Should Your Characters See a Psychiatrist?

Recently, I read a wonderful book with an interesting concept. A male writer seeks out a psychiatrist (who was also a writer) to help him figure out some problems with his main character.

It left me intrigued.

Reagan, my main character in the Tala Prophecy series, sees a psychiatrist in Chasing Memories. It was a fun way to have my character evaluated. But how much more fun would it be to go to a psychiatrist and talk about my character's (or characters') issues. Heck, I could even pretend to be my character... but before anyone thinks I've gone off the deep end, I'll stick with my first idea.

So, am I crazy or is this a really interesting idea?

Maybe a psychiatrist out there could start picking apart characters for writers. Just thinking out loud here. :-)

Oh, and the book was The Hourglass by Sharon Struth. Read the review here.

Of course, in The Hourglass, it turned out the character's issues were deeply rooted in the author's. So I guess the simpler solution would be for me to seek out therapy.

Trusting You by LP Dover Release Day Blitz

Today, I'm thrilled to be hosting LP Dover for the release of her newest novel, Trusting You. And, I'm excited to be reading it as well. The review will be posted on 10/17 on my Mom in Love with Fiction review blog.

Without further ado...

About Trusting You

I trust you …

These are the three words that Melissa Ashford wishes she could say to someone; to the one person she can fully give herself to and not worry about being betrayed. Being twenty-eight years old and divorced from a cheating ex-husband, Melissa enjoys her freedom until one night she finds herself indulging in a one night stand that changes everything.

There’s something about the alluring Brett Walker that has Melissa feeling things she’s never had with any other man; feelings that not only scare her, but push her past her limits. Just when she begins to open her soul to this new love their bond is put to the test when jealousies from the past try to break them apart.

It’s not only Melissa’s trust that’s put on the line, but Brett’s as well. Will their love be strong enough to get them through the lies? Will Melissa finally be able to say those three words she’s been dying to say? I trust you …

Please join us on Tuesday, October 8^th from 8-10pm EST for the Trusting You Release Party!  Just click here!

Buy it on Amazon
Add it on Goodreads

Teaser

His lazy grin grew wider. “I wondered if I’d ever see you again,” he murmured in his low, sexy voice.

I scoffed and tried to step back, but he moved forward, closing the space. Placing my hands on my hips, I said, “Yeah, I bet. Someone like you probably has a different woman every night. I’m pretty sure you don’t even remember my name.” What’s bad is that I remembered his. I didn’t want to remember it, but I did; it was Brett Walker and he was twenty-eight years old, just like me.

Smirking, he narrowed his eyes. “I could say the same for you. You were the one who left me, remember? Imagine my surprise when I woke up and your side of the bed was cold. You didn’t even say good-bye … Melissa. I must say it was a first for me.”

About LP Dover

L.P. Dover lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband and two wonderful daughters. She's an avid reader that loves her collection of books. Writing has always been her passion and she's delighted to share it with the world. L.P. Dover spent several years in college starting out with a major in Psychology and then switching to dental. She worked in the dental field for eight years and then decided to stay home with her two beautiful girls.

Her works consist of the Forever Fae series, and the Second Chances series. She's really excited to be able to experience writing in the different genres. Her reading used to consist of nothing but suspense thrillers, but now she can't get away from the paranormal/fantasy books. Now that she has started on her passion and began writing, you will not see her go anywhere without a notebook, pen, and her secret energy builder ... chocolate.

Author Links: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Newsletter Sign Up

Other Books By L.P. Dover:

Forever Fae

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Betrayals of Spring

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Summer of Frost

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Love’s Second Chance

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Love, Lies, and Deception

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Heaven = GoodReads + A Dessert: WABC Day 10 & ROW80

Oops, I was a bad girl and missed Day 9 of the Winter Author Blog Challenge (WABC).

What's my excuse?

First, it was Saturday. I promised myself I'd focus on family during the weekends. That's even more important now that my husband is working in San Francisco, and I'm in Maryland getting the kids through the school year (mid-June).

Second, the topic was Foursquare. From the prompt, For those unaware, FourSquare is a location tracking platform. Its users “check in” at various locations with a mobile device and are able to find out (track?) where their friends are. Location is based on GPS hardware in the mobile device or a network location provided by the app itself.

Quite frankly, way too many people find me as it is. No interest in announcing my whereabouts to the few who don't.

Today's prompt...

Are you on GoodReads? It seems a pretty obvious place for authors to hang out, yet I’m not sure authors are using it to quite the maximal benefit. If you are on GoodReads, how often do you visit/use the site? How often do you update your reading list? What other kinds of things do you post? Are you finding yourself using it the way social media was intended: to create a community?

I ♥♥♥♥ GoodReads! You can find me here.

Even if I wasn't an author, you would find me on GoodReads. Book cover, book summary, reviews... all in one convenient place. If it just allowed me to order a dessert and a Diet Coke while sitting in my bed reading, it would be my version of Heaven.

Plus, it's easy to sign up as a GoodReads author and add your book. In addition to being an easy place to find and leave reviews, I can go and mark books as "want to read" when I hear about them. Gone are the days of writing a book title on a piece of paper, one I would inevitably lose.

On average, I read two books a week, so I'm constantly on GoodReads and updating.

I have also joined several groups there, but I'm still looking for one that I feel is a great fit. Have any suggestions?

I highly recommend GoodReads to readers and authors alike. It's a great resource, marketing platform (giveaways & sharing your book's link and blog entries), and book lover's delight.

*****

Now it's time for my Sunday A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update...

Writing: As I was working on Chasing Memories, my YA book, last week, Book Two started forming in my mind. Although I'm excited about continuing the series, I find writing a follow up even more challenging than the original. I plan to do a post on this idea after WABC.

Editing: Waiting to hear from my editor so I can get to work on Round 2 of Chasing Memories.

Blogging: Missed one day of the WABC (see above), but overall I am rejuvenated on blogging. Not too long ago, I was wondering if I could even keep up with MWF. My plan is to write a MINIMUM of 4 Blogging from A to Z Challenge posts this week.

Reading: Just finished an interesting book about Medusa. Review should be up early this week on Mom in Love with Fiction.

Speaking of my review blog, hop over today to find out more about this gorgeous book...

Painting an Image: IWSG & ROW80

It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for my Insecure Writer's Support Group post. A huge thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for putting together this group. I appreciate the opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch.

When I set out to write a book, I thought the hardest part would be over once I held the finished copy in my hands. Little did I know how much time and effort I would put into marketing my book. 

My first book, Depression Cookies, was women's fiction. I wanted to present an authentic version of myself, as a woman, in order to gain readers' trust and create an online writing community. To that end, I often post pictures of my kids and talk about women's issues. It's been very fulfilling to connect with women.

However, my second release will be a young adult novel. Creating an author platform for younger teenagers to young adults feels like a completely different challenge, leaving me with several perplexing considerations.

Will young adult readers be turned off by too much of a mother image/older woman? 
Although it pains me to say older as a new 40 year old! I know my teenager, and avid YA reader, would be completely unimpressed with an author talking about women's issues and posting quips from her kids.

Should I use a pen name to differentiate between the two genres I write? 
My mom and I are currently writing the follow up to Depression Cookies, so I will continue to have a presence in women's fiction. 

My author name for that series is Tia Silverthorne Bach, since my mom is also listed as a co-author. I want readers to immediately see our connection. For my YA series, I had planned to use Tia Bach. But should I go for something completely different?

Does all of this leave me creating two distinct blogs?
Here, I often admit what an out of touch dork I am. Wouldn't YA readers want to think I'm at least an in touch dork, with little emphasis on the dork? 

Here I talk about insecurity, writing dilemmas, etc. Heck, look at my color scheme. I've noticed almost all YA authors have dark backgrounds, and mine is just screaming wholesome, clean cut writer.

It's not like the time fairy will visit to bless me with more hours in a day just because I have two books out in two different genres.

What's a confused author to do?

*****

It's Wednesday, and time for another A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update...

Writing: Slow progress here, because most of my time has been spent on edits. Plus, the kids are home for a snow day today. First real snow in the last two years. Sometimes, Mama comes first.

Editing: Waist-deep in edits on Chasing Memories. Off to Jo Michaels for editing on Friday. So excited to hit send and get on the road to publishing.

Blogging: Currently posting daily for the Winter Author Blog Challenge (WABC), then it's back to my MWF schedule until the Blogging from A to Z Challenge starts April 1. Who's joining me for that one?

@@@ And thanks to some things I'm learning with the WABC, I created an author Facebook page (before I had a Depression Cookies page). Please go and like if you are so inclined. Thanks! @@@

Reading: Posting reviews at least twice a week on Mom in Love with Fiction, but my TBR list grows daily. Maybe I'll convince the girls that a snow day is an excellent Family Read Day.

Wishing all my author friends countless words and minimal insecurities today!

Learning Curve: ROW80 Update

Isolation, too often it is the life of a writer. Feeling a part of a writing community has helped my writing in some many ways. The learning curve has been intense but rewarding, and I have so many resources for my questions about writing, publishing, editing, marketing, and on and on.

Most of my writing community is online. I feel much less isolated than before, but I still long to surround myself with flesh and blood writers sometimes. To that end, I am attending the Pamlico Writer's Conference this weekend. I'm so excited to pick up writing tips and tools. But most of all, I'm excited to share in the energy of other writers.

I'll be sure to share what I learn.

Back to online writing communities... the Winter Author Blog Challenge starts Friday, March 1. I participated in the First Author Blog Challenge back in June and met some amazing writers, one of whom (the amazing Jo Michaels) is editing my newest novel. Please consider joining us.

Note: I had scheduled guest posts for March 1 & 4, so I will double up on writing prompts on March 2 & 5 for the Winter ABC.

Now for my Wednesday A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update...

Writing: Depression Cookies chapters coming along nicely. Almost ready to hit send to my co-author, aka Mom. A stubborn scene is still befuddling me. 

Question: When a scene really perplexes you, do you let it go for now and work on it in editing or pound away at it until you get what you want?

Editing: I'm applying some of the editor's comments about my Prologue and Chapter 1 to the rest of the book. I plan to be done editing by early next week. 

Blogging: I'm keeping with my MWF schedule nicely so far.

Reading: Lots lately! Check out Mom in Love with Fiction for reviews.

The Best Laid Plans: ROW80 Update

www.wigflip.com

I try to plan my writing. I really, really do.

I write the notes and ideas down. Even try to outline.

Yet, I am the writer that I am. And clearly, I am someone who needs to let the story reveal itself through writing, with some input from the characters. (Yes, my characters tend to have minds of their own.)

When I hear other authors talking about planning, outlining, note cards, etc., it sounds so much more like me. I write out a to-do list every single day and make a pro/con list for every important decision in my life.

But not with writing. No matter how much planning I try to do, my best ideas come to me through the scenes. I read the last chapter I wrote and then start typing. The details simply flow, and I have learned to accept it.

Now, what do I do if an agent asks for an outline? Guess I'll be making one once I'm done writing.

Now it's time for my Wednesday A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update...

WRITING

My goal: Spend an hour a day writing/planning the Depression Cookies follow-up. My progress: Success. Falling back in love with this book!

My goal: Deep edits and "filling holes" work on Chasing Memories (my NaNo project). My progress: Got back the edits on the prologue and chapter one. Will tackle those tomorrow. Can't wait!

BLOGGING
My goal: Post here on Monday, Wednesday & Friday and write some A to Z posts so April is not so overwhelming. My progress: Barely got this post up, but keeping my fingers crossed for Friday and a couple of A to Z posts.

READING
My goal: Read two books per week. My progress: Reading. Published two reviews already this week on Mom in Love with Fiction. Still need to get the Beautiful Creatures book review up.

Re-energized: ROW80 Update

My life was filled to overflowing with love and family this past weekend. The energy is pouring over into my Monday (and hopefully my week!), and I'm already hard at work on goals. I'm actually feeling quite pumped up for the first time in a long time. It's a great feeling. Nothing rejuvenates me like a few days of bonding.

Yesterday, my baby girl had her First Communion. It was such a special weekend, especially since my sisters came in to celebrate.

My baby is the mini-bride in the middle. *beaming* 

It's funny... I made her change right after the ceremony before she was allowed to have cake. I told her it was just like her wedding day would be... a gorgeous dress that she only got to wear for a few hours. And, yes, we are definitely women-strong in my family. The only girls missing: my mom and my niece, Dani. Both of whom were sorely missed. Not that we didn't miss the guys, too. (Hubby took the picture!)

Normally, Sundays are for my A Round of Words in 80 Days Updates, but I've switched to a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule until my April Blogging from A to Z Challenge. So, today's my update.

WRITING
My goal: Spend an hour a day writing/planning the Depression Cookies follow-up. 
My progress: Did start back on planning, but need to get to writing. Goal is to have two chapters done by Wednesday.

My goal: Deep edits and "filling holes" work on Chasing Memories (my NaNo project). 
My progress: Spent time working on the Prologue and Chapter One. Goal is to have it to my hopeful-editor by Thursday.

BLOGGING
My goal: Post here on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
My progress: Oops, where did Friday go. Oh wait, see picture above!

READING
My goal: Two books a week.
My progress: Read two books last week, and need to post both reviews on Mom in Love with Fiction.

Wishing all my writing friends a week of flowing words!

Soul Searching: ROW80 Update

2013 is already shaping up to be an interesting year. I blame turning 40 in August. I feel like I'm over-evaluating everything. Throw in an illness and a wonderfully exhausting girls' trip, and there have already been a lot of opportunities for introspection this year.

Good things have come from this, but it's also left me struggling with the day-to-day like blogging. 

The beauty and serenity of Breckenridge

January will be the month of soul searching. I have been going at an unsustainable pace for way too long. In some ways it feels like a failure to say that. In others, it feels like a much-needed admission and release.

Sixteen days into 2013, and I have...

- Finished an editing project that was on my desk since September. I met with my client in Colorado while I was there. It's so nice to be part of the process that encourages authors to do the work necessary to make their book even better. It brings me great joy!

- Finished and mailed edit #2 of a young adult (maybe new adult??) paranormal book. Love. This. Book. When the author is ready for me to share more about it, I will!

- Started editing my NaNo novel, Chasing Memories

- Read 3 books, 2 are awaiting reviews on Mom in Love with Fiction

What I need to accomplish before the end of January...
(which I know I can do thanks to the support of my amazing A Round of Words in 80 Days, ROW80, friends!)

- Finish the 2nd edit on a lovely literary fiction novel, Borrowed Things. It is wonderful, and I can't wait to see what this author can do with it. I will shout it from the rooftops when it's ready to come out.

- Finish a chapter of Depression Cookies (by this weekend actually, it's overdue) 
Note: Good thing Mom, my co-author, has been understanding about her daughter's illness! 

- Re-establish a normal blogging schedule. 
To do this, I need to get my creative side stimulated. Any good suggestions for finding blog post ideas? Good online writing magazines, resources for writing prompts, anything?

- Re-establish an online presence. 

Advice Request: What have people found to be the most effective tool for managing social media time? Do you limit your time or the number of places you visit on a given day? Help! I miss my social media contacts, but I let it get out of hand.

- Start notes for Chasing Memories Book 2. It's in my head, and I want to keep the momentum from NaNo.

- Post reviews for Iduna's Apples plus three more (two still need to be read).

So those are my goals from 1/16 through 1/31. I want it to be attainable, yet productive. Hope everyone else is finding their 2013 groove.

A Release Day & Progress: ROW80 Update

First, I'd like to mention my fellow ROW80 writer, Juliana Haygert... today is the Release Day Blitz for her new NA Contemporary Romance, Her Heart's Secret Wish. For more information, please visit my book review blog here (there's also a giveaway).

But I at least wanted to share the cover and summary here...

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Release Date: 12/12/12

Genre: NA contemporary romance

Length: 13,000 words

Her Heart's Secret Wish Summary

With a renowned reputation as a player, she had everything figured out...

Twenty-year-old college student, Natasha is the life of every party and the reason behind many celebrations. The easiest girl on campus has all guys at her feet and more than a few in her bed.

... until he came into the game...

Having entered the academic world by chance, Professor Jason Stone is surprised to find one of his young students a huge temptation. The infamous Natasha has caught his attention. But is there more to her than meets the eye?

…and changed the rules.

As their unexpected friendship grows, so does their attraction to each other. When Jason’s Christmas plans are canceled and he ends up at the same party as Natasha, sparks flare, destroying the safe zone around them. Will they figure out how to break through their self-imposed barriers to be together, or lose one another forever?

Congratulations, Juliana! **throws confetti**

As for my A Round of Words in 80 Days update...

---> Depression Cookies follow up chapter
Made progress. I had a sick daughter home yesterday, and I found out my uncle had a heart attack (he's okay after a couple of stints). My brain was occupied, especially since my uncle was my first crush and he holds a very special place in my heart.

---> Editing
Progress. Still behind where I'd like to be, so my goal is to be back on schedule by Sunday.

---> Blogging
I posted here on Monday, To That or Not to That, and on Mom in Love with Fiction each day this week so far. I'm getting back in the groove.

I'm looking forward to the start of 2013 and reevaluating my goals and priorities, especially since I hope to publish TWO books in 2013.

Please stop by my post about Juliana's big release and leave her some comment love (or in the comments here). Happy 12/12/12!

7-Day Evolution of Writing: IWSG & ROW80 Update

It's the first Wednesday of the month, but not just any month... November, or what I now think of as NaNovember. This year, I finally bit the bullet and signed up for my first National Novel Writing Month. It's only Day 7, and it's already been a roller coaster of emotions. The perfect material for my monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group (#IWSG) post.

I started off strong and determined, saying to myself, "I can do this." 1,667 words a day. Better yet, I decided to try for 2,000 a day so I could celebrate 50,000 words early.

I started off writing linearly, the way I've always written. I even used chapters and headings.

By Day 3, I start skipping scenes and making notes to come back later and add description. I was so terrified to stop writing, so I just didn't. I know the allure of, "I'll just pop over and look something up on the Internet real quick." Next thing I know, I've checked Twitter, Facebook, emails and a couple of hours have disappeared into thin air. 

Day 5. Monday, and my kids had the day off school. No problem. I was on a mission. I got up early and pounded out more words. By the end of the day, I had 9,000 words. I was still feeling like nothing could stop me.

Then came Day 6... Election Day. I worked at my daughter's school, a long-planned fundraising bake sale from 6:30am-8pm with a one-hour lunch break. I kid you not. I was so mentally exhausted at the end of that, but I still opened up my WIP. At that point, I decided to ditch chapter headings and just write. I quickly realized how many holes would have to be filled post-NaNo. Still, I knew I'd rather fill holes than have blank pages.

Which brings me to today... business meetings this morning. No worries. I came home with two hours to spare before kids came home. No lie, the minute I stepped into my house and turned on my computer, the phone rang. School. My sweet middle daughter was having an allergic reaction. I picked her up and went straight to the doctor (all was okay). Well played, Life, well played.

I ended the day at 10,861 words. I'd like to have more.

But, another thing I've learned in the seven short days of my NaNo experience... it's all about the writing. Some days will produce more words than others. It's as simple as that. And, as insecure as I'm sure I'll feel about this writing when I re-read it after NaNo, for now I'm proud of the progress. If nothing else, I'll have a bare bones story that needs details, polishing, and editing.

Name the work that won't ultimately need all of those!

Now, if I could only find time to write AND read blogs and continue to build my author platform. I'm hoping by the end of November, I'll have found a writing rhythm that I can take with me into the months that follow. Then, slowly I'll add back in some of the other things.

Writing comes first.

Why is it so much easier to say that than to make it happen?

Since my only real goal this month is NaNo, I'm staying on track for A Round of Words in 80 Days! (and I'm still writing book reviews for my review blog, Mom in Love with Fiction.)

Scattered Snippets from a NaNo-Obsessed Brain: ROW80 Update

My brain is so wrapped up in my NaNo project that each time I open up an empty blog post page, it freezes in some sort of rebellion.

"The words must be used for NaNo," says the strange, eerie voice in my head.

Then, I realized something. The voice was that of my main character. Guess she's the jealous sort. Good to know.

So this is quick, before her voice gives me an intense headache.

Do your characters ever try to control you that way?

First to share some writer news...

Every once in awhile, an author's work is so good that it will stay with me. Such was the case with Shauna Kelley's Max and Menna. I am not ashamed to admit I did a little Twitter- and blog-stalking after reading it. To my giddy surprise, Shauna lives in my town. In my town! When she asked me to review Don't Wake Up, I jumped at the chance.

Then, I worried. What if I didn't like it as much? What if I didn't like it all?

My worries were premature and unnecessary. It was amazing, and it launched November 1st. Here's an excerpt from my review (full review here) on Mom in Love with Fiction:

Thought-provoking and intense, Don’t Wake Up shows the slow decline of relationships under the stress of dishonesty and miscommunication. A line from the book keeps echoing in my head, “Sometimes, when something is broken, it simply can’t be fixed.” Too often, determining if it’s truly broken is intense and uncertain.

I highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate flawed characters who are finding their way and real life endings.

Then, on November 1st, Tribute Books featured Depression Cookies as well as an interview with me. (The full interview can be found here.) An excerpt:

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Appreciate reading… books have always been a very important part of my life. They have been my counselor, my friend, my imagination, and my inspiration among other things. I can’t imagine my life without books. One of my favorite quotes: “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Charles W. Eliot 


Okay, my time's up.

Oh, I guess I should update on my only ROW80 goal right now... NaNo. As of 9pm on Day 4, I have 7,078 words. Not bad. And, I'm about to start writing for the first time today. We had quite the fun family day, so I'm feeling rejuvenated.

My apologies for being off my social media game. I plan to spend some time reading posts tonight, after writing time is over, and root everyone on in their goals.

Bride of Frankenstorming: ROW80 Update

There's a storm coming... a big one according to weather reports. They've even nicknamed it Frankenstorm. Just in time for Halloween and a little frightening thing called NaNoWriMo.

I live in the Bubble of "these people are totally screwed" of course.

I've spent the last couple of weeks prepping for NaNo by getting all my Life ducks in a row. I cleared my calendar for the last few days leading up to November 1 to make sure I was ahead and ready to go. I even outlined my focus on saying No for NaNO last week: I Wish to Say No. Too bad I can't just say No to things like Frankenstorm.

Life is a funny b**ch sometimes, isn't she? School has already been cancelled for the next two days as have all activities.

Handed lemons, I decided to do my best this evening to rally the troops and make some lemonade. My preteen daughter really wants to help me plot my NaNo entry. She reads young adult all the time, so I think she'll be a good resource. The next couple of days we'll put our heads together and do some major brainstorming (or frankenstorming, if you will). Just call me the Bride of Frankenstorming.

I've decided not to fear Frankenstorm. It's coming just as much as November 1 is coming. Let's just hope it doesn't take out my power. My laptop only has about a three-hour battery life.

In all seriousness, however, I hope the storm is less than what they expect and I'm praying for safety for all of those in its path.

*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

My goals for Monday and Tuesday this week...

• Continue brainstorming for my NaNo piece, Chasing Memories.
• Prep the next three weeks of review posts for Mom in Love with Fiction.
• Get as ahead as I can on editing projects.
• Spend some time commenting on blogs, since I know November will be lacking in social media.

Starting November 1, my only goals will be...

• Write a minimum of 1,667 per day. I'd like to start off stronger in anticipation of Life and other commitments getting in the way later in the month (Hello, Thanksgiving!).
• Post Sunday & Wednesday NaNo updates (serving as ROW80 updates). I hope to post Monday and Fridays as well, but I'm staying flexible.

Pace and Race: ROW80 Update

Pace, don't race. It's been my mantra for over a year, both in writing and training for my first half marathon.


Used with permission from
Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.com.

Now, as I stare down the November 1 start to NaNo, I need to embrace a new idea... pace and race. A month to do 50,000 is more of a sprint than an endurance exercise. But, 30 days isn't really a sprint either. Writing 1,667 (averaging 50,000 words over 30 days) a day for 3 days would be more of a sprint. It will take endurance to keep it up for 30 days.

However, considering my normal writing output, 50,000 words in a month is a sprint.

All of this to say, I am going to spend the next 17 days conditioning myself for an intensely long sprint. To that end, I have new goals for this round of ROW80.

(Maybe I should add some finger workouts to avoid the scenario in the comic to the right!)

My New Round 4 Goals --
Week of October 14

1. Start outlining Chasing Memories, my NaNo piece -- would like to be halfway by Wednesday's check-in
2. Make character list for Chasing Memories
3. Prewrite two blog posts for November 
4. Edit three chapters on BT, to get ahead on my editing schedule
5. Look at November review schedule and plan a schedule to get ahead on commitments
6. Spend 30-45 minutes each day exploring the NaNo site

My overall goal is to use the next 17 days to prepare as much as I can for a crazy November.

Wish me luck!

*****

And now for some fun... please check back tomorrow for details on how to win a signed paperback copy of Depression Cookies.

Embracing Chaos: ROW80 Round 4 Goals

Round 3 of ROW80 was not my finest round. Life seemed to pop up around every corner, surprising me with a delighted, "Got you again." I let it win.

Notice, I said, "I let it."

Sandi Tuttle

Today, I listened to a great Blog Radio show led by Sandi Tuttle: When Life Happens. Sandi has featured me on her show before, and she has a wonderful way of putting things into perspective in a very honest, but humorous, way. Today I felt like she was speaking directly to me.

The show was all about how life happens. She nailed life as, "chaos with occasional moments of sanity." So true, and it's time I embrace the chaos instead of simply wishing it wasn't reality.

I am guilty of all the things she mentioned. I make list after list, commitment after commitment, and then feel like a failure when I don't get everything done. I'll share more about her thoughts and my reaction on Wednesday's ROW80 update and Insecure Writers Support Group (#IWSG) post.

But for now, let me say sum up her advice... we all need to give ourselves permission to be human, to be flexible.

That's what this round is going to be about for me. Flexibility with focus, my new mantra.

My Goals for Round 4 of A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80)

Writing: I will put my butt in the chair and work on my two WIPs for a minimum of one hour a day, Monday through Friday. First thing. This comes before all my other goals, and is the one I will focus on.

I'm choosing Monday through Friday, because I want and need to focus on my family on the weekend. I looked at my almost-thirteen-year-old daughter this weekend and realized she's growing up WAY too fast. I don't want to miss it.

If, and only if, writing is done for the day...

Editing: Since this brings in money in between novels and freelance writing assignments, this is the very next priority. Once writing is done, I will follow a preplanned schedule of editing deadlines. I have written them out, but won't bore you with the details. I have a second read on a very exciting YA novel, a first read on a literary novel (15 chapters to go), and a women's literature piece.

Blogging: I'm going back to a Sunday (ROW80 update), Monday, Wednesday (ROW80), Friday schedule. I will try to use one day a week to prewrite posts. Again, ONLY after my WIP writing is done.

Reading: I truly believe this makes me a better writer, and I do have review commitments. I will plan to read in the evening and during kids' activities (thank you to my middle daughter for three-times-a-week swim practices!). Keep checking my reviews on Mom in Love with Fiction for some great reads.

Social Media: I hate that this is last on the list, but it needs to be. Only after I've done all of the above, will I visit blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc. It's too alluring for me, and often leads me into other to-dos. If I'm awhile getting around to say Hi, please know that I'm writing.

To my ROW80 friends, what are you doing differently this round?

Just in case you missed the first time, check out my radio spot with Sandi here.