The fifth draft of part 2 will be done today!
I can't believe I didn't post on Friday and Saturday. Both days slipped away from me. I've been busy, preparing for NaNo. It starts tomorrow! I am so ready for some creative abandon. Whooo... shivers.
So, this morning I got up and stayed up. I started working on the final chapters of Part 2 right away. I've already gotten 2600 words written, composing one chapter. Last night, before I finally drifted off to sleep, I realized I need to pull one more chapter from Part 3 and put it in towards the end of Part 2. It needs to happen before what occurs at the ending of Part 2. Yeah.
That leaves me with two more chapters. It feels good to have this draft over with. On draft four, I realized there needed to be a major shift of an event. I didn't get all the way through the fourth draft before I started over. It didn't make sense to do the extra work when this move could transform so much. So, I haven't seen these chapters since the third draft.
It also means I'll need to do one more draft before getting it out to my alphas. There's been too many changes and I need to make sure it all flows and makes sense. That's what' I'm planning to do with the first half of November, punch that out. I had hoped to get Part 2 to the alphas by today--in my original plans--but that hasn't happened. Oh well, a good book is more important than self-imposed deadlines. I don't think this two week timing change is going to shift the end deadline at all.
I'm still slated to publish Part 2 by summertime 2017. I don't think I'll need that much time. However, I needed two and a half more months for Part 1 than I first thought so I built in extra time in case I need it.
So, I'm going to get back to work. I hope your Halloween is good.
I'll check in tomorrow, from my loft and NaNo goodness!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
October 27, 2016
Happy Thursday, everybody.
Like I was thinking yesterday, not much writing got done. I did get all my beta's books autographed and ready to either get into the mail or deliver. I'm hoping to have all of them taken care of by the end of Saturday.
I did get the next chapter of part 2 set up yesterday. It's the one that has developed from Tuesdays rewrite. I also decided one of the chapters I have to rewrite still doesn't actually need to be in the book, so it's gone into the old drafts pile. It's there if I need it for reference if I decide I need to put that scene back in, but I don't think it's necessary.
I spent the morning going to the grocery stores. There's another flag football game this afternoon. This evening doesn't seem to be too busy, so I hope I can get that chapter done, the one I set up last night. Maybe I'll even get to another one. That would be nice. Looking at it right now, there's six more that I need to finish. Once that's done, I'll print out copies and get them to my alphas. Then I'll be ready to dig into NaNo on the 1st!
I'll check in with you tomorrow!
Like I was thinking yesterday, not much writing got done. I did get all my beta's books autographed and ready to either get into the mail or deliver. I'm hoping to have all of them taken care of by the end of Saturday.
I did get the next chapter of part 2 set up yesterday. It's the one that has developed from Tuesdays rewrite. I also decided one of the chapters I have to rewrite still doesn't actually need to be in the book, so it's gone into the old drafts pile. It's there if I need it for reference if I decide I need to put that scene back in, but I don't think it's necessary.
I spent the morning going to the grocery stores. There's another flag football game this afternoon. This evening doesn't seem to be too busy, so I hope I can get that chapter done, the one I set up last night. Maybe I'll even get to another one. That would be nice. Looking at it right now, there's six more that I need to finish. Once that's done, I'll print out copies and get them to my alphas. Then I'll be ready to dig into NaNo on the 1st!
I'll check in with you tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
October 26, 2016
So, I did get two chapters (re)written yesterday for a total of around 5300 words. Some of that word count is warm-up and me 'interviewing' my characters. That's a technique I use when I'm staring at a blank page and don't know where to go. It works really well.
I spent most of the day avoiding these two chapters. I have a suspicion that I know too much in my head and I know (at least I think I do... it's possible it could change) what's going to happen to these two and I don't like it. I had a long discussion with myself (yes... sometimes it has to happen), telling myself that I needed to be true to my story and write these chapters. It took all day, but I finally got it done. I feel better now that it is and the whole process produced another chapter that now needs to happen. It's all good.
It's busy Wednesday today so I don't know how much I'm going to get done. I'd like to get two more chapters done today, but with my performance yesterday, I don't if that's going to happen.
I got the rest of my shipment of my book order in the mail today. Next week, I'm going to go talk to the local Barnes and Noble to see if they'll put them out. Maybe there'll be a book-signing too. We'll see.
I spent most of the day avoiding these two chapters. I have a suspicion that I know too much in my head and I know (at least I think I do... it's possible it could change) what's going to happen to these two and I don't like it. I had a long discussion with myself (yes... sometimes it has to happen), telling myself that I needed to be true to my story and write these chapters. It took all day, but I finally got it done. I feel better now that it is and the whole process produced another chapter that now needs to happen. It's all good.
It's busy Wednesday today so I don't know how much I'm going to get done. I'd like to get two more chapters done today, but with my performance yesterday, I don't if that's going to happen.
I got the rest of my shipment of my book order in the mail today. Next week, I'm going to go talk to the local Barnes and Noble to see if they'll put them out. Maybe there'll be a book-signing too. We'll see.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
October 25, 2016
Good morning. I'm starting early today.
I realized last night that I've been avoiding this chapter that I'm stuck on in the rewrite of part 2. During the afternoon, I discovered I haven't written anything in two weeks. I know I've been busy with other stuff, but the writing/rewriting is what gets me excited. I've written beyond this chapter by about four, but I feel like I can't go too much further without filling the holes. So, that means I need to go back and do it.
I've known that for two weeks and yet here I am, not writing the chapter. While, I've been finding good things to be doing (most of the time, FB prowling has increased significantly), reading, taking care of the technical parts of publishing part 1, spending time here, I'm still not writing. That means something about it isn't right about this chapter, but I'm not sure what that is.
As I began reading part 2 to make corrections a couple weeks ago, I came across a related chapter early in part 2. It's an information dump, necessary, but I think I've allowed it to become burdensome. I decided during the reading that I needed to completely rewrite the chapter. Therefore, I need to get this early chapter done before I can get the later one taken care of.
Or is that me just prolonging working on the chapter?
Could be.
Here's the deal, though. I promised myself this morning, I would get that chapter written before I allow myself to do anything else. The dog needs walked before it gets too late, and I'll need to take a shower afterwards because I have more parent-teacher conferences this afternoon. So, I have to have the dog walked before lunch.
That means I need to get going.
I'll check in with you tomorrow! Have a good day.
I realized last night that I've been avoiding this chapter that I'm stuck on in the rewrite of part 2. During the afternoon, I discovered I haven't written anything in two weeks. I know I've been busy with other stuff, but the writing/rewriting is what gets me excited. I've written beyond this chapter by about four, but I feel like I can't go too much further without filling the holes. So, that means I need to go back and do it.
I've known that for two weeks and yet here I am, not writing the chapter. While, I've been finding good things to be doing (most of the time, FB prowling has increased significantly), reading, taking care of the technical parts of publishing part 1, spending time here, I'm still not writing. That means something about it isn't right about this chapter, but I'm not sure what that is.
As I began reading part 2 to make corrections a couple weeks ago, I came across a related chapter early in part 2. It's an information dump, necessary, but I think I've allowed it to become burdensome. I decided during the reading that I needed to completely rewrite the chapter. Therefore, I need to get this early chapter done before I can get the later one taken care of.
Or is that me just prolonging working on the chapter?
Could be.
Here's the deal, though. I promised myself this morning, I would get that chapter written before I allow myself to do anything else. The dog needs walked before it gets too late, and I'll need to take a shower afterwards because I have more parent-teacher conferences this afternoon. So, I have to have the dog walked before lunch.
That means I need to get going.
I'll check in with you tomorrow! Have a good day.
Monday, October 24, 2016
October 24, 2016
So, I started feeding my brain for November. I began reading The Maze Runner yesterday and finished it this morning. I'm planning on starting the second one, The Scorch Trials tomorrow.
I've been thinking more and more about what I need to write. I'm anxious to start writing new stuff or even just working on Part 2. I hope to do that this afternoon, but I have parent-teacher conferences so we'll have to see. I'm not going to push it this week. I'll be doing plenty of that starting next Tuesday.
I'm getting fired up for NaNo. I'm excited for it to start.
I'll check back in tomorrow.
I've been thinking more and more about what I need to write. I'm anxious to start writing new stuff or even just working on Part 2. I hope to do that this afternoon, but I have parent-teacher conferences so we'll have to see. I'm not going to push it this week. I'll be doing plenty of that starting next Tuesday.
I'm getting fired up for NaNo. I'm excited for it to start.
I'll check back in tomorrow.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
October 22, 2016
Hello.
I didn't post yesterday. I took a second day off. I don't think I've taken two days off from writing since the beginning of July. It's been really good.
The result of the two days off is that I have been thinking about part 2 this morning. Part 1 is out of my hands now, there's nothing more to do with it except marketing it. Creatively, I'm done with it. It's time to move on.
It's really weird to think about. I've been working with this story now for 18 months. I've just sent it out into the world to fend for itself (kinda). Anyway, I have mixed feelings. Before I released it, I still had a security buffer. I was protected from the world and their opinions of what I wrote. I was also still in control of changing anything I wanted to. Now, I can't. Everything that's happened in part 1 is set in stone now. Everything from here forward hinges on that fact.
I read a blog today about the Dark Moments of a story's character. That's got the wheels of my mind reeling now. What's Dan's dark moment? He has one in part 2 and in part 3. What's Daniel's? He had one in part 1, a big one. He'll have one in part 2 and a couple in part 3. Brise? He definitely had one in part 1 but a doozy's coming around the bend. Mya has one in part 2 and another one later on, but I'm not quite sure where it sits in the timeline yet. It's part of the storyline that hasn't been drafted. Rita has her DM in part 2 but she doesn't see it that way, and I think she's creating some for others. She has more DM for herself coming and she won't expect it. Norton has a DM in part 1, but he doesn't quite see it that way either. Is there more in store for him?
See? My mind is moving forward now. NaNo starts in 9 days. I'm rubbing my hands together, getting them warmed up. It's gonna be fun!
I did get the copyright registration for part 1 completed today. That was a major hurdle to accomplish.
I'll check in with you on Monday! Have a good weekend.
I didn't post yesterday. I took a second day off. I don't think I've taken two days off from writing since the beginning of July. It's been really good.
The result of the two days off is that I have been thinking about part 2 this morning. Part 1 is out of my hands now, there's nothing more to do with it except marketing it. Creatively, I'm done with it. It's time to move on.
It's really weird to think about. I've been working with this story now for 18 months. I've just sent it out into the world to fend for itself (kinda). Anyway, I have mixed feelings. Before I released it, I still had a security buffer. I was protected from the world and their opinions of what I wrote. I was also still in control of changing anything I wanted to. Now, I can't. Everything that's happened in part 1 is set in stone now. Everything from here forward hinges on that fact.
I read a blog today about the Dark Moments of a story's character. That's got the wheels of my mind reeling now. What's Dan's dark moment? He has one in part 2 and in part 3. What's Daniel's? He had one in part 1, a big one. He'll have one in part 2 and a couple in part 3. Brise? He definitely had one in part 1 but a doozy's coming around the bend. Mya has one in part 2 and another one later on, but I'm not quite sure where it sits in the timeline yet. It's part of the storyline that hasn't been drafted. Rita has her DM in part 2 but she doesn't see it that way, and I think she's creating some for others. She has more DM for herself coming and she won't expect it. Norton has a DM in part 1, but he doesn't quite see it that way either. Is there more in store for him?
See? My mind is moving forward now. NaNo starts in 9 days. I'm rubbing my hands together, getting them warmed up. It's gonna be fun!
I did get the copyright registration for part 1 completed today. That was a major hurdle to accomplish.
I'll check in with you on Monday! Have a good weekend.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
October 20, 2016
WOW! I'm all over the place with my emotions today.
Last night, I watched at midnight as my book became available on Smashwords as an eBook. After that, I went over to the CreateSpace site and hit 'accept' and the paperback version was available. This afternoon, out of curiosity, I searched for it on amazon.com and found it available for pre-order, shipping on Saturday. This blows my mind. I'm ranging between excited and crying.
You know what else I've done today besides walk the dog? I've slept... all morning. Right now, I'm watching a movie while typing this. I don't know what else I'll get done today, if anything.
Here's the links:
CreateSpace as paperback
Smashwords as an eBook
Amazon as a paperback
Hardcover will be available in a couple weeks. I'll let you know when it is.
Wow. That's all that goes through my mind.
I'll be back tomorrow.
Last night, I watched at midnight as my book became available on Smashwords as an eBook. After that, I went over to the CreateSpace site and hit 'accept' and the paperback version was available. This afternoon, out of curiosity, I searched for it on amazon.com and found it available for pre-order, shipping on Saturday. This blows my mind. I'm ranging between excited and crying.
You know what else I've done today besides walk the dog? I've slept... all morning. Right now, I'm watching a movie while typing this. I don't know what else I'll get done today, if anything.
Here's the links:
CreateSpace as paperback
Smashwords as an eBook
Amazon as a paperback
Hardcover will be available in a couple weeks. I'll let you know when it is.
Wow. That's all that goes through my mind.
I'll be back tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
October 19, 2016
Everything's approved for the eBook and the paperback.
It's like I'm on an airplane, all buckled in. The attendants have done their wavy-arm motions and we've taxied out to the runway, waiting for our turn to take off.
And then you're thrust back into your seat as the pilot punches it. WOOT!
That's tomorrow, baby. Tomorrow.
The hardcover is still in 'construction'. I've had to make some adjustments to the size of the manuscript, which is not a big deal. It took about twenty minutes to do and then verify the chapters all ended how I wanted them to on the pages. I have to readjust the size of the cover. It won't be too big a deal, I've gotten that down to a science. It just takes time. The frustrating thing about that is there was no where on the website to get dimensions for the cover. NOWHERE. I had to call in. Even then, the guy I talked to on the phone had to talk to a designer to get the numbers. Grrr. Just give me the formula, I can do that math.
I have the numbers now. Today, I'll play with that and get it just right. Then, I need to get an ISBN for the hardcover, upload the files and then it's all up to Bookbaby.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow the paperback and eBook versions will be available.
I've been working on this for 18 months. Isn't that crazy? Other than my marriage, I haven't done anything for this long.
That's a fib, too, but sometimes it feels that way.
I'll check in with you tomorrow!! EEEEEE!!!
It's like I'm on an airplane, all buckled in. The attendants have done their wavy-arm motions and we've taxied out to the runway, waiting for our turn to take off.
And then you're thrust back into your seat as the pilot punches it. WOOT!
That's tomorrow, baby. Tomorrow.
The hardcover is still in 'construction'. I've had to make some adjustments to the size of the manuscript, which is not a big deal. It took about twenty minutes to do and then verify the chapters all ended how I wanted them to on the pages. I have to readjust the size of the cover. It won't be too big a deal, I've gotten that down to a science. It just takes time. The frustrating thing about that is there was no where on the website to get dimensions for the cover. NOWHERE. I had to call in. Even then, the guy I talked to on the phone had to talk to a designer to get the numbers. Grrr. Just give me the formula, I can do that math.
I have the numbers now. Today, I'll play with that and get it just right. Then, I need to get an ISBN for the hardcover, upload the files and then it's all up to Bookbaby.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow the paperback and eBook versions will be available.
I've been working on this for 18 months. Isn't that crazy? Other than my marriage, I haven't done anything for this long.
That's a fib, too, but sometimes it feels that way.
I'll check in with you tomorrow!! EEEEEE!!!
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
October 18, 2016
Last night was momentous! I got both the eBook and the paperback versions uploaded to Smashwords and CreateSpace respectively. I still need to hear back from CreateSpace but Smashwords has approved the upload. I'm wanting it all to be available on the same day, so I have locked the eBook into being published on Thursday. I'm certain CreateSpace will be ready by then.
Needless to say, I got the manuscript cleaned up. I had six pages that were double-check-necessary. I was glad I did. One correction I made in the eBook didn't make into the paperback version. And then I spotted another error ('managed' on the same page three times) on one of the pages so I went back and fixed it in both versions.
And there was no rewriting done yesterday.
That's okay. There's always a lot of hidden work in cleaning up and uploading a manuscript. I wasn't expecting to get any writing done.
I'm not planning on much today, either. I want to go to another website, Bookbaby, where I can get a hardcover copy of my book. I did the paperback at CreateSpace because of two reasons: 1. I don't have to order any copies for them to work with me and 2. the copies of their books are more affordable. However, they only do paperback. I went to Smashwords to do the eBook for two reasons: 1. they upload my book to several different platforms and 2. they don't charge me upfront to do the work. They do charge per copy sold, but any eBook distributor that I investigated did. Now, as far as Bookbaby is concerned, not only will they do hardcover, but they'll produce some marketing materials for me. I could do all of it through Bookbaby, but it would have been more money upfront. There you go.
I also need to go to Bowker and register ISBNs for the eBook and the hardcover copy. I need to make some time and create author's information on Smashwords. It's not necessary, but some readers like to know the authors so having the information there is good public relations. I'll need to find something positive to say about myself. I think most people have difficulty with that.
Well, I need to go get something done. Have a wonderful day and I'll check back in tomorrow.
UPDATE: CreateSpace is approved. Now to get Bookbaby to the same place and we'll be good to go!
Needless to say, I got the manuscript cleaned up. I had six pages that were double-check-necessary. I was glad I did. One correction I made in the eBook didn't make into the paperback version. And then I spotted another error ('managed' on the same page three times) on one of the pages so I went back and fixed it in both versions.
And there was no rewriting done yesterday.
That's okay. There's always a lot of hidden work in cleaning up and uploading a manuscript. I wasn't expecting to get any writing done.
I'm not planning on much today, either. I want to go to another website, Bookbaby, where I can get a hardcover copy of my book. I did the paperback at CreateSpace because of two reasons: 1. I don't have to order any copies for them to work with me and 2. the copies of their books are more affordable. However, they only do paperback. I went to Smashwords to do the eBook for two reasons: 1. they upload my book to several different platforms and 2. they don't charge me upfront to do the work. They do charge per copy sold, but any eBook distributor that I investigated did. Now, as far as Bookbaby is concerned, not only will they do hardcover, but they'll produce some marketing materials for me. I could do all of it through Bookbaby, but it would have been more money upfront. There you go.
I also need to go to Bowker and register ISBNs for the eBook and the hardcover copy. I need to make some time and create author's information on Smashwords. It's not necessary, but some readers like to know the authors so having the information there is good public relations. I'll need to find something positive to say about myself. I think most people have difficulty with that.
Well, I need to go get something done. Have a wonderful day and I'll check back in tomorrow.
UPDATE: CreateSpace is approved. Now to get Bookbaby to the same place and we'll be good to go!
Monday, October 17, 2016
October 17, 2016
I fell into a pool of gelatinous goo on Saturday evening. Once I had the whole book read again and all the corrections highlighted, I relaxed. I relaxed so much, I wound up having a tension headache that night and into most of the day Sunday. I didn't get anything fixed nor did I upload the cleaned up manuscript.
Therefore, that is the plan today: corrections and uploading. Tomorrow, I'll check the rough spots. As I looked over the corrections last night, there weren't as many in my head as I thought there were. I think we're almost ready. I hope to publish by the end of the week. EEEE!!
In the meantime, I've posted chapter 3. Please enjoy!
See you tomorrow.
Therefore, that is the plan today: corrections and uploading. Tomorrow, I'll check the rough spots. As I looked over the corrections last night, there weren't as many in my head as I thought there were. I think we're almost ready. I hope to publish by the end of the week. EEEE!!
In the meantime, I've posted chapter 3. Please enjoy!
See you tomorrow.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
October 15, 2016
Today was a good day of work.
All I did was read. I got the correction reading I've been doing completed. Now to get the corrections done and upload a cleaned up version. Like I've been saying, I feel like all I need to do now is double-check the rough spots and call the rest good. I have made a couple non-necessary changes and I'll double-check those too. However, the unnecessary changes outweigh the necessary ones this time. I don't think those will ever go away. I could read this book every month for the next ten years and still find something to tweak.
It'll never be perfect and it's time to make the fixes and step away. :/
I also did some editing work on the early chapters of part 2. I still have 6-10 chapters to rewrite, toward the end. Maybe now that I'm done with part 1, I can focus on that again. I want to have the rewrite of part 2 done before November so I can just jump into the rewrite of part 3. I have sixteen more days. I can do this.
I'm off tomorrow. I'll be posting chapter 3 on Monday. I hoping to publish part one (the whole week) by the end of the week!
See you Monday!
All I did was read. I got the correction reading I've been doing completed. Now to get the corrections done and upload a cleaned up version. Like I've been saying, I feel like all I need to do now is double-check the rough spots and call the rest good. I have made a couple non-necessary changes and I'll double-check those too. However, the unnecessary changes outweigh the necessary ones this time. I don't think those will ever go away. I could read this book every month for the next ten years and still find something to tweak.
It'll never be perfect and it's time to make the fixes and step away. :/
I also did some editing work on the early chapters of part 2. I still have 6-10 chapters to rewrite, toward the end. Maybe now that I'm done with part 1, I can focus on that again. I want to have the rewrite of part 2 done before November so I can just jump into the rewrite of part 3. I have sixteen more days. I can do this.
I'm off tomorrow. I'll be posting chapter 3 on Monday. I hoping to publish part one (the whole week) by the end of the week!
See you Monday!
Friday, October 14, 2016
October 14, 2016
I didn't post yesterday. I was working on those freezer meals I told you about for November and it totally overwhelmed me and my day. Thankfully, when my husband came home, he and the kids jumped in to save my behind.
So, I didn't get any work done yesterday. I did a lot of reading on Wednesday but no writing. I'm still sitting at 8-10 chapters to finish up for part 2.
I hope to get the reading done for part 1 today. I want to upload it and pull off another proof copy tomorrow. I'm down to the last of it, I can feel it. As I'm reading it now, I feel like I can just check on what I'm correcting and call it.
There's a cross country meet today in Fresno and the three boys are going to a campout tonight. My hubby may be going to Colorado this weekend, so I don't know that I'll get much else accomplished today.
I am posting chapter 2!
Have a wonderful day. I will check in tomorrow.
So, I didn't get any work done yesterday. I did a lot of reading on Wednesday but no writing. I'm still sitting at 8-10 chapters to finish up for part 2.
I hope to get the reading done for part 1 today. I want to upload it and pull off another proof copy tomorrow. I'm down to the last of it, I can feel it. As I'm reading it now, I feel like I can just check on what I'm correcting and call it.
There's a cross country meet today in Fresno and the three boys are going to a campout tonight. My hubby may be going to Colorado this weekend, so I don't know that I'll get much else accomplished today.
I am posting chapter 2!
Have a wonderful day. I will check in tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
October 12, 2016
So, nothing got done yesterday. With all the grocery shopping I did (four hours worth) and then the evening activities, I didn't get to it.
That's okay. I'm spontaneously thinking about it and over the last few weeks, I haven't been.
Yesterday, I posted chapter 1. I'm planning on posting chapter 2 on Friday.
Wednesdays are my busy day so I haven't gotten much done today, either. However, I'm going to focus on getting the reading done for the corrections. There are some there and while there's less than last time, I'm still thinking I'll need to do read it again. This is the monotonous part.
I'll check in with you tomorrow.
That's okay. I'm spontaneously thinking about it and over the last few weeks, I haven't been.
Yesterday, I posted chapter 1. I'm planning on posting chapter 2 on Friday.
Wednesdays are my busy day so I haven't gotten much done today, either. However, I'm going to focus on getting the reading done for the corrections. There are some there and while there's less than last time, I'm still thinking I'll need to do read it again. This is the monotonous part.
I'll check in with you tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
October 11, 2016
So, I was productive yesterday, even though I didn't get everything done that I needed to.
I need to slow it down a little, I've got way too much on my plate writing-wise. So, I'm concentrating on getting the rest of Part 1 read so I can get it published!! I can't read all day, however, so I'm also going to do a little rewriting in there, but not at the pace I had set for myself earlier.
Today, however, will be spent doing some NaNo prep. I'm going to the store and purchasing supplies to make 31 frozen crock-pot meals. Then, I'll be spending the rest of the day putting them together. No, it's not writing, but it is necessary if I want to have as much time in November for pure writing.
And I really want that.
I posted Chapter 1 in the pages of the blog. Please go check it out. Feel free to leave a comment, if you wish. If you've read the preview on CreateSpace, it's the same material. I'll be posting Chapter 2 on Friday.
Thanks for everything!
See you tomorrow.
I need to slow it down a little, I've got way too much on my plate writing-wise. So, I'm concentrating on getting the rest of Part 1 read so I can get it published!! I can't read all day, however, so I'm also going to do a little rewriting in there, but not at the pace I had set for myself earlier.
Today, however, will be spent doing some NaNo prep. I'm going to the store and purchasing supplies to make 31 frozen crock-pot meals. Then, I'll be spending the rest of the day putting them together. No, it's not writing, but it is necessary if I want to have as much time in November for pure writing.
And I really want that.
I posted Chapter 1 in the pages of the blog. Please go check it out. Feel free to leave a comment, if you wish. If you've read the preview on CreateSpace, it's the same material. I'll be posting Chapter 2 on Friday.
Thanks for everything!
See you tomorrow.
Monday, October 10, 2016
October 10, 2016
Happy Monday!
Okay, I have a lot of work to do on part 1 to get it read through again. I'm through the first 100 pages and have found about 35 errors. A few punctuation, a couple misspelled words and a few changes. Sigh. I'm ready for this part to be done.
I printed what I have done of part 2 last night. I still have 8 - 10 chapters yet to rewrite which I'd like to be done with by Wednesday. So, I'll need to rewrite three a day to get to that goal. :/ Might have to stretch that to Friday, we'll see. The main reason is that I'm starting to edit it. I want to get through three chapters a day, make those corrections and then run those three chapters through a grammar program, which is why I think I may have to stretch that writing goal (maybe even into next week).
This is really a long process. Now I see why it takes a year or more to write one book. Whew.
I took this weekend off, mostly. I read part one on Sat. and Sun. but I didn't do any writing. I was excited to work on it on Saturday, it just didn't happen.
Tomorrow, I'm going to be posting the prologue and first chapter as a preview. It's on CreateSpace right now as a preview, but I don't know if you need to be a member of that website to view it or not. If you're interested, I'd like you to read it (on CS or here, either one). If you're more interested, I'd appreciate an honest comment or question. If the answer doesn't reveal plotline or create a spoiler, I'll respond! :)
Well, I need to get to work. Have a good day. See you tomorrow.
Okay, I have a lot of work to do on part 1 to get it read through again. I'm through the first 100 pages and have found about 35 errors. A few punctuation, a couple misspelled words and a few changes. Sigh. I'm ready for this part to be done.
I printed what I have done of part 2 last night. I still have 8 - 10 chapters yet to rewrite which I'd like to be done with by Wednesday. So, I'll need to rewrite three a day to get to that goal. :/ Might have to stretch that to Friday, we'll see. The main reason is that I'm starting to edit it. I want to get through three chapters a day, make those corrections and then run those three chapters through a grammar program, which is why I think I may have to stretch that writing goal (maybe even into next week).
This is really a long process. Now I see why it takes a year or more to write one book. Whew.
I took this weekend off, mostly. I read part one on Sat. and Sun. but I didn't do any writing. I was excited to work on it on Saturday, it just didn't happen.
Tomorrow, I'm going to be posting the prologue and first chapter as a preview. It's on CreateSpace right now as a preview, but I don't know if you need to be a member of that website to view it or not. If you're interested, I'd like you to read it (on CS or here, either one). If you're more interested, I'd appreciate an honest comment or question. If the answer doesn't reveal plotline or create a spoiler, I'll respond! :)
Well, I need to get to work. Have a good day. See you tomorrow.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
October 8, 2017
I had another good day again yesterday. This week has been so invigorating.
Along with getting all the corrections made and the cleaned up manuscript loaded onto CreateSpace, I wrote three chapters. Two of them were new and I totaled over 5000 words.
If I can keep this pace up for the next seven weeks (oooo... that sounds really long), I should be able to meet the 150,000 word count goal I set for NaNoWriMo. But then, I won't be working on corrections or editing. It'll just be pure writing. I can't wait.
Today should be similar. We have an activity to go to at four which should take about an hour and I need to prepare for the class I'll be teaching in church tomorrow, but that shouldn't take too long. My hubby is out of the state right now. So, other than those two things and probably feeding the kids, I should be free to write ALL DAY. I'm giddy.
I won't be writing tomorrow. I'll check back in on Monday! Have a good weekend.
Along with getting all the corrections made and the cleaned up manuscript loaded onto CreateSpace, I wrote three chapters. Two of them were new and I totaled over 5000 words.
If I can keep this pace up for the next seven weeks (oooo... that sounds really long), I should be able to meet the 150,000 word count goal I set for NaNoWriMo. But then, I won't be working on corrections or editing. It'll just be pure writing. I can't wait.
Today should be similar. We have an activity to go to at four which should take about an hour and I need to prepare for the class I'll be teaching in church tomorrow, but that shouldn't take too long. My hubby is out of the state right now. So, other than those two things and probably feeding the kids, I should be free to write ALL DAY. I'm giddy.
I won't be writing tomorrow. I'll check back in on Monday! Have a good weekend.
Friday, October 7, 2016
October 7, 2016
I'm late with my post today for one main reason: I wanted to get the corrections done!
Hallelujah! I have achieved Nirvana... I think.
Because I like numbers, here's the breakdown:
50 Chapters, 274 pages
Ironically, 274 total corrections therefore one per page or an average of 5.5 per chapter.
That's too high.
Phhhh. I'm going to have to reread it.
Necessary Changes:
Doubled verbs - two
Formatting -
Dashes that I doubled but Word didn't convert - three
Too much space inside a chapter break - two
Soft return creating a double tab on the next line - nineteen
Punctuation (mostly dashes, ellipses issues and adding/removing commas) -
twenty-nine
Capitalization (these are words that need to be capitalized in the setting of my book
and not real life) - eleven
General typos - sixteen
Spelling - seventeen
Lay vs. lie - seven
Cot vs. bed - thirteen
Changing words/sentences because they NEEDED changed (counting the missing five
ending sentences of chapter 48) - thirty-nine
Misc. - fifteen
Unnecessary Changes (words or sentences that didn't need fixed but sound better now):
Changed - seventy-four
Eliminated - seventeen
Punctuation - ten
I had six chapters that didn't need any changes at all! I was so happy to have those. There were more fixes in the front half of the book than the second half. When I didn't find the last portion of chapter 48, I was mortified.
Hallelujah! I have achieved Nirvana... I think.
Because I like numbers, here's the breakdown:
50 Chapters, 274 pages
Ironically, 274 total corrections therefore one per page or an average of 5.5 per chapter.
That's too high.
Phhhh. I'm going to have to reread it.
Necessary Changes:
Doubled verbs - two
Formatting -
Dashes that I doubled but Word didn't convert - three
Too much space inside a chapter break - two
Soft return creating a double tab on the next line - nineteen
Punctuation (mostly dashes, ellipses issues and adding/removing commas) -
twenty-nine
Capitalization (these are words that need to be capitalized in the setting of my book
and not real life) - eleven
General typos - sixteen
Spelling - seventeen
Lay vs. lie - seven
Cot vs. bed - thirteen
Changing words/sentences because they NEEDED changed (counting the missing five
ending sentences of chapter 48) - thirty-nine
Misc. - fifteen
Unnecessary Changes (words or sentences that didn't need fixed but sound better now):
Changed - seventy-four
Eliminated - seventeen
Punctuation - ten
I had six chapters that didn't need any changes at all! I was so happy to have those. There were more fixes in the front half of the book than the second half. When I didn't find the last portion of chapter 48, I was mortified.
I am SOOO glad I bought the book proof
There's too many errors to ignore the fact that I need to read it again. Sad, but true. But that's okay, I think. Like I said a few posts back, this book will last longer than me. I'm SO grateful I didn't just say "Oh, it's good. Let's hit 'accept'." This is embarrassing. It would have been more so with a published book.
I am not ordering another book proof, however. Because of the issues with the text being wrong on the front cover, I've already made those changes and uploaded a new cover. I ordered new proof book last week to be certain the book looked right with the fixed text and it does. It is WAAAYYY better. As far as the interior, I'm going to upload the cleaned up manuscript today and when they come back with the approval, I'll download a digital copy and print it off at home. I'm going to make sure all the indents are correct, the odd page numbers are on the right hand pages, that I don't have any orphans or widows and then reread it.
It'll be fine.
Yesterday, I had an awesome day writing. I got three chapters done, half of which was new material. The chapter I wrote from scratch yesterday took off in an unexpected direction so now I'm all fired up to write again! Yahoo! Note: that will mean more changes in the future and the farther I get away from this point, the farther I'll be from the draft that's already written. Isn't writing exciting! Wahoo!
I still need to upload stuff to CreateSpace and Smashwords so I better get to work. Check in with you tomorrow.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
October 6, 2016
So yesterday was productive, but not as much as the previous two days. A couple phone calls and me digging through my hard drive to find four missing chapters ate up a lot of time. No fears, it's all good.
I got the three chapters read looking for corrections. I have five left, three today and two tomorrow, which will put me finishing right on time.
10 chapters got corrected yesterday and I should be able to catch up today, leaving the last five for tomorrow. That task will also be completed.
I only got two chapters written/rewritten (one of each) yesterday for a total of just over 2000 words. That's not bad. I estimate I have fourteen chapters left to finish this rewrite of part 2, which is two per day. I accomplished that yesterday. But since I wanted to get into part three, I had been wanting to do three a day as a minimum. If I look at it that way, I'm thirteen behind. :/ That's an average of four a day from here on out. :/ We'll have to see.
So today, ten more chapters of corrections, three more for reading and at least three chapters of rewrite. There is a flag football game today, but that's a good break. I also still need to walk the dog, which isn't too painful. I think it can happen.
The thing is, I think I have to let go of this idea of a 'work schedule'. Or at least the idea of a normal one. Today and yesterday, I went back to bed after getting the kids going and slept until nine-ish. I felt good all day yesterday, never once stopping to take a catnap (I do that usually twice a day). My goal has been to have all of these 'beginning of the day' chores done (walk the dog, shower, make-up, etc.) done by eight-thirty so I can start 'work'. If I do an 'eight hour workday' with a lunch, I should be done at five, right? Well, my goals don't always fit into that schedule and Facebook sucks quite a few hours. I'm ALWAYS working right up until bedtime. If I'm looser with that timeline, I guess I don't feel as guilty? I don't know. It's been a bugger trying to get all this worked out.
Well, I'll touch base again tomorrow.
I got the three chapters read looking for corrections. I have five left, three today and two tomorrow, which will put me finishing right on time.
10 chapters got corrected yesterday and I should be able to catch up today, leaving the last five for tomorrow. That task will also be completed.
I only got two chapters written/rewritten (one of each) yesterday for a total of just over 2000 words. That's not bad. I estimate I have fourteen chapters left to finish this rewrite of part 2, which is two per day. I accomplished that yesterday. But since I wanted to get into part three, I had been wanting to do three a day as a minimum. If I look at it that way, I'm thirteen behind. :/ That's an average of four a day from here on out. :/ We'll have to see.
So today, ten more chapters of corrections, three more for reading and at least three chapters of rewrite. There is a flag football game today, but that's a good break. I also still need to walk the dog, which isn't too painful. I think it can happen.
The thing is, I think I have to let go of this idea of a 'work schedule'. Or at least the idea of a normal one. Today and yesterday, I went back to bed after getting the kids going and slept until nine-ish. I felt good all day yesterday, never once stopping to take a catnap (I do that usually twice a day). My goal has been to have all of these 'beginning of the day' chores done (walk the dog, shower, make-up, etc.) done by eight-thirty so I can start 'work'. If I do an 'eight hour workday' with a lunch, I should be done at five, right? Well, my goals don't always fit into that schedule and Facebook sucks quite a few hours. I'm ALWAYS working right up until bedtime. If I'm looser with that timeline, I guess I don't feel as guilty? I don't know. It's been a bugger trying to get all this worked out.
Well, I'll touch base again tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
October 5, 2016
Yesterday was another productive day. I accomplished a lot on my to-do list.
I got ten more chapters corrected (5 of the behind ones, 5 for the day), leaving me ten behind. I plan on getting another ten done today (like above) leaving me five behind for tomorrow. That should catch me up.
I got my three chapters read for corrections. I only have eight more to go so I'm almost done with that project. However, with as many corrections as I'm making, I can't help but feel like I should read it one more time, just maybe not as slowly. I think I'm going to, I'll just do it as a digital copy of the proof instead of ordering yet another one.
I got three chapters rewritten/written yesterday. Half of it was new material. They're smaller chapters than the ones on Monday, I only got 4000 words in. That's still good, though.
I'm not going to get as much done today. I took a Benadryl last night and it hadn't worn off when the alarm went off. So, I slept in until about nine. I started on my day by looking in the first draft of part three for a chapter I need to pull out of it. In order to do that, I broke the draft up into workable portions that will become chapters. Currently, there's about 52 chapters for part 3. However, I know there is more storyline that I haven't explored yet (that's slated for November) and I'm missing four chapters that I KNOW I wrote. I know the general gist of those chapters so I can rewrite them, I would just like to have them for reference. I spent most of the morning and early afternoon scouring my hard drive looking for them. Grr. I can't find them.
So, today, I hope to get another ten chapters corrected, three more read and an additional four chapters rewritten. But, seeing as how half the afternoon is gone, I doubt I'll make it. Here's to hoping!
See you tomorrow.
I got ten more chapters corrected (5 of the behind ones, 5 for the day), leaving me ten behind. I plan on getting another ten done today (like above) leaving me five behind for tomorrow. That should catch me up.
I got my three chapters read for corrections. I only have eight more to go so I'm almost done with that project. However, with as many corrections as I'm making, I can't help but feel like I should read it one more time, just maybe not as slowly. I think I'm going to, I'll just do it as a digital copy of the proof instead of ordering yet another one.
I got three chapters rewritten/written yesterday. Half of it was new material. They're smaller chapters than the ones on Monday, I only got 4000 words in. That's still good, though.
I'm not going to get as much done today. I took a Benadryl last night and it hadn't worn off when the alarm went off. So, I slept in until about nine. I started on my day by looking in the first draft of part three for a chapter I need to pull out of it. In order to do that, I broke the draft up into workable portions that will become chapters. Currently, there's about 52 chapters for part 3. However, I know there is more storyline that I haven't explored yet (that's slated for November) and I'm missing four chapters that I KNOW I wrote. I know the general gist of those chapters so I can rewrite them, I would just like to have them for reference. I spent most of the morning and early afternoon scouring my hard drive looking for them. Grr. I can't find them.
So, today, I hope to get another ten chapters corrected, three more read and an additional four chapters rewritten. But, seeing as how half the afternoon is gone, I doubt I'll make it. Here's to hoping!
See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
October 4, 2016
Yesterday was a very productive day. I didn't get everything done that I set out to do, but I accomplished a lot!
I got 10 of the 20 chapters corrected that needed it. Three chapters were read for corrections, which was the goal. I wanted to get four chapters rewritten and only got three. However, that was over 6100 words, which is a really good day. Of those three 'rewritten' chapters, two were actually new.
There wasn't anything on the list to do beyond my normal daily activities. The calendar today looks similar. I'm hoping to accomplish a similar amount. I'm all fired up about it, too!
My goals are the pretty much the same as they were yesterday. I have 15 chapters to correct to get caught up, three more chapters to read (I'm almost through the whole book). I'd like to get four chapters rewritten, but more would be spectacular. We'll see.
I'm off to work. See you tomorrow!
I got 10 of the 20 chapters corrected that needed it. Three chapters were read for corrections, which was the goal. I wanted to get four chapters rewritten and only got three. However, that was over 6100 words, which is a really good day. Of those three 'rewritten' chapters, two were actually new.
There wasn't anything on the list to do beyond my normal daily activities. The calendar today looks similar. I'm hoping to accomplish a similar amount. I'm all fired up about it, too!
My goals are the pretty much the same as they were yesterday. I have 15 chapters to correct to get caught up, three more chapters to read (I'm almost through the whole book). I'd like to get four chapters rewritten, but more would be spectacular. We'll see.
I'm off to work. See you tomorrow!
Monday, October 3, 2016
October 3, 2016
Hello. I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
I did. I spent most of the weekend with my family, eating food and watching inspirational talks from our church leaders. It was nice and relaxing. We had some enjoyable conversations with my hubby's mom and some really good friends. Couldn't have had a better weekend.
That being said, I'm now behind on the schedule we talked about last Friday. LOL. Now, we kick it into gear and get things done! I don't have any other plans for today and I've already started supper. Just going to sit in the loft and check things off of my super long to-do list.
Here's what's on it for today: I have to catch up in my corrections--20 chapters, I have to read three more chapters, looking for corrections (not a catch-up, that's the work I did do this weekend), and rewriting/writing 12 chapters (three for four days). Hahahahahahaha. We'll see how this plays out this week. Tomorrow is fairly clear of other obligations as well. Maybe I'll get something done.
I'm holding off on making a new "about" page this week. Once the proofing is done, then we'll put that back under the focus.
I signed up for NaNoWriMo this morning. I'm planning on working on Part 3 drafts. I'm giddy.
Time to get to work. I'll let you know how I did tomorrow!
I did. I spent most of the weekend with my family, eating food and watching inspirational talks from our church leaders. It was nice and relaxing. We had some enjoyable conversations with my hubby's mom and some really good friends. Couldn't have had a better weekend.
That being said, I'm now behind on the schedule we talked about last Friday. LOL. Now, we kick it into gear and get things done! I don't have any other plans for today and I've already started supper. Just going to sit in the loft and check things off of my super long to-do list.
Here's what's on it for today: I have to catch up in my corrections--20 chapters, I have to read three more chapters, looking for corrections (not a catch-up, that's the work I did do this weekend), and rewriting/writing 12 chapters (three for four days). Hahahahahahaha. We'll see how this plays out this week. Tomorrow is fairly clear of other obligations as well. Maybe I'll get something done.
I'm holding off on making a new "about" page this week. Once the proofing is done, then we'll put that back under the focus.
I signed up for NaNoWriMo this morning. I'm planning on working on Part 3 drafts. I'm giddy.
Time to get to work. I'll let you know how I did tomorrow!
Saturday, October 1, 2016
October 1, 2016
Happy October, everybody.
Today has been a day spent watching inspiring talks by the leaders of my church. I haven't gotten much done today and that's okay. It's been a nice, relaxing day and I wouldn't trade it for all the work I could've gotten done.
Yesterday, I got two chapters rewritten (well, one written and one rewritten). I logged over 5000 words. Pretty good.
Then, my hubby and I took the kids to rodeo and later, the carnival at the fair. We got home about 12:30. It was a really good day.
I didn't get the chapters read that I had scheduled. I didn't get the chapters corrected that I had scheduled. Goals in the trash bin yesterday and today. Sigh.
There's always next week. Here's to meeting those goals this next week! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Today has been a day spent watching inspiring talks by the leaders of my church. I haven't gotten much done today and that's okay. It's been a nice, relaxing day and I wouldn't trade it for all the work I could've gotten done.
Yesterday, I got two chapters rewritten (well, one written and one rewritten). I logged over 5000 words. Pretty good.
Then, my hubby and I took the kids to rodeo and later, the carnival at the fair. We got home about 12:30. It was a really good day.
I didn't get the chapters read that I had scheduled. I didn't get the chapters corrected that I had scheduled. Goals in the trash bin yesterday and today. Sigh.
There's always next week. Here's to meeting those goals this next week! Have a wonderful Sunday!
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