Hi everyone. Today, I’m a guest at Rosanna Leo’s blog where we share our love of mythology and I answer her questions!
Stop by and say hello!
And in case you are wondering about this photo, yes, those are books in a cage!
goals
WIP it Good!
No, I didn’t spell WIP wrong. I’m not referring to a whip (like Indiana Jones uses), I mean “work in progress”.
I’ve been taking a hard look at my writing goals in recent weeks and I’ve realized that something has to give. One of those things is my weekly blog post. This doesn’t mean that I won’t blog ever again, just that I need to focus on finishing Mystic Storm and my other works in progress. One of the reasons I haven’t finished them is that I only have so many hours a day that I can spend on my writer life and I must start using them wisely.
That also means you won’t see my hanging out on Facebook or Twitter very often. Not until the WIPs are done! Of course, if I have something to announce or share, I will do so right here as always.
While I have finished another manuscript this year – Misfortune Cookie – I can’t sit on my laurels with Zephyr’s book undone. I have several friends, including my wonderful beta readers, who are threatening to go Annie Wilkes on me if I don’t finish the book. How can I argue with that? They know where I live and I’m pretty sure they know how to tie a mean knot.
I am still blogging weekly at the Scribes. Today my guest is fellow Pink Petal author – Krystal Brookes. She writes contemporary Highland romances! Hello hot men in kilts with cell phones!
Anyone else had to readjust their goals?
Onward Ho!
Happy Friday!! Don’t forget to visit me at the Scribes for – Care and Feeding of Your Doubt Monster.
Since last week, I’ve kicked into high gear. Finally, I’ve hit the halfway mark on my work in progress. And I’ve been slowing adding to Mystic Storm (Zephyr’s book) and Redemption (Galen’s Book). There must be something in the warm air because my daily word count has shot through the roof this week.
Last year, I averaged about 2,000 words a day on The Undead Space Initiative. This past week, I’ve done 3,000 words a day. Total word count to date = 45,144.
I don’t know what has gotten into me, and quite frankly I don’t care. I just want to finish a book!
For the last few months, I’ve been dragging. I’ve had all three books plotted out, but for some reason, the words just weren’t flowing. And then I realized what I was doing. I was letting myself get stuck. My number one rule when writing is – onward ho!
Just like the settlers making their way out west, when I’m actively writing, my creedo is: don’t stop, don’t re-read, and don’t stare at the computer screen for too long.
So instead of trying to make myself write a scene that I wasn’t seeing or just not into at that moment, I moved onto the next scene repeating over and over – I can fix it later.
Later. Not now. Later, when I’d finished the first draft.
When I’m done, it can be changed, improved, or deleted.
Really. It is that simple. I forgot. Silly me.
I know I’m not the only one who’s been in a bit of a slump. If you need motivation, I invite you to join us over at the CTRWA Facebook page where Jane Haertel is hosting writing sprints! If you’ve never tried one before, give it a try.
What’s been holding you back? What are your favorite tips for getting unstuck??
I Must be Crazy!
Happy Friday! Please remember to visit me over at the Scribes for Cal’s Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Yes, you did read that right. I did use double, chocolate, and cherry all in the same sentence.
It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago that I started this blog (in April 2011). And last May, I was preparing to pitch to editors (see here). Well, CT Fiction Fest is back (tomorrow!!) and I will be pitching again. Only this year, I’ve decided to throw an agent or two into the mix.
Now that I’ve sold two books, I’d like to expand my horizons or maybe it’s more accurate to say broaden my reach. I’ve realized that in order to keep motivated, I need to update my goals. For so long, the goal was – sell a book!
Mission accomplished. Now it’s time to dream bigger which includes writing more stories. And believe me, I’ve got loads of them locked in my head, scribbled in notebooks, and even all over Post-It notes. Coming up with ideas is not a problem. Executing those ideas, while promoting Mystic Ink and preparing The Undead Space Initiative for release all while maintaining a full time job/life, is not so easy.
But, hey, I’m not complaining. No one is standing over me with a gun making me write. I could walk away at any time. Of course, I wouldn’t be happy with myself. I already know because I’ve walked away from writing before and it drove me nuts.
Since stopping isn’t an option, eventually something will have to give. At the moment, I’m focused on Mystic Storm and a totally different novel. That’s means not so much time spent on social media or other activities. The only way I can create time for writing is to take it from something else. That’s just how it is.
Buried deep in my mind is the fantasy that some day I can quit my day job. There is 8-9 hours, right there, plumb for writing. If I need to acquire an agent to do that – I’ll consider it. If I need to stick to e-pubs for a while – yup, that works. If I need to Indie publish – that’s a viable option too.
So back to pitching, this year, the focus is on – where can I go next? And what can I accomplish with the time I have?
To a non-writer I know this seems like crazy talk! But in reality, you have to really love what you’re doing to keep going. Selling a few books was exciting, but by no means the end of the story. Like anything writing is a journey, not a destination.
How about you? What are you trying to accomplish? What are you willing to give up to get there?
2,000 Words a Day!
My goal all week has been to write at least 2,000 words a day. I’m unofficially joining my fellow Scribes in the Double Dog Dare to complete our novels by August 12.
I’m pleased to say, that so far, I have exceeded the goal. Despite all kinds of distractions – like winning first place in Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight Contest last night, I’ve still managed to stick to my goal.
In the spirit of completing my next book, all I have to say is:
Word count to date – 28,850
Not bad for starting last week. I’m not sure what the ultimate book length will be quite yet. I’d like to reach 100,000 words, but I’m not sure if the story will play out that long.
I think a little friendly “competition” is a fun way to reach a goal. If you have trouble staying motivated or completing a task, enlist some friends to keep you honest!
I’ll be posting about reading over at the Scribes’ Blog. Please stop by and visit. We love your comments!
Casey Wyatt 