Wow this year flew by and I wasted so much of it on entertainment. I see that now and hope to made a concerted effort to manage my time better in 2012.
One thing I did work on was making time for my daughters. One day I realized the year was half over and my kids were half a year closer to growing up and moving out. I didn't want them to look back and have their first memory of me be sitting at the computer shouting for peace and quiet. My littlest still enjoys taking bubble baths and being read stories so I made time to sit by her and just read. It was difficult, not because I don't enjoy her smiles and just being with her but because I multi-task so much that it is painful to sit and do just one thing.
I recently subscribed to a couple of podcasts that I hope provide some good motivation as well as learning experiences. 2012 needs to be a year of growth and production.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Heth :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Taking Advantage
I wonder how many aspiring authors are taking advantage of the long weekend (if they get one). Me? My team has been working all day every day, so I've been scribbling plot ideas here and there. I plan to take a siesta today, though, and type at least 2K words to make up for it.
I wonder what opportunities others take advantage of? Like lunch breaks, lobby waiting area at the doctor, sitting at the stoplight (dangerous, but I know there are people out there typing and driving). For the passionate writer there is no limit to the times and places to capture the creative juices.
I wonder what opportunities others take advantage of? Like lunch breaks, lobby waiting area at the doctor, sitting at the stoplight (dangerous, but I know there are people out there typing and driving). For the passionate writer there is no limit to the times and places to capture the creative juices.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Hump Day
Is the glass half full or half empty?
Come Wednesday either you haven't accomplished as much as you wanted and the week is slipping by and you want things to slow down....or you're overwhelemed and can't wait for the weekend to come regardless of where you stand with your goals. This Wednesday I'm not sure where I stand.
Listening to my MDA Playlist - Staind (It's Been Awhile) - and trying to decide if being sick is a good excuse for my complacency. I have been pretty sick (viral infection says the doctor). I did manage to write 5 pages over the weekend and scrabbled some notes about plot ideas but that's it for the new year.
We'll see where I stand on Friday....
Come Wednesday either you haven't accomplished as much as you wanted and the week is slipping by and you want things to slow down....or you're overwhelemed and can't wait for the weekend to come regardless of where you stand with your goals. This Wednesday I'm not sure where I stand.
Listening to my MDA Playlist - Staind (It's Been Awhile) - and trying to decide if being sick is a good excuse for my complacency. I have been pretty sick (viral infection says the doctor). I did manage to write 5 pages over the weekend and scrabbled some notes about plot ideas but that's it for the new year.
We'll see where I stand on Friday....
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
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.
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.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving
We are quick to think of all the things that we have to be thankful for...family, health, homes, food, cars, friends...we are pleased that our wish list for life has been mostly checked off.
Do we feel gratitude for all the tings that could have been but didn't come to pass? All the near misses on the highway, the lifestyle we were born into, the freedom that never comes for millions across the globe? Cough drops and ibuprofen are among the top ten list of things I don't ever want to live without. I am thankful that I don't live in fear of a flying insect we consider annoying but kills every day.
Slavery exists today - quarries, prostitution, famlies, children - and I am free to be my own person and live in a country where the justice system (even with all its flaws) provides protection and upholds civil rights.
Today, I am more grateful for what I don't have than for what I have. I give thanks for what has not been bestowed upon me and those I love.
Happy Thanksgiving
Do we feel gratitude for all the tings that could have been but didn't come to pass? All the near misses on the highway, the lifestyle we were born into, the freedom that never comes for millions across the globe? Cough drops and ibuprofen are among the top ten list of things I don't ever want to live without. I am thankful that I don't live in fear of a flying insect we consider annoying but kills every day.
Slavery exists today - quarries, prostitution, famlies, children - and I am free to be my own person and live in a country where the justice system (even with all its flaws) provides protection and upholds civil rights.
Today, I am more grateful for what I don't have than for what I have. I give thanks for what has not been bestowed upon me and those I love.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thursday, October 7, 2010
BLAH
I am not doing a good job of multi-tasking all the things that I say are important to me.
My writing comes and goes. I am afraid to sit down and write because it will crash over me like a tidal wave. So, what do I do? I put it off.
What am I doing with my time? Girl Scouts, church, work, soccer with the girls, dinner parties and playdates. I am also trying to start a company. I've been working on the web site layout and pricing since February.
Oh, I recently learned to crochet. I do that in bed or while waiting for a query to run (if I'm working from home).
Also, I still haven't found a way to get regular exercise into my weeks, either. (sigh)
When I figure out a good schedule, I'll have to post the good news.
My writing comes and goes. I am afraid to sit down and write because it will crash over me like a tidal wave. So, what do I do? I put it off.
What am I doing with my time? Girl Scouts, church, work, soccer with the girls, dinner parties and playdates. I am also trying to start a company. I've been working on the web site layout and pricing since February.
Oh, I recently learned to crochet. I do that in bed or while waiting for a query to run (if I'm working from home).
Also, I still haven't found a way to get regular exercise into my weeks, either. (sigh)
When I figure out a good schedule, I'll have to post the good news.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)