MAY
Melissa:
In re-writes there are sections I work through and different thoughts pop into my head, some are good and seem are that it flows well (of course with touch ups). Other thoughts are like... Oh the holes. My goodness the plot holes, the character holes, the world holes. How on earth did I even think this?!?
Then the panic starts to set in. The worry and anxiety. I'll never fix it. I'll never get it to work together.
I have to stop myself. Remind myself. The story is still growing. It needs lots of work to get to a smooth flow and these are the pieces I need to find now. This is creating the whole of what I want to share.
JUNE
Melissa:
Um... Where does the time go?! I didn't even realize June was passed until it was long gone. So needless to point out the obvious, but I will. Just so I admit it and face the cold truth. I got no new words in. No writing. No re-writes. Nothing.
But on the last day of the month I decided to join Camp NaNoWriMo to get re-writes done. My goal, to get through my steampunk story then move on to my 1st Christmas Business story.
Bring it on!
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Monday, July 11, 2016
Sunday, May 1, 2016
March and April Update
Melissa:
So, for those that do check this blog, you probably think I've fallen off the face of the earth. No updates in two months, that's not good. Well, in a sort of way it's all true...
It's been a rough few months in our house. My son had to go in for a third surgery, arthroscopic, to remove more scar tissue build up in his knee. Then he got botox shots to help with the hamstring that was spasming. And he got a new crazy brace that he had to wear. So we kept him home for 2 weeks to get all this done and really focus on getting his knee straight.
The stress level was getting crazy high for me. I couldn't get to everything and take care of my family at the same time. So, writing did get put on the back burner. I needed to take care of myself and my family first.
Now, moving ahead to April. Kiddo's birthday is here too. But he's doing much better and we were seeing good results. This last week was a great response at therapy, if he stays at this level for the next week they will have him running then. Woot woot! This is what we are working for.
The stress level seems to have dropped a bit in the last two weeks. So I finally pulled out one of those stories I was re-writing and got back to it. I'm only working on it for about a half hour a day. I know, seems like not much but with all else going on in the day, this is what I feel I can do without stressing out over everything.
I'm taking steps in the right direction! I think I'll finish reading to right before the big finale and go back to type up all the changes. There are things that need to be revealed in the big ending so I want to have those listed and read to do the re-writes in that section, to do it right.
So, how has your months gone?
So, for those that do check this blog, you probably think I've fallen off the face of the earth. No updates in two months, that's not good. Well, in a sort of way it's all true...
It's been a rough few months in our house. My son had to go in for a third surgery, arthroscopic, to remove more scar tissue build up in his knee. Then he got botox shots to help with the hamstring that was spasming. And he got a new crazy brace that he had to wear. So we kept him home for 2 weeks to get all this done and really focus on getting his knee straight.
The stress level was getting crazy high for me. I couldn't get to everything and take care of my family at the same time. So, writing did get put on the back burner. I needed to take care of myself and my family first.
Now, moving ahead to April. Kiddo's birthday is here too. But he's doing much better and we were seeing good results. This last week was a great response at therapy, if he stays at this level for the next week they will have him running then. Woot woot! This is what we are working for.
The stress level seems to have dropped a bit in the last two weeks. So I finally pulled out one of those stories I was re-writing and got back to it. I'm only working on it for about a half hour a day. I know, seems like not much but with all else going on in the day, this is what I feel I can do without stressing out over everything.
I'm taking steps in the right direction! I think I'll finish reading to right before the big finale and go back to type up all the changes. There are things that need to be revealed in the big ending so I want to have those listed and read to do the re-writes in that section, to do it right.
So, how has your months gone?
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
February Update:
Melissa:
First, I want to mention one thing... I have NO idea how authors accomplish so much and live a life! They are amazing! I've not made many words with life being as busy as it is with kiddo's therapy and exercises at home I help with, working full time, editing work part time, and sleep. I'm a sleeper and have to get 7-8 hrs of sleep at night. There just isn't enough time in the day!
Okay, what have I accomplished?
I've added all the notes on my plot board to Scrivener!
While I typed it up in Scrivener, I ran through the scenes in my mind. In this process I found a few scenes needed to be rearranged. I also found that I felt like I had written a few of these scenes already. I have notes on them but not completely done, it felt as it was complete in my mind. So this will make for writing the first draft easier. Right? I did come across a few scenes that needed to be added as I had a character pop into my mind that needed to be in the story to help things along.
I'm going to say, from the scenes I have listed, that the book will be a short novel at 60k words.
Now for the sad news.
This breaks my heart but I think I have to admit it. Something has to give these days. There is way to much going on at one time and I can't get anything done. So, I'm going to put writing on the back burner for a few months. I hate to say that and that I'll actually do it. But I'm stressing myself out over everything these days, and writing has been put last as it is.
Kiddo comes first. I have to be there for him to work through therapy and exercises at home. I'm his cheering squad and his whip. I will be there to get him through. I also need the spare money that content editing brings in, and that time is limited with all the work into getting kiddo's knee straight and moving again.
I'm hoping in a few months things will be moving better and life a bit calmer so I can relax and enjoy writing. I see that Camp NaNoWriMo will be starting April 1st. I wish I could say I would be doing it as I have a book all ready to be written. But I don't think I'll be ready by then. A few months... I hope.
First, I want to mention one thing... I have NO idea how authors accomplish so much and live a life! They are amazing! I've not made many words with life being as busy as it is with kiddo's therapy and exercises at home I help with, working full time, editing work part time, and sleep. I'm a sleeper and have to get 7-8 hrs of sleep at night. There just isn't enough time in the day!
Okay, what have I accomplished?
I've added all the notes on my plot board to Scrivener!
While I typed it up in Scrivener, I ran through the scenes in my mind. In this process I found a few scenes needed to be rearranged. I also found that I felt like I had written a few of these scenes already. I have notes on them but not completely done, it felt as it was complete in my mind. So this will make for writing the first draft easier. Right? I did come across a few scenes that needed to be added as I had a character pop into my mind that needed to be in the story to help things along.
I'm going to say, from the scenes I have listed, that the book will be a short novel at 60k words.
Now for the sad news.
This breaks my heart but I think I have to admit it. Something has to give these days. There is way to much going on at one time and I can't get anything done. So, I'm going to put writing on the back burner for a few months. I hate to say that and that I'll actually do it. But I'm stressing myself out over everything these days, and writing has been put last as it is.
Kiddo comes first. I have to be there for him to work through therapy and exercises at home. I'm his cheering squad and his whip. I will be there to get him through. I also need the spare money that content editing brings in, and that time is limited with all the work into getting kiddo's knee straight and moving again.
I'm hoping in a few months things will be moving better and life a bit calmer so I can relax and enjoy writing. I see that Camp NaNoWriMo will be starting April 1st. I wish I could say I would be doing it as I have a book all ready to be written. But I don't think I'll be ready by then. A few months... I hope.
Friday, February 12, 2016
January Update:
Melissa:
I created a plot board!
Christmas Warmth (working title), the second Christmas Business story, has started to form for me. It's come quick, for me three months is fast. They are short novels set around, as you guessed it, Christmas time.
I will say, this helped me see the story and elements I want present. I saw where I needed to add a few more scenes of problematic moments to heighten the story and really hit home what was happening. So I did some reworking and planning as I went. I also had elements I want present in the story as it has a Christmas sway to the character coming around to things. By having the story forming in front of me with order, I was able to add color sticky notes to represent those hints.
Now to remember all these items when I go to write the book... I'm hoping to have this board present (in person or in imagery on phone) to look at and remind me what I need at each scene. I'm hoping I can get the hints I need present in Scrivener.
I didn't get any words in for the month, but I did get the story designed. February has started and I'll work on setting up my cork board by chapter and scene in Scrivener. Preparation is almost done!
I created a plot board!
Christmas Warmth (working title), the second Christmas Business story, has started to form for me. It's come quick, for me three months is fast. They are short novels set around, as you guessed it, Christmas time.
I will say, this helped me see the story and elements I want present. I saw where I needed to add a few more scenes of problematic moments to heighten the story and really hit home what was happening. So I did some reworking and planning as I went. I also had elements I want present in the story as it has a Christmas sway to the character coming around to things. By having the story forming in front of me with order, I was able to add color sticky notes to represent those hints.
Now to remember all these items when I go to write the book... I'm hoping to have this board present (in person or in imagery on phone) to look at and remind me what I need at each scene. I'm hoping I can get the hints I need present in Scrivener.
I didn't get any words in for the month, but I did get the story designed. February has started and I'll work on setting up my cork board by chapter and scene in Scrivener. Preparation is almost done!
Sunday, January 10, 2016
December Update:
Melissa:
Once again, I'm late at posting about the month past. But with holidays it's hard! lol.
So I had planned to write my second Christmas story in the month of December with all the craziness that comes with Christmas. I didn't get to do that. The events of life, kiddo and knee therapy along with the go-go-go of the holidays disrupted the idea this year.
But that's okay!
Why? Because it gave me the month to listen to the seasonal music, and listen I did. I had the radio on constant Holiday cheer from Thanksgiving. And to get into the season so I could come up with ideas for the story. I now have a list of things that can happen. I also made verbal notes into my phone that would be the scene or part of a scene. I have typed those up and have those ready for when I get to planning and writing.
This is a step forward for me. These holiday stories come in a completely different fashion than other stories have. They are almost outlined in my head. Keep in mind, I don't outline very well. AT ALL. So this is something new for me.
My plans are to make a plot board for the book so I can keep track of all that is to happen and influences in the story by the 'holiday spirit'. I'll share that with you next month.
Here's to producing more words!
Once again, I'm late at posting about the month past. But with holidays it's hard! lol.
So I had planned to write my second Christmas story in the month of December with all the craziness that comes with Christmas. I didn't get to do that. The events of life, kiddo and knee therapy along with the go-go-go of the holidays disrupted the idea this year.
But that's okay!
Why? Because it gave me the month to listen to the seasonal music, and listen I did. I had the radio on constant Holiday cheer from Thanksgiving. And to get into the season so I could come up with ideas for the story. I now have a list of things that can happen. I also made verbal notes into my phone that would be the scene or part of a scene. I have typed those up and have those ready for when I get to planning and writing.
This is a step forward for me. These holiday stories come in a completely different fashion than other stories have. They are almost outlined in my head. Keep in mind, I don't outline very well. AT ALL. So this is something new for me.
My plans are to make a plot board for the book so I can keep track of all that is to happen and influences in the story by the 'holiday spirit'. I'll share that with you next month.
Here's to producing more words!
Sunday, December 20, 2015
October AND November Update
Melissa:
*sigh* Where on Earth does the time go?!?
I am going to try and recollect what I've done for two months.
October... I believe my main focus for the month was reading and noting rewrites along with changes to the Steampunk story. Nothing really new started.
November... Now, this is a whole full month. I did participate in NaNoWriMo. And... I WON!! Woot woot!
I started the second story for the steampunk world I was working in. The story came to a total of 43,622 words. I knew in starting this book that it should NOT hit the 50k goal for NaNoWriMo, but that was okay as it would get me a started story. (In the completed product, it should mark out over 60k but that's a lot of work to it.) I got a bare bones story there. One I like? Not really. There needs to be more heartache and work in the beginning to grow the character from. I also realized that there's a whole line of thinking that needs to be added through the story, from the beginning. I didn't realize this until I came across it at about 40k. So yes, loooots of work.
But then I started my second Christmas Business story. It's set in the same world I started last year but with a different couple-to-be. I only got 7,223 words. Which is A-okay with me. This takes me into December and something to ponder and write through the holiday season.
While I was working on all of this, I was reading my first steampunk story at lunch at work, still making notes of things to fix or look further into. There's a few things here that really need fixed. I was also doing content editing work as well. So with doing this I only wrote a max of 2,000 words a night, which worked out well for me and life that happened...
See, life does interject with plans all so often. My son was to get ACL reconstructive surgery and meniscus repair at the end of November, the 23rd. I figured I had a huge chunk of the month to get myself set for this week off with him... Hahaha. We were lucky (and yes, I mean lucky as the sooner he got in the better) to get a call that there was an earlier opening for surgery as they had a cancellation. November 6th he went in. That was the first day I didn't make any words, but I didn't let it stop me. Nope! I did dive in and kept to the minimum count to keep moving forward.
What I found was at the beginning of the month, those 1666 words took two hours to find. But by the end of the month, I was kicking out that number of words in little over an hour. (**Lesson learned: Keep writing.)
Now that we are into December, life is still kicking my kester but I'm planning out some of Christmas Warmth and hope to get back to writing it.
Here's to the holidays! And writing through the craziness.
*sigh* Where on Earth does the time go?!?
I am going to try and recollect what I've done for two months.
October... I believe my main focus for the month was reading and noting rewrites along with changes to the Steampunk story. Nothing really new started.
November... Now, this is a whole full month. I did participate in NaNoWriMo. And... I WON!! Woot woot!
I started the second story for the steampunk world I was working in. The story came to a total of 43,622 words. I knew in starting this book that it should NOT hit the 50k goal for NaNoWriMo, but that was okay as it would get me a started story. (In the completed product, it should mark out over 60k but that's a lot of work to it.) I got a bare bones story there. One I like? Not really. There needs to be more heartache and work in the beginning to grow the character from. I also realized that there's a whole line of thinking that needs to be added through the story, from the beginning. I didn't realize this until I came across it at about 40k. So yes, loooots of work.
But then I started my second Christmas Business story. It's set in the same world I started last year but with a different couple-to-be. I only got 7,223 words. Which is A-okay with me. This takes me into December and something to ponder and write through the holiday season.
While I was working on all of this, I was reading my first steampunk story at lunch at work, still making notes of things to fix or look further into. There's a few things here that really need fixed. I was also doing content editing work as well. So with doing this I only wrote a max of 2,000 words a night, which worked out well for me and life that happened...
See, life does interject with plans all so often. My son was to get ACL reconstructive surgery and meniscus repair at the end of November, the 23rd. I figured I had a huge chunk of the month to get myself set for this week off with him... Hahaha. We were lucky (and yes, I mean lucky as the sooner he got in the better) to get a call that there was an earlier opening for surgery as they had a cancellation. November 6th he went in. That was the first day I didn't make any words, but I didn't let it stop me. Nope! I did dive in and kept to the minimum count to keep moving forward.
What I found was at the beginning of the month, those 1666 words took two hours to find. But by the end of the month, I was kicking out that number of words in little over an hour. (**Lesson learned: Keep writing.)
Now that we are into December, life is still kicking my kester but I'm planning out some of Christmas Warmth and hope to get back to writing it.
Here's to the holidays! And writing through the craziness.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
September Update
Melissa:
Where on Earth did September go?!?! I'm at a loss that the month is even over.
I'm starting to realize I am terrible at multi-tasking. I can't write or brainstorm while doing all the things life brings at me. I also am one of those that likes to be involved in everything. When Kiddo has sports stuff, I like to be there to see it. Which cuts into the time I could be putting into writing or brainstorming or even re-writes. That seems to be one of my biggest downfalls with trying to get through stories, of any length.
That all being said, I'm sure you know how much I got through this month...nothing. *sigh* I know. I should be more organized. I should be better at this. But, well, I'm not.
I've had ideas bouncing around in my head, but the small things that have to happen to take my characters from one point of their lives to the next are what's tripping me up this time around.
I'm going to have to get my act together this month to get plans for NaNoWriMo! If I can do it with work and life this year. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.
Where on Earth did September go?!?! I'm at a loss that the month is even over.
I'm starting to realize I am terrible at multi-tasking. I can't write or brainstorm while doing all the things life brings at me. I also am one of those that likes to be involved in everything. When Kiddo has sports stuff, I like to be there to see it. Which cuts into the time I could be putting into writing or brainstorming or even re-writes. That seems to be one of my biggest downfalls with trying to get through stories, of any length.
That all being said, I'm sure you know how much I got through this month...nothing. *sigh* I know. I should be more organized. I should be better at this. But, well, I'm not.
I've had ideas bouncing around in my head, but the small things that have to happen to take my characters from one point of their lives to the next are what's tripping me up this time around.
I'm going to have to get my act together this month to get plans for NaNoWriMo! If I can do it with work and life this year. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.
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