Midweek ROW80 Check-In

It has only been two days since the start of Round 2 and  posting my own goals for this round. So this will be a short postfor the midweek check-in.

And really? I have to admit I have not done much towards these goals. A rejection last week has me in a bit of a “funk” – and I need to shake it off and get back on track. One more day of reading and then I’ll smarten up and get back on track.(Having finished the “Fever” series by Moning a couple of weeks ago, I just started her “Highlander” series and I’m afraid I’m addicted)

I did spend some time reassessing/rereading my works in progress. I did write every day, but minimall.. I read a lot – fiction, picture books, blog articles.

My healthy habits started off well – 15 minutes on the treadmill 2 out of 3 mornings, but as the day wore on I was snacking – after 8. Ugh

I did start writing a new picture book script – I couldn’t sleep 2 nights ago,  the idea arrived and I got up and wrote.

I’m enjoying the A to Z Challenge and am actually a couple of days ahead.

Hope everyone is on track.

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’s math: 4 +  8 = 12  So Chapter 12 and  20 -1 +5 = 24 sentences

Emma borrows another video of Flynn’s game and heads home to watch it.

 “I’ve really enjoyed you teaching me about baseball, Michael. I never knew it could be this exciting.” Emma smiled.

     “Wait until we take you to a live game. If we can get Flynn to go, it would be even better.”

     Emma held up the DVD. “I’ll get this back to you as soon as possible.” She hugged Michael and then Estelle. ‘Thanks Estelle for a delicious lunch.Thank you both.”

     “We’re so glad you came Emma. Come back anytime.”
      Emma left then, clutching the DVD. She couldn’t wait to watch this second game.

 

     Sitting on the couch after dinner, she watched Flynn play. She was able to follow the game so much better because of Michael’s lessons and descriptions. When Flynn got someone out or stole a base, she cheered. When there was a close-up of his face, she felt drawn to him. When he hit his home run, she jumped up and cheered.

     Shortly after, Flynn phoned. “I missed you today Emma.”

     “I did too. How are the meetings going?”

     “Sometimes I’m ready to walk out. But, I grit my teeth and bear with it. Can’t believe we have two more days of this.”

     “Hopefully, you’ll get it sorted out soon.”

     “I’m meeting with someone from my old team on Monday, but I should be back Tuesday.”

     “I had lunch with your parents today. Your Mom is such a good cook. She even said you were too.”

     Flynn chuckled. “When I have time, I enjoy cooking.”

     “Your dad was telling me stories about you.”

     “Not dad too?”

     Emma laughed. “They’re your biggest fans, Flynn. I enjoyed listening to them.”

     “I’m not sure I like the sounds of that.”

     “Nothing you wouldn’t have told me sometime.”

     “Well, I’m glad you get along well with my parents. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but Maggie never spent time alone with Mom and Dad. In fact, I can’t remember even bringing her here.”

     Emma couldn’t believe how relieved she felt. The more she heard about the starlet, the less she liked her. Poor Flynn.

 

WIPpet Wednesday

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 April, 2, 2015 (4-2-2015)   (I am late coming to post so the date really is Apr. 2!)

Today’s math is : 20 – (4 x 2) – Chap. 12 with 15 lines

Emma has gone to visit Flynn’s parents and they share one of his games and teach her the rules about baseball.

Through the next couple of players, Michael told her to keep an eye on Flynn as he tried to steal a base. Emma watched as he moved away from the base and when the ball was hit, how he ran.

     “Now, there are two out and Flynn is on third base. Watch what happens when Steve comes to bat.” Michael counted  balls and strikes. Then there was a hit and Steve and Flynn were running. “Watch Flynn.”

     Emma was caught up in the excitement of the game as she watched Flynn slide into home.  “He made it!” Emma cheered.

     “Pretty exciting isn’t it?” Estelle asked.

     “I didn’t know it could be like that. But I guess when you know someone playing the game, it makes it more so.”

     “True baseball fans know all the players and watching a game is like watching people you know. Flynn had a real following. When he retired, many people wanted him to suck it up and live through the pain. But Flynn wouldn’t play at less than his best. It was probably the hardest decision he ever made.”

     “No wonder Flynn wouldn’t talk about it. I got upset with him for not telling me.”

     “I’m sure he understood. Couples shouldn’t keep secrets from each other though. Flynn’s baseball career was such a huge part of his life. There were negatives of course, but he loved the game. He was being compared to the likes of Roy Campanella, Gary Carter and Yadier Molina.And he could have become one of the best.”

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.”

     

Mid-Week Check-In 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. The ROW80 community is such a supportive one.

My goals are listed here for this round and in bold is the progress from the past week.

1. Write daily – at least 500-1000 words a day  **** YES – writing each day

2. Take courses. Working on the revision course with Janice Hardy
3. Read at least 3 books on the craft of writing as well as articles online. Read articles
4. Finish the first draft of “Catching Love” –Done.
5. Finish the first draft of my MG novel – No’ but continue to brainstorm
6. Write at least one picture book a month Worked on new idea
7. Enter competitions and twitter pitch parties – Still working on revisions for SCWBI WIP contest for end of March. There’s a Carina Press pitch party tomorrow and am working on another novel to submit for this.
8. Take part in Write1Sub1 and 12 X 12 Pb revisions and brainstorming ideas still.
9. Fulfill duties of mentor at ROW80, visiting my team 2x a week –YES
10. Write at least 2 blog posts a week (other than ROW80) –Yes

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’s date is 3 / 18 / 2015  It is also my father’s birthday and he would have been 92 today.

The  math is simple:18 lines of Chapter 9 (for my dad’s age).

Emma and Flynn have just given a television interview on a morning show and they are heading to Flynn’s car.

“So, I captured you, did I? Is that true?” Flynn looked at her.

     “Well, your kiss certainly did! It’s what got us into trouble, I’d say.”

     “And still does.” Flynn laughed and pulled her to his side and put his arm around her shoulders.  “I’m glad things worked out for you.”

     “I wish though, that lying didn’t come so easily.”

     “ I don’t like the lying either Emma, but it won’t last forever.”

     “I worry that we’re digging a big hole of deception that will be hard to get out of when we break the engagement.”

     “It happens all the time Emma. People get engaged, and then break up. I’ll be a cad and you’ll have no choice but to break the engagement.”

     “You couldn’t be a cad if you tried.”

     “That’s not what Maggie said. That’s not what you thought at the bar I’m sure.”

     “I read some articles about you last night and it sounds like you two had quite the rocky relationship.”

     Arriving at the car, Flynn helped her in and got in himself. It gave him time to think. When he compared the two relationships, it was like night and day. With Emma, it was all light and laughter, but with Maggie, it was darkness and screaming. How had he endured over a year of that? 

He turned to Emma. “Maggie cared about me when I was a big league baseball player. When I was making the big bucks and was in the newspaper. But once I was injured and then retired, she slowly drifted away. She wanted to be recognized, to be a star. It looked better if she was with a star. But I never cared for that crap. I played because I loved the game.”

MARCH SOL- Day 11 and ROW 80

Today is Day 11 of the March Slice of Life – a daily writing challenge hosted at “Two Writing Teachers”.

Last week I wrote two posts on Wednesday, as I had two writing challenges that day. I thought I would have them share the same space  today so that the SOL community could take note of other writing challenges I take part (and vice versa) – they are all so supportive and help one’s writing in different ways.

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. The ROW80 community is such a supportive one.

My goals are listed here for this round and in bold is the progress from the past week.

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

2. Take courses. Working on revision course with Janice Hardy as well as working on ReFoReMo – research on pbook writing; and joined in the challenge “Writing a Chapter Book in a Month”
3. Read at least 3 books on the craft of writing as well as articles online. Read articles; almost finished “If You Want to Write” by Brenda Ueland
4. Finish the first draft of “Catching Love” –Done
5. Finish the first draft of my MG novel – Not on Jack’s Summer but wrote 1st chapter of new chapter book 
6. Write at least one picture book a month Still working on new idea
7. Enter competitions and twitter pitch parties – No, but planning on entering SCWBI WIP contest for end of March and a new Blaze request for novels before Mar. 16 – working on revisions
8. Take part in Write1Sub1 and 12 X 12 worked on pb revisions
9. Fulfill duties of mentor at ROW80, visiting my team 2x a week –YES
10. Write at least 2 blog posts a week (other than ROW80) –Yes; I am taking part in “March Slice of Life” through “Two Writing Teachers” and I am posting every day, a slice or snippet of what is going on in my life – an interesting challenge with another supportive community (see above)

WIPpet Wednesday

For those who aren’t familiar with it , 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. T

Today’s  date is March 11, 2015:

So, 11 – 3 = 8 th chapter and 20-5 = 15  lines

Emma finally seeks to learn more about Flynn, to try and understand him better.

Turning on the computer Emma began her search. She read the Wikipedia entry and got a quick overview of Flynn’s life. She was impressed. MVP for two years at university, seven years playing the major leagues and considered one of the best catchers ever.

     Emma clicked on the link to the accident that ended his career. There was a video that was so graphic and horrifying, that she couldn’t finish watching it. How could Flynn even walk? Some player ran to  home plate and accidently stepped on Flynn’s ankle. Two surgeries, a pin and then a long recovery.

     The next article had a link to Flynn talking about his retirement. She could see the sheen of tears in  his eyes.

     “Thank you for all your well wishes and cards. I have been making steady recovery, but combined with my knee problem, I know I will never be 100%. That is not good enough. I owe my team 100%. So, as of today, I am retired. “

     To go from being one of the best to losing it all, must have been unbearable. No wonder Flynn didn’t want to talk about baseball. But, when it was such a huge part of his life, how could he just walk away from it cold? There had to be so many things he could do in baseball, even coach.

          Several articles touched her. They described how he always signed autographs for fans, no matter how long it took or visited young fans in hospitals or sent uniforms to several little league teams. He didn’t do it for the reward. He did it just because he could. This was the man she was getting to know.

     

Mid Week ROW80 Check-In and WIPpet Wednesday

Once again, Wednesday rolls around too quickly. Time for the mid-week check-in.

My goals are listed, with my progress (or lack thereof) in bold.

1. Write daily – at least 500-1000 words a day **** YES – some writing each day
2. Take courses. Working on “Male POV” through RWA
3. Read at least 3 books on the craft of writing as well as articles online. Read articles
4. Finish the first draft of “Catching Love” –finished one more chapter
5. Finish the first draft of my MG novel No
6. Write at least one picture book a month Generated several ideas
7. Enter competitions and twitter pitch parties – Not this week
8. Take part in Write1Sub1 and 12 X 12 –worked on pb revisions
9. Fulfill duties of mentor at ROW80, visiting my team 2x a week –YES
10. Write at least 2 blog posts a week (other than ROW80) –Yes

WIPpet Wednesday

This is a chance to share excerpts from your current WIP, based on the date.

Today is 2/4/15

Therefore – Chapter. 4  with 17 lines (15 + 2) from “Catching Love”

Flynn has proposed Emma and him get engaged and now has a reporter from the tabloid in his office to share the news:

“That will be the reporter.” Flynn walked to the door and opened it. “Come in Carter.” he lead the reporter into his office.

“This is Emma Andrews.” “Thought you’d want an exclusive, even before we put the announcement in the newspaper. Emma and I got engaged this weekend.”

Emma held up her hand to show the ring and then Flynn took her hand and kissed it. Emma looked at him.

“Awfully quick wasn’t it?  What will Maggie say? Thought you were dating her.”

“We broke up for good over six weeks ago. But we’d been drifting apart long ago. Emma and I met thirty-two days ago, at a dinner with my brother and her good friend, who are also dating. We hit it off right away. Been together ever since.”

“How’s it feel to have captured this heart throb?”

“Lucky. I love  him so much.”

“Well congratulations. Can I get a picture of the two of you?

Flynn nodded.

The reporter took a couple of pictures, including one  of the ring.

“Well, thanks Carter for stopping by.” Flynn stood and escorted the man out. He shut the door and returned to Emma. She was sitting, hands in her lap, playing with her ring.

The game had begun. They’d have to play it with sincerity. The kiss they’d just shared had aroused him as much as the first one. He wanted more, but he had to remember it was a game and Emma’s reputation and job were on the line. They had to win this.

Mid-Week Check-in for ROW80

Here is my progress for the past few days – in bold.

1. Write daily – at least 500-1000 words a day **** YES – some writing each day
2. Take courses. Have started to go over Magic of Pix Books course by Susanna Hill
3. Read at least 3 books on the craft of writing as well as articles online. Read articles
4. Finish the first draft of “Catching Love” –finished one more chapter
5. Finish the first draft of my MG novel.  No, altho revised first 5 pages as have a critique with Kami Kinard tomorrow, as part of course that I took of hers
6. Write at least one picture book a month Had a midnight writing spree last night and wrote a first draft for the Highlight’s Mystery contest
7. Enter competitions and twitter pitch parties  No – but several coming up
8. Take part in Write1Sub1 and 12 X 12 – wrote a pb draft and plan to submit next week
9. Fulfill duties of mentor at ROW80, visiting my team 2x a week –YES
10. Write at least 2 blog posts a week (other than ROW80) –Yes

Be sure to check here for all ROW80 participants – an excellent supportive team!

WIPpet Wednesday

I have just recently started taking part in this challenge – to post a snippet from a WIP, based on the date.

So it is Jan. 21/15 – so:21 + 1 = page 22, with 15 lines of my romance novel WIP

“Flynn, it’s Emma. You know, you and I met at the bar last night. Well, I just got photographed when I tried to leave my place not ten minutes ago. What am I supposed to do now?” She felt like throwing the phone and screaming. How had her life changed so much in such a short time?

 

     Flynn was talking with his brother when his phone beeped. He ignored the call. If only his brother learned to solve his own problems, he wouldn’t have been at the bar and there would have been no photo. But to be perfectly honest with himself, he was not sorry he had met Emma. There was something vulnerable about her that caused him to want to help her.

     “Okay Pete. Just forget it. See you next week.” He hung up on his younger brother. His anger was still simmering and talking with Pete hadn’t helped. He checked the numbers called and saw a number he didn’t recognize. As he played the message, he heard Emma’s voice. Of course he remembered her. How could he forget her? Now they were beginning to harass her. This had to stop. As he ran his fingers through his hair,  he pressed call and waited for her to answer.

     “Emma, I just got your message. I seem to be having to apologize to you a lot. But I am sorry.” He drummed his fingers on the table.

     “What do I do Flynn? I have to go to school tomorrow. I can’t have this going on.” Flynn heard a tremor in her voice.

     “I’ll phone the paper and tell them I’ll give them an interview if they leave you alone.”

     “Do you think it will work?” Emma sounded hopeful.