Tomorrow, I begin the arduous, yet rewarding process of revising and editing the first draft of my novel. I have cleared my plate to give myself an entire week in which to get this phase off the ground, knowing that, just as Rome wasn't built in a day, my novel will not be revised, rewritten, edited and otherwise cleaned up in a week, but having an entire week in which to begin the process is, to me, a beautiful bonus! Thank goodness for to do lists and plans!
Write On!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
February 8, 2014 Pleasantly surprised
Today I attended my very first meeting of a writers' group, not knowing what to expect, and not knowing if it was something I would repeat...but knowing it was a step I needed to take.
I figured that keeping it in my local area would be my best approach, at least until I got me feet wet. What a pleasant surprise!
It wasn't so much a business meeting (though there were a few minutes devoted to it), as an opportunity to learn from a published author.
Sally Carpenter writes what is called cozy mysteries and has also studied acting. Her information on character development was extremely helpful and comes at a perfect time for me as I move to the editing and "fleshing out" phase of my first novel.
She also provided some helpful information regarding publishing, the pitfalls of the various methods, and the things she's learned through her own experiences.
I came away from the meeting feeling energized, and with a sense of purpose as to who I need to contact for help and advice in those areas where I'm weak (marketing, for one!).
I also came away feeling very grateful for my years of blogging, the Ultimate Blog Challenge, and the wonderful people I've met and stayed in touch with from that experience. That experience, alone, has, in some ways, put me ahead of the game. What I need to learn now is how to expand my readership and followers, and to start soliciting guest bloggers, and maybe doing more guest blogs of my own.
So thank you, Conejo Valley Writers, for allowing me to share some of your hard won knowledge, and to feel encouraged that many of the things I've been doing, just because it seemed like the right thing to do, may well be, the right thing to do to get my writing out to the wider public!
Write on!!!
I figured that keeping it in my local area would be my best approach, at least until I got me feet wet. What a pleasant surprise!
It wasn't so much a business meeting (though there were a few minutes devoted to it), as an opportunity to learn from a published author.
Sally Carpenter writes what is called cozy mysteries and has also studied acting. Her information on character development was extremely helpful and comes at a perfect time for me as I move to the editing and "fleshing out" phase of my first novel.
She also provided some helpful information regarding publishing, the pitfalls of the various methods, and the things she's learned through her own experiences.
I came away from the meeting feeling energized, and with a sense of purpose as to who I need to contact for help and advice in those areas where I'm weak (marketing, for one!).
I also came away feeling very grateful for my years of blogging, the Ultimate Blog Challenge, and the wonderful people I've met and stayed in touch with from that experience. That experience, alone, has, in some ways, put me ahead of the game. What I need to learn now is how to expand my readership and followers, and to start soliciting guest bloggers, and maybe doing more guest blogs of my own.
So thank you, Conejo Valley Writers, for allowing me to share some of your hard won knowledge, and to feel encouraged that many of the things I've been doing, just because it seemed like the right thing to do, may well be, the right thing to do to get my writing out to the wider public!
Write on!!!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
January 23, 2014 A long overdue update
So, the novel I started in November is still moving along (in fact, my muse woke me at the ungodly hour of 6AM today, clamoring for attention!). The original 50,000 words has grown to almost 66,000 and I've designated this as a writing day (as opposed to an accounting day or an errand day).
My goal is still to complete the first draft by the end of January which is (eek!) only about a week away!
I appreciate all of the encouragement I'm getting from so many directions, and am bouncing around the idea of attending a writer's conference in February and a writer's group next week. Do I dare share my baby with strangers?
The only answer I get is a resounding "Yes!". I love my family and friends, but they're far less likely to give me the constructive criticism I'll need to make this an actual, marketable work!
Write on!
My goal is still to complete the first draft by the end of January which is (eek!) only about a week away!
I appreciate all of the encouragement I'm getting from so many directions, and am bouncing around the idea of attending a writer's conference in February and a writer's group next week. Do I dare share my baby with strangers?
The only answer I get is a resounding "Yes!". I love my family and friends, but they're far less likely to give me the constructive criticism I'll need to make this an actual, marketable work!
Write on!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
November 21, 2013 I'm amazing myself!
With no real plan except to sit down and right, the story continues to flow! Progress is being made, lessons are being learned and we're still building to the big conflict. What or who it will be is still just being hinted at, but we're drawing ever nearer! Will we find out who or what it is in 50,000 words, or is that just the appetizer?
No way to know right now, but I'm still running slightly ahead of the game as far as getting to 50,000 by November 30th!
Write on!
No way to know right now, but I'm still running slightly ahead of the game as far as getting to 50,000 by November 30th!
Write on!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
November 20, 2013 Gettin' there!
34,050 words, 20 days, 15,950 words and 10 days remaining. Need I say more?
I have to say that this is going better than I'd expected. The words keep flowing, the chapters keep accumulating and the story keeps progressing.
I put the gym on hold until this is done, though my body could definitely use the exercise. But my body will still be there and willing when November reaches an end and I have 50,000 words (or likely more) tucked away in a file on my computer, just waiting for edits, revisions and rewrites!
Write on!
I have to say that this is going better than I'd expected. The words keep flowing, the chapters keep accumulating and the story keeps progressing.
I put the gym on hold until this is done, though my body could definitely use the exercise. But my body will still be there and willing when November reaches an end and I have 50,000 words (or likely more) tucked away in a file on my computer, just waiting for edits, revisions and rewrites!
Write on!
Monday, November 18, 2013
November 18, 2013 Obstacles be damned!
Despite missing two days of writing as a result of a bad cold and the passing of my cat, Loki, I am back on track and slightly ahead of the game once again! I fairly easily knocked out another 2800 words or so to exceed the 30,000 words I needed by today!
This one's for you, Loki, my little trooper!!! May you have lots of kitty treats and humans to give you non-stop attention now that your pain is over!
Write on!!!
This one's for you, Loki, my little trooper!!! May you have lots of kitty treats and humans to give you non-stop attention now that your pain is over!
Write on!!!
Friday, November 15, 2013
November 15, 2013 Keepin' on keepin' on
Today, I passed the halfway point, not only in days but also in words. At a little over 26,000 words, I'm still well on my way, though, with my class this weekend, it may pose a challenge. I was hoping to be enough ahead so that I wouldn't have to stress over getting my writing done with two full days of class, but tonight ain't over yet, and I'm part way through tomorrow's words already!
Write on!
Write on!
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