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Post by Admin on Sept 26, 2017 13:44:59 GMT
The other one was 5 pages long. starting a new thread.
added 3,380 words to clean ms. bringing total up to 29,431 words. I'm back.
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Post by Admin on Sept 27, 2017 21:13:55 GMT
Today I added 4119 words to the ms. bringing word count up to 33550. If I can maintain this pace I can have a clean ms. in two weeks. Maybe less if I get lucky. Once the ms. is complete, I will need to do a read through and check for typos and polish. Then I'm contracting with the editor and getting it out of my way. I hope to get it with the editor before I come home the first week of November.
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Post by bill on Oct 1, 2017 23:54:09 GMT
Vetrix - I can't think of anything I did to promote. I need to write a letter and contact a bookstore in Derby this week.
Earth - I got the first of my three proofreads back. I expect the other two later this week. The cover is done, so maybe a week from now I'll have the manuscript to Cat for the formatting process. Yea!
When the Time is Right (mystery) - I read through this week and made some notes. I don't have a lot to revise before I sent it to the editor. I didn't realize, but it is only 38,000 words. I like how it sits, though I think my revision could add 2,000 - 5,000 words. I know it's short but not sure I want to mess with the story or add anything further. I'll have to ponder this.
I did some thinking about my goals for the next few months. I think my next project will be A World Amongst (my ghost story). I'm getting excited about it now that I've decided. When I finish the mystery I'll work on an outline then write the story for Nano.
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Post by bill on Oct 9, 2017 0:54:58 GMT
Vetrix - I got a book signing set up for January in Derby. It's a new location! I have a rough draft of my letter but need to finish and get in the mail this week.
Earth - It's being proofread. I need to write acknowledgements. I hope to have it to Cat this next week.
When the Time is Right - I continue to work through the rough draft. I have a list of things I want to change and hope to get them done this week. I'm out of town next week and want to use that time to start my outline of A World Amongst (my ghost story I want to write in November). I hope to have a beta reader look at When the Time is Right during November.
Storytime Blog - I want to participate, which means I have twelve days or so to write a short story. I'll probably finish Earth and try to finish my revision first, but we'll see.
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2017 1:36:42 GMT
I've been distracted and rather than get nothing done, I've been cleaning up my art pile. Finishing projects that have been sitting around waiting. I still need Knock Knock completely clean ms. So this week, my goal is to keep typing. I don't know why I procrastinate but I do it every single time I get toward the finish line. I'm not afraid of the project being done. I'm not so attached to it that I don't want it finished. I do falter when I think of success. I'm not sure what changes that will bring if I reach that point. I fear success because of foggy fears that may never happen.
I checked out Pikes Peak Writers and saw the info that is up for the 2018 conference. Some interesting key not speakers. Jim Butcher and Laurel K. Hamilton are going to be there. I am very excited about Butcher. He's a really good author and I enjoy his work. Hamilton, on the other hand, is one I'm torn on. She has the magic touch for creating a page turner but, in my opinion, she sacrificed talent for money. She stopped having plots that had erotic scenes and created erotica that has just enough plot to hold the erotica together. I stopped reading her when I began to skim more of her books than I actually read. It seemed a waste of my money and time. Yet, she has that stupid page turning talent. I would give my eye teeth to learn how she does it.
Jonathon Mayberry will be there. I don't know anything about him except it says he's a Bram Stoker award winner. Mary Robinette Kowal is another writer that I have no knowledge of. She is a Hugo award winner. Looks like a strong year for SF/Fantasy/Paranormal etc.
Joshua is going to edit his book this week. Polish his query letter. And begin to write his series proposal and pull together a submission packet. He's almost ready to start knocking on some doors.
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Post by bill on Oct 16, 2017 4:05:25 GMT
Earth - I'm still waiting on proofreaders. Oh, the waiting game!
Mystery - I'm done with my revision. I'm a little unsure about what to do with it. In general I think it's a good story, but it's only 40,000 words. I don't know what I could add to it that would add to the story line. It's short and am afraid my original plan to shop for an agent might be pointless if the story is too short.
A World Amongst - I've started reading through what I wrote last year. I want to complete this story for Nano and hope to do some outlining in the next couple of weeks.
I'm struggling. I'm tired and having trouble focusing on my writing. I can't come up with an idea for storytime blog. For me, this is a sign of depression - I'm tired a lot, unhopeful, insecure, lack focus, etc.
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Post by Admin on Oct 16, 2017 12:17:23 GMT
I call it the six-week melt down although it isn't that reliable and one never knows when it will hit. For me, its usually related to being physically and mentally tired. Getting caught up on sleep helps and feeding my soul helps.
40,000 words is long enough, I think, for a Kindle Single. Its been a long time since I looked at the guidelines but there might be a way to use it for marketing and visibility. what age is it aimed at?
I'm stalled on the edit. Its my usual refusal to finish a project thing. I wish I knew why I do this. I want it done so why do I put it off? Its so ridiculous. I've been spacing out, and i think I just realized why you are depressed. It's October. And Phyllis's birthday is coming up. Even when I'm not consciously thinking about her and Kathy, they are never out of my mind. Getting older sucks. And losing loved ones sucks even more.
I had phone calls from Marti the other day. 15 in one day. I was glad she remembered how to call me but, at the same time, it breaks my heart a little bit. I saw a picture of her yesterday. Her daughter posted it and the Marti I knew is gone. Her eyes are not Marti's eyes and I know that I've already lost her. I went through this with Marcy and I haven't had time to recover from that. I'm not looking forward to going through it again. I'm back peddling like crazy, trying to distance myself from being needed, and feeling guilty because I'm choosing survival. I want my time and time with Joshua. I want to pursue our dreams and have a chance at reaching a few of them.
I'm sorry. I should be cheering you up and here I am dumping just a bit. Life is hard. It smacks us up one side and down the other. The only answer I've got is we stand back up and fight back. Most of all, I advise getting enough sleep, giving yourself a relaxing break, and trying to find a happy place to recharge.
If you want a fun movie to watch, if you haven't seen it, Joshua and I really enjoyed Spiderman the Homecoming. Loved the young actor. He's so fun.
Is storytime blog your newspaper gig? I found myself struggling for topics when I wrote articles. A few times I resorted to writing down words that popped into my head until I found one that triggered an idea. I'd make lists of 40 or 50 random nouns. I wrote one once on tall tales. I love them. I wrote once about ear wigs. Those annoying tunes that get stuck in your head and play over and over until you want to scream. I wrote a couple about food adventures.
You might look back into our family history and find interesting eras to explore. I found a newspaper clipping once about West Plains Mo. It described how half the town was Confederate and half was Yankee. Both sides were defending their stance and at one point a Confederate flag flew at one end of the town and the American flag flew at the other end. That visual of both flags flying at the same time, in the same town struck a chord in me. What it must have looked like. Felt like. And how does a town survive when its almost evenly divided down the middle.
In our own family we have die-hard Trump supporters and those who are just as opposed to him. We survive by not bringing up the topic. When I'm at Marilyn's I try really hard to keep my mouth shut because I despise the man so much. I keep the peace by not engaging.
Deadlines are the single best motivator for writing that I've found. My procrastinating personality gets more done at the last minute than it ever does by planning. I think that is why I deliberately put myself in a position of getting down to the wire. It triggers that drive to produce what I promised.
Hang in there. This is a recurring cycle that we both go through. I hope to goodness we never get hit with it at the same time. Maybe we better make a list of people who can do intervention for us.
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Post by bill on Oct 17, 2017 2:41:51 GMT
I know Mom's birthday is part of my emotional downturn. It's tomorrow. It's always a hard day. I had hoped to take off, to sleep and recoop, but we'll be on an audit so I can't really get out of it, although I'm not funtioning anywhere near at 100%. I got sleep this weekend, but I did rest well. I know it's a cyclical thing, and I'll fight to endure, but it's a grind, and I never know how long that grind will last. And this one is worse than most.
The storytime blog is where several writers write a fictional story on their own blog then link to all of the other authors. That way readers can be exposed to several different writers. I made the connection on Holly's site. I have some vague ideas, but when I sit to write I can't concentrate or focus. I don't mind deadlines, but don't usually wait until the last minute. This time I have no choice. I hope I bounce back enough in the next few days to get it done.
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Post by bill on Oct 18, 2017 1:13:39 GMT
The mystery - When The Time Is Right - I wrote for adults, but would probably get labeled young adult since the main character (two main characters) are 18? My thought was to try to get an agent, which is why I'm concerned it's too short. If my goal wasl to publish it myself (which is an option) I wouldn't worry about the length.
I survived today, but it's been horrible. I feel like I'm sleepwalking through my days. Hopefully it will turn around soon.
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Post by Admin on Oct 18, 2017 3:34:47 GMT
I came home from Kansas determined to get my health back. To manage my diabetes and take off the extra weight. I hate exercise. I find it boring, and uncomfortable, and incredibly depressing because it doesn't come easy. I have to work at it. I like food, and I love Diet Coke. To have to moderate these things I love is hard. I get my walking done by picturing Kathy walking beside me. She would expect me to do this. She fought for her health for 4 years and lived with such grace I can't even comprehend how she did it.
Your mom would not want you to be anything but joyful and fulfilled. I accept that Kathy left. I cannot accept that Phyllis left. I talk to her in my mind. I think of her every day. I know she would be the first one to cheer me on toward my goals. If you cannot be happy and productive for yourself, then do it for her. She would want that for you. I get where your coming from. I suffer the same bouts of depression. I'm convinced its part of the creative brain energy pattern. I suspect it's genetic through the Scales line. The Scales are capable of great creativity and talent but they seldom succeed because of the inability to carry through due to 1. distractability and 2. bouts of depression.
You are never alone. You have a huge family surrounding you that love you. I'll be home the first week of November. The Roth reunion is in Cottonwood Falls. I hope we can get together. It would be energizing to talk 'shop' with someone who understands the journey. I'm hoping we can work out a movie marathon day at Nyla's on Saturday. Movies, and popcorn, and maybe a drumming that evening if we can talk Jody in to it. Just a fun get together. I'm working on Nyla hoping we can get it done. Time is flying.
I heard that they might start the footings this week which means the room will start going up next week. Joshua's feeding tube has sprung a leak. I tried to make an appointment at the doctor's office today but they put me on voice mail and never called me back. I'm giving them until noon tomorrow. If they don't call me I'm loading Joshua up and driving to the office and make the appointment in person. They won't like me very well if I have to waste an afternoon doing that. Everything is piling up at the same time. I'm hoping it won't interfere with me wanting to be in Kansas for a week. Making me a bit fretful.
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Post by bill on Oct 19, 2017 0:02:57 GMT
I don't know if the depression is connected with creativity or not. It's something I've battled all my life, to different degrees. I don't know about the whole happiness thing. I don't see myself choosing NOT to be happy. At the same time, happiness is not a goal of mine. Maybe because I'm not sure how to achieve it. It's not like I'm determined to not be happy. It's just the lane I'm in.
The first week in November should be a good one for me. I haven't had a scheduled day off since April, so I told work a couple of weeks ago I was taking the first week of November off. Just picked a week because I needed it. It would do me good to get together and visit. That's coming up quick, huh? I hope you can get everything done so nothing interferes with your trip!
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Post by Admin on Oct 19, 2017 3:07:23 GMT
The only thing I'm worried about is Joshua's feeding tube. I'm going to drive over to the doctor's office tomorrow and make an appointment in person. They did not return my call and that irritates me. Their customer service sucks. It should not be so difficult to schedule an appointment. They are costing me half a day of my time.
The footings are supposed to get started this week. It's going to rain on Sunday. I don't think the footings will take very long to do once they start. The room will take at least a month if the weather holds. Hank will just have to handle it. I'm really looking forward to a week in Kansas. I need to touch base with family. The last visit was so difficult to get through. I want some healing time.
I don't think we can expect happiness to be the go-to emotion. That's not a reasonable expectation. Life is harsh. For me, I search more for contentment in what I do and what I strive toward. It feels good to move toward chosen goals. I wish the roadblocks were farther apart. And I wish I could taste, just a smidgen, of what success would feel like. As soon as I typed that, that voice in my mind said, if I had too much success I would quit striving and just bask. That voice is probably right. Its the smack-downs that make me stubborn. But I do long for a few more Holy Moly moments. I guess making more short term goals might help. I can accomplish short term goals. And they lead toward bigger ones.
I'm glad you have the week off. I'm hoping we get lots of family time. I'm just praying Joshua's tube keeps working. It's got a leak in it and it needs fixed.
Tomorrow, I'll help him work on the tobii. He needs to edit his book, and tweak his query letter. And come up with a log line as well as lay out a series proposal. He might not need the series proposal but it should be there if he does.
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Post by bill on Oct 22, 2017 20:34:46 GMT
Vetrix - I set up a table at the Halstead Arts & Crafts Show. I had planned to miss it to attend the cross country regional meet, but Blake got sick and didn't go (he wasn't running but supporting the team), I decided at the last minute to set up. I sold six books and talked to a number of people. So glad I did it!
Earth - I'm waiting on proofreaders. I'm losing my patience...
A World Amongst - I am brainstorming, making notes, and developing an outline and strategy for the story. I am working on this project for Nano. I have 35,000 words written and read through them. I am even more pleased with the story than I thought I was. I have some ideas to add to it and think what I have in this first section will be a good book. I'm thinking it may be a good one to finish and try to market to an agent. I am excited about the possibilities!
I finally broke and called in sick on Thursday. I needed the extra sleep to recoup. A lot of people around me have been sick, and even though I feel "healthy", I think I may have had something that drained my energy and strength and added to my depression. The day off helped and I think I turned a corner toward bouncing back to normal. I'm still struggling but can tell each day gets a little better. It's strange, because I believe I can see the direction my emotionals are going, yet don't seem to be able to change it. Maybe I can and don't see how yet.
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Post by Admin on Oct 23, 2017 16:42:31 GMT
Earth: This is the reason I don't use beta readers any more. They slow me down.
A World Amongst. From what I remember this is a very different slant and holds potential for being new and fresh. You have enthusiasm for it so that tells me you should push on this one.
I'm glad you're feeling better. I'm doing okay but Joshua is struggling. He's throwing up a lot and if he doesn't shake this fast, I'm going to worry about traveling with him. Its hard being a solo driver and take care of somebody who throws up a lot. I'm praying everything works out okay and I can make it to Kansas.
My work has taken a hit. I'm not sleeping well. Getting enough time to sleep but not getting into deep sleep. It's all light and a lot of wakefulness. The fitbit is interesting for adding data and helping me pinpoint strengths and weaknesses but it also adds a bit of worry to my life when I can't figure out the 'why' things happen. I suspect my light sleep is in response to worry about Joshua needing me during the night if he throws up. I'm afraid I won't hear him.
I'm stressing over the room addition. We've had a week of rain so no concrete work done. Without the footings, the building cannot go forward. I'm worried that winter will set in and the footings won't be there and the project will be sidelined until spring. I'm really counting on having the space to work. To spread out and be productive. I know I can be productive without it, I'm doing it but the chaos and clutter that results is draining on so many levels.
Love that you had a good day selling books and meeting people. That is energizing in itself. As always, we just keep putting one foot in front of the other and at some point, we reach a finish line.
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Post by bill on Oct 24, 2017 2:54:38 GMT
Earth - These are two proofreaders I've used in the past. In fact, my dad is one of them. I have to have someone proofread. I guess I could pay for it, but I haven't looked into that service.
A World Amongst - This is from the perspective of a ghost. I think it's unique, but I'm not sure what genre or age group it is targeting. I'm just writing and we'll see where I end up.
I'm so sorry about Josh! The two of you I'm sure are exhausted. I hate throwing up almost more than anything. I can't imagine dealing with it as much as he does. I hope he's able to bounce back quickly. And you guys get rested before your trip!
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