Ready Set Write is a summer writing intensive that provides an opportunity for us to cheer each other on wherever we’re at in our writing—planning, drafting, or revising. This year, your RSW hosts are Alison Miller, Katy Upperman, Erin Funk, Elodie Nowodazkij, and Jaime Morrow. Join us by posting your updated goals on your blog, and linking up with the widget on any of the hosts' blogs posted every Monday morning.
First, can I just ask--how has it been ten weeks already?? What I love most about this writing intensive is how it keeps me on track of my time, even if I fail horribly (ahem...like, this week). Down to brass tacks (and by brass tacks, I mean, let me tell you how horribly I failed all my goals this week).
1. Last week's goals:
- Dive head first into this new manuscript. I have it plotted out pretty well so hopefully I won't hit many snags. I'll have to see if my agent has any major adjustments/comments. √ Except, my agent found a lot of things she wanted me to think about. I'm still muddling around and trying to nail down my outline.
- Go to the gym 3x. That elliptical is going to be my BFF this week. XX *shame*
- Go to 3 yoga classes. My typical class schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Sunday. XXX Ugh. I'm going to fix this this week.
- Get up with the alarm at 7AM. Due to night writing, I've been sleeping in too long and want to shake the habit. I'm still not where I want to be with this goal, but I have a lot going on this week so hopefully that will help.
- Check out the #PitchWars hashtag and convince everyone to submit to me and Stephanie Scott (wink, wink; nudge, nudge). √ √ √ ;)
- Talk to CP Dana and nail this outline down. I'm reving my engine to start this MS, but don't want to skid off the track because I started to write too soon.
- Hit the gym 2X.
- Go to 2 yoga classes.
- Head down to Maryland for some much-needed family time.
- Also, I think PitchWars submissions start soon so that means I'll be digging through slush at some point.
3. The biggest challenge I faced this week: I felt like I was spinning my wheels all week. My agent asked me to think about some bigger issues with my WIP and I spent most of my week staring at the wall just...thinking. The easiest part of writing to skip over is that daydreamy-thinking stage. But it's so, so important even if it feels like we're "slacking" or "not doing anything."
4. Something I love about my WiP: that once I push through these holes, it's so, so solid. The most solid idea I've ever had.
Don't you love that feeling when you've hit the right mark with your WIP? Also, it's awesome that your agent is making you think about things for your novel...yeah, it might seem a little daunting at the time, but how lucky are you to have his/her feedback? Good luck on your goals this week!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the daydreamy-thinking stage is important. I'm generally not a very fast writer because I need time to mull things over before I get started and as I go. I think it's very wise of you to nail down your outline before starting too soon, but then I'm an obsessive planner so I'm completely biased lol.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goals this week, and I hope you get to dive into drafting really soon! Also, I love that gif of Leslie eating waffles. She rocks.
Okay, as brilliant as I think my agent is, I sometimes get discouraged by those "think more deeply" suggestions. But then I actually DO think more deeply, and I always, always, always end up realizing that she was totally right. Is that just me? Anyway, best of luck with your musings (I absolutely agree that it's a super important step) and the rest of your goals. Rooting for you, Valerie!
ReplyDeleteSolid is good! Notes and ideas for agent can be good :) Always moving forward. Don't worry about you break week for the classes and exercise, your body needs a rest every now and then to keep going. Go with it! Good luck this week!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great feeling when you know you've landed on something that is solid like that. Best wishes for pushing through those holes, you can do it!
ReplyDelete