Tag: amwriting

Be kind, Rewind! #writingtip

A few years ago, my spouse was starting a new job with a new manager and this said manager kept getting frustrated with my spouse. You see, my spouse has a couple common phrases that he says ALL the time and one of those phrases is “Sure, sure.” So every time this manager would ask him to do something, teach him something, whatever, my spouse would respond with “Sure, sure.”

His phrase used to be “you know?”

The point is we each have phrases we tend to use A LOT, whether we want to or not. We do this in speech, we do this in writing, we do this in texting. If you’re texting (or in messenger) with me, I will type lol ALL THE TIME. It drives myself insane, but the habit is there and I do it.

So the other day, I’m editing away at one of my new pretty little novels that I’ve finally finished working and you know what I found? I found a brand new phrase I’ve been using abundantly along with a few I knew I always used.

What are your go to phrases in writing that you constantly put into your piece and don’t even realize it?

I literally keep a list on notepad in my computer of “words to delete” which are these overused words and phrases I keep typing.

My newest one is “to be honest”.

My list?

– begin/began
– start/started
– quick

Our phrases/words can and will change. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to have someone else read through your piece before it ever gets near publishing. Other people pick up on this stuff, not us. My spouse still doesn’t know he says sure, sure every five seconds of the day.

In editing other peoples works, I’ve put together a list of common words you can easily find to delete/find and rework. Here’s my list for you to start with.

– that
– feel/felt
– says/said
– ask/asked

Start there and then really look for what your personal preferences are in your own work. I guarantee you have them.

A small excerpt for a #WIPpetWednesday

I asked on Facebook this week if anyone was even participating in WIPpet anymore. I have no idea. Those who I knew who were doing it, aren’t anymore. But I miss it so much. I thought I’d share a little from what I have been writing this whole month.

This is from Learning Love which is a May/December romance. This is when Becca, the soon-to-be love interest, means the ex-husband for the first time. It’s part of what made me absolutely fall in love with her character. She’s so strong in ways she doesn’t even know.

13 paragraphs for the year 20 – the month 7 = 13.

As she got closer to the door, Becca could hear a voice shouting through it.

“Kimberly, open up! Come to the fucking door. Seriously, Kimmie. Open the damn door.”

Becca pursed her lips and glanced around to make sure Kimberly wasn’t hiding in the kitchen or on the couch. She hesitantly stepped toward the door and peeked out the small glass window before unlocking it and opening it.

“Who the hell are you?” he shouted with wide eyes before trying to get around her.

Becca planted her feet firmly, refused to open the door any more, and would not move.

“Who the hell are you?” she countered back. “Don’t you think it’s a bit obnoxious to pound on a poor woman’s door until someone comes to answer it. Aren’t there better methods of getting someone’s attention rather than being a beast in a suit?”

She eyed him up and down, deciding right then and there she didn’t like him. He was dressed impeccably, but his demeanor was all man, all power, all superior entitlement.

“I own this house.”

“Bullshit,” Kimberly’s voice echoed down the hall as feet pattered heavily on the floor.

“Daddy!” Michael ran right by Becca and wrapped his arms around the man’s legs tightly, burying his face in his legs. “Why are you here?”

“Yes, why are you here, Bradley?” Kimberly asked angrily.

Becca decided to step to the side, thinking Kimberly had this handled better than she could, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to completely leave.

“Who is she?” He jerked his head in Becca’s direction and spat the question.

I honestly cannot wait for everyone else to read this piece. It might be my favorite since Memoir in the Making. It’s definitely not my norm, but these two characters…I don’t know, but I fell head over heels in love with them both.

Long time no type…?

It has been a long time since I have truly ventured into the world of writing and publishing. I wanted to be sure in my last foray into it that I was going to stick with it. I’m glad to say it’s been about a month now of me writing consistently, well mostly.

I had two unfinished romance novels that I have finished this month. The first is tentatively titled Learning Love and involves lessons in life we all need. The second is titled About Time and is a sweet sassy romance between a doctor and a chaplain.

I’ve also begun looking at some of my series again. I reread Unbound this past weekend…yes, the whole thing in two days. I forgot how freakin’ crazy Faye is! haha Before I dropped off the face of the planet, I had outlined 3/4 of the second book. I already knew everything that was going to happen and Faye has been reminding me that I need to write her.

I’ll be working on De-Termination next. But this is a LONG book, 41 chapters planned already! So it’ll be a bit for it to come to fruition. While I’d intended this book to drop in 2017, it’ll now hopefully be 2021!

Next up? My best friend, Grace. God, Grace needs some attention so badly!

Some people might think I’ve been focusing on having two toddlers running around which is why I put a pause on writing, but it is so much more than that. After experiencing an incredibly medically complicated and scary miscarriage in early 2017 and then a near death experience in 2018, I had to focus on my own mental well being. I had to figure my shit out, in other words. I’m still working on it, but I also realize how much I need to be writing to keep my sanity.

Back to the grind, then!

I may be back…I may disappear again…

As my children finally get a little older and as I finally work through some of the trauma from the birth of my second, I am FINALLY getting back into writing a tad bit. It’s been a whirlwind for the past four years of trying to just keep up with basics and function.

In November I attempted NaNoWriMo. I did not finish, but I did manage 35,000 words on a romance novel. Then I didn’t really look at it again because sickness slammed us hard over and over again until pretty much 2-3 weeks ago when now it’s just waves of it. That or we got used to it. Who knows.

I have no abandoned this piece, but I did start writing a second one, and in about 4-5 days, I’ve gotten close to 15,000 words in. I realize how desperately I need this for me. Soooo I’ll be setting some attainable goals, getting back to my authorly social media and blogging and see where this takes us.

We’re looking at potentially moving 400 miles (final interview is next week for a new job), I’ve got two toddlers at home, I’m having surgery on March 4, and waiting to hear back from a neurologist about a potential MS diagnosis or just stress. So there’s that.

This week my goal is to write five days a week (seven if I’m ambitious) and writing does include one sentence or more and future plotting of stories.

I’m working on two novels right now. My NaNoNovel, There is a Time, and this yet unnamed piece. There is a Time I’m stuck in the middle of the 12th chapter, and this new unnamed piece I just completed the 4th chapter. One is plotted, one is….was….plotted. Both are MILFy, both are romances, both are way different than the other.

That’s just a small update of my life and where I’m at. I’ll be back soon, I hope!

 

 

Decisions, Decisions, will they come back to haunt us? #WIPpetWednesday #WIPpet #AmWriting

I’m excited to say that I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time writing this week. I feel like I’m finally getting back into the swing of things. On Monday I wrote close to 5,000 words, so I guess that helps makes up for my ROW80 goals that I’ve missed. I need to write about 1500 words every day to maintain my ROW80 goals.

I’m very close to being halfway done with this short story, word count wise. There are three more scenes to write, although I could probably cut one if I really wanted to. I’ll decide when I get there. I figured out what the first story in the Kansas Beatitudes “Poor in Spirit” is going to be about, which makes me super happy, and I’m finding a way to connect each story to each other with characters that cross over as side characters. In other words, Ashley shows up in the first story, and Martha will show up in the third story (it’ll actually be about Martha). I do need to plan out/get an idea for the third story though.

On a side note: I was looking at different publishers to possibly submit these short stories to. I could self-publish, which is still on the table, but I prefer a publisher if only for the fact that I want to be a bit lazier with these stories until I really get back on my feet. I have a list of publishers to send to; I’m just not sure which one I’ll send to first. Anyway, back on track, I was looking at one of these publisher’s open calls, and they’re seeking holiday stories. I have one that’s not quite finished but is well over the halfway point. I could easily finish it up and submit it. My only hesitation is that it’s M/M and not F/F. I don’t want to piss off my F/F readers, so I’m thinking if I did do that I’d submit under a different pen name (one I’ve thought about for a long time), but then again, I don’t want it to be a one-off story pen name either. ugh, so many decisions that are really minor and I just need to make them.

I could consider converting the story to be F/F, but that’d take quite a bit of time (not that I don’t have time, the submission isn’t due until Sept 15th), but I’m not sure how much of the story will be lost if I change the sex of the main two characters. It’s something for me to ruminate on for sure.

Back on track of what today is all about. My WIPpet! This is an excerpt from Mourn, Kansas Beatitude #2. Because I’m writing this post on Tuesday instead of in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, I was able to get super creative with the math for the day.

2016 / 7 [month] = 288 + (7 [day] – 2 [day]) = 293 and you get 293 words today from Mourn.

She sniffled but didn’t dare repeat herself. It might have been twenty years since Moira had left, but it had taken her twenty years to admit out loud that Moira leaving had hurt her so much that she was still dealing with it. Swallowing, Ashley shuffled in the chair, not quite sure what to say.

“I’m so sorry,” Moira whispered, reaching out and gripping Ashley’s fingers tightly. She curved their hands together and didn’t seem to be letting go any time soon. “I didn’t know what to tell you.”

“The truth would have been a good place to start.” Ashley’s voice rang through her kitchen, and she bit her tongue. She was usually so much better at hiding her emotions than this.

Moira licked her lips and straightened her back, but she didn’t let go of Ashley’s hand. “I told you the truth back then, and I’ll tell you again now. I loved you, Ashley, more than I thought was possible.”

“You loved me, but you left.” She was whispering but it was more like screaming. The last thing she wanted was for her son to hear what was going on and tell his father, only to have his father take them all back to court for custody again. “You abandoned me our last year of school. We could have both gotten out of here, but you had to shove me in the garbage along with everything else you left behind.”

“Ash—”

“Don’t. Just don’t. You have no idea what that did to me because you didn’t care to look. It’s been twenty years, so just leave it alone.”

“Ash, I looked. Trust me. I saw everything that was happening to you, more than you saw. I was trying to protect you.”

If you want to want to join in WIPpet Wednesdays, all are welcome to participate. Simply make a blog post with a snippet from your Work In Progress. The only hard fast rule is that it has to relate somehow to the date. It’s your choice how it relates. Once you have your post done, then head on over to our wonderful hostess & link it up with the rest of the WIPpets. Visit everyone you can! We’re all comment whores. =P

Progress is Progress #ROW80 #AmWriting #Mourn #KansasBeatitude

I feel like I can add the tag #amwriting this week because I did actually do some writing, even if it wasn’t a lot. I managed 1700 words on Thursday before I headed off to work, and while I’d had intentions to write on Friday and Saturday, it just didn’t happen.

I spent Sunday afternoon cleaning. Isn’t that a fantastic way to round out the weekend? hahaha, but it does need to happen. This story is constantly on my mind, which is a good thing. I think it means I’ll actually finish it, and seeing as how I’ve had several short stories that I’ve started and not completed lately, I’m aiming for finishing it.

I think I also had an idea for the first short story, Poor in Spirit, in the Kansas Beatitude series. It’s based off something happening in my world right now, and that’s probably why I couldn’t think of writing it before I had admitted it to myself.

Again, I have high aspirations and goals for this round of ROW80, but my true goal is just to finish at least one short story. I need to start writing novels this year soon enough anyway. I have to write De-Termination (Quarter Life #2), which I had to ask my publisher to extend the date on it, and I have to write the next book for Grace. If I could fit in a sweet romance in there too, I’d love it, but that’s not my focus.

There’s also a great debate as to whether or not be an ML come November. There is not a lot of ML support where I live, and I absolutely loved doing it in Texas. I’m just very concerned about time and baby and family and life and adjustments that will be happening right about then at work and all that jazz. I only have 6 more days to decide, so I best get deciding soon.

I’ll stop rambling now =P

Here are my goals:

SHORT STORY TITLES: Poor in Spirit, Mourn, Meek, Hunger & Thirst, Merciful, Pure in Heart, Peacemakers, Persecuted.

DATES TO FINISH BY: July 14, July 24, Aug 3, Aug 13, Aug 23, Sep 2, Sept 12, Sept 22 (if I counted correctly)

TOTAL WORD COUNT:

Goal                —           Actual
120,000         —           4271

 

A new work in progress #Mourn #KansasBeatitude #WIPpet

It’s been a while since I’ve done WIPpet. It’s also been a while since I’ve written and posted on this blog. I’m attempting to get back on track with this writing stuff and back into the habit of writing everyday.

I’ve joined up with ROW80 this round in an attempted to basically write one short story every ten days. It’s not going well. I still only have 2500 words that I wrote the first day, but I’m going to share some of it today.

The idea for this series of short stories is romance shorts based on the beatitudes. There are eight beatitudes in total, and each short story will be a minimum of 15,000 words, totaling 120,000 words when I finish all eight. I have all but 3 planned with basic plots, and I’ve been working on the second beatitude since that plot came easiest for me. Each short story will take place in Kansas (where I’m currently stationed) thus making the theme complete.

I do hope I can finish them all so I can publish these. =P But it’s romance so maybe it was a bad idea to write romance to get me back into the game since it’s not my strongest genre. Oh well, only time will tell.

WIPpet Wednesday is a day where we post snippets from our Work In Progress. It’s got one very simple rule: your snippet must in some way relate to the date. For this WIPpet, I’ll be sharing from Mourn, Kansas Beatitude #2. These are the first 21 sentences of the piece, 20 for today’s date and one for good luck because I really need it. This is straight draft form, and I haven’t gone through it at all, so forgive the typos/grammar/spelling.

“Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted.”

With her finger bent, she rapped her knuckle against the screen door. The wooden door was wide open, and the heat from the house, which was actually a business, rushed through the screen and barely touched her cheeks. Taking a  deep breath, Moira sturdied her shoulders and waited for someone to answer. The figure shown through the door in seconds, and she took a step back off the cement deck so the door could be opened.

“My sister called and said this is where I was supposed to meet you?” Moira said it like a question, but she knew exactly where she was. She’d only been there once before when she was a little kid and her grandmother had died, but she remembered the smell of the makeshift funeral home distinctly.

“Moira.” The voice was smooth and warm.

Moira finally raised her gaze, locking her eyes with the woman standing on the other side of the doorway, pity lacing her features. Moira gritted her teeth and tensed her shoulders. She had never expected that woman to be standing in front of her, had never expected to see her again, in fact, she had prayed every night for years that she wouldn’t have to look upon her beautiful face again.

“Get in here out of the cold.”

Without saying another word, Moira pushed her way through the screen door until she stood just inside. Shivering in the sudden warmth, she stripped off her winter jacket and twirled her scarf from around her neck. She was going to be there a while, whether she wanted to be or not. With her heart racing, Moira lifted her gaze once again, this time prepared.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, Ashley.”

Ashely gave a wry smile and took Moira’s jacket, hanging it next to the door. “Me either. Thought you’d left never to return.”

Want to join in WIPpet? Check out the linkie here.

#ROW80 Round 3 but Round 1 for me! #amwriting #KansasBeatitude

It’s been a long time since I’ve written. Sleep deprivation is a real thing, yo. My baby, this past week, has finally decided to sleep through the night (again). He took about 6 weeks off of sleeping through the night. I’m hoping this sticks for him because I really miss writing and spending time in the writing world. I feel so far behind.

I was supposed to have a book written and ready to go for release on October 1st, and I honestly haven’t even finished outlining it. It’s halfway outlined. I’ve given up on getting it written for this year, so it’ll just have to be on my list for next year. In the meantime, I feel horrible about not writing. It’s my number one stress reliever, and I haven’t written properly since NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR! Such a scary thought.

Anywho. I decided to jump in on this round of ROW80 to try and get back in the swing of things. As I was laying in bed this morning at 5:30 because my spouse insisted on waking me up to tell me about an awesome thunderstorm, I came up with a short story romance series that I wanted to write. It’s called “Kansas Beatitude” which means I already have built in titles & series name. haha! I love when it works for you.

There are 8 short stories in this series based on the 8 beatitudes in the gospel of Matthew. And by based, I mean loosely themed on them. I’m writing the second one right now because I couldn’t come up with a good idea for the first one. (Poor in Spirit is a HARD topic to figure something out on). The characters are all different in each piece, though they will probably interweave to some degree once I get going. They will all be set in Western Kansas, where I live. The goal is that each short story will be about 15k words long.

Since there are 80 days in ROW80 and I have 8 short stories to write, I figure one short story every ten days. Which means, I’m already behind if I don’t finish this one short story today and I’m only 1500 words in, so I’m guessing I’m not going to finish it today. It means I’ll have to work hard to catch up.

Here’s my goals:

SHORT STORY TITLES: Poor in Spirit, Mourn (the one I’m currently writing), Meek, Hunger & Thirst, Merciful, Pure in Heart, Peacemakers, Persecuted.

DATES TO FINISH BY: July 14, July 24, Aug 3, Aug 13, Aug 23, Sep 2, Sept 12, Sept 22 (if I counted correctly)

I’m going to need some serious accountability on this to accomplish it. Even if I just make it through one short story at this point, I’m going to be so happy because it has been so long since I’ve written.

Like I said earlier, I skipped Poor in Spirit (Kansas Beatitude #1) and opted to start work on Mourn (Kansas Beatitude #2) because I had an idea pop in my head for it. I will have to go back and write the first one if I want to start sending this off to publishers to try and get it out into the real world because self-publishing for me does not go as well as it should.

I have 3 more short stories to come up with ideas for (including the first one), and I have about 12,500 more words to write on Mourn. Guess I better get to pecking at this keyboard in a more productive manner. Anyhow, catch you later! I’m off to write.

Back for some WIPpet Wednesday #WIPpetWednesday #amwriting

Oh if only I remember clearly how to do this and where the links are and everything! It has been so long since I’ve been apart of WIPpet, and I sorely miss it.

I’ve decided to post from this scifi tentacle thing I started writing the other day. I’ve only made it 2000 words into it. I’d also love to finish this paranormal romance novella thing I started forever and a day ago that I’ve only ever made it halfway through the first chapter. OOOOoooops! In the upcoming months, I’d love to finish this and I need to (read have to, must, absolutely) finish De-Termination, which brings me back to Faye & her wild and crazy antics. De-Termination releases Oct 1, and I haven’t even written it. I do have a pretty cover for it though! And a blurb.

De-TerminationFINAL

 

Faye has never been more determined in her life.

 

After becoming an integral part of Molly’s crew to find unique creatures, Faye feels she’s finally found a place she can stick around for a few years. She grows more comfortable with the team each passing day, and when Molly sends her and Benjamin on a job, she jumps at the opportunity.

Disaster strikes only a few days in. As chaos crumbles down around her, Faye doesn’t know where to turn for help. Dealing with the hiccups of life and plans has always been easy, but this time, Faye’s not sure she’ll survive. Her only hope is that Molly can find her in time.

 

Here’s to hoping being a part of WIPpet will give me the kick in my ass to start writing again. Here’s 9 paragraphs from this scifi short story I started. It’s at the very beginning, and I think the only thing you need to know is that Calleen works in receiving on a station.

Klockow stomped over to her, his thick metal boots clacking against the metal floor. Cal’s shoulders tensed. He always made her do that. She breathed deeply as she grabbed the last plastibox and slid it onto the hoverpad.

“Calleen,” he said, his gruff and deep voice reverberating in her chest.

“Yes, sir?” she asked, straightening her back and looking him over. His wide chest was probably half her height, and he stood over her to the point where she had to strain her neck just to make out his drool soaked beard. Kloakan’s were one of the ugliest species out there, according to more than just humans, and Cal agreed with them.

“This is Rev.”

A small woman popped her head out from behind Klockow and gave Cal a small wave with one of her bright green tentacles. Her smile seemed to be a mix of excitement and nerves. Cal didn’t dare smile back.

“She needs to be trained, and Halvarti is out today.”

“Yes, sir,” Cal replied. She tried her best not to say more than those two words to Klockow, but it didn’t always work out.

Grunting as more drool slipped down his beard and onto the metal floor below, Klockow looked Cal over carefully. “Train her right and you might get a bonus.”

“Yes, sir.” That time she said the words with a bit more enthusiasm. Any bonus would help her out in the long run. The credits would be funneled exactly where they needed to go: to her son.

If you want to join in WIPpet! DO IT! It’s open to any and all who care to join in. You just go over here to our awesome linkie after making your blog post and then add it in. Check out other WIPpeteers while you’re at it and give us load of comments because we’re all comment whores. Thanks to are amazing hostess, Emily Witt, for taking the time to run it!

 

Pssst did someone say #WIPpetWednesday?

Hey all. I know, I know. I haven’t been around. But I’m working on that. I have at least been writing, this month. I haven’t been writing much in general. This pregnancy thing really threw me for an unexpected loop.

Anyway. I am writing. I’m writing something totally and completely new. It’s called OBlique. It’s a romancey thing. At first, before naming it, I called it “Romancey Thing Take Deux!” but I do have a title now.

I will not make it around to blogs today. I should be able to make rounds tomorrow, so watch out peoples, I’m back for at least one week! w00t!

So how does this work again? It’s been so long…

16 short paragraphs from chapter 1, where my two lovelies meet. My math you ask? 1 x 1 = 1 and 18 – 1 = 17 so there. =P

The crash shook the aisle. Jaclyn spun around and looked toward the end of the store, as far as she could see. Cans of soup were rolling around on the ground. Saying nothing to Donnetta, Jaclyn stepped forward and down the aisle, keeping her eyes open to anything. There was commotion, and while she wanted to help with whatever it was, she also really just wanted to go home to her lonely bowl of cereal and veg on the couch for a few hours.

Dale was leaned over a woman who was pressed against the end cap. She was beautiful with dark locks of hair and a heart shaped face, but she was pale as a ghost. Dale was mumbling crap at her, trying to figure out what to do. He glanced up and sighed relief when he saw Jaclyn standing there.

“Good. Tiny’s here,” he said to everyone who was gathering around.

“Me?” Jaclyn put a hand to her chest before squatting down and reaching for the woman’s wrist. “Ma’am?”

Her eyes popped open, and jade green shone back. Jaclyn bit her cheek and nodded. “Hi. I’m Tiny,” she said, using the nickname she hated, but everyone was standing around and wouldn’t know who she was if said her legal name. “Wanna tell me what happened?”

“I—I’m fine,” she whispered. Her eyes scanned the small crowd, and if it was possible, she grew even paler.

Jaclyn shifted her hand on her wrist and checked her pulse. It was racing, but she couldn’t tell if it was because of embarrassment or something else. “You’re obviously not fine. You’re on the ground.”

“I’m fine,” she said, sternly. “I got dizzy and tried to lean against the cart or the shelf, but I guess I missed.”

“Well, you managed to sit.” Jaclyn crinkled her eyes and nodded her head toward Dale. “Get her some water, will you? And you all can give this lady some room!” The four or five people around her stepped back. Most didn’t leave the vicinity though, that was too much to hope for.

“What’s your name?”

“Kara.”

“Kara, I’m Tiny. This is Dale,” she said as he brought back over a plastic cup of water. “Drink this up for me.”

Jaclyn settled her hand on Kara’s thigh and glanced around. She wanted to get rid of the gawkers probably as much as Kara did, but she also knew that wouldn’t happen. Even in a larger small town, this would be the talk of the day. Swallowing, Jaclyn looked back down to find Kara staring at the cup and not having drank any of it.

“Drink up.”

Kara looked as though she was going to protest, but she cringed and took a small sip of the water instead. Jaclyn licked her lips and shook her head.

“Dale, get them out of here, will ya?”

“Got it, Tiny.” He stood up, his bulging belly hanging over his pants which were only held up by the suspenders he wore. “Let’s give her some space. Donnetta, you ready? I’ll check you out right now.”

Well there you go! New story and hopefully a new leaf turned so I’m back to this writing thing. I really need to focus on it now before bumblebee arrives because let’s face it, not much writing will be done then. I have loads going on bookwise still because I write so freakin’ much last year. I have my last release of the year on December 1st, so I’m in the midst of promotion right now, writing this book, editing Lost & Forsaken and doing a print proof on Fallen from Grace. I’m also thinking about this other book I need to write for release this coming October, the sequel to Unbound. So loads and loads going on.

I’ll be stalking you all tomorrow! Catch you on the flip side.

Continuing down the #NaNoWriMo path and why I keep on chugging along #amwriting

Well, it’s day 5 of NaNo, and I find myself in an awkward moment. I sprinted this morning, have about 45 minutes to get ready for work and I finished chapter 2, so I really don’t want to sprint again even though I could.

I’ve been behind in NaNo word counts since day one…when I didn’t write. But I’m glad to say I’m almost caught up. There have been a lot of discussions on Facebook recently about who NaNo really helps and who it doesn’t, and honestly, it’s hard for me to say. I have to weigh in on the conversation, because let’s face it, I’m a talker, but I don’t know who it helps.

There are people who say they write 100k words a day and thus finish NaNo in about 12 hours. That’s impossible for me. I do write very fast, but it’s impossible. Firstly, writing is not my full-time job. I am an author, I have multiple published works, I strive to published 2-3 novels a year, but writing is NOT, I repeat, NOT my full-time job. Nor do I want it to be.

I also kind of want to preserve my wrists so they don’t end up needing surgery in a year. Hence why I slow down a bit. That said, I do still write rather fast compared to other people. What new authors or aspiring authors don’t realize is that I have experience. I know how my brain works and what methods I can use to make writing easier for me. It wasn’t always that easy, and without NaNoWriMo and CampNaNo, I wouldn’t be a published author today.

NaNo taught me discipline. It taught me how to write daily, every day, no matter what. It taught me that some days I will write 17k words and other days I’ll be lucky to get 500, but so long as there are words in that document, I’m making progress. NaNo also taught me to write as much as I can write now because there will always be loads of editing later. Again, these are my methods. Not everyone can turn off their internal editor and keep writing until they finish the book and then go back later.

I can. And that’s how I write.

There have been years where I wasn’t sure NaNo was for me. I write fast. I can finish a novel in two weeks if I really want to and my day job isn’t all that busy (read the hahahahahaha now moment in that statement). November is a busy work month for me. So is October. It involves loads of planning at my day job, so now that I’m working full-time in a field I love and adore, NaNo is a struggle. Like this post started, I’m almost finally caught up with the daily minimum count. I’m working on a novel that’s estimated to be about 90k words. That will make me be writing through December if I only stick to the minimum word count each day.

I’m also someone who love outlining. I have a shit ton of stories in my head at any given point. The more I write, the more stories just appear. It’s like the more you exercise the better at it you get so the more you want to do it and keep it up. The more I invite inspiration into my head space, the more inspiration is comfortable in joining me. So I have a shit ton of stories in my head. I need to outline. For two reasons at the very least.

  1. It means I’ll actually remember what was supposed to happen in a story and I won’t get all my plot lines mixed up. It means that my novels will have flow and meaning and plots that are main plots and back plots. It means the story will be as complete as it can be in the first round.
  2. It helps motivate me to keep writing. There isn’t an “I’m stuck” moment because it’s already laid out for me. I have the basic structure for what it’s all going to look like. The transitions aren’t there, but the big moments are. My outlines are thin, usually 1-2 sentences per scene per chapter and then I’m done. The rest I get to make up as I go.

Once I discovered the wonders of outlining, I realize just how much I could accomplish in a short period of time.

Anyway, that’s enough ranting for now. But NaNo this year is necessary to keep me on track in writing this novel. It’s necessary to help me finish something in a time of the year that’s crazy busy for me.

So NaNo away all you fun loving awesome writers!

Break time is OVER! #amwriting #update

Hey all!

I know! It’s been forever! These past few months I’ve been in and out of the house, gone for weeks at a time. It’s been hard to keep up with stuff. That and not feeling well (more about that later in a separate post) doesn’t make productivity high. So, since I’ve been gone, I haven’t been doing much.

But now I’m back. Life should be calming down, and I’m off to get a head start of everything I want to be releasing in 2016. In case you’re curious…

Editing for 2015/2016 left to do

TBR 12/1/15 — Grace through Redemption (Spirit of Grace #3) — edits with publisher, so only a few more rounds to go!
TBR 6/1/16 — Lost & Forsaken: Missing Persons #1 (A Detective Grace Novel) — in with the beta readers!
TBR 2016 — Deathscape — edits with publisher

Deathscape is a short story that I submitted to Less Than Three Press. It was accepted, so now I’m just waiting on edits and cover and scheduling and all that good stuff. I’ll keep you all updated as I know.

Writing for 2015/2016

Glacial Freeze — this is a paranormal romance novella based in Glacier National Park. It’ll be awesome once I get it written. I have started writing it!
De-Termination (Quarter Life #2) — more adventures of Faye the crazy ass vampire. This is due out Oct 2016
Untitled: Missing Persons #2 (A Detective Grace Novel) — gotta write more Grace because who doesn’t love Grace!
Bronzed Mask — scifi, steampunky, post-apoc awesome story!

Life’s updates are insane, but I miss you all, I miss writing, and I’m getting back on the wagon. =P

Excitement of Creation #ROW80 and #WIPpetWednesday

Good morning! As I mentioned when I first posted these goals that they were the goals through April at least. It looks like they’re going to last until about halfway through May too, so I’ll keep them up until they need to change.

1. Write 3k words a day on Lost & Forsaken until finished.

Sunday: 0
Monday: 4024
Tuesday: 3057

This gives me a total of 43,612, meaning I have only about 6.5k more to write to finish out Camp NaNo! The Camp NaNo site says I only need about 2100 words to finish on time. I disagree with it since there are only two days left, but I do believe I shall accomplish Camp. I had to split a chapter recently and that made me fall a bit behind. But it feels SO GOOD to be over halfway done with this novel

2. Edit 2 chapters a day on Her Run for Rachael

3. Edit 2 chapters a day on shorts for Kaden

Goal was to yesterday do two and today do four, but that didn’t happen. Perhaps today I will get some of this done. I need to stop procrastinating on it for sure.

4. Edit 1 chapter a day on Unbound: Book One of Quarter Life which is my own thing that’s supposed to be coming out in Oct.

Pfffft….I’m getting so behind in this it’s not even funny. But it doesn’t really matter because, well, I have so much time for it! I did, however, get my cover done. Thanks to the awesome Stacy for doing it for me!

Unbound COVER2

Also!! In other awesome and amazing news!!! My publisher put up Memoir in the Making a few days early on the publishers site. I’m so excited for this piece to finally be out. Probably because I love it and because it’s been so long since I’ve had a book release. I’ve forgotten what it tastes like! I’m hoping for great things for Memoir in the Making. It’s my fifth book to be released, but it’s a new to be genre, meaning I’m not sure if it will. Here’s to hoping. *fingers crossed*

Memoir04sample

Now onto WIPpet! I debated whether or not to post a WIPpet today. I reveal my huge secret about said novel on the FB page tomorrow, meaning I can share it everywhere tomorrow afternoon. But it’s not tomorrow yet. So what to do? I haven’t really worked on anything but the novel since I’m trying to catch up with Camp NaNo. I did submit some shorts to Chicken Soup for the Soul, but those are personal, so I’d rather not share them, so it leaves me in a bit of a pickle. What to share with you all today!

What you get is ten lines from the short story I was working on before that I still haven’t finished because I’m unsure if I like it or not. In response to the posts last week…Cheska (the POV character) and Kapri are on a science research vessel for a hellishly long time to research geomagnetic storms. They had finally found one after sixty days of searching, sort of. They were in the afterwaves of the storm and not the storm proper. This following scene happens after that.

For those of you new to this, WIPpet Wednesday is where we all post excerpts from our works in progress. There’s only two hard fast rules. One link your WIPpet to the rest right here. And two, your excerpt has to related to the date in some form or fashion, so get creative with the math.

Like I said, ten sentences for April 29th, 2015. Taking the 4 + the 5 + the 1 = 10

“You’ve done this before, though.”

“Not like this.”

I shook my head. “Not like what?”

Kapri groaned and pushed up from my cot, walking away. My stomach dropped and I followed her, dropping my bowl to the metal floor. I trailed closely behind her and stopped when she grabbed her own back of gunk to mix with water.

“Not like what?” I repeated.

“Drop it,” Kapri said, her voice low and threatening.

“No. I’m sorry, but it’s been sixty days of hell in here with you. You don’t talk, you don’t do anything except work, you barely even look at me. I get that you’re passionate, but everyone needs a break now and then.”

“Cheska—stop.”

“No, I won’t stop.” Desperation flooded my tone, my eyes watered and my voice cracked. “What’s different this time around? What’s so fucking different!?”

“You!”

trying to keep up #ROW80

Well…I’m back!!! I’ve got a lot going on in general, but it always seems to pile up. This week the SO was home for 4 days straight, which seriously cramped my style in writing a bit. Yesterday I drove about an hour to meet another awesome writer whom I’ve connected with online, and it felt so good to be in that world again. Kansas is very isolating sometimes, and I miss all my writer buddies in Texas for sure.

However, I am still making good writing progress. I was talking to a friend online the other day and we were chatting about writing and writing and characters and writing. I mentioned I never had the intention of being a full-time writer. At least not until I retire from my amazing day job. Said friend told me I write a lot for someone not intending to be a full-time writer. I’d have to agree, but why not make good practices of it now? Why not build the audience now while I have time and don’t have worry about it? Why not hone my skill and craft now while I’m not dependent on the income?

All makes sense to me at least. Not that said friend disagreed at all. I think I’m just a conundrum. Which is normal for people to finally recognize that about me. I’m also someone who likes to keep busy.

Anyway! What you’re all here for is a ROW80 update post from me, not some rambling. But my goals were limited this week due to the SO being home more often than anticipated and due to my lack of sleep. It happens.

1. Write 3k words a day on Lost & Forsaken

Wednesday: 1659
Thursday: 4316
Friday: 2382
Saturday: 4083

I’m still on track according to my schedule, but that’s because I’ve been averaging 4k words on days when I write a lot. I’m actually about 1 day ahead of where I should be. The entire novel is at 36,000 words in 9 full days of writing time, so I’m pretty darn proud of that. I’m also working on revealing the secret of what this novel is on the 30th to my FB groupies because I hate keeping secrets like this when I don’t have to.

2. Edit 2 chapters a day on Her Run for Rachael

3. Edit 2 chapters a day on shorts for Kaden

I haven’t worked on this at all yet. Since I wanted to finish this before May (I have another edit coming in May that hit my email this morning), I need to get going. I anticipate about 8 more hours of work on it.

4. Edit 1 chapter a day on Unbound: Book One of Quarter Life which is my own thing that’s supposed to be coming out in Oct.

I got behind in this. I’m supposed to be editing chapter 15 today or tomorrow, I think, and I’m still on chapter 10. A few hours to catch up won’t take long, I just have to find the time to do it.

 

These were my goals through the month of April, so as soon as May hits, some of these goals are going to change a bit. Some added, some deleted. Right now, I’m looking at

1. Write 3k a day on Lost & Forsaken until it is complete.

2. Write a few short stories (2 a week) when Lost & Forsaken is complete OR dive straight into a new novel.

3. Edit 1 chapter a day for Jasmine.

4. Edit 1 chapter a day on Unbound.

5. Get back on track with Open When blog posts.

A Lenten Fast #blogging #life #writing #newreleases #editing

Well, it has been a long time since I’ve been on this blog. I unintentionally gave up blogging for Lent it seems. Go figure. I ran into one of the busiest few months of my life, even busier than wedding planning and moving across country and starting a new job. I’m not sure I thought that was possible. But yesterday was Easter, and that means fasting — whether intentionally or not — is over. So I’m back.

It’s a bright and beautiful Monday morning. Typically that means on my blog that I get to talk about Broken Taboos. But I think I’m just going to take today to catch you all up on what I’ve been doing. Which hasn’t been much in the writing world, I’m afraid.

I haven’t really truly written since January, although there have been a few moments of quick writing here and there. I did start a sci fi short story about this very interesting character. It’s written in first person POV, which is not my norm at all, but I wanted to experiment a bit and what better way to do that than in a short story? It’s been loads of fun, but I do need to finish it. Cheska agreed to help out this scientist while they try to discover patterns and more information about geomagnetic storms in space. So yeah, pretty cool. I’m hoping it’ll be accepted for an anthology.

I’ve been doing a lot of copy-editing since January. I don’t know why, but the copy-editing side of my life has boomed. I’ve had about two pieces a month to edit, which while I love copy-editing, it means I don’t write as much. I do believe that once the SO gets a “real” job, meaning one that pays more than half of what I make a month, then I’ll drop the copy-editing down to minimal so I can focus on writing some more.

Other than that!! Life is amazing! Books are amazing!

I’ve got three releases coming up between May 1 and June 1. Which includes parties and so much more! I’m finally getting around to you know, answering emails and such, and setting up some promo. Now that I can focus on stuff not day job related for awhile.

So…since I’m on the promo kick! I’ll put it out there.

I have a HUGE, and I mean HUGE, release party for Memoir in the Making happening May 1-8. I’m looking for a ton of people to takeover the event. I’m also looking for donations if that’s more your thing. Memoir in the Making is a romance, so if you’re intro writing romancey things, this one might be good to join in on. Here’s the link to the sign up.

Since I’m releasing Fallen from Grace (Spirit of Grace #2) June 1 (see? I told you–so many releases). I’m looking for people to read and review For by Grace to try and up my reviews on Amazon. There are multiple reasons for this, which if I do get enough reviews, I’ll share in a blog post later. The sign up sheet or rather, information collecting sheet, is right here for this one.

My third release for this insanity is a short story in an anthology. Young Love, Old Hearts. It’s a May-December, Old-Young anthology. This is probably my favorite short story I’ve every written. It just feels like I hit the nail on the head with it, and that happens so rarely. I get bubbly every time I think about this short.

Anyway! Enough of the business side of things.

At home!!! We got a new puppy! Well puppy is my term for her. She’s a seven year old chocolate lab mix, she’s adorable, she knows how to roll over and spin in circles, and she listens, and is snuggly. She loves my pittie! They get along fantastically, and I really couldn’t have asked for more in a dog (well, maybe better breath). So I think that completes our furfamily. Two dogs and two cats is plenty!

The SO is graduating with a BA in May! I’m so excited and proud. Can’t wait to see the SO walk with cap and gown. It’s been a long time coming. That also means the SO has to start looking for a career rather than just a job to pay the bills. Which I’m sure the SO is uber happy about. =P

On another note, I’ve been crocheting scarves a lot lately. I’m waiting to see if the idea I have in store will come to fruition, but I’m thinking an author and fan charity donation of knitted and crocheted scarves to one particular group (yes, I’m being a bit vague on purpose). What I noticed, aside from all of us authors having furbabies), is that a lot of us love to crochet or knit. No idea why, but it’s something pretty common among the community. I figure fans are also the same way since reading and crocheting/knitting seem to go hand in hand. The donations would go to women who are leaving domestic abuse situations. Which is something I’m very passionate about.

It’s something I’ve tried to bring to light a few times in my Spirit of Grace series and in my personal life. There is a second organization that would before foster care kids who are in college, which is also something I’m passionate about bringing awareness to. But…this one is still in the works, but if you’re interested, let me know!

Wow! This turned out to be a long post!! Love you all! Missed you! Can’t wait for WIPpet Wednesday!

On Fire!!! #ROW80 & #WIPpetWednesday

Well, it’s Wednesday. That means I get to post a ROW80 update and a WIPpet update. I woke up this morning with a killer sore throat. I guess I’m not as over this cold thing as I thought I was. February has started, and February at my day job is INSANE! Not because it’s the month specifically but because I have a trip, it’s the start to Lent, it’s the start of so many things I have to be involved in.

But I’ve also been on fire this week. I can taste the rainbow! I’m going to start with ROW80 as is normal. If you’re just here for the WIPpet, skip down.

  • write 1667 words a day
    • Sunday – 4197
    • Monday – 4420
    • Tuesday – 3913
  • Blog posts each week:ROW80,WIPpet, Open When, and 1 extra post
    • Have two extra posts this week, one today and one tomorrow.
  • Audio: Record/Edit a chapter a week
    • Not done

I have about 8k words left to write in the novel I’m currently working on…that means I’ll have to find something new for after that. I won’t be posting next week at all since I will be out of town. I’ll schedule most of my regular posts, but that’s it.

WIPpet

So this week was a bit difficult for me to choose because I’ve written so much. Next week, meaning Ash Wednesday, meaning Feb 18th and the next time I’ll be participating, will be EVEN harder. I should be done with this novel by then. I should be done with this series by then. It’s sad to think about.

Here’s my WIPpet for the week. From chapter 14, Fire and Brimstone. Deputy Grace Halling has just responded to a call where a vehicle is on fire in a transit parking lot. Today you get 8 short paragraphs because well… 2 +4 + 0 ( 1 + 5) = 8

Once the fire was doused, the firefighters checked on the car. Grace still stood in place. Other officers had driven by, but she’d waved them off to continue with their rounds. It wouldn’t do to have them all gathered around a transit station for nothing more than just a car. She was just debating whether or not to call in investigations when the firefighter who was clearly in charge waved her over.

Grace’s knees creaked when she took her first step. The cold had gotten to them and locked them in place. She slowly made her way closer. The smell was sickening. The scent of burning wood was often comforting, but this, this was a mixture of plastic and heat. Heat beyond what she’d ever seen. Grace wrinkled her nose as she took another step, hitting a patch of ice.

She groaned when her body tilted. Her hands flung out on either side of her body and she swung them around to try and stop her momentum. It didn’t help. Grace closed her eyes as the weight of her body barreled closer to the ground. Her back hit it first, then her shoulders and then her head. Grace moaned and turned on her side as soon as everything stopped moving.

The firefighters were right on top of her. She kept her eyes shut to wave off the embarrassment and to focus herself before she tried to get up again. Their hands were on her face and they were talking to her, but Grace ignored them for a moment. Her back, butt and head hurt like it hadn’t in ages. She’d thought she’d gotten so much better at the being clumsy thing, but obviously she had not.

They tapped her face, and Grace finally opened her eyes to look at them. “Are you all right?” one asked.

“Yeah, fucking dandy. Anyone ever tell you water turns to ice when it’s ten below zero?”

He grinned but kept his hand on her cheek when he respond. “Why yes, yes they did. Also why I walk carefully in the vicinity of water in that temperature.”

She snorted and rolled up so she was leaning on her side. Her head spun and made her feel queasy. Grace clamped her mouth shut and closed her eyes again as the wave of dizziness floated through her system. It would not be good if they wanted to call paramedics. She would be out for her shift, and she couldn’t have that happening. It’d only just begun.

If you would like to join in WIPpet Wednesday, DO IT! To participate you post an excerpt of your WIP, work in progress, on your blog. Correlate it somehow to the date. Then link it here with the rest and comment on some other ones. It’s all fun and games. =P

#ROW80 update — Almost done!

Hello all! My in laws are in town this weekend, so I’m going to make it quick. I have been writing! If I stick with my plan, I’ll finish this piece on Feb 8th or around then, which is just before I leave for a whole week to go to a conference.

So here’s my update

Here’s my ROW80 update.

  • write 1667 words a day
    • Wednesday – 2102
    • Thursday – 2371
    • Friday – 2836
    • Saturday – 6096
  • Blog posts each week:ROW80,WIPpet, Open When, and 1 extra post
    • Did this last week, have two extra posts for this coming week. I think it’s all set.
  • Audio: Record/Edit a chapter a week
    • Not done

As for the writing front. I’m very close to finishing this novel. 3 chapters and an epilogue. So if I write 3k words a day, or average that, I can finish by Feb 7th. I have myself one extra day for a just in case day. I leave on the 9th for Texas for a week, so yeah, would really love to get it done before I spend a busy week down there.

Goals for the first round of the year! #ROW80

Well, it’s the start of a new round, meaning I have to make some goals up. I certainly should have been thinking about this a lot sooner than just last night and this morning. So I guess that means my goals are likely to change.

1. write 1667 words a day

I really liked this goal from last time, and I think it did really well in keeping me writing. So I shall do it again!

2. Blog posts each week: ROW80, WIPpet, Open When, and 1 extra post

3. Audio: Record/Edit a chapter a week of For by Grace

I’ve been slacking on this and not doing it at all, so that means I really have to get to doing it.

 

Those be my goals. Now here’s to accomplishing them!!

Decisions…decisions #ROW80 & #WIPpetWednesday

I’m struggling with decisions today. I don’t know which WIPpet to share with you all. I have two going right now in the writing life, and two going right now in the editing life. And my NaNoWriMo project is supposed to be super secret, so I’m not sure I want to share from it. While I struggle, even longer with this decision since it’s something I’ve been thinking about since YESTERDAY, let me do my ROW80 update.

1. Write 1667 words a day.

So accomplising this…

Sunday: 0 (I had a planned 12 hour work day, and it was Sunday so I chose not to write on it, since then every day has been a 12 hour work day this week, but I’ve managed to get writing in before heading off to the world of never ending tasks).
Monday: 3096
Tuesday: 6110

2. keep up with all blog posts ROW80, WIPpet, Open When and add in 1 extra post a week

So far this week is great! Made up for what I forgot last week, and I’m still on time will all these. Only thing left this week is my Open When post on Saturday, which I’m hoping I won’t forget, but I’m presiding at a funeral that day, so we’ll see.

3. Edit at least one chapter a week on something.

I have two copy-edits going right now and one beta read on stuff that isn’t mine. So I did 50 pgs on copy-edit on Monday (which is about 3 chapters), and one chapter for beta reading this week. I started a chapter of my own edits! But didn’t quite finish them. Also, my publisher just sent back edits on my novel Fallen from Grace, so … I get to start that wonderful journey soon, although I think I’m going to wait until December for that.

4. crochet one round of border a week

Have no done this–someone kick my ass about it please!

***

Now onto WIPpet Wednesday, so that means I really need to decide. I guess I’ll share with you all a bit about my NaNo project, since I changed it about two days before NaNo started. I had been planning on writing Grace through Redemption, but just wasn’t feeling it, and it isn’t scheduled for release until like June 2016, so it’s not like I don’t have plenty of time to write it.

I got pissed off. That’s how this project started. I got pissed off with multiple reviewers saying “We realize this isn’t a romance novel but we wanted more romance.” Which in and of itself makes NO sense to me, but whatever. Multiple said it, in a row, and it pissed me off. If it’s not a romance novel, why expect exuberant amounts of romance. Yes, there is romance in it, but it’s nowhere near the main plot and isn’t anywhere close to a focus.

Anyway…I already ranted about it. You can find that post here. So…my super secret NaNo project, you ask? What the hell does it have to do with this rant? It’s a pure/traditional romance novel. I’ve tried to write these in the past, I’ve tried to write romance and have never succeeded in even getting beyond the first chapter. I just got bored with it. For some odd and random and totally unknown to me reason, this novel stuck. I don’t expect it to happen again, and I’m not even sure I’ll publish it. But I’m writing it. And it’s going to be about twice as long as I originally wanted it to be, which means it fit for NaNo. And since I had managed to outline the whole thing in a few hours and couldn’t even manage one chapter of outlining on Grace through Redemption, this became my NaNo novel.

It’s yet unnamed, but I call it the MILFy thing. If it gives you ANY context about what this novel is about. Since it is what I am writing, I supposed I will share a short excerpt from it.

Ummm…not context with this, since it’s still super secret. But it’s two best friends. (PS Sam is a boy just to clarify). 10 sentences from chapter 4. Math is this 5 (1 + 1) = 10 the chapter for, since I can do this easily, is from “14” for the year. By the way, totally just figured out how to make this math more complicated. 11 – 1 = 10 OR 5 x 4 = 20 / 2 = 10 x 1 x 1 x 1 = 10

The phone was pressed to her ear as soon as she was a block away from Ainsley’s house. It rang twice before a groggy voice picked up.

“Hello?”

“Sam! I need tea. Let’s get tea. I really need some tea.”

“Mer? It’s—shit, it’s late.”

“Yes. Can you get tea?”

He groaned into the phone, and she took a left toward their regular coffee stop in anticipation of his attendance. She was about three blocks away when she realized Sam hadn’t said anything for a few minutes.

“Sam? Tea?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.”

“I would hope not,” she teased.

“Har har,” he answered.

And there you have it. A part of my super secret NaNoWriMo novel. If you would like to join in WIPpet Wednesday, we would love to see you! Write up a blog post about your current WIP (Work In Progress) and somehow correlate the excerpt to the date. The post it on your blog, and head on over here to link it up with all the others. Stop by and comment on some people’s posts and they’ll most likely return the favor!

The real thing… #ROW80

Good morning all! It’s early, and it’s Sunday, and it’s daylight savings over here in the US and oh my is it earlier than I wanted it to be. I have some great news! I started writing a new novel last week based on something I would never ever write or really want to write, and it’s going swimmingly well. That means I changed what my NaNoWriMo novel is. I was going to write the third and hopefully final in my cop series, but it just wasn’t happening and I just wasn’t feeling it. I’m definitely feeling this novel I’m writing now.

If anyone is interested, or involved with NaNoWriMo and needs some good writing motivation, I run a virtual write-ins group on Facebook. Basically we have sprints going almost around the clock because we have people around the world. Some are late night writers, some are early morning writers, some are middle of the day writers. The goal is for sprinting to add to word count and for motivation/encouragement.

The link is right here if anyone wants to join up. I’ll add you to the group.

Now…for ROW80, the real thing… since I’m actually working on something now my word counts are a lot better. But I know for a fact I won’t be writing today because I have a 12 hour word day ahead of me. Blah. So I doubled up on my goal yesterday to make up for today.

1. Write 1667 words a day.

Wednesday: 980
Thursday: 5146
Friday: 3049
Saturday: 6613

If I keep this up…I could finish the novel in a week and a half! Which isn’t the goal, but it’s nice to think about.

2. keep up with all blog posts ROW80, WIPpet, Open When and add in 1 extra post a week

I managed all posts except Open When, which I totally spaced out on doing yesterday because of NaNo and work stuff and house stuff. Anyway, I’ll write it up and post it tomorrow.

3. Edit at least one chapter a week on something.

Did 4 chapters of a copy-edit I have. I’m going by pages instead of chapter numbers on this one. so 50 pages yesterday (it’s not THAT many, the font is at 16 and everything is double spaced). Goal is 50 pages a day (Sunday excluded) until I finish this half of it. I have 3 copy-edits this month and NaNo…I might be insane.

4. crochet one round of border a week

I did not do this, yet again. Someone please kick my ass so I’ll get it done this week. I really need to send this gift off.