Last Check-In for Round 1 and WIPpet Wednesday

Each Sunday and Wednesday the ROW 80 community posts their progress from the preceding week. This, really helps us focus on our writing and what goals we want to achieve.

We are now at the end of round 1. It seems to have zipped by. Yes, I did accomplish a number of goals but I felt that overall I could have done better – that I wasn’t consistent with daily writing. I had a roller coaster at times of how I approached writing and several times became discouraged.

Round 2 starts April 6 and I am working on setting realistic goals, but also ones that will stretch me. I do want to improve as a writer but would also like to be published. Big dream!

My goals are listed here for this round in bold, and below each, is the progress for this round as well as my reflection..

1. Write daily – at least 500-1000 words a day.

Most days I met the minimum and several days I wrote well over 2000 words. I worked on completing several projects but would have preferred to be more consistent.

2. Take courses.

I took several courses during this round and enjoyed them. Two were through RWA and were quite informative. Several were through writing blogs and were on the craft of picture book writing. I will continue with courses this next round.

3. Read at least 3 books on the craft of writing as well as articles online

I read 2 of the 3 I planned to read. But I read numerous articles, at least one a day. There are so many wonderful writers who are so willing to share their knowledge and I follow many of them. I will continue this as well.

4. Finish the first draft of “Catching Love”

Yes, I finished it – over 40,000 words – my first full-length novel. I tend to write novellas so this was a special one. I also loved the characters wo this was enjoyable to write. I have started revisions and my goal is to enter the SYTYCW competition in October through Harlequin.

5. Finish the first draft of my MG novel

I did not finish this novel. I have continued to brainstorm, plan but writing just wasn’t working. I have started a chapter book and have several chapters written. I hope to work on both next round.

6. Write at least one picture book a month

Yes, I wrote one a month and have continued to work on revisions of several others. I am submitting one to the SCWBI “Late Bloomer Award” contest by the end of the week. I will continue this through Round 2.

7. Enter competitions and twitter pitch parties

I have taken part in several twitter pitch parties and have actually received two requests. One I was offered a contract but did not accept it The timing wasn’t right but I still have hopes for that novella. I also submitted a proposal to “Blaze” following their request for manuscripts. Fingers and toes crossed.

8. Take part in Write1Sub1 and 12 X 12

I am working on picture book writing and revisions for 12 x 12 and am submitting to Rate Your Story for feedback as well as my critique groups. I haven’t participated in Write1Sub1 although I am trying.

9. Fulfill duties of mentor at ROW80, visiting my team 2x a week

Yes, I have done this and really enjoyed meeting other “Rowers”. I’ve tried to visit others as well.

10. Write at least 2 blog posts a week (other than ROW80)

I usually write a post for “Slice of Life” on Tuesday” and  one for “30 Words Thursday”. This month I have also taken part in the daily “March Slice of Life”. In April I plan to participate in the daily “A to Z Challenge. I also blog at my art blog and write several posts a week there.

WIPpet Wednesday

For those who aren’t familiar, WIPpet Wednesday gives writers the chance to share excerpts from their works in progress (WIPs) on their blogs. The snippet must relate to the date in some way.

Today is March 25, 2015

Today’s math is : 25 – 15 = 10  so chapter 10

20 – 3 = 17 lines

Emma and Flynn have had lunch with Flynn’s mom and now he has to leave. Emma stays.

“I’m sorry I have to desert you, but there’s glitches in this project that I have to work out.”

     “Not to worry Flynn. It will give me a chance to find out all about you.” Emma smiled

     Flynn looked at his mother and grimaced. “Mom, don’t you dare.”

     “I’m a proud Mom. Of course I’m going to tell Emma about you. So many stories to tell and pictures to look at.”

     “Maybe this is a bad idea.” Flynn crossed his arms.

     “Off you go young man. Emma and I will have a most enjoyable visit.”

     Flynn chuckled. “Don’t believe everything she says, Emma. She’s a bit prejudiced.”

     “And so she should be Flynn.” Emma envied the obvious loving relationship these two had. With her own parents, there had been love, but not this affectionate sparring.

     Flynn hugged his mom and then Emma. “I’ll you later. Have a good time.” He headed out.

     “That son of mine seems happier since he’s been with you Emma. Thank you.”

     “He’s made me happy as well. I never knew Flynn was a baseball player until we came here. I still don’t know anything about the sport. I even told him I hated it after we left here because I was so upset he hadn’t told me.”

     “Flynn’s life turned upside down when he had to retire. That injury was horrific. I still get shudders thinking about it. And it wasn’t his first. My son does not do things in a small way. If he couldn’t play, he wanted nothing to do with baseball at all. He hasn’t watched a game since he retired.”

     “He did mention he does things in a big way.”