Again? So soon?

So, another year has nearly gone. One month, or rather, 28 days to the start of NaNoWriMo. Last year was not good for me in 30 day challenges. However, I am determined this year, no matter what the distractions, sleep deprivation, tears or sheer hysteria to FTDB in 30 days.

Am doing some pre-thinking and reading to get myself prepared.

Wish me luck.

NaNoWriMo again... again

So NaNoWriMo 2009 was something of a fizzer. We won't go there.

An eventful year since, both good and bad, but I'm ready to go again.

A new story - which has a title and little else. The title? 'It's a Mystery'. LOL.

A new blog

I've started a new blog, Tannia Talks, to talk myself through to publishing success. I am keeping this one to report on challenges, beginning with the RWNZ BI50D challenge which I'm trying to get into now. I'm working on one of the part novels I found when taking stock of where I am. (See Tannia Talks). Next month, NaNoWriMo again.

Next step

So now I have a schedule in place for the next two months... baby steps. I'm going to work on a piece for the Cup of Comfort series. I think a change of genre, length and approach will freshen me up. Also working on a brand new website to launch me on the next stage. Watch this space.

Claytons Conference

Wow! What a great online event. Hats off the lovely table top dancers for organisation, input and energy. My time management mini workshop and editing thoughts were well received, so I was happy with that too.

Have been flat out with paid work this last week, but about to sit down and make some new writing plans/goals. My own time management was getting very slack so presenting the workshop motivated me too.

Steady progress

Things are improving a little. I'm making the commitment to myself and my writing to leave the chores/housework etc and write. I am not going to make one of my deadlines, but I'm not happy with that WIP anyway so not a tragedy if it is not submitted on time. However, the other ones, for contributions to the upcoming Claytons Conference for RWA are on track. About to set some new short term goals. I feel more positive now.

I'm trying...

Hmmm... motivation seems to have slipped a little. Or maybe it's just a lot of 'clutter' getting in the way. You know, life, work, family... LOL. I have dabbled on the odd evening, but not making much progress. Seem to be very tired a lot of the time. I think it's the mid-winter doldrums. Determined to kick myself out of it. I have deadlines, real and self imposed.

I will do better, I will do better....

And then it was July

So, it didn't go so well. It was like a whole bunch of 'life' was waiting in the wings for me to try and write. So, I didn't reach the 50k.

I was very disappointed, but delighted that I had written SOMETHING for the first time in months. Delighted too that not achieving my goal made me stop and think about my future as a writer.

I've been dabbling way too much for way too long. I have to take this seriously. I have to give it priority and so...

I have set myself a series of tasks, writing tasks. These have deadlines, and involve me writing for submission and to present to other people. I have a timetable and am working towards it. I have missed too many opportunities by not doing these things.

I've had a hectic time at work, and with family, and am very tired. But I'm battling on. I'm going to do it this time.

Week 1 - done and dusted

Well, there were good days and not so good days. Mainly, it was just good to be writing. Every time I try and convince myself it's all too hard and I should just give it up, I take on a challenge like this and come to life. The ideas flood into my brain at all times of the day and night. The characters come to life for me and go about their business whether I choose their actions or they do it themselves. It's the best feeling. So, I don't see me giving up this addiction any time soon.

My first week netted 4199 words. I would like to have written a good deal more, but this is new week and the potential is unlimited. Better get to it before I break into verse... LOL like that would ever happen.

Again?

I sometimes seriously consider seeing a psychiatrist. I must need help - I've committed to another 50k in 30 days writing challenge.

I guess I have to prove to myself that NaNoWriMo success in 2008 was not a fluke. Don't honestly know how I will go. I am busier in 'real life' now than I was in November. Mind you, they do say, if you want something done, ask a busy person. I guess this time, I am the busy person.

I have only the germ of an idea for a new book. This will probably be a good thing, or not... It remains to be seen.

I'll pop in to report progress when I can between, day job, voluntary work, second job, various appointments and writing.

Here goes...

I'm excited

The book is going so well. I'm not as far into the edit/revisions as I would like BUT the past week in SA has produced temperatures over 40 degrees every day. This affects everyone's ability to sleep properly - even in air conditioning and it snowballs. I'm still making progress albeit slower than I would like.

That said, the story is taking new directions and new ideas are presenting themselves all the time. I'm excited about the prospects.

Back to it now.

Progress still good

So far so good. Almost through a first edit on the NaNoWriMo novel. I had anticipated having done by today, but family commitments got in the way a bit last week. However, I'm happy with progress, I can see the holes in the plot and areas that need work. Looking forward to the next stage.

Just popping in briefly...

To say that the BI50D challenge is going well. I've gradually increased my editing word count target each week and, so far, have reached them. Almost through a first edit, then the rewriting, remoulding, filling out, removing begins. I'm excited - the book is really taking shape.

Back again

Took a bit of a step back during December. I did continue to write most days - which pleased me. Even participated in a BIAW, achieving my goal for once.

Now in a BI50D (yes, book in 50 days) challenge with some NZ writer friends. This leads up to the RWNZ full manuscript contest. Not sure if I will enter yet. This will depend on the progress of the story I've chosen to work on - the draft from NaNoWriMo.

Set a goal of writing/editing 4000 words for Jan 1-4. Well, the DH was still off work. Need I say more? Have set myself 8000 for 5-11 Jan. Back soon.

Success!

Third time lucky. At my third attempt, I have achieved 50ks in 30 days. I would have struggled to make it without the ever present support of the lovely RWANano girls - thank you ladies. I'm so thrilled that a) I did it and b) I learned how to do it. It opens up all sorts of possibilities for my writing. No more, trying to find time to write, saying 'I'll do it when I have time'. There's time where you need it, thanks to word sprints, challenges, writerly friends and the kitchen timer. Here's to all of us.

The end is in sight

Was a bit concerned when a migraine knocked me off my feet for two days. Effort yesterday in the last throes of the migraine and a number of flat out sprints today see me at 45000 words, well, 45001 to be exact! Woohoo! A day ahead of the standard schedule. Hoping to finish before the weekend.

Back on deck

Not that I've been off deck, well, only long enough to get over the worst of a severe migraine. Wretched things. Have worse timing than my family has for crises.

Anyway, the story is wandering all over the place, but I'm getting to like my characters and I can sort them out and get them in line later. For now, I'm delighted to have reached 40903 words and am not finished for the day. 50k is looking very achievable!

Rock on nanowrimo

So... day 15, and I've just hit 27000 words. I can hardly believe it. I have never written this much, this fast in any challenge. I have found word sprinting is the go. For the uninitiated, set the time for, say, 30 minutes and just write. Type like a demon, scribble like a maniac, and do not stop until the timer bell rings. I'm averaging around 1000 words in each half hour sprint. The word count climbs quickly at that rate.

The story is stuttering and stumbling at times, but flowing like milk and honey at others. A LOT of editing coming up on this one, but at least it will there to edit.

Next goal is to hit 30000 words by tomorrow night - day 16.

NaNoWriMo Progress

Things are going well. I struggled a bit during the week last week. Disappointing as, according No Plot No Problem, week 1 was supposed to be productive with many words flowing. The advice was to get ahead in that week as week 2 tends to slow down.

Felt quite down by Friday and suspecting I was not going to make the 50k AGAIN! Then decided that I was not going to give in that easily.

I followed the example of the rocking RWANano girls - not topless table dancing (not yet anyway) - word sprinting. A weekend of 30 minute sprints and I went from 7790 words to 15200 in two days.

Sprinting is a great tool. The time pressure forces you to focus and firmly puts the internal editor in her box. No time for her input. Great stuff.

Current word cound 17127 - ahead of schedule by several hundred words.

NaNoWriMo - Days 1/2

What am I doing blogging when I should be nano-ing? Good question. I have absolutely no excuse today. Yesterday was different - DH seeking assistance with outdoor project that has waited weeks and is suddenly urgent. (Translation - I have weekend day free from motor racing commitments and know I'm in trouble if this is not finished by Christmas as promised.) And he's right! LOL

On the writing front. My Nano book is different from anything I've ever written before. The germ of an idea popped into my head while watching something completely unrelated on TV. It's a time shift between present day Melbourne and WWII London. I'm excited about the idea and I'm hoping I can make it work.

First, of course, I have to write it. Only 49,000 words to go!