This past week was crazy. I had company for the week plus work so no writing, not even much thinking about writing.
My story's in trouble. I am at scene 6 / 6700 words and I've written myself into a plot hole, a big one that cannot live. I need to rewrite it. 2nd problem, not sure I like my MC. So if I'm going to rewrite it, do I rewrite her too? I think her voice is hard to read.
Maybe I should make another start of it.
Ok, no, I'm keeping her and revising to fix the plot issue. So first up, deciding what to change and what to keep.
Actually hold up- since I'm stuck I'm going to switch to the easier projects, try to get caught up on them in order to free up this week to work on the WIP. Yay, I like that!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Cheating on myself
It's like Wednesday never happened...
Yesterday I did write about 300 words during my lunch break but I was having some other life stuff going on. I ended up just exercising and then spending time with evil box.
I know, I only cheated myself.
Today, I have some important real life stuff that I need to get done. Hopefully I can get back here tonight.
Yesterday I did write about 300 words during my lunch break but I was having some other life stuff going on. I ended up just exercising and then spending time with evil box.
I know, I only cheated myself.
Today, I have some important real life stuff that I need to get done. Hopefully I can get back here tonight.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Goals for this week
I completed my goals for the weekend. Time to make sure my plans for this week are in order.
Current Status (a review):
Current Status (a review):
- Revision (1sc/day): Caught up through Fri.
- 'Novella' (10k) (1sc/wk): 1 scene due Sat.
- Short story collection (2500 words/each) (1story/2wks): 1 revision due Sun. 1 new story due next Sat (6/29).
- WIP (60K) (Sun, Wed, Fri): Caught up through Wed. Scene due Fri and Sun.
- Revision (1sc/day): 7-9 scenes
- 'Novella' (10k) (1sc/wk): 2 scenes due by Sat
- Short story collection (2500 words/each) (1story/2wks): 1 revision of existing story and 1 new story. (Need to brainstorm and outline new story).
- WIP (60K) (Sun, Wed, Fri): 4 scenes due by Sat
This will take some doing but would really help.
Tuesday's Goals
All right so today's goal:
- Don't look ahead. Don't worry about quality. Write the next scene.
Scene 5 is now at 874 words...and that's a victory over perfection I can live with.
Plus I moved the plot forward and introduced another character. The character needs work but it's definitely a good start to him, the basics of what I wanted exist now. Now if I can just connect with my other characters.
Talking myself off the ledge
Wow, serious case of self doubt today. Outside life is going well but the writing has taking a precipitous drop. I thought the writing was okay, I was liking the MC and the voice I was using for her, but now it's just terrible. I reread it and I can't stand it.
Is it possible I'm too close to it? But if I reach the end and it turns out she's really unlikeable that would be a lot of crap to fix. But if I show my beta reader now and she likes it then once again I didn't wait to let anyone read it and half the freebie-excitement of writing a new story is gone.
Just once I want to hand her a completed story--revised and polished--and say here, see what you think.
Which answers that: I will keep quiet and push on. Just once. And if it ends up being a trunk novel, I've only wasted a few months on it.
I love writetrack- let me count the ways. Just keeping to my schedule, I know the rough draft can be done by end of October. That's pretty awesome. Plus by then I'll have my first story in a trilogy making it's way around my Beta readers getting feedback. I'll even have a novelette and short story collection already published through Amazon.
All very good things.
Maybe by January, I'll even have some readers who love the worlds and the types of stories I'm writing.
Is it possible I'm too close to it? But if I reach the end and it turns out she's really unlikeable that would be a lot of crap to fix. But if I show my beta reader now and she likes it then once again I didn't wait to let anyone read it and half the freebie-excitement of writing a new story is gone.
Just once I want to hand her a completed story--revised and polished--and say here, see what you think.
Which answers that: I will keep quiet and push on. Just once. And if it ends up being a trunk novel, I've only wasted a few months on it.
I love writetrack- let me count the ways. Just keeping to my schedule, I know the rough draft can be done by end of October. That's pretty awesome. Plus by then I'll have my first story in a trilogy making it's way around my Beta readers getting feedback. I'll even have a novelette and short story collection already published through Amazon.
All very good things.
Maybe by January, I'll even have some readers who love the worlds and the types of stories I'm writing.
Monday, June 17, 2013
updated status
Worked on goals all day Sunday but didn't make much progress with the scene.
Today I finally got brave and talked to hubby. Things don't seem so dire and I figured out some good world-building stuff. Scene 4 is finally done.
Status:
It looks like my big goals for this week (in order to stay on schedule) is to write 3 more scenes for WIP by Sunday and another scene on the Novelette by Saturday. (and some brainstorming work on short story collection would be very helpful).
Today I finally got brave and talked to hubby. Things don't seem so dire and I figured out some good world-building stuff. Scene 4 is finally done.
Status:
- New WIP- got through scene 4 finally. 1,239 words. plot isn't moving ahead enough but I got in some good world building which I can always cut/reduce during revision when I understand the politics a little better.
- Revised 4 scenes on Balance. Now at 68 done, 60 to go, which brings me through Friday's goal, so that's cool.
It looks like my big goals for this week (in order to stay on schedule) is to write 3 more scenes for WIP by Sunday and another scene on the Novelette by Saturday. (and some brainstorming work on short story collection would be very helpful).
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Sunday's progress
Need to get Scene 4 completed to meet WriteTrack's goals for today.
After that I can move on to getting a little ahead. Updates to come.
After that I can move on to getting a little ahead. Updates to come.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Sat Progress
Too early to tell but this juggling between multiple, completely separate projects may also be killing some of the Perfect impulse. Book no longer needs to be Event because if this one fails, I've got 3 others in various stages that have potential.
Just a thought. I hope it stays true for me because I hate having to physically force myself to write the next sentence...blood poring out of every pore... no Gabby--really--you won't actually die if the next word you type is not the perfect choice, I promise.
Major goal today
Just a thought. I hope it stays true for me because I hate having to physically force myself to write the next sentence...blood poring out of every pore... no Gabby--really--you won't actually die if the next word you type is not the perfect choice, I promise.
Major goal today
- Write 2 scenes for my new WIP- scene 3 and 4.
Backup goals today:
*** Update 11:48: something's wrong. I read the scene and now I'm surfing the web. I have no idea what happens next. Hopefully Muse is musing on it... off to get a few chores done and then I'll give the scene another try.
*** Update 2:20pm: 1 scene down. 838 words. Good stuff. Explains a lot that will happen later in the book. So excited. Now I need to write the next scene so I can be caught up through the weekend.
*** Update 4:29pm: 407 words on scene four but my attention is flagging. Time for a break and then I think I'll switch gears to the short stories for awhile.
- If not burned out, write 2 more scenes on WIP (I need to get ahead on some of my goals this week as I won't have much time for writing in a couple weeks.)
- Rewrite previous short story to see if I can upgrade it to a keeper
- Plot next short story. Need unique situation with solid hook and good opening.
*** Update 11:48: something's wrong. I read the scene and now I'm surfing the web. I have no idea what happens next. Hopefully Muse is musing on it... off to get a few chores done and then I'll give the scene another try.
*** Update 2:20pm: 1 scene down. 838 words. Good stuff. Explains a lot that will happen later in the book. So excited. Now I need to write the next scene so I can be caught up through the weekend.
*** Update 4:29pm: 407 words on scene four but my attention is flagging. Time for a break and then I think I'll switch gears to the short stories for awhile.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Short story done
Short story revised and off for a critique... (2050 words) time for bed.
Tomorrow I'll work on a few scenes from the new WIP.
Tomorrow I'll work on a few scenes from the new WIP.
Weekend Goals
I have not been posting but I've been busy... my write track goals are staying on track.
I actually tried to set myself up for failure the other day, set another one of my winner, unrealistic goals [cause I just want to finish yesterday] but then the rest of my projects would have suffered. I backed off, found my way back to zen and came up with a goal for my novella that I can live with...
Goals for this weekend:
Tonight I'm going to try and get the revision completed on my short story. This will free up my weekend to get ahead on my WIP. Maybe I can even fit in some revision on Sunday.
I love my schedule- so much flexibility and freedom. Juggling my priorities is incredibly motivating, especially now that I've found a way to fit all 4 projects in at the same time (with reasonable deadlines).
I actually tried to set myself up for failure the other day, set another one of my winner, unrealistic goals [cause I just want to finish yesterday] but then the rest of my projects would have suffered. I backed off, found my way back to zen and came up with a goal for my novella that I can live with...
Goals for this weekend:
- Revision: Caught up through Monday. Nothing due until Tuesday [DONE]
- 'Novella' (10k): Nothing due until next Sat. [DONE]
- Short story collection (2500 words/each): 1 story due tomorrow. Mostly I need to try and add more hook to the story I already wrote. (Next one won't be due for 2 weeks) [DONE]
- WIP (60K): ~3 scenes (due today, Sunday, Weds) [DONE]
Tonight I'm going to try and get the revision completed on my short story. This will free up my weekend to get ahead on my WIP. Maybe I can even fit in some revision on Sunday.
I love my schedule- so much flexibility and freedom. Juggling my priorities is incredibly motivating, especially now that I've found a way to fit all 4 projects in at the same time (with reasonable deadlines).
Monday, June 10, 2013
Another step forward
Exciting news- I got scene 2 completed (which was my goal for the day). Actually, it wasn't even due until Weds so I am AHEAD of the game.
Next new scene is due Friday.
Ok, so the schedule, revision is due again on Weds. I think I'll switch gears and try to figure that out. I've got 2 tough scenes to figure out. Hopefully the new WIP will percolate for me while I revise.
And not that I'm forgetting my short story. I do need to spend some time brainstorming that one because it isn't calling to me yet. The seeds are there but something is definitely missing.
UPDATE: My short story needs some attention. This is going to be due this Saturday instead, to move everything up a bit. Now, I really need to brainstorm!
Wrote up my second short story. It's definitely missing the twist, or the twist just isn't coming across. Must work on that some more tomorrow.
Anyway: scene 2: 1440
Short story: 1476
Next new scene is due Friday.
Ok, so the schedule, revision is due again on Weds. I think I'll switch gears and try to figure that out. I've got 2 tough scenes to figure out. Hopefully the new WIP will percolate for me while I revise.
And not that I'm forgetting my short story. I do need to spend some time brainstorming that one because it isn't calling to me yet. The seeds are there but something is definitely missing.
UPDATE: My short story needs some attention. This is going to be due this Saturday instead, to move everything up a bit. Now, I really need to brainstorm!
Wrote up my second short story. It's definitely missing the twist, or the twist just isn't coming across. Must work on that some more tomorrow.
Anyway: scene 2: 1440
Short story: 1476
Sunday, June 9, 2013
new WIP in progress
I didn't know if I could do it but I got the 1st scene of my new WIP completed- 1213 words
Once I got her voice it just kind of flowed out of me. But now, how do I keep all my MCs from sounding the same? lol. hmmm, must think about it.
But now, what to do next? next scene would be the smart thing to do.
I didn't do any of that but this evening I revised a couple of scenes.
Now, maybe I'll get a start on scene 2.
UPDATE 8:21: I ended up revising a couple of scenes, so I should be good until Weds.
I just got 351 words on the second scene, and now it's time for bed.
Once I got her voice it just kind of flowed out of me. But now, how do I keep all my MCs from sounding the same? lol. hmmm, must think about it.
But now, what to do next? next scene would be the smart thing to do.
I didn't do any of that but this evening I revised a couple of scenes.
Now, maybe I'll get a start on scene 2.
UPDATE 8:21: I ended up revising a couple of scenes, so I should be good until Weds.
I just got 351 words on the second scene, and now it's time for bed.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
New and improved schedule...
New updated schedule- let's see how this goes.
| Schedule: | |
| Daily: | revise 1 scene/day- due 8/24 |
| Weekly: | WIP- write 3 sc/wk- due 10/26 |
| write 1 short story/2 weeks- due 8/3 |
I've got this all set up in WriteTrack with lots of 0 days (for example, new WIP only has scene due on Sun, Weds and Fri, and short story only has something due every second Sat).
I'm excited- I think this is a very doable schedule!
Today:
- Short Story goal: Today I already spent a lot of time brainstorming my next short. I have something roughed out but not quite hooked yet, and haven't figured out the opening yet. I will let it simmer for awhile. DONE (The actual story is due Jun 22nd)
- Revision: I just revised 1 scene on my existing project. DONE
- New WIP: I need to get one scene written on new WIP by end of day tomorrow. I would like to keep this really loose, no pressure, just let the story happen and revise it once it's done. This is going to be the harder goal but it would be good to keep the writing muscles tuned up.
On a new track...
Not sure if this is the right thing but I am changing my mind.
I love my first story; I believe it's very strong.
My original idea to link the other stories is not working. They are not as strong as the first one and the limits are handicapping my imagination. I think the 1st story said everything I wanted to say about it.
I love my first story; I believe it's very strong.
My original idea to link the other stories is not working. They are not as strong as the first one and the limits are handicapping my imagination. I think the 1st story said everything I wanted to say about it.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Back in the saddle again
Ok, so, back to the drawing board for story 3. (actually I'm still waiting on feedback for story 2.)
Things are not turning out the way I'd hoped. Story 1 just flowed out of me. The others, not so much.
I really liked how helpful the brainstorming was for the yet-unwritten story 4 (and just to clarify needs many more hours of thinking before it will be ready to write) so I'm going to do that for story 3. I hope to keep some of the bones but figure out a way to tell it in a new way, with a more short story feeling to it.
Please wish me luck! Hopefully I'll have an update soon.
(and little dvorak update, when I test I am now somewhere around 55-70 wpm but I think I may be faster. I can pretty much keep up with my thoughts... but tons of typos. Backspace is my bestie)
Things are not turning out the way I'd hoped. Story 1 just flowed out of me. The others, not so much.
I really liked how helpful the brainstorming was for the yet-unwritten story 4 (and just to clarify needs many more hours of thinking before it will be ready to write) so I'm going to do that for story 3. I hope to keep some of the bones but figure out a way to tell it in a new way, with a more short story feeling to it.
Please wish me luck! Hopefully I'll have an update soon.
(and little dvorak update, when I test I am now somewhere around 55-70 wpm but I think I may be faster. I can pretty much keep up with my thoughts... but tons of typos. Backspace is my bestie)
Thursday, June 6, 2013
On to story 4
Flying blind on story 4 but I'm hopeful.
I've got story 3 out for feedback. I'm expecting the worst and let her know not to worry. But I need a fresh set of eyes on it to let me know exactly what state things are in.
So story 4, time to come up with an overview of events...
UPDATE 6:08 pm- I'm not being upfront about how I'm feeling. Completely lost.
Sometimes it works to post the details here, because I need someone to talk to about it, so it may as well be me.
I'm so sad. The 1st story has amazing potential (from what my biased opinion can tell) to find readers. Story 2 is kind of ok, but maybe a little weak on the ending. Story 3 is ok but not well written, with almost no ending.
And now story 4 is about nothing. [...cut/cut/cut...]
I might be on to something here. Will post update soon.
UPDATE 2 (7:40pm): Yay, something is starting to shake loose, truly starting to shape up. Lots and lots of holes still but very exciting. I love the direction if I can pull this off. and I have a very strong contender for scene 1/hook
It could actually rival story 1 in my affections, which is what I was really hoping would happen.
But how to tell it in so few words. very interesting question. Definintely NO room for fluff!
(about 850 words, backstory work)
I've got story 3 out for feedback. I'm expecting the worst and let her know not to worry. But I need a fresh set of eyes on it to let me know exactly what state things are in.
So story 4, time to come up with an overview of events...
UPDATE 6:08 pm- I'm not being upfront about how I'm feeling. Completely lost.
Sometimes it works to post the details here, because I need someone to talk to about it, so it may as well be me.
I'm so sad. The 1st story has amazing potential (from what my biased opinion can tell) to find readers. Story 2 is kind of ok, but maybe a little weak on the ending. Story 3 is ok but not well written, with almost no ending.
And now story 4 is about nothing. [...cut/cut/cut...]
I might be on to something here. Will post update soon.
UPDATE 2 (7:40pm): Yay, something is starting to shake loose, truly starting to shape up. Lots and lots of holes still but very exciting. I love the direction if I can pull this off. and I have a very strong contender for scene 1/hook
It could actually rival story 1 in my affections, which is what I was really hoping would happen.
But how to tell it in so few words. very interesting question. Definintely NO room for fluff!
(about 850 words, backstory work)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
time to get the ending on story 3
Still dragging my way slowly toward the end of story 3.
Made some good progress during lunch when I let go of some of the requirements.
Funny thing, as soon as I give up some of the control it ends up coming out the way I was forcing so hard anyway.
Very odd. Hopefully I can report that story 3 is in the hopper tonight...
UPDATE 8:10pm: Finally reached the end of story 3. What a total piece of crap. I've got lots of work to do to make it salable... heh, readable...
Made some good progress during lunch when I let go of some of the requirements.
Funny thing, as soon as I give up some of the control it ends up coming out the way I was forcing so hard anyway.
Very odd. Hopefully I can report that story 3 is in the hopper tonight...
UPDATE 8:10pm: Finally reached the end of story 3. What a total piece of crap. I've got lots of work to do to make it salable... heh, readable...
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
and onward
Again unbearable pressure. Just read story 3 again and bleh. I was so excited. but that's okay, must push forward until the end of story 5.
It will all work out, must keep the faith.
It will all work out, must keep the faith.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Time to stink this thing up
Ok, I'm done with freezing up and not writing a single word. In the next hour I am going to write the crappiest story ever. I am going to write until I reach the end.
No more stressing that the story is stupid and I can't write more until it's beautiful and perfect.
Talk to you again at 7:30 when I promise to have the stupid version of the story completed!
Update 8:20: ok, it's not finished. But things got unstuck. WOOT, WOOT. So exciting.
But now I have reached the end and not sure how to write it correctly.
Which means one thing- am I not even listening???- I'll write the stupid version first, and I can write the perfect version later.
-oops, bed time- 838 words. hopefully the ending comes tomorrow.
No more stressing that the story is stupid and I can't write more until it's beautiful and perfect.
Talk to you again at 7:30 when I promise to have the stupid version of the story completed!
Update 8:20: ok, it's not finished. But things got unstuck. WOOT, WOOT. So exciting.
But now I have reached the end and not sure how to write it correctly.
Which means one thing- am I not even listening???- I'll write the stupid version first, and I can write the perfect version later.
-oops, bed time- 838 words. hopefully the ending comes tomorrow.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
My antagonist is feeling shy
Running into a lot of trouble with story 3. I seem to have flagging interest in the characters, and don't want to spend time getting to know them or what they want or why they want it. I think because I placed so many requirements on my muse for what needs to happen- oh and it has to be amazing right out of the gate. Geez.
To Do today- need to get out of my head. I need to brainstorm my antagonist- maybe have a conversation with her, try and open up communication again.
Update 1:38: Now I've gotten to the why section of the piece and I am therefore stuck. Also I need something more, right now it's a bit straightforward and running a little short. It'd be so great to have the rough draft done today. (To be honest, I'm a bit behind and have 2 others to write by next weekend)
To Do today- need to get out of my head. I need to brainstorm my antagonist- maybe have a conversation with her, try and open up communication again.
- Who is my antagonist? Where does she come from?
- What does antagonist want / need?
Update 1:38: Now I've gotten to the why section of the piece and I am therefore stuck. Also I need something more, right now it's a bit straightforward and running a little short. It'd be so great to have the rough draft done today. (To be honest, I'm a bit behind and have 2 others to write by next weekend)
Saturday, June 1, 2013
2 of 5 completed
I hope I will not jinx myself in saying that I have completed 2 short stories- 3 more to go, and after revision and lots of critique I will finally have something to sell. Finally have something published.
It's exciting. The muse doesn't like the pressure though of creating something good, so after the 1st story flowed out of me, I have stalled out. (It can't be all right/or close enough/it must be AMAZING)
but I will push forward.
Story 2 has been redrafted about 3 times so far but getting closer to a good story every time.
Story 3 is just in my head- need to get it onto the page.
please wish me luck
It's exciting. The muse doesn't like the pressure though of creating something good, so after the 1st story flowed out of me, I have stalled out. (It can't be all right/or close enough/it must be AMAZING)
but I will push forward.
Story 2 has been redrafted about 3 times so far but getting closer to a good story every time.
Story 3 is just in my head- need to get it onto the page.
please wish me luck
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