I'm struggling with this, however. I'm not a time off kind of person. But as a close friend reminded me, I've written two 80,000+ word novels and a novella without a break, so I might be due. I just wish it didn't have to be break time during the first week of a writing challenge. :)
Such was the first week of ROW 80. I don't know if the second week will be considerably better since I have my students' research papers and projects all coming in this week. The life of a college prof....it's not bad work, if you can get it, but a couple times a semester, it's hell. But the end is in sight. April 29 is the official end of the semester, and then it's summertime and the living is easy.
So how's everyone else doing? Check them out here!
13 comments:
Still sounds pretty productive to me. :)
The whole habit thing makes it hard to take a break between projects but it sounds like maybe it's your time to give yourself a little time off. Take a breather then jump back in. Best of luck whatever you decide to do next week.
Thanks! I'm a type A, so time off isn't something I'm comfortable with, but I'm working on it. But the day job may make the decision for me this week.
:)
Oh man, do I understand the Type A! It sucks not meeting your goals. I surround myself with them like a house of building blocks and if I don't meet one I feel like everything is coming down around me. When do you learn that won't happen? LoL
It sounds like you've had good experiences with your writing in the past, so here's hoping next week cooperates, right?
You're so right! I admit, that's exactly what I feel like. If I don't meet one goal, then everything is going to hell in a handbasket. Then I have to remind myself to chill and relax.
Well it does'nt sound like time off to me - you say you brainstormed for new story - thats working. words on page are the end result - the thoughts that simmer away inside brain first step and that can be hard, then arranging melding and rounding them and all this work can be done while you are occupied doing other things. then hopefully when end of April comes the ideas will leap into action on to the page - stop being so hard on self all the processes is working on the book.
Thanks Alberta! But as Popeye says, "I am who I am." Thanks for the encouragement!
Everybody needs a break, I think. Batteries need to recharge to keep the ideas flowing.
Still, you got lots done for 'time off'. Best wishes for next week!
You got a lot accomplished...congrats!
You mentioned your beta readers...how did you go about finding them?
I've never used them and think it sounds like a good idea.
I too have had my share of set-backs this week. But then again, it sounds like you've been much more productive than I have over the past couple of months, so maybe this ROW80, you should try to take it easy. Maybe your writing will go in a direction you never planned. Love it when that happens!
BTW- Your blog is sooooo pretty! I heart it with much envy.
Thanks Laurel and Kate! The problem with me taking it easy is that I'm quite lazy at my core. The type A fights with the lazy me all the time, and I encourage the type A to win. Otherwise, I truly will be doing my favorite impression of a lizard sunning itself. LOL
As for writing going in a different direction, I'm with you there. The new novella I began last night came from one line in a London newspaper from 1835! My brain just ran with it.
Good luck with your submission! Sounds like you've been working hard. Your blog design looks great - and that Mr. Happy is so cute!
It's alright to take a break sometimes, especially considering how quickly you write.
Good luck with your goals!
Busy! Busy! Busy! (Said in the voice of Professor Hinkle in the Frosty the Snowman Christmas special. lol)
A little breather moment is good for the soul.
I've enjoyed visiting your blog today, Gabrielle.
I have to say - one of your closing comments clutched my heart. "It's summertime and the living is easy". The timing is incredible. Just this past weekend, a memoir piece of mine was published (My first publication! Yay!) and the opening sentence refers to the Billie Holiday song. In the memoir, I tell about the day my mother died when I was a teen...So, needless you say, your words really touched me. I'd be happy to give you the link to the online magazine article if you'd like.
I'm now your newest follower. It's nice to meet you. :)
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