Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Goodbye 2010 and Hello 2011

As I sit here at my desk, my youngest daughter crawls behind me to stick her icicle toes under my bottom. Yikes! She insists her feet aren't cold and refuses to go upstairs and put some socks on.

She reminds me of me when I don't take criticism well. I might put a chunk of writing out there, asking for input, but sometimes I'm really just looking for positive feedback. If I get anything too negative I am stubborn and refuse to look at it with an open mind.

2010 was a tough year, but aren't they all? When it comes down to it, we all do what we think is really important and unavoidable. I thought I'd really make time to get up and run every day. Obviously in an entire year I'd be able to focus more time on MDA (my novel).

Well, I did make myself go back through my 60K novel that I've been working on for almost 2 years now. After taking a break, and soaking up several other books, I was able to come back with somewhat fresh eyes. I thought about what made other books great and what my book was lacking. I tore out several chapters, made drastic changes to the plot and character traits. I wasn't taking enough chances; wasn't captivating the reader. So, you might think "Oh nice, so you've finished and you're submitting it?" No. I'm still working on it. I hate and love that I'm a perfectionist but I'd never survive on the income I'd get off publishing a book once every 3 or 4 years....LOL

I just want to write the best book I can, with the best well thought out plot and genuine dialogue and set up events for a good series. Last month I worked on a big document with history and bios for my characters to help me understand the background and futures for everyone involved.

Just in terms of writing, not health and all that other stuff, I want to really buckle down in 2011 and finish MDA and be able to start querying by the end of the year. My plan all along, though, has been to be ready and already have a good framework for book two at that point, which I should be able to throw in as a goal, as well.

But as for the health thing, I signed up today for Muay Thai Kickboxing. I took a class to try it out and I'm a natural. I also tried some kind of cardio combat class and felt like I was dying...I am way too out of shape.

My long term goal is to be in great shape so I can join an adult soccer league. I've really become quite fond of the sport and get very emotional when I watch my daughters play. But that is a 2012 goal, so the kickboxing is step 1 in achieving that goal.

The ony other major goal I have for 2011 is to set aside time for God. I don't pray often enough and I don't make a intentional effort to be the best Christ follower I can.

So I will be writing, editing, kickboxing and praying more in 2011 :D

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Frozen

NaNo opened my mind to all the possiblities that could be with my book series.

Great

Yeah, it's wonderful. I am backtracking, researching, plotting and ripping apart book one to lay proper foundation for books two and three. I now have a short book on the history, timeline and biographies of my characters and overall creation of life in general.

I've expanded into realms and additional planets and my muse is tempting me to visit them down the road so I'm making sure I understand everything about them now so I don't screw something up that I regret later.

I feel like Scooby Doo when his feet are spinning super fast while he sits there, stuck in the air, for several seconds before successfully running away from the bad guy.

It's a major thrill and frustration all at the same time.