July 31, 2011

ROW 80 Check In: Success and Failure

Goodbye July. My two-challenge month is over, and I can now devote myself exclusively to my A Round of Words in 80 days challenge. Not much will change, because I incorporated the daily blogging into my ROW 80 challenge. Still, I can put a nice check mark next to my goal to finish the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Check marks make me happy.

I knew meeting my ROW 80 goals this week would be tough. We've had back-to-back company. It's hard enough explaining "writing time" to my three daughters, much less to company I haven't seen in awhile.

Results this week:
I knew meeting my daily 750 word goal would be tough, but I don't make commitments lightly. I stayed up until midnight Friday night and wrote 1,027 words. But I did not write a single word on Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Boo! To be fair, I hit a scene I constantly reworked and edited to get the 1,027. It was draining.

I blogged every day, and prepared for a Monday live radio interview. Please wish me luck. I've done interviews, but never a live one.

Newest WIP word total: 11,063!

Reaction:
Disappointed. I won't lie.

This week I am determined to average 750 words a day, post daily on the blog, and edit 10 pages a day on an editing project. I need to finish a book and complete a review as well. I terrified myself as I typed these goals, but I really need to reboot and get some work done. I wish I had a "do nothing but catch up" day, but I'm not sure how to get that on the schedule.

Do lofty goals motivate you or weigh you down?

7 comments:

Em said...

Well done on completing your ultimate blog challenge...that is a big tick on a list!

I am sorry you haven't found time to get your 750 words in each day and I hope this week you will manage it along with your other goals!

I nearly changed my goals this week but I have found them a challenge and was worried increasing the time I want to spend weekly on writing would intimidate me.

Hope you have a good week!

Unknown said...

It will work out. Seems like you and I have a common theme this week. But I've realized I'm making ground back up, so I am encouraged by that. Just keep focusing on what you've accomplished so far and take the other stuff one item at a time. :)

Tia Bach said...

Thanks ladies! One thing this challenge has taught me recently: writing doesn't always follow the plan. Goals are great motivators, but flexibility is key. I had a tough scene that was draining, but I'm so happy with it. Still, it requires me to now go back and fix a few things (writing time, but not necessarily adding to my 750 a day goal).

It's made me wonder if I should amend my goal to be time-oriented versus word-oriented. Should I just say I'll work on my WIP for an hour a day? Hmmmm.

Thanks for the support and encouragement!

Kate @ Teaching What Is Good said...

Tia, I am SO IMPRESSED! I'm tired just reading about your commitments! ;-D You GO girl!!!

Tia Bach said...

Kate, your words were the highlight of my day (and as it's almost midnight, the last words of the day!). Thanks!

Wendy Jane said...

I think they are great goals. Lofty goals are just fine as long as you are honest with yourself. Keep up the good work!

Tia Bach said...

Wendy, Thanks for your encouragement!