Showing posts with label word count. Show all posts
Showing posts with label word count. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Slight of Hand
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Write More, Procrastinate Less
Some days I'm so into writing, it's crazy. Other days, writing is the last thing I want to do. I'll run around my house, literally avoiding my computer. A lot of writers only write when the muse strikes. Unfortunately for me, my muse has a day job and neglects me a lot (yes, I have attachment issues). If I don't set aside time (and a word count!) to write, then nothing gets done.
I also invent lots of new ways to procrastinate. Like redoing my YouTube Page and researching better lighting for my vlogs. It's not good. At all. I'm not even halfway through Wishes, Maybe, and it's been three weeks!
Enter in the schedule for the next two-three weeks. I'm not going to set an exact time for writing, because, honestly, that never works out. There's always a last minute something that needs to be done. But I will be setting word count goals. PLEASE HELP ME TO STICK TO THEM!!! Normally I'm very self-motivated, but I could always use some help!
So, the daily word count is...
*DRUM ROLL*
...3,000. If my calculations are right, Wishes, Maybe will be completed in 14 days.
Bring it on, writer's block!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Yeah, Not Happening
Every week day I set a goal for myself: write 5,000 words. I've been doing awesome (if I do say so myself) keeping that word count. A week and a half of writing and 40,000 words! Talk about on a roll.
And then yesterday happened.
It was a struggle just to get my fingers to type. I worked through it, I did. I managed to get halfway to my goal, 2,500 words, before I quit.
At first I was aggravated at myself. I thought the following (plus many more):
"Emily, you're a full time writer. This is your job. You can't just not write."
"A week and a half of success and now this? You LOSER!"
"I really don't like you."
"You're a horrible person."
Yeah, my mind is a very volatile place to be. Then I sat down to write today. Let me just tell you... WOW! The words are flowing so much better, and I'm so much happier with my book.
Which is why there are times that you just need to stop. Whatever your doing, whether it be writing, studying, cleaning, whatever. Take a step back and a short break. The completion of a job is not worth a burnout and a less-than-optimum end product.
And then yesterday happened.
It was a struggle just to get my fingers to type. I worked through it, I did. I managed to get halfway to my goal, 2,500 words, before I quit.
At first I was aggravated at myself. I thought the following (plus many more):
"Emily, you're a full time writer. This is your job. You can't just not write."
"A week and a half of success and now this? You LOSER!"
"I really don't like you."
"You're a horrible person."
Yeah, my mind is a very volatile place to be. Then I sat down to write today. Let me just tell you... WOW! The words are flowing so much better, and I'm so much happier with my book.
Which is why there are times that you just need to stop. Whatever your doing, whether it be writing, studying, cleaning, whatever. Take a step back and a short break. The completion of a job is not worth a burnout and a less-than-optimum end product.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Rocking My NaNo
Okay, that title was false advertising. I'll admit it.
Am I on track to finish by the infamous November 30 deadline? You bet! Did I sprint out of the word count gate on November 1? Not so much. Because I'm a fan of self-inflicted humbling here's my word count chart so far.
Yup. Those first two days, I didn't write. At all. Then I wrote a lot and managed to catch up, even get ahead. Then I didn't write anything on Sunday. Laziness and Procrastination were paying me a lengthy 24 hour visit.
But that's how it works with NaNoWriMo. You get behind, catch up, get ahead, and fall behind again. Or maybe you're one of those insanely awesome people who have already hit your 50,000 word mark.
No matter what word count is reached come November 30, the point is that major writing was done. And I plan to blow 50,000 words out of the water. Or so I hope.
So excuse me while I bang my hands against a keyboard and attempt to make words.
Preferably words that make sense.
Am I on track to finish by the infamous November 30 deadline? You bet! Did I sprint out of the word count gate on November 1? Not so much. Because I'm a fan of self-inflicted humbling here's my word count chart so far.
Yup. Those first two days, I didn't write. At all. Then I wrote a lot and managed to catch up, even get ahead. Then I didn't write anything on Sunday. Laziness and Procrastination were paying me a lengthy 24 hour visit.
But that's how it works with NaNoWriMo. You get behind, catch up, get ahead, and fall behind again. Or maybe you're one of those insanely awesome people who have already hit your 50,000 word mark.
No matter what word count is reached come November 30, the point is that major writing was done. And I plan to blow 50,000 words out of the water. Or so I hope.
So excuse me while I bang my hands against a keyboard and attempt to make words.
Preferably words that make sense.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
To NaNo or Not NaNo
July was Camp NaNoWriMo. Writers set a goal and fight to accomplish it before the end of the month.
I spent July pushing toward a goal of 40,000 words in my current WIP. And did I meet it? You bet! Though I went through some serious ups and downs, illustrated by my handy chart below.
During the 31 days of literary abandon, I went through a plethora of emotions:
Determination. July 1st. 40,000 words. Psh, I could totally do this.
Pride. I'm ahead by 2,000 words. Say whaaat?
Laziness. Yeah, I'm so not writing today. Or... for, you know, four days in a row...
Panic. Needing to catch up ASAP!
Awesomeness. Keeping a steady pace. You know that's right.
And, at the end. Pure and utter accomplishment. I couldn't believe I actually wrote 40,000 words!
So, would I recommend Camp NaNoWriMo (or just NaNoWriMo) to writers? Absolutely! Before July, I'd been struggling for months to get myself to write. Camp NaNo gave me the push I needed. I also got to connect with some really supportive writers.
And, okay, getting this certificate at the end was pretty awesome.
I spent July pushing toward a goal of 40,000 words in my current WIP. And did I meet it? You bet! Though I went through some serious ups and downs, illustrated by my handy chart below.
During the 31 days of literary abandon, I went through a plethora of emotions:
Determination. July 1st. 40,000 words. Psh, I could totally do this.
Pride. I'm ahead by 2,000 words. Say whaaat?
Laziness. Yeah, I'm so not writing today. Or... for, you know, four days in a row...
Panic. Needing to catch up ASAP!
Awesomeness. Keeping a steady pace. You know that's right.
And, at the end. Pure and utter accomplishment. I couldn't believe I actually wrote 40,000 words!
So, would I recommend Camp NaNoWriMo (or just NaNoWriMo) to writers? Absolutely! Before July, I'd been struggling for months to get myself to write. Camp NaNo gave me the push I needed. I also got to connect with some really supportive writers.
And, okay, getting this certificate at the end was pretty awesome.
Also celebrating with a round of mini golf was great too.
The next time NaNo comes around, I'd heartily suggest that you hop on the writing wagon. It's an awesome experience. The only thing you'll regret is looking back and not participating.
Congratulations to everyone who entered and persevered!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
When You Hate Writing
I love being a writer.
Making up characters, worlds, and plots. Having a blog, Facebook, and Twitter where I can connect with other authors. Reading book after book and not getting tired of it. But, sometimes?
Sometimes I really hate writing.
It's exhausting. The words won't come out right. I'm not sure where the plot goes next.
The above sentences sum up my Saturday and Sunday. The words wouldn't come, and I didn't feel like forcing them. But I had to write. I had a word count goal to meet! So I developed a plan of attack to combat my slump. I did the following:
1. A form of physical activity. I'm lucky enough to have a pool so I went swimming. Or more like almost-drowning. Terrible swimmer over here.
2. Fueled up. I ate an awesome, healthy snack. No grabbing the chips and chocolate. Resist!
3. Went somewhere new. Usually I'll write in my room or on my front porch, but this weekend I sat on my back porch in a lounge chair overlooking the pool.
4. Writing sprints! I put myself on a timer. 15 minute writing sprint and then a 30 minute break. And of course I'd announce the sprints on Twitter. Had to hold myself accountable via the World Wide Web.
By the end of all this, I found myself writing for enjoyment. The 15 minute sprint became 20 minutes, then 25, then 30. My imagination swept me away and immersed me in the world of my WIP. It just took some...encouragement... to get there.
Making up characters, worlds, and plots. Having a blog, Facebook, and Twitter where I can connect with other authors. Reading book after book and not getting tired of it. But, sometimes?
Sometimes I really hate writing.
It's exhausting. The words won't come out right. I'm not sure where the plot goes next.
The above sentences sum up my Saturday and Sunday. The words wouldn't come, and I didn't feel like forcing them. But I had to write. I had a word count goal to meet! So I developed a plan of attack to combat my slump. I did the following:
1. A form of physical activity. I'm lucky enough to have a pool so I went swimming. Or more like almost-drowning. Terrible swimmer over here.
2. Fueled up. I ate an awesome, healthy snack. No grabbing the chips and chocolate. Resist!
3. Went somewhere new. Usually I'll write in my room or on my front porch, but this weekend I sat on my back porch in a lounge chair overlooking the pool.
4. Writing sprints! I put myself on a timer. 15 minute writing sprint and then a 30 minute break. And of course I'd announce the sprints on Twitter. Had to hold myself accountable via the World Wide Web.
By the end of all this, I found myself writing for enjoyment. The 15 minute sprint became 20 minutes, then 25, then 30. My imagination swept me away and immersed me in the world of my WIP. It just took some...encouragement... to get there.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
All For Naught
I'm behind on my CampNaNoWriMo word count. That's what happens when you take a three day break.
Woops.
I planned to do some serious catching up last night to the tune of 2k. Did I write that much? Totally. Does it sound good? For a rough draft, yeah. Am I going to keep it? No.
The direction I was trying to take the plot in made no sense. I had my characters trying to get off a train without being seen. They decided to wait until it was moving to crawl out an escape hatch. I got them on top of the train (after a heart-pounding almost fall, of course). Then what? They were stuck! I literally wrote myself into a corner.
Hello, delete button. Cue throwing self on floor, chucking laptop at wall, and stuffing chocolate in my face. Okay, not really. I wouldn't have minded the chocolate though.
Deleting those 2,000 words wouldn't have been a big deal during a normal month. But July isn't a normal month. It's Camp NaNoWriMo. I have to earn my t-shirt!
At first I wanted to do this:
But then I realized writing my characters on top of that train had some positives.
1. I learned where I did not want the plot to go.
2. I leaned action movies that have characters leaping off moving trains made no sense. (When did they ever?)
3. Finally, I learned the best direction to take the plot. No daring stunt acts involved.
Sometimes writing in the wrong direction is exactly the thing writers need to get themselves going in the right one. Even if it's totally aggravating and sucks up three hours of your life.
Trust me.
So worth it.
On a super exciting side-note, my gift card giveaway ended today. The lucky winner is Michelle. Michelle, keep an eye on your email. You'll be getting the gift card shortly.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated. Consider connecting with me on other social media. I'll be having more contests in the upcoming months!
Woops.
I planned to do some serious catching up last night to the tune of 2k. Did I write that much? Totally. Does it sound good? For a rough draft, yeah. Am I going to keep it? No.
The direction I was trying to take the plot in made no sense. I had my characters trying to get off a train without being seen. They decided to wait until it was moving to crawl out an escape hatch. I got them on top of the train (after a heart-pounding almost fall, of course). Then what? They were stuck! I literally wrote myself into a corner.
Hello, delete button. Cue throwing self on floor, chucking laptop at wall, and stuffing chocolate in my face. Okay, not really. I wouldn't have minded the chocolate though.
Deleting those 2,000 words wouldn't have been a big deal during a normal month. But July isn't a normal month. It's Camp NaNoWriMo. I have to earn my t-shirt!
At first I wanted to do this:
But then I realized writing my characters on top of that train had some positives.
1. I learned where I did not want the plot to go.
2. I leaned action movies that have characters leaping off moving trains made no sense. (When did they ever?)
3. Finally, I learned the best direction to take the plot. No daring stunt acts involved.
Sometimes writing in the wrong direction is exactly the thing writers need to get themselves going in the right one. Even if it's totally aggravating and sucks up three hours of your life.
Trust me.
So worth it.
On a super exciting side-note, my gift card giveaway ended today. The lucky winner is Michelle. Michelle, keep an eye on your email. You'll be getting the gift card shortly.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated. Consider connecting with me on other social media. I'll be having more contests in the upcoming months!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
NaNo Nightmares
I've gone camping!
--Figuratively, of course. I'm not one for actual camping. Bugs, behind-that-bush bathrooms, and lack of showers don't have much appeal. For me at least.
This month, I'm cyber roughing it at Camp NaNoWriMo. What is Camp NaNoWriMo, you ask? For those of you too lazy to click the link, it's "An idyllic writers retreat, smack-dab in the middle of your crazy life". You pick your word count and strive to meet it in a month. Camp NaNoWriMo has an awesome cabin system where you're matched with other writers.
My goal for July is to reach 40,000 words, which will finish my current WIP. I've tried to participate in the last three NaNo's: two Camps and one November. I failed each time. Why?
I wasn't dedicated enough!
This time around, I've really gotten involved. I've made use of the cabin chat feature and connected with other writers. I've forced (seriously, forced) myself to at least get 1,000 words written per day. And those cool emails the folks at NaNo send that I used to ignore? Yeah, I actually read those now. I also bought a camp shirt. So a monetary investment and personal guilt trip certainly help matters.
And so far I'm on track, even slightly ahead. Which is an awesome feeling.
Actually, I think I'm a little too obsessed with CampNaNo. In fact, I had a nightmare about it. Apparently this t-rex-like monster would stalk and eventually eat me unless I was able to say a sentence with a certain word count.
Weird and creepy? Definitely.
What is the point of this post other than bragging and letting you act as a dream psychologist?
To show the importance of apply butt-to-chair and fingers-to-keyboard! I procrastinate sooo much when it comes to writing. CampNaNo is a world-wide writing frenzy that forces me to get on the computer to write. So, whether it be a NaNo activity, a friend keeping you accountable, or giving yourself a personal goal. Write!
Seriously.
Like now.
--Figuratively, of course. I'm not one for actual camping. Bugs, behind-that-bush bathrooms, and lack of showers don't have much appeal. For me at least.
This month, I'm cyber roughing it at Camp NaNoWriMo. What is Camp NaNoWriMo, you ask? For those of you too lazy to click the link, it's "An idyllic writers retreat, smack-dab in the middle of your crazy life". You pick your word count and strive to meet it in a month. Camp NaNoWriMo has an awesome cabin system where you're matched with other writers.
My goal for July is to reach 40,000 words, which will finish my current WIP. I've tried to participate in the last three NaNo's: two Camps and one November. I failed each time. Why?
I wasn't dedicated enough!
This time around, I've really gotten involved. I've made use of the cabin chat feature and connected with other writers. I've forced (seriously, forced) myself to at least get 1,000 words written per day. And those cool emails the folks at NaNo send that I used to ignore? Yeah, I actually read those now. I also bought a camp shirt. So a monetary investment and personal guilt trip certainly help matters.
And so far I'm on track, even slightly ahead. Which is an awesome feeling.
Actually, I think I'm a little too obsessed with CampNaNo. In fact, I had a nightmare about it. Apparently this t-rex-like monster would stalk and eventually eat me unless I was able to say a sentence with a certain word count.
Weird and creepy? Definitely.
What is the point of this post other than bragging and letting you act as a dream psychologist?
To show the importance of apply butt-to-chair and fingers-to-keyboard! I procrastinate sooo much when it comes to writing. CampNaNo is a world-wide writing frenzy that forces me to get on the computer to write. So, whether it be a NaNo activity, a friend keeping you accountable, or giving yourself a personal goal. Write!
Seriously.
Like now.