Planning a Start and Starting a Plan

So far I've gotten a start on how my goals are going to be set on August 8th.  This week is a trial and error for me--and as always, life somehow gets in the way.  Today it was running my daughter around and having one of her friends stop in for some help on a party she's planning for her boyfriend, right when I was settling in for setting some writing goals.

I have decided walking at 5:45a.m is the best time for me to get my exercising in.  I do roughly 2 miles in under half an hour so I feel pretty good getting that into my morning, first thing.   I am a morning person so scheduling exercise first thing is best--that way 'life's distractions' are still sleeping.  :)

My writing is going well.  I've finished two chapters in the past two days.  I managed to get in a total of just over 3,000 words yesterday, do some editing, and read a bit--and still have dinner on the table when my oldest daughter came home from work.

Here is what I have for a plan so far:

• Waking up at 5:30 a.m. for 5:45 power walk. Make bed and pick up dirty clothes before heading out. (Back at 6:30a.m.) and first glass of water.
• Breakfast, coffee and getting everyone up (due soon with youngest getting ready for Junior year of high school).
• A quick brain game (I do crosswords, suduko, etc.) Cup of coffee #2.
• Toss in a load of laundry and take shower.  Go over any paperwork, quick cleaning of kitchen, etc. (minor cleaning--helps keep major cleaning down to  a minimum).
• Run errands (this is usually right around 9 a.m. so most places are open and it's first thing.)
• By the time I return I grab a mid morning snack (apple and peanut butter are a favorite) and another glass of water--I love the new Mio flavor enhancers to add to a bottle or a glass of water. Check laundry.
• I sit down and go over edits, blog, check emails, tweet, etc.
• Now it is usually around noon.  I sit down and try to do a goal settting plan with a good friend of mine.  She's got me into a 1k1h (1,000 words in 1hour goal) challenge. 
• At 1:00 I stop for lunch, catch up with laundry and a bit more housework and another glass of water.
• Around 2:00 I try for another 1k1h before I have to prepare for my DH to return (if he's not away on business), or I have a few more minutes to work on goals.
• By 5:00p.m though--it's family time.  Dinner, conversation, quality time, television, etc.

If I can stick to this plan, knowing life will get in the way--I at least have a semi-plan to how I would like to see my day go.  I have to remember what a friend told me recently,  something about 'screw the Muse!  Sit myself in my chair and write!' We can't depend on inspiration to take hold, we need to be able to have the tools there to prod our Muse at times.  Not only that, if we are serious about writing then we need to treat it as a serious endeavor.  This is our career for many of us.  Just like any 8 hour a day job--we get up, get dressed, go to work and . . . work.  We owe it to ourselves to make this work.

Planning a Start and Starting a Plan

So far I've gotten a start on how my goals are going to be set on August 8th.  This week is a trial and error for me--and as always, life somehow gets in the way.  Today it was running my daughter around and having one of her friends stop in for some help on a party she's planning for her boyfriend, right when I was settling in for setting some writing goals.

I have decided walking at 5:45a.m is the best time for me to get my exercising in.  I do roughly 2 miles in under half an hour so I feel pretty good getting that into my morning, first thing.   I am a morning person so scheduling exercise first thing is best--that way 'life's distractions' are still sleeping.  :)

My writing is going well.  I've finished two chapters in the past two days.  I managed to get in a total of just over 3,000 words yesterday, do some editing, and read a bit--and still have dinner on the table when my oldest daughter came home from work.

Here is what I have for a plan so far:

• Waking up at 5:30 a.m. for 5:45 power walk. Make bed and pick up dirty clothes before heading out. (Back at 6:30a.m.) and first glass of water.
• Breakfast, coffee and getting everyone up (due soon with youngest getting ready for Junior year of high school).
• A quick brain game (I do crosswords, suduko, etc.) Cup of coffee #2.
• Toss in a load of laundry and take shower.  Go over any paperwork, quick cleaning of kitchen, etc. (minor cleaning--helps keep major cleaning down to  a minimum).
• Run errands (this is usually right around 9 a.m. so most places are open and it's first thing.)
• By the time I return I grab a mid morning snack (apple and peanut butter are a favorite) and another glass of water--I love the new Mio flavor enhancers to add to a bottle or a glass of water. Check laundry.
• I sit down and go over edits, blog, check emails, tweet, etc.
• Now it is usually around noon.  I sit down and try to do a goal settting plan with a good friend of mine.  She's got me into a 1k1h (1,000 words in 1hour goal) challenge. 
• At 1:00 I stop for lunch, catch up with laundry and a bit more housework and another glass of water.
• Around 2:00 I try for another 1k1h before I have to prepare for my DH to return (if he's not away on business), or I have a few more minutes to work on goals.
• By 5:00p.m though--it's family time.  Dinner, conversation, quality time, television, etc.

If I can stick to this plan, knowing life will get in the way--I at least have a semi-plan to how I would like to see my day go.  I have to remember what a friend told me recently,  something about 'screw the Muse!  Sit myself in my chair and write!' We can't depend on inspiration to take hold, we need to be able to have the tools there to prod our Muse at times.  Not only that, if we are serious about writing then we need to treat it as a serious endeavor.  This is our career for many of us.  Just like any 8 hour a day job--we get up, get dressed, go to work and . . . work.  We owe it to ourselves to make this work.

God, Weight Watchers and Me--Count Down/ 7 Days

No one can do it alone--especially not me!  I need friends, family and that size 10 pair of jeans in my closet I once fit into, to motivate me.

So this morning I asked for a higher power to help me--that's right God and Weight Watchers.  I'm going to see how the on-line system helps me. (They had a special going this week only.)  With my crazy schedule (trying to find time to fit life,writing and staying healthy all into a day) every little bit helps.

This is my personal status and I'm not trying to promote any one plan for anyone out there.  Please, remember before you start any exercise/health changes to contact your doctor to see what is right for you.  The goals we are setting are not any one kind--this program is just set up to share in our own personal motivational routines of finding the balance between our goals as a writer and those of staying healthy for us and our loved ones.

Can you imagine how wonderful it will be to have the energy and endurance to finish that future RITA novel or NYT's Best Seller?   And when we walk across the stage to receive our awards--hey we will be that curvy woman in the red dress!  Ohhh yeah! :)

I'm still looking for ideas, recipes (especially quick and easy ones) and any information you would like to share that pertains to "Writing Healthy" for daily blogs.  Anyone who would like to post or possibly be interviewed (I've never had an interview on my blog!) please, let me know this week for upcoming blog days.  I will try to have a daily blog (so the more the merrier) but if not we will have at least three posts a week.

Good luck and remember--7 days from now we will actually begin. (But if you are already in the swing of things--great job!  Keep it up!)

Hugs and Healthy Writing!  :)

God, Weight Watchers and Me--Count Down/ 7 Days

No one can do it alone--especially not me!  I need friends, family and that size 10 pair of jeans in my closet I once fit into, to motivate me.

So this morning I asked for a higher power to help me--that's right God and Weight Watchers.  I'm going to see how the on-line system helps me. (They had a special going this week only.)  With my crazy schedule (trying to find time to fit life,writing and staying healthy all into a day) every little bit helps.

This is my personal status and I'm not trying to promote any one plan for anyone out there.  Please, remember before you start any exercise/health changes to contact your doctor to see what is right for you.  The goals we are setting are not any one kind--this program is just set up to share in our own personal motivational routines of finding the balance between our goals as a writer and those of staying healthy for us and our loved ones.

Can you imagine how wonderful it will be to have the energy and endurance to finish that future RITA novel or NYT's Best Seller?   And when we walk across the stage to receive our awards--hey we will be that curvy woman in the red dress!  Ohhh yeah! :)

I'm still looking for ideas, recipes (especially quick and easy ones) and any information you would like to share that pertains to "Writing Healthy" for daily blogs.  Anyone who would like to post or possibly be interviewed (I've never had an interview on my blog!) please, let me know this week for upcoming blog days.  I will try to have a daily blog (so the more the merrier) but if not we will have at least three posts a week.

Good luck and remember--7 days from now we will actually begin. (But if you are already in the swing of things--great job!  Keep it up!)

Hugs and Healthy Writing!  :)

Writing Healthy

Oh, the agony of sitting here writing and knowing the inches are not coming off as my Butt is In Chair and my Hands are On Keyboard (B.I.C.H.O.K).  But what is a writer to do?  Do I work on my novel all day or do I work out?  And lord forbid, I have a real life too!  When do I fit it all into a 24-hour time period--only to start all over again the next day?

Many blog sites and writing friends I have talked to share the same concerns lately.  There are those who have great suggestions and solutions--I just need to combine both a time to write and a time to exercise so my bottom doesn't look like the worlds biggest pancake. (I have what my family refers to as a blanket butt and sitting on it doesn't make it any more attractive.)

After much brainstorming, I've come to the conclusion that I need to see what I can do about both situations.  With a few free weeks to work on my program, I figure it is the
best time to make those changes.  Some experts say it takes 21 days to put a new way of life into plan and make it stick--we shall see how diligent I can be with 26 days.

But I don't want to go it alone.  I love having friends to motivate me.  The more friends, the more motivation.  Do you agree?

I want to start a healthy writing schedule in which I incorporate good health practice (eatting, exercising, etc.) into my writing schedule, without sacrificing time at my keyboard.  Finding the balance is what is going to  help me.  I am in the beginning of my new novel and want to make time to write and work out.  My goal is to finish my novel (first draft) in the same time it will take me to lose some pounds and inches.

This next week I am putting together a plan to blog about a healthier writing life-style but I would love to hear ideas from others to share, as I impliment a  four week challenge starting August 8 and running through September 2.  I would like to start a challenge to make the difference in my lifestyle as a writer, and hopefully in those who wish to join me on this journey.

During the time frame of July 28-August 7, 2011, I plan to put together the basis for the program. If you would like to share your ideas, (motivational ideas, recipes for healthy eating, snacking, exercise programs or anything focused on healthy living/writing), please send them to me at: lonilynne@gmail.com and put "Writing Healthy Blog Ideas" in the subject line, so they can be implimented into the month long program. I am looking for daily, tips to share on-line and comments in this blog, so the more the merrier.

Along with the healthy tips, I'll be setting up daily timed writing events to challenge a writer to sit and write at least one or two hours a day ( or more depending  on schedules) between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (EST).  Of couse you can write more after those hours and time will be considered in the planning if I have responses from those in other time zones who would like to join in.

If you would like to participate in the actual challenge--the challenge will be from Monday, August 8 until Friday, September 2 (right before Labor Day weekend).Sign up by emailing me at: lonilynne@gmail.com with  "Writing Healthy Challenger" in the subject line.  Include your email address in the body of your email for me to contact you and welcome you on board.

Right now, I am using personal gain (word gain) and loss (pounds/inches) as my goals.  ( You may consider treating yourself to something special when you reach your goals. I am treating myself to professional pictures where I don't have to worry about how many extra pounds a camera puts on me).
 
So can you lose while you gain?  I'm sure going to try!  I would love to hear from you!

Writing Healthy

Oh, the agony of sitting here writing and knowing the inches are not coming off as my Butt is In Chair and my Hands are On Keyboard (B.I.C.H.O.K).  But what is a writer to do?  Do I work on my novel all day or do I work out?  And lord forbid, I have a real life too!  When do I fit it all into a 24-hour time period--only to start all over again the next day?

Many blog sites and writing friends I have talked to share the same concerns lately.  There are those who have great suggestions and solutions--I just need to combine both a time to write and a time to exercise so my bottom doesn't look like the worlds biggest pancake. (I have what my family refers to as a blanket butt and sitting on it doesn't make it any more attractive.)

After much brainstorming, I've come to the conclusion that I need to see what I can do about both situations.  With a few free weeks to work on my program, I figure it is the
best time to make those changes.  Some experts say it takes 21 days to put a new way of life into plan and make it stick--we shall see how diligent I can be with 26 days.

But I don't want to go it alone.  I love having friends to motivate me.  The more friends, the more motivation.  Do you agree?

I want to start a healthy writing schedule in which I incorporate good health practice (eatting, exercising, etc.) into my writing schedule, without sacrificing time at my keyboard.  Finding the balance is what is going to  help me.  I am in the beginning of my new novel and want to make time to write and work out.  My goal is to finish my novel (first draft) in the same time it will take me to lose some pounds and inches.

This next week I am putting together a plan to blog about a healthier writing life-style but I would love to hear ideas from others to share, as I impliment a  four week challenge starting August 8 and running through September 2.  I would like to start a challenge to make the difference in my lifestyle as a writer, and hopefully in those who wish to join me on this journey.

During the time frame of July 28-August 7, 2011, I plan to put together the basis for the program. If you would like to share your ideas, (motivational ideas, recipes for healthy eating, snacking, exercise programs or anything focused on healthy living/writing), please send them to me at: lonilynne@gmail.com and put "Writing Healthy Blog Ideas" in the subject line, so they can be implimented into the month long program. I am looking for daily, tips to share on-line and comments in this blog, so the more the merrier.

Along with the healthy tips, I'll be setting up daily timed writing events to challenge a writer to sit and write at least one or two hours a day ( or more depending  on schedules) between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (EST).  Of couse you can write more after those hours and time will be considered in the planning if I have responses from those in other time zones who would like to join in.

If you would like to participate in the actual challenge--the challenge will be from Monday, August 8 until Friday, September 2 (right before Labor Day weekend).Sign up by emailing me at: lonilynne@gmail.com with  "Writing Healthy Challenger" in the subject line.  Include your email address in the body of your email for me to contact you and welcome you on board.

Right now, I am using personal gain (word gain) and loss (pounds/inches) as my goals.  ( You may consider treating yourself to something special when you reach your goals. I am treating myself to professional pictures where I don't have to worry about how many extra pounds a camera puts on me).
 
So can you lose while you gain?  I'm sure going to try!  I would love to hear from you!

For Those Going To RWA National 2011

To all my writing sisters out there going to RWA Nationals—


• Be careful on your trip.

• Stay safe

• Have fun

• Learn lots

• Meet new friends (finally meet face to face with those you’ve only talked to via on-line loops, chats, etc.)

• Be inspired

• Be amazed

• Be safe (again)

• Be supportive

• Be loving

• Be kind to others

• Don’t sweat the small stuff

• Don’t forget 7 pairs of clean panties (read about forgetting underwear on trip—not good unless you are used to going without)

• Don’t walk out of the ladies room with t.p. stuck to the bottom of your shoe (or your dress caught in your pantyhose)

• When squeezing lemon into your water, cup both hands around your lemon wedge to keep the juice/ seeds from flying in a potential agent/editor’s eyes. (I saw it in a social film once—don’t ask.)

• Remember to warm the cognac in your hand—should be served at room temperature in a snifter . . . oh, wait a minute, those are notes from my recent research—never mind. (Use the information only if needed.)

• If hot, male romance cover model comes up to you and asks if you are his next cover partner . . . say “Heck yes!” and you need lots of practice with him before the photo shoot (just make sure hubby is not around—best if you are single)

• Be Safe (can’t say it enough)

• If asked how you come up with sex scenes for your novels just smile and give them a look of pure, thought-provoking enjoyment. (They’ll get the picture. No words needed.)

• Remember—before you can take over the world, you must first be able to make a really flaky pie crust. (A guy in my senior high school class wrote that in my yearbook. I didn’t understand at first—I thought he was crazy—but it makes sense. If you can make a really flaky pie crust, you probably can take over the world. Whoever came up with the phrase ‘simple as pie’ was an idiot!) Doesn’t have much to do with conference or writing but…thought I would share.

• Oh and finally . . . stay safe.



Hugs!

Loni Lynne