Time for our mid week check-in at ROW80.
I have included my goals, and in bold included my progress.
1.Write daily – at least 500 – 1000 words a day. Most days
- Take courses. I would like to focus mostly on plotting and character
I started a course on plotting and character through RWA on Monday, for a week and really enjoying it so far. Making connections as well
- Read at least 3 books on the craft of writing as well as articles online
Continue to read good articles on writing online.
- Finish the first draft of “Catching Love” –Worked on another chapter
- Finish the first draft of my MG novel No
- Write at least one picture book a month –Working on revisions
- Enter competitions and twitter pitch parties –No
- Take part in Write1Sub1 and 12 X 12 –just signed on again with 12×12
- Fulfill duties of mentor at ROW80, visiting my team 2x a week –Yes
- Write at least 2 blog posts a week (other than ROW80) –Yes
In the past two days, I’ve committed two big no-no’s for writers:
1. I read a novel by Bella Andre (who I enjoy reading) and then compared my current romance novel to hers. A huge no-no.
2. I received a “7” at Rate Your Story (“Your idea has merit, but needs lots of revisions, too mature, formal) for my newest picture book script – and let some one else influence how I feel about my book. A no-no
Needless to say, today I did not get much writing in . I’ve let others’ opinions worm their way into my mind and make me doubt my writing ability.
But – (and this is why I’m in ROW80), I knew that I must write and report on that writing.
It is only a first draft for the romance. And revisions are always made. So enough pity party and get on with what I enjoy doing.
Thanks for listening.
It is also WIPpet Wednesday,reat challenge hosted by K.L.Schwengel
Jan. 14/15 = 15+ 1=16 the chapter and 14 lines (From my current romance:)
* * * * * * * *
Banging on her door startled her. How could anyone get up here without going through security? She moved to the door and looked through the peephole, Flynn stood there, angry again.
“Emma, open up please. I need to talk with you.”
She kept the chain on the door and opened it enough to look out at Flynn. “How did you get up here?”
“A lady let me in. She thought I was trustworthy. And I am Emma.”
Against her better judgement, she closed the door, undid the chain and then let him in. Flynn walked into the living room and then turned to face her.
“Read this.” He handed her a folded newspaper, a tabloid. As she opened it up, there she was with Flynn at the bar, with his finger on her arm and his other arm on the other side of her. She was shocked at how sensual the picture looked. The headline read “Who’s the raven beauty with Flynn Clarke?”
Emma looked from the photo to Flynn. “Who took this photo?”
“I called the paper and they said it was a freelancer. Probably the same one who has been stalking me.”
She looked down at herself. Was that really her looking up at Flynn, seeming to be flirting with him?
“I didn’t expect this Emma. I’m sorry you’ve gotten involved with my mess.”
Beverley A Baird 
I missed a lot of my goals this week as well and mostly it’s because of my own ‘no-no’s’. I let myself get discouraged and let it keep me from writing on my novel. I wrote some fun stuff I wanted to write instead. Thank you for your openness. I’m sure this next week will be better for you.
We are are own worst critics. I know I have really just started but still I expect to be perfect. I gave myself a kick and got back at it this afternoon. Here’s hoping it’s better for both os us! Thanks for the support.
I like your goals; reading more about the craft of writing is something I’m wanting to do myself. I’m also considering an online class, but that might have to wait until after I get my tax refund and have some extra cash. My main goal, like most folks, is simply to put pen to paper and write — which is annoyingly difficult at times, as you no doubt know.
Write 1 Sub 1 looks like a very interesting challenge .
Good luck with your goals for the week!
Thanks Kathy. Just write is probably the best goal as that is what moves us forward. I’m really working on that this round. All the best to you tooo.
I think I would hang onto “The idea has merit”, then set it aside for a bit to play with something else. You’ll see it differently in a while than you do now, and have a better idea how to make it even better than it is.
Oh, I wonder what mess Flynn’s in, and how it will affect whatever he has with Emma….more, please?
Thanks Shan. The trouble is those things always arrive when you are at a low point and then it escalates. But this morning, it doesn’t look as bad. Like your idea about putting it aside.
I’m loving Flynn and Emma – have mapped out whole book and now at Chap 18 today.
Ah…yes…comparing to others. It’s hard not to do that. I think we all do, from time to time. I honestly keep ‘bad examples’ around for just those moments. Yeah, maybe I’m not as good as so-and-so, but I’m way better than the other so-and-so. 😀
And this is a nice excerpt. I wonder what Flynn is into that now Emma has been dragged into the spotlight with him. And neither seem particularly pleased by that.
Thanks Kath – good idea about the bad examples. Will have to do that.
I’ll share more next week.
I’m awful about comparing. Just awful. It’s hard to turn off our inner critic and just let ourselves get pulled into the writing.
I like the snippet. I wonder what Flynn’s mess is. Certainly sounds like the gossips are interested in his romantic life at least.
Thanks Amy. Most times I try not to do that, but two things back to back was too much.. Better now tho.
I’ll try to share a bit more of the why next week – keep you in suspense! lol
I understand doubting yourself, I too have gone to moment of self-doubt. Fight past it, you are better than that. Deep breath and plow on through. You HAVE GOT THIS! 🙂 (It’s what I do for myself and i tell others the same thing)
Okay pep talk aside, nice Snippet! Can’t wait to read more….
Thanks Cindy – great pep talk – I needed it for sure this week. But fighting past it.Glad you liked the snippet – it has been fun to write.