and attention to my writing like a full-time writer might, but I have to make myself stick to the goals I have for myself somehow. Therefore, my new-fangled idea is this: over the next month, every day, even if I can't write any more than the time allotted, I vow to write for at least ten minutes a day. Even if I have so many other things to do, I will give ten minutes to my writing. By doing this, I hope it will stretch a little past that (maybe even a lot past that, sometimes), and I'll get more accomplished. However, even if I can't write for anymore than ten minutes, I will have written something for that day.
I will update you on my progress. Before I go though, I'm curious how others make progress when so many other of life's issues take precedence. How do you keep BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard)?
Happy writing!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
Have you ever been stuck in a story and then it just comes to you. Well, that happened to me two weekends ago, and now my short story is...
Finished! Here's to finishing my short story that I started three months ago. Now I'm going to continue to work on my NANO manuscript and let the short rest for a little while.
I've decided to get it gorgeous then submit to an e-book publisher. Until then, I'm just going to keep on keeping on.
After being stuck for awhile, something about the story just clicked finally.
Now, it's your turn. Have you ever just had a "click" moment? Or do you just have something to celebrate?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Not Going to Let it Get Me Down
I am soooo close to finishing my short, and although there will be a few holes to patch and some characterization to perfect, I still like the story and can relate to the characters. I am now sitting at around 12,000 words, and I'm at the stage that I can feel the ending, so all I want to do is write until the characters get their HEA.
My motivator? The DAY JOB. The harder it gets, the more I need to write. Writing is like the one thing I have complete control over, and I love to put on my headphones, crank the IPOD, and let my fingers fly over the keyboard (easier said than done). But, at the end of every day, I get so excited to sit down at my computer and push a little further. So, what motivates you the most to get BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard)?
Oh, and on the 27th, I will be blogging at www.asscheekangels.com. It is a wonderful group of ladies that I cracked up with after the RITA's at RWA. Many different geographic locations, age ranges, and writing stages were represented. Jennifer Jakes was one of the Golden Heart Nominees. Anyway, one of the hiiiilarious stories led to the name of the blog. I have had something brewing in my head for awhile, and whew! I need the brain space, so check it out later this week.
Happy writing!
My motivator? The DAY JOB. The harder it gets, the more I need to write. Writing is like the one thing I have complete control over, and I love to put on my headphones, crank the IPOD, and let my fingers fly over the keyboard (easier said than done). But, at the end of every day, I get so excited to sit down at my computer and push a little further. So, what motivates you the most to get BICHOK (butt in chair, hands on keyboard)?
Oh, and on the 27th, I will be blogging at www.asscheekangels.com. It is a wonderful group of ladies that I cracked up with after the RITA's at RWA. Many different geographic locations, age ranges, and writing stages were represented. Jennifer Jakes was one of the Golden Heart Nominees. Anyway, one of the hiiiilarious stories led to the name of the blog. I have had something brewing in my head for awhile, and whew! I need the brain space, so check it out later this week.
Happy writing!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Bad Writer; Good Writer
How bad do you beat yourself up if you don't meet your deadlines?
I didn't meet my deadline, but I did make progress. My story went from floundering to flying along and, given another week or two, it will be ready to submit. What was it that got me BICHOK (Butt in chair, Hands on keyboard)? Twitter! No, really, I'm not joking.
I was taking a "break" from writing when I came across a tweet that praised a writer's website called www.750words.com. Nothing special, but when you set up an account, it keeps stats for you and encourages you to write 750 words each day (you can easily write more, if you want, then cut and paste into a word document). It's very much like NaNoWriMo, but a daily goal, rather than a monthly goal. Plus, it's small enough that you can easily meet your goal within an hour if you really work at it. It keeps track of your overall time, your words per minute, your breaks, even some categories that show what you focus on most. To make it even more useful as a writing tool, it shows the words you repeat often.
Is it the end-all, be-all for writers? No, it's probably not even something that I'll use every day, but it does add an element of fun.
All this brings me back to deadlines. Although I didn't meet my goal, I feel better about my progress and, yes, I have a new deadline (probably a little more realistic this time). If I write 1000 words a day for the next ten days, I'll finish my short. Wish me luck!
Happy writing.
I didn't meet my deadline, but I did make progress. My story went from floundering to flying along and, given another week or two, it will be ready to submit. What was it that got me BICHOK (Butt in chair, Hands on keyboard)? Twitter! No, really, I'm not joking.
I was taking a "break" from writing when I came across a tweet that praised a writer's website called www.750words.com. Nothing special, but when you set up an account, it keeps stats for you and encourages you to write 750 words each day (you can easily write more, if you want, then cut and paste into a word document). It's very much like NaNoWriMo, but a daily goal, rather than a monthly goal. Plus, it's small enough that you can easily meet your goal within an hour if you really work at it. It keeps track of your overall time, your words per minute, your breaks, even some categories that show what you focus on most. To make it even more useful as a writing tool, it shows the words you repeat often.
Is it the end-all, be-all for writers? No, it's probably not even something that I'll use every day, but it does add an element of fun.
All this brings me back to deadlines. Although I didn't meet my goal, I feel better about my progress and, yes, I have a new deadline (probably a little more realistic this time). If I write 1000 words a day for the next ten days, I'll finish my short. Wish me luck!
Happy writing.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Deadlines!
I have taken charge and given myself a calendar of deadlines, you know, like a real, working author. Except the first deadline is coming at me like I'm a pizza and it's a hungry teen of the male persuasion. I'm a saucy chick, for sure, but I will probably be a pile of crumbs at the end of this week.
No problem. I just have to write 12 pages a day for the next week. Oh, and I only have one hour to devote to it each day (pretty sure I will be squeezing in a little more than that. Sorry, house, there's always the weekend to make you shine).
Honestly though, I'm excited about pushing myself and posting my progress on here.
Current WIP is a short about two formers who have to cook head-to-head on a reality t.v. show against each other. Let's just say, it's going to get hot in the kitchen.
Happy writing!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Real Life Invades
I am now touching down with my ruby slippers and unfortunately, wishing I could go back to Emerald City. Real life has invaded with a vengeance, and I haven't even been able to check my e-mail, blog, or duh, duh, duh...write.
Where are my priorities? This is a job after all, but so is teaching (which so far is going really well) and so is being a mom and wife (whew! I need overtime for that one).
All three of my wee (and big) kiddos as well as the hubby are back in school. Therefore, the sacrifices are being made, and I am doing so with a smile (most of the time). I am also being tempted by a large box of gleaming, sparkly, author-signed books that I collected at RWA National 2010. So far, I have resisted all but one (daily) slip for all of 10 or 90 minutes. Oh, and don't get me started with my latest obsession with True Blood. Somebody has got to get me an intervention. I am well and truly addicted.
Anyway, I have to write. I have set a deadline to get my short done by the end of September (finished manuscript, ready to send), so anyone got a ball and chain to which I can shackle myself. Perhaps, someone might have a whip or two? Despite the sudden turn, I am not writing bondage.
In other news, my doctor says that I am healthy as of now, and I am dutifully taking my Tamoxifen, despite the oh-so-badly-timed hot flashes, headaches, and maybe brain fog (? :/ ). But I know what I have to do, and I plan to make it all five years taking this medicine. Here's to perserverance (as I lift my glass of healthy orange juice).
Happy writing!
Where are my priorities? This is a job after all, but so is teaching (which so far is going really well) and so is being a mom and wife (whew! I need overtime for that one).
All three of my wee (and big) kiddos as well as the hubby are back in school. Therefore, the sacrifices are being made, and I am doing so with a smile (most of the time). I am also being tempted by a large box of gleaming, sparkly, author-signed books that I collected at RWA National 2010. So far, I have resisted all but one (daily) slip for all of 10 or 90 minutes. Oh, and don't get me started with my latest obsession with True Blood. Somebody has got to get me an intervention. I am well and truly addicted.
Anyway, I have to write. I have set a deadline to get my short done by the end of September (finished manuscript, ready to send), so anyone got a ball and chain to which I can shackle myself. Perhaps, someone might have a whip or two? Despite the sudden turn, I am not writing bondage.
In other news, my doctor says that I am healthy as of now, and I am dutifully taking my Tamoxifen, despite the oh-so-badly-timed hot flashes, headaches, and maybe brain fog (? :/ ). But I know what I have to do, and I plan to make it all five years taking this medicine. Here's to perserverance (as I lift my glass of healthy orange juice).
Happy writing!
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