Hey--I'm Beginning to Accomplish Things!

Keeping a journal.  I've been known to do journaling about everything from what I eat to what I do each day . . . boring!  (I guess that describes my eating habits and lifestyle . . . or maybe just mundane?)  Anyway, thought I would give it a go with my writing habits (along with the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood Winter Writing Festival and a couple of other goal setting contests I'm doing).

I'm setting practical limitations--1,000 words a day, working at least twenty minutes on edits/revisions on previous day work (before starting my new word count), and taking at least two hours for anything writing related.

I find if I say 'at least' then I am more likely to see to the 'at least' part if not go over.  Either way, I win.  It's kind of like the little game I play at Walmart--guesstimating the total of my purchase as it is being rung up.  I'm getting pretty good and try for the 'worse case scenario' within reason, if I'm under by $20 I win, if I'm on target--I win and if I'm over by less than $10, I still win--anything over---major fail!

So I'm at least doing the minimum goals set but have been accomplishing either a few more hours in writing, higher word counts or both.  That way, I don't feel so guilty if my daily life tomorrow falls apart--the kids are sick, hubby needs me to run 16 errands, and the car won't start--you know . . . reality!  I have extra slack in my writing time.

I've managed to complete another chapter in my revision of IMMORTAL HEAT and looking to work a bit on  YES SIR, THAT'S MY BABY tonight for my critique group.  I could do another 1k1h before bed--there is no crime and I'm setting my limits. . .

Now, off to make dinner and catch up on TiVo'd shows.

Hey--I'm Beginning to Accomplish Things!

Keeping a journal.  I've been known to do journaling about everything from what I eat to what I do each day . . . boring!  (I guess that describes my eating habits and lifestyle . . . or maybe just mundane?)  Anyway, thought I would give it a go with my writing habits (along with the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood Winter Writing Festival and a couple of other goal setting contests I'm doing).

I'm setting practical limitations--1,000 words a day, working at least twenty minutes on edits/revisions on previous day work (before starting my new word count), and taking at least two hours for anything writing related.

I find if I say 'at least' then I am more likely to see to the 'at least' part if not go over.  Either way, I win.  It's kind of like the little game I play at Walmart--guesstimating the total of my purchase as it is being rung up.  I'm getting pretty good and try for the 'worse case scenario' within reason, if I'm under by $20 I win, if I'm on target--I win and if I'm over by less than $10, I still win--anything over---major fail!

So I'm at least doing the minimum goals set but have been accomplishing either a few more hours in writing, higher word counts or both.  That way, I don't feel so guilty if my daily life tomorrow falls apart--the kids are sick, hubby needs me to run 16 errands, and the car won't start--you know . . . reality!  I have extra slack in my writing time.

I've managed to complete another chapter in my revision of IMMORTAL HEAT and looking to work a bit on  YES SIR, THAT'S MY BABY tonight for my critique group.  I could do another 1k1h before bed--there is no crime and I'm setting my limits. . .

Now, off to make dinner and catch up on TiVo'd shows.

Blogging . . . again.

Focusing on maintaining my goals is . . . difficult.  When your mind is so caught up on one thing, working on another is sometimes impossible.  But I'm managing my goals, though it may not be daily but every other day to play catch up--I'm doing it.

How is it that we can set goals, do really well for awhile and then let things slip until we are overwhelmed trying to catch up?  It's the massive 'catching up' that bogs me down.  If I could just do what needs to be done each day, life would be so much simpler.

Okay, I'm done ranting to myself and anyone out there listening.  Now, off to bring those goals up to date.

Have a great weekend!

Blogging . . . again.

Focusing on maintaining my goals is . . . difficult.  When your mind is so caught up on one thing, working on another is sometimes impossible.  But I'm managing my goals, though it may not be daily but every other day to play catch up--I'm doing it.

How is it that we can set goals, do really well for awhile and then let things slip until we are overwhelmed trying to catch up?  It's the massive 'catching up' that bogs me down.  If I could just do what needs to be done each day, life would be so much simpler.

Okay, I'm done ranting to myself and anyone out there listening.  Now, off to bring those goals up to date.

Have a great weekend!

Let's Get It Started in Here! Welcome 2012!

Okay, I know it's been awhile (what an understatement, it's been freakin' months) since I've blogged here. Is it my New Years Resolution to try to blog everyday? Um . . . no.  Once a week? Possibly. More than once every five months?  Hopefully. :)

That's not the point.  I understand those who make blogging their daily ritual--like journaling their accounts of the day, but I'm not sure I could do that.  (I couldn't keep a diary when I was a teenager.)  But writing my thoughts and ideas down when the mood/Muse/ inspiration hit, well I could and can do that pretty well.

Which brings to mind why I've probably not been attending my blog as much.  For the past five months or so I've been busy revising my book, WANTED: ONE GHOST for a revise and resubmit.  Not sure what's happening with it yet but looking forward to finding out soon (hopefully).  Also, while I've been waiting (and if you are a writer, this is of utmost importance) I've been working on another story.  Actually, three other stories.  I've also done some writing contest judging for the first time and of course reading and critiquing others' works.  Writing is not just about . . . well, writing.  I'm finding out in this past year it's a business.

But back to my original thoughts, before I go off on another tangent (which I am known to do), I am looking forward to 'moving forward' with everything this year.  As my children have grown up, one in last few years of high school, the other attending a local community college--I realize though reality is technically just starting for them, my fantasy has taken over.

For decades I've dreamed of writing romantic fiction.  The past few years I've been working on making it my new reality.  I'm looking forward to moving on with a career in writing on a professional level in which I can share my thoughts and ideas with others for entertainment and a moment to escape the duldrums of reality.  I've been honored to have had the same moments of release by reading novels of my 'one day' peers and people I call friends in this business.  Some I've had the pleasure of meeting and discussing our dreams turning into reality.

It didn't happen for them instantly.  They had to work for it diligently, never giving up, listening to their hearts and ignoring logic at times.  This is why they are at the top of their game--they never gave up, never surrendered.  Each step they took was a learning process. Even rejections brought them knowledge.  I believe without rejections we can't grow.  It's learning how to change for the better and trying again until we get it right.

So this year, my resolution will be to do my best, learn and accept that others in my field were right there, too at one point.  But I must stay focused, put in my word counts when I can and as life moves on, move my stories onward to completion.  Our novels may end at 100k or so, but our lives and dreams never do.

All the best in 2012!

Let's Get It Started in Here! Welcome 2012!

Okay, I know it's been awhile (what an understatement, it's been freakin' months) since I've blogged here. Is it my New Years Resolution to try to blog everyday? Um . . . no.  Once a week? Possibly. More than once every five months?  Hopefully. :)

That's not the point.  I understand those who make blogging their daily ritual--like journaling their accounts of the day, but I'm not sure I could do that.  (I couldn't keep a diary when I was a teenager.)  But writing my thoughts and ideas down when the mood/Muse/ inspiration hit, well I could and can do that pretty well.

Which brings to mind why I've probably not been attending my blog as much.  For the past five months or so I've been busy revising my book, WANTED: ONE GHOST for a revise and resubmit.  Not sure what's happening with it yet but looking forward to finding out soon (hopefully).  Also, while I've been waiting (and if you are a writer, this is of utmost importance) I've been working on another story.  Actually, three other stories.  I've also done some writing contest judging for the first time and of course reading and critiquing others' works.  Writing is not just about . . . well, writing.  I'm finding out in this past year it's a business.

But back to my original thoughts, before I go off on another tangent (which I am known to do), I am looking forward to 'moving forward' with everything this year.  As my children have grown up, one in last few years of high school, the other attending a local community college--I realize though reality is technically just starting for them, my fantasy has taken over.

For decades I've dreamed of writing romantic fiction.  The past few years I've been working on making it my new reality.  I'm looking forward to moving on with a career in writing on a professional level in which I can share my thoughts and ideas with others for entertainment and a moment to escape the duldrums of reality.  I've been honored to have had the same moments of release by reading novels of my 'one day' peers and people I call friends in this business.  Some I've had the pleasure of meeting and discussing our dreams turning into reality.

It didn't happen for them instantly.  They had to work for it diligently, never giving up, listening to their hearts and ignoring logic at times.  This is why they are at the top of their game--they never gave up, never surrendered.  Each step they took was a learning process. Even rejections brought them knowledge.  I believe without rejections we can't grow.  It's learning how to change for the better and trying again until we get it right.

So this year, my resolution will be to do my best, learn and accept that others in my field were right there, too at one point.  But I must stay focused, put in my word counts when I can and as life moves on, move my stories onward to completion.  Our novels may end at 100k or so, but our lives and dreams never do.

All the best in 2012!