Can you tell I loved Friends? Well, I also love my friends. I must admit I have some blogger and writer friends right now I'd love to meet. I'm grateful for the online relationships and support, but I'm still wishing for a more personal dinner out. Maybe we'll all pick a conference to attend in 2012 or something. Just saying...
It's hard to believe this is the final check in for Round 3 of A Round of Words in 80 Days. I am so thankful to Kait Nolan. This challenge has taught me so much.
Top Five Gifts From Round 3:
Support
I love to write, but it can be a very solitary existence. I'm a people person. I knew this about myself, but didn't think it applied to my writing. It does. Encouragment and camaraderie are essential to my writing life. Hearing about others' struggles and accomplishments makes me feel less isolated and more inspired.
Knowledge
I learned something from every post I read during the challenge: everything from writing technique, editing hints, suggestions for formatting ebooks, cover art, trailer production to not being so hard on yourself when life gets in the way.
Accountability
Overall, I'm a motivated person. I like to succeed and fulfill goals. Still, knowing my fellow writers were working toward their own goals and planning to stop by, was a huge motivator for me.
Goal-Setting
ROW 80 is unique because it allows the participants to reassess their goals and customize the challenge for their needs. This was a new concept for me. I tend to overschedule and run around like a mad woman. I rarely give myself permission to reassess. I've discovered my writing flows better when I don't force it.
Acceptance
Life happens. Writer's block happens. You have to learn to accept change and move forward or life will take over. Easier said than done. ROW 80 participants have helped me learn this valuable lesson.
Overall, I am happy with my Round 3 results. Mom and I are almost 25,000 words into our sequel. It took us 10 years to write the first book and its 176,000 words. I'm looking forward to better defining my goals in Round 4.
The best challenge I set for myself this week was to visit every blog on Sunday's Linky. Success! It was my sprint to the finish. I wanted to give back some love to show appreciation.
Round 4 starts October 3rd. I hope to see a lot of familiar faces as well as find new writer friends. Readers: this is a great place for you to check out writers and hear about some exciting book projects, most prior to publication. If you are on the lookout for new authors and books, you'll be thrilled with what you find.
7 comments:
This *love* this list of "gifts" from Round 3, and I heartily agree with all of them. I'm so happy that participating in ROW80 has been so successful for you, and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Round 4. :D
Like Lena I think your list is spot on and sums up how I feel about the Round. I look forward to seeing you in Round 4!
So glad you stopped by, and I'm looking forward to seeing you both in Round 4! Enjoy your break.
Tia,
Congratulations on completing another blogging challenge! You are an absolute inspiration.
It's clear from the summary of what you've learned why these things are so important. Writing and translating can be lonely professions and community makes all the difference.
I'm still having trouble getting your feed via Google Reader and have been lax about following along, but every time I come by, I'm glad I did.
Keep up the great blogging and writing community here on Depression Cookies!
Thanks, Lisa! My RSS feed is going to be the death of me yet. It works for some and not others. Just not sure what to do about it. If you follow me, it should show up in your reader. But should and does... ugh!
Thanks for always stopping by and showing me such support, my friend! Hope Costa Rica is all you needed, wanted, and more!
Your gifts are a super way of putting down the ROW80 experience! Inspirational. I hope to see you around in the next round -wishing you all the best with your current project.
Thanks, Yikici. I'm so grateful for this past round and all the support and encouragement. I am a sponsor in Round 4 to give back. Thanks for the well wishes. See you in 4!
Post a Comment