July 15, 2007
70 Days and a Prize!
UPDATE: The winner of the writing basket is: Susan B! Congratulations, Susan!
Hello fellow travelers! I hope your writing is going swimmingly well, and that you’re finding new habits, new commitment and a new sense of yourself as a writer.
I’ll talk a bit about what it’s like to have written 40+ books. Each stage of writing presents its own challenges and triumphs. I remember incredibly well when I sold my first book. Then my second. Thrilling. Everything was new. I had to learn how to work with an editor. A lot of my expectations had to be shifted – writing category romance, while wonderful, wasn’t going to make me wealthy. But if I wrote a lot of them, I could make a pretty decent living. So that’s what I did, learned to write a lot of them.
First, it was tremendously helpful to have connections with people who had been through what I was going through in addition to the connections I’d made with people who were experiencing these challenges at the same time I was.
I had to learn to wait. And wait. Because I was very new, my manuscripts weren’t jumped on by my then editor. In fact, at the beginning even though I was ready to write a bunch of books a year, they weren’t willing to buy. Which meant that I had to learn to write even when I didn’t know the outcome. I’m not good with waiting, but hey, I was trying to become a full time writer! Send one out, take off a couple of days, start the next. An incredible discipline to learn.
All the while, I was in a critique group, taking writing classes, taking psychology classes, reading every how-to book, going to RWA meetings and networking. I had to learn to write novels, not screenplays, so that meant learning description from scratch. (I’m still not great at it). And of course, do my day job.
The learning has never stopped. Should never stop.
But here’s what happened as I kept doing this. As I kept putting one word in front of another. I became a writer. Not just because I got paid for my work (which is great) but because the writing became a part of me.
I lost all perspective on my current work years ago. Seriously, I truly, honestly have no objectivity. In fact, when I’m writing it, I’m convinced it’s crap. Horrible. I’m convinced my editor is going to throw the book back at me. (Which, by the way, has happened. It was about 8 years ago, and I wrote a real stinker. My editor, lovely wonderful woman that she is didn’t tell me to get a day job. She kindly said we might not want that particular book to come out, but would I like to transfer my contract to writing for this new line called Blaze?) Anyway, the point is, I have no idea as I’m writing if I’m writing well or if I’ve missed the mark. .
But, and here’s the incredible, wonderful part – the writer part of me has taken over. The writer part knows about pacing, about dialog, about plot, about all of it. I’m not saying it can’t use some editorial help, but the bones are there. Every time. Even when I’m trying something new.
All that writing, studying, doing it every, every day has paid off. The subconscious writer can write!
That’s why, as a professional writer, I must write. I must read. I must continue my education, because what I’m really doing is feeding the writer inside. The one who’s going to save my ass yet again.
This challenge isn’t just about getting words on a page. It’s about feeding that part of you who, if you treat it well, will pay you back in spades.
There’s no shortcut to this process, and you don’t even really get to see this part until you’ve written a lot. Not just written, but developed a discipline.
Now, there’s no right or wrong way to develop your own discipline. The only constant is consistency. Diligence.
I would like to suggest that you take a look at your goal in taking this challenge. Expand the goal to include not just finishing the book, but feeding the inner writer.
If you’re new to this writing thing, you probably won’t start to reap the benefits of feeding the inner writer for awhile, but trust me – it will happen.
If you’re like me, and have written oodles of books, this challenge is a chance to create a new relationship with the inner writer. Let her (or him) have some fun! Make this an all dessert buffet. 70 days of treats for that consistent life-saver. The one who lets you know you’ve made a wrong turn by crossing its arms and refusing to budge until you fix things. The one who makes the words coherent when you have the flu.
70 days is enough time to gain a brand new habit. And it’s enough time to nourish a stalwart (inner) friend. I can’t think of a better reason to keep putting those words on the page.
Comment below, and let us all know how you’re doing! The good, the bad, the wonderful – remember those connections I talked about? We can make them right here!
Then make sure and comment on Alison Kent’s blog with your current numbers! Everyone who comments will be part of the very first prize – a gift basket that not only has books (oh, yeah) but a wonderful little tea cup/tea brewer combo, a notebook, a fountain pen, and more! The winner will be chosen at random by Tuesday at 10 PM Central Time. Yay!
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This challenge has actually been very good for me. I’m typically very competitive but, in trying to finish the first fiction book that has been contracted, I’ve discovered two things that are different between it and working on the nonfiction book I completed.
One is that with the nonfiction book, I always knew exactly where I was going and how to get there. With this fiction story I know basically where I’m going but I’ve had to learn to roll with the Muse when she takes me on a bit of a winding path to get there.
The other is that I have a bad habit of really SEEKING distraction. I’m having to fight my way back to the story every time I think “I’ll just go check ebay” or “Oh, I have new mail.”
I took this challenge because I really want to have more of a habit of writing and finishing. Since I can be very competitive with myself, I find that I’ve set up a spreadsheet to track my words and i’m now seeking to increase my average words per day in addition to just completing this book.
July 15th, 2007 at 1:16 am“Anyway, the point is, I have no idea as I’m writing if I’m writing well or if I’ve missed the mark.”
July 15th, 2007 at 1:32 amThat has been me this week, my fiance, mother and objective friend all love it and think it’s original (and my mum would know as she has tonnes of romance books) but i’m worrying its too samey or not interesting enough yet.
I’m slowly learning to work past my self doubts and carry on regardless, but it’s hard.
I think i need someone who doesn’t know me (therefore wont feel bad at rubbishing my manuscript) to look over it…..
I love the idea that one day, with a lot of practice, this all might come a little easier to me ….
July 15th, 2007 at 3:01 amYes, my goal for the challenge is to finish a manuscript by my birthday, but it’s more so to develop the discipline of writing daily - even if I don’t reach my word count. This past week has left me feeling high because of how well it’s gone but it’s a guarded high because I know that next week I could tank and each word could be painful.
The interesting thing is trusting myself. I’m a new writer, completed only two dreadful manuscripts - beyond dreadful, burnable - and haven’t finished a novel since. I’ve spent so much time between then and now gobbling up craft, dissecting the problems with what I’m doing - because invariably there are, that I’ve become aware of my weak spots (conflict, jumping the gun on the writing, etc). But it’s strange, as I planned this and started writing it, the challenge has forced me not to question everything - analyze, yes but not necessarily question - and I’ve found that I’m better off than I expected. Knowing that I am improving as a writer, even slowly, has been the greatest reward of doing this challenge. Because if means if I keep this up, I’ll keep improving, and eventually get somewhere.
Sorry for the ultra-long comment, and best of luck on the challenge, everyone.
July 15th, 2007 at 4:38 amIt’s definitely been a distraction week for me this week. If I take all things into consideration I’ve completed the word count I needed. But I didn’t complete it the way I wanted (ms rejection came back with a fix this, this and this, and we might be interested, so I set my 70Sweat aside and focused on that).I’ve also found school holidays are not nec the easiest time to write - I swear my kid has square eyes because mum sort of let the whole ‘you’ve just spent 4 hours on your computer, you need to get outside’ deal slide.
The writing’s rocking along, but I think after this week I might be up for the bad mummy award :)
July 15th, 2007 at 6:45 amGreat inspirational post, Jo! It’s been a long time since I’ve written every day. When I first started, it was easy. The excitement in creating was enough to keep me going. Then the reality of rejection set in and I lost the excitement. The last couple years, I’ve played at writing. I’ve used every excuse imaginable not to write. I’ve been too tired or too stressed or too over-committed. But this challenge has made me realize those excuses don’t work. I either write or I don’t. I choose to write.
July 15th, 2007 at 7:52 amI’m glad this challenge came along when it did, it was hard for me to find the time, or energy to write this spring, so I didn’t. But when things finally got easier at the dayjob, I couldn’t find the motivation to start up again. This challenge gave me something to work for (finishing this book) as well as daily goals that are challenging but possible. I can do this. (I wrote 13k this week, and while I know some of it will change or be cut in editing, I’m that much closer to finishing- and the final edit won’t be as difficult thanks to the work I’m doing now).
July 15th, 2007 at 7:55 amWhat a great post. I love this challenge and it has given me the drive to write everyday (or nearly). I recently had back surgery so I used that as my excuse to do nothing, but now the muse is back and I wrote 14k+ this week and am looking forward to writing even more this week. I understand about the kids being distracting. I have found that if I make sure everyone is in bed by 10:00 that I get a lot more done. Good luck everyone with your goals and I want to thank all of the wonderful authors that started this challenge. You all inspire me.
July 15th, 2007 at 8:44 amGood luck everyone. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!
July 15th, 2007 at 8:45 amHi Jo Leigh,
Thanks again for stopping by my blog and commiserating with me on my 40,000 word deletion. You will be happy to know it is now officially fixed (My crit partners had all my rough draft work) and as of late last night, it has been subbed. Whoo Hooo! Just posted my word count over at Alison’s and although it’s not what it should be (only up to where I should be for Wednesday’s count.lol) I am thrilled none the less. And I am so excited. Last night my characters changed on me. They are now taking me in a completely new direction and I can’t wait to get into Devlin and Gypsy’s heads. Gypsy is ohhhhh soooo Bad! Like you I can never tell if what I am writing is good….after about a hundred readings it all becomes so mechanical and then frustration sets in. And I think, at least for me, that is where the writer’s discipline is most needed. I have to keep going. Luckily I am blessed with two wonderful critique partners who look at my work with fresh eyes and a sharp knife. They give me all the slash and burn advice they can dish out and at the same time their love and respect. I can’t think of anything I have done as a writer that has helped me more. I have grown so much with them. So, here’s to my two fav gals–Ava Rose Johnson and AnneMarie Roberts–Raising my Mimosa Cocktail to you gals. And the next one is for your Jo Leigh! Thanks for all the writing tips and your sponsorship of the Challenge. I look forward to reading all your comments.
Wishing you all… Hot, Sultry, Southern Nights!
July 15th, 2007 at 8:45 amTess MacKall
http://www.tessmackall.literalseduction.com
WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!
July 15th, 2007 at 8:45 amJo - I love love LOVE this. Every word, so very spot on. I write crap constantly. The stuff that flows from the end of my pen is stuff no one should ever read. But as you say, the bones are there. The subconscious is always working. The skills know when they’re being called upon even when I don’t know I’m doing the calling. We’re doctors of writing, always practicing our art as a medical doctor practices medicine. And if we don’t keep it up, we won’t have those skills, the intuition, the keen eye we need! Great post!
July 15th, 2007 at 8:50 amThis is all fantastic advice! I love the way you came across in the blog. Thank you :)
July 15th, 2007 at 9:56 amMaura, having written both fiction and non, I understand very well what you mean. Personally, I found non-fiction much easier, although fiction is more rewarding. And yep, that distraction thing is a killer. There’s nothing to do but keep soldiering on. Good for you!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:28 pmAJ, at this point, don’t worry about if it’s good or not. The truly important thing is to finish the book. You’ll be amazed at what happens to you when you do. Then you can worry about the quality. There are lots of things you can do to make your writing better. There’s only one thing you can do to finish the book, and that’s to finish the book. :)
I’m rooting for you!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:30 pmJude, It’s not necessarily easier. But on the plus side, you get to have all new problems! :)
July 15th, 2007 at 12:31 pmJess, no worries. I think you’re doing wonderfully. Having two completed novels, no matter if you like them, is a fantastic accomplishment. Now focus on the discipline. Structuring you as a writer as much as structuring your novel. It’ll pay off big time, I promise!
Fantastic!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:32 pmAnne, I don’t think you’re going to get any bad mum awards. He’ll be a happier kid because you’re feeding your soul. And hey, part of learning to be a pro is to take care of the business we must. Editors don’t care what you’re doing when they send copy edits. They just want them done now. So, good practice!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:34 pmThanks, Mary Beth. I’m so glad you’re taking the challenge by the horns. I applaud your choice, and even more so, your actions!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:35 pmAnn, 13k is fabulous! Don’t worry about the edit. Focus on the now. This moment, this scene. You’re doing it, and every single day you do is a building block on a lifetime foundation. Brava!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:36 pmThank you, Patty. 14k! Outstanding. Seriously, you people are amazing. I’m totally inspired.
July 15th, 2007 at 12:37 pmTess, how great that your crit partner had the draft! Now get yourself a backup drive, or at the very least, email each day’s work to someone. I get shivers just thinking about it.
I’m excited for you about your love of your characters. There’s nothing better. And yep, don’t worry about the outcome. Just the day, just the work. I appreciate the toast, and here’s one right back atya. Go Tess!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:41 pmGo Patty!!!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:41 pmAh, Alison. I kinda figured you’d get what I was talking about. :) And you’re right on about the practice, practice, practice!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:42 pmThank you, Michelle! Here’s wishing you a wonderful, productive, disciplined day!
July 15th, 2007 at 12:42 pmI have trouble writing on the weekends because my family is used to having me at their complete disposal all day and night on Saturddays and Sundays. Part of my personal challenge is to set aside time to write every single day. So far…mixed results. But I’m not giving up.
July 15th, 2007 at 1:06 pmI love the contest just because it’s great to meet new writers. :)
July 15th, 2007 at 1:31 pmMy first week has been more about organizing my inner and outer workspaces than about work count. I learned about the challenge in the wee hours of Monday morning and jumped on before I could talk myself out of it. I have put 6-12 hours of effort per day into file organizing, re-reading the 60K or so of existing drafts, working on the outline and timeline and geneological tree for the 100+ characters in my storyworld. I’m not sure yet whether this is a single multigenerational mega saga or a series. I’m hoping that I will discover the answer to that question by the end of the challenge. I aim to add 70K of new material.
This is a project that I began twenty years ago and then lost all but 20K of story draft which happened to be in hardcopy when we abandoned our storage unit which held my computer and physical files. Needing to redo all the outline, timeline and genological material has been a stumbling block. Although I’ve added over 40K of new story drafts and uncountable K in character sketches and other notes, in the last three years, confusion about where these scenes fit on the overall timeline has discouraged me from working consistently.
I have more than one goal for this challenge. Besides reaquiring the discipline of daily work, I hope to conquer my severe aversion to calling attention to myself. This goes waaay beyond shyness and is the primary reason why I am not published. I’ve been writing one thing or another ever since age 9. 30+ years. But other than a few teachers, only very close friends and a few family members had ever read my stuff before I started my blog which was up for two years before I dared to start promoting it only last fall.
I joined Friday Snippets on Friday and will be posting some of the more polished draft material each week over the course of the challenge. Not any of the new material tho. My muse gets cranky if I don’t swear that no one will see rough drafts. I haven’t lost objectivity. I never had it.
July 15th, 2007 at 1:50 pmSometimes I wonder if it will ever get easier. Or if I will ever stop doubting myself. Thank you for this post.
July 15th, 2007 at 2:07 pmThank you for giving your background and perspective. I find it very helpful. It’s been a tough week for me as far as writing goes and I only got about 23-2500 words done but still I’m happy that I’m trying. :-D
July 15th, 2007 at 2:15 pm[…] the truth, I was discouraged over my failure to get a good start on this writing challenge. Then Jo Leigh reminded me that there’s more at stake in this challenge than just word count. Bless […]
July 15th, 2007 at 2:28 pmI can definitely relate to what you said about feeding my internal writer. In between writing bouts this week I’ve been devouring harlequin presents like they’re goin’ out of style. Almost seems like bingeing and purging lol.
All the same, this writing challenge, or at least the mechanics thereof, are rough for me. I know I’m leaving a mess behind in this expo-laden first act, and I writhe in agony when thinking about letting it sit there untouched until I’ve blundered through the rest of this draft.
And yes, I can hear y’all saying it — Good! Slap some duct tape over the inner perfectionist’s great big mouth and just finish the ruddy book already.
It’s one of my biggest, most destructive productivity hang-ups, to look for something on the page that won’t be there until I’ve written “The End”. And the stupid thing is, I know my process. I KNOW stuff won’t reveal itself until I have the entire picture in front of me. Yet I’ll still stubbornly sit there, obsessing endlessly like some moron waiting for Santa to show up at the Fourth of July party.
So… Sven’s good for me, even if I hate his guts right now.
Okay. I’m whined out. Sven’s insisting I drop and give him 1k more words on the day.
July 15th, 2007 at 3:11 pmLoved your post! It is comforting to know that I’m not the only one with self-doubt about my writing. My goal in this challenge is to not only finish my current WIPs, but to develop the discipline to not only write when the creativity is flowing, but also when it’s not. Thanks for the inspiration to keep up the pace!
July 15th, 2007 at 3:15 pmThanks for the pep talk, Jo! I’m enjoying this challenge and it’s nice to know how other authors started out.
I’m off to write some more.
July 15th, 2007 at 3:18 pmGreat post, Jo! I am always in doubt and convinced the newest batch of reviews are going to be uber stinkers. So nice to know it isn’t just me. This writing challenge is perfect for me, as I needed to get started on my next deadline and I am terrible about procrastinating on that. Having to post and show my shameful — hopefully mostly awesome — word counts is a huge motivator.
July 15th, 2007 at 3:55 pmThis writing challenge has been a great thing for me, too. I’ve been dreaming and sighing for so long … I figured it was time for me to start typing and groaning! (Yeah, I’m highly critical of my work in progress too. I’m simultaneously elated at the progress and fearful that it’s going to be dreck.)
Although I’ve done plenty of nonfiction writing in my life, this is my first time to seriously dedicate my free time to writing fiction, and it’s so much fun to “discover” what happens next. (Even though I have it all plotted out, the details continue to surprise me.) Right now I’m trying to just squint at the book and ignore all the distracting flaws that are waving their arms and begging me to spend time on them. I’m trying to keep my eyes on the finish line so I *finally* get a complete first draft in front of me for a change. :o) So I’m keeping busy typing new stuff and putting off the revisions until later.
Best of luck to all my fello writers out there, doing the same!
July 15th, 2007 at 4:15 pmThank you so much for this truly inspirational and educational post! The very best part for me was when you said you don’t know if what you write is any good. I tend to think everything I write is crap. My best friend is the one who encouraged me to enter the Avon FanLit contest and I had her look at every entry with a note attached saying “This is crap!” or “I hate this!” She never lets me forget that the chapter I wrote that won round three also arrived in an e-mail to her saying “This is crap!” I am trying to train myself to just get it on paper without tearing it apart at every word. This challenge is forcing me to do that and I am really grateful for that. My other source of strength is my terrific critique group - Passion’s Slaves. You will never find a more dedicated, talented and supportive group of women and they are the reason my most recent piece of crap won a Royal Ascot a few days ago. I am just glad to know that it is okay to have doubts as long as you keep writing! This challenge will help me to do that!
July 15th, 2007 at 4:47 pmIt’s very encouraging to see that I am not the only one who feels what they are writing is crap. Its something I struggle with everyday. I have a hard time getting the word count I need because I cant get the internal editor off my back.
I’m off to a slow start this week. But did get more done than I have been lately. Progress is mine. Now if I can get that witch off my back I might get even more done this week. lol
Eliza
July 15th, 2007 at 4:52 pmI always think that every word I write is crap. My roommate, who also writes, but isn’t doing the challenge, always gets on my case about it. I might write a couple thousand words and like one sentence or one phrase and think everything else stinks. I know for me, one of the hardest things is just turning off my internal editor when I write so that I don’t hear that constant “oh why did you write that? go back and delete that sentence.”
July 15th, 2007 at 5:30 pmI can totally relate to thinking what I write is crap. It’s so easy to lose perspective some days. I’m very thankful to have a supportive husband who can help me out. He’s very honest with me about what I write, which has been a big help. :)
July 15th, 2007 at 5:36 pmThis was a perfect week to begin this challenge. I always have a difficult time at the beginning of a new book. I’m anxious to get past the set-up and head on into the meat of the story. This was my beginning week. I’m up to chapter four. I had multiple distractions. My dog was diagnosed with bone cancer. I had a new book releasing. So many things going on, but because of the challenge I sat down and wrote when I didn’t necessary feel like writing. And it was good. So Thank You all for the challenge.
July 15th, 2007 at 8:07 pmAnny Cook,
July 15th, 2007 at 8:44 pmRead your post and wanted to offer my thoughts and prayers on your dog’s diagnosis. I went through it with my nine year old Great Dane, Glory, last year. It was one of the toughest years of my life. Writing helped tremendously, as did her complete ignorance of how sick she was. My fabulous vet and this once in a lifetime dog gave me a year after her diagnosis in which to say goodbye. Nine was old for a Dane, so every day was a gift, and according to the first vet I took her to - a miracle. I am sending good thoughts your way and my Glory-girl is watching over your dog and sending her/him strength and love.
Selah, I know how difficult it can be to write with a packed house. I’m sure there are lots of folks in the challenge that are facing the same thing. Together, there’s strength and maybe some usable suggestions?
July 15th, 2007 at 8:54 pmHi Jessica - isn’t it fun to be part of all this? I’m loving it.
July 15th, 2007 at 8:54 pmJoy, I think you’re doing an incredible thing. Here’s all my support and good wishes!
July 15th, 2007 at 8:55 pmSusan - parts will get better. I promise. And then other challenges will present themselves. If it was easy, everyone would do it, right?
July 15th, 2007 at 8:55 pmMichelle, any words at all is a success. Look to the next step. Put one word in front of another. That’s all we can do.
July 15th, 2007 at 8:56 pmEmma, perhaps you can put up some positive thoughts that you can turn to when the editor comes to harass you. Hey, I’m all for tricks, tips…voodoo if that’s what it takes! I know you can do this!
July 15th, 2007 at 8:58 pmThanks, Laurie. Excellent goals and you’re on your way. Funny, I’m looking to do the very same thing. :) We’ll both do it!
July 15th, 2007 at 9:01 pmGo Angelique! I hope your days was filled with success!
July 15th, 2007 at 9:02 pmJodi, no, it isn’t just you. It’s most of us. Well, there’s power in numbers, eh?
July 15th, 2007 at 9:06 pmCarolyn, just go. Go until you have the book done. It will make such a huge difference!
July 15th, 2007 at 9:07 pmPamela, nothing beats a group of women with a common purpose. I think it’s great that you’re in the midst!
July 15th, 2007 at 9:15 pmYou’re right, Eliza, progress is yours. I’m firmly of the belief in that 12 step mantra - progress, not perfection. (No one likes perfect people anyway)!
July 15th, 2007 at 9:16 pmtv - the inner critic is a tough broad. We have to be very firm with her. Loving, but firm. Tell her she has five minutes at the end of the writing day. Thank her for the share, and move on. :)
July 15th, 2007 at 9:17 pmChristine, perspective is highly overrated. :) Good for your hubby. Lucky gal.
July 15th, 2007 at 9:18 pmAnne, my heart aches for you and your dog. I don’t know that I could be as brave as you. Use the writing as a safe place, where you get to make all the rules. That’s helped me through some rough stuff.
July 15th, 2007 at 9:20 pmPamela Bolton-Holifield and Jo Leigh,
July 15th, 2007 at 9:30 pmThank you for your good thoughts. She’s on pain meds and pretty perky overall. She keeps me company while I write…and everything else. I’ll sure miss her, but whatever time I have left with her is all good. She’s thirteen this spring and feeling her age–so that’s something else we have in common! Ouch!
I love your phrase “putting one word in front of another.” It’s now on a post-it note in front of me. Thanks, Jo!
July 16th, 2007 at 5:25 amHi Jo!
You should be a motivational speaker. :-)
There are days (like Sundays) full of family stuff, BBQ’s, softball games, what have you and I just can’t get over 1,000 done. I always beat myself up about it, but like you said - it’s the discipline of sitting down to do it, no matter how much, each day…making it a priority - feeding the inner writer. *grins* I like that.
Thanks for your support and your inspiration.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:38 amThank you so much for the blog! It is nice to hear that one day it will come easier if I keep feeding the inner writer within me. This blog is one I will pull out to read when I think that nothing I write will ever be published. Your insight is very helpful. Also, I love your books. :-)
July 16th, 2007 at 11:47 amYou’re very welcome, Laura. I’m glad it helped.
July 16th, 2007 at 12:13 pmAh, thanks, Meagan. It’s always motivational when we talk about the truth, and for us writers, that means we ignore the discipline at our peril! 1,000 is fabulous any day of the week!
July 16th, 2007 at 12:14 pmIts great reading about everyone’s progress. Makes me feel better about my 2300 words for last week. It was just too hot here to think lol
July 16th, 2007 at 2:30 pmI might point out that not only has Jo kept up with all this, she also realized that something she thought she had until the end of the month to do was actually due last Friday, so she’s been pumping to get that done by tomorrow. Go Jo!
July 16th, 2007 at 3:03 pm[…] Over at her blog, Jo Leigh posted recently in relation to Alison Kent’s 70 Days of Sweat, an inspirational post talking about feeding one’s inner writer. She discusses the wonderful duality of being a […]
July 16th, 2007 at 8:55 pmThanks Jo, great post. I love your books, especially the latest Blaze series. I just finished an 85,000-word MS in 69 days (which included the biggest week of my work year). I wish I could have written this one during your 70-day challenge. It’s my ninth one (hoping the agent is going to sell one soon!), and I do write every single day–Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, even if it’s just a page–except for when I am editing. I was on such a roll on Sunday that I locked myself in my room. At ten that night (an hour before the big finish), my husband asks, isn’t it like work when you’ve been at it all day? No, I said, it’s so much fun it’s nothing like work. That feeling at the end when it all comes together….no, it’s not work. Not then.
July 17th, 2007 at 5:18 amStumbled upon this site in a very roundabout way. Never finished anything I started to write. Always loved reading romance more than any other genre, but never wrote it.
Recently, I decided I needed to break this seven year trend of not finishing what I start. I decided that in order to conqure the beast, I needed to try and play on slightly more familiar ground. And so I started a romance.
But I still struggle with many of the same demons as before. Sometimes I would open the file to write, anything, if even just a page. I would stare at it. Tab out. Tab back in. Stare at it again. Ideas are there, I can see the plot moving, but the task of tapping out the right words and the patience seems to beat me a lot of the time. But I’m still trying to open the file everyday and put at least a page down. =.=;;
July 27th, 2007 at 9:42 pm[…] Susan B. You may remember that a few weeks ago I won the 70 Days drawing for a goodie box from Jo Leigh. It came yesterday, but I’m just now getting a chance to get pictures uploaded and show it […]
August 1st, 2007 at 5:38 am