THE WEEKEND PROGRESS REPORT 2005

[batyler65]

Welcome to a brand new year, Weekenders! I thought we'd all start off with a clean slate. For any newcomers, if you want to know how this whole mess started -- it started with a New Year's Resolution in 2004 when I vowed to complete a Horrible Novel in four months and wanted a way to keep myself accountable.

The good news? Thanks to WPR and nudges from the people here, I wrote that horrible novel between January and April. All 77k words of it. The bad news? Now I've got to make it LESS horrible. My writing group has more faith in me than I do, but together we might get through the second draft.

So, now it is 2005. Time for new goals, new nudges and a bit of whip-cracking fun. Many of you have already listed your goals for the new year. I'm a bit behind, but I'll post mine now.

Starting in February, I will be writing a YA Fantasy novel (with much more humor than the first novel possesses, thank goodness!) I plan to have that novel drafted by the end of April (cross your fingers).

I also intend to get back into writing a humor column once per week and subbing to FC once per month. This is going to be interesting. I still have the humor column every month at the local magazine so I'll be doing that, too.

I'd like to find a home for my children's puzzle book, so I hope to do some serious marketing on it soon.

It's been a long week. I had five deadlines this week on the heels of a month of holiday company. For those of you who don't know, my working conditions are less than ideal. My home office is currently in my dining room (there is no dining room in my dining room, just office) which is in the center of my house and has no door. This means during the holidays not much work was getting done due to the wandering holiday nomads who periodically traipsed through my space and interrupted my train of thought. Now all the guests have gone. The kids are back in school and the husband has recovered from a near-bout of pneumonia (did I mention that?). I am closing in on the last two of the deadlines this morning and hope to have them sent off by noon. At that point I am collapsing and won't be seen again until Monday. I will love this come payday, but right now, Oy!

So how are you guys and gals progressing with your goals?
ROLL CALL!

Ruth? You getting anything written? I know you are busy. But trust me, you will ALWAYS be busy. Make ten minutes a day. MAKE THEM. You would make them for your kids. Make them for yourself.

Ally: Hey Girl! You have been doing so great! Keep up the good work and let us know what is going on this week.

Frank: Um... haven't heard anything about the new book in awhile. Whassup?

Mac: Okay, you like to wield the whip, but I think it is only so you don't have to tell us anything about your writing. Get with it, gal! I want a report. Don't make me come out there.

Lori: Same spiel as above. What's going on? And I don't want to know why my whip has spinach dip on it. Just don't tell me.

Ray: I know you have had a rough start to the new year. I'm hoping it hasn't stalled you out in your tracks. How's the writing going?

CC: You seem to be making excellent progress on FATL. What have you done to make the rest of us look bad this week?

Mike: You are also on my list of overachievers for 2005. Don't let me down, okay?

Nita: Okay, am I the only one to notice that you only post when I'm gone? I'm starting to get a complex. Tell me about your writing week. Please? Pretty please?

Melina: Okay, girl. Are you off and running on that goal? Can I go on vacation with you? Heck, I could just house sit while you are on vacation.

Cate: You go for it, Cate. I can see you listed on that masthead as a contributing EDITOR one day. Keep your eye on the prize.

Jen: Hullo? Hullo? Testing.... testing... is this thing on?

Rich: Get serious, dude. What are you going to accomplish this year?

Cindy: Welcome to the nuthouse. We are all pretty friendly here... unless you stop writing... or refuse to report in once you've made your presence known... or try to take away Bud's pudding (He's my muse and he has some strange ideas about pudding, don't ask.). Folks often refer to Hotel California when newcomers poke their heads up. Pay no attention to them. You can leave whenever you darn well please. 'course, we might have to hunt you down... but that's another story. AHEM. How did your writing go this week?

Renee: Oh Miss QT. Tell me something good. Tell me something bad. Tell me something JUICY. What is new in your writing world?


Your turn weekenders. Do me proud.

Barb

[drgnlvrljh]

Hmmmm. This might be just what I need to keep me motivated.

Anyone willing to take on the job of threatening me with harsh language if I don't keep up?:rollin

[RichMar]

I would, but my last essay ate up all my harsh words.

I do have new year goals. "Ha!" You say?

I actually started in mid December, and I still haven't fell from grace. I mostly write 700 to 1800 word humor pieces, and I'll be submitting two a week throughout the year. That's SUBMITTING, folks--a polished 1400 to 3600 words per week.

I also started on something which is turning out to be a story with a whole bunch of words. That one I'm not sure of since I don't where I'm going with it.

I currently have 16 pieces out there, two of which have already been accepted and one other that the editor is calling a definite maybe.

As far as motivation goes, drgnlvrljh, I recently sent the resident whipping crew one of my tasers--ever since Baty complained about her onset of "Whip Elbow."

[Cate]

I was stalled over Christmas/New Years break b/c in my world, no one responds during that time! Back on track now though with one article assigned and handed in, and one (the editor suggested it!) working. Queries are out, and I have my on-spec piece waiting . . .
In the meantime I have 6 pieces that are accepted pending publication in the coming months, and some other stuff ready to start work on.
The book takes a back seat for now, but will come into play in the spring . . .
Thats that!
Glad to be aboard, Barb--best to you on your 2005 goals!
Same to everyone--lets kick the heck out of this year!
Cate

[batyler65]

WELCOME Drgnlvrljh! (wow, that's a handful to type! What would you prefer to be called here in the nuthouse?)

Motivation is the name of the game. Well, that and I do like my writing whip. ;) I don't know about harsh language, but there IS always my trusty muse, Bud. Believe me, he is harsh enough. (He's an out of work Teamster complete with beer belly and picket sign that says: Will work for beer and/or nekkid wimmin. He's also into something he calls "puddin' wrasslin'" but we won't talk about that.)

Jump in and share your writing goals and progress.

Happy writing!
Barb

[maestrowork]

For 2005, I am determined to get CTN finished -- and I mean finished, not just first draft.

Of course, there's TPB, which would probably take up a lot of my time especially through summer and fall...

I'm putting all my reviews in my own blog and perhaps start my own brand... we'll see. I want to be the next Roger Ebert.

I'm still developing new novel ideas. Currently two have great potentials.

Other than that, I want to live and enjoy life. Recent events tell me that life indeed is too short. It's one thing to have goals and fulfill your dreams and all that... just remember to stop and smell the roses and enjoy what you have.

[CindyBidar]

Hi all!

I'd love to tell you all that I wrote until my fingers bled last week...but then I'd have no place to go but down. Start at the bottom, I say. In short, I did very little this past week, though I did hang out here a lot, when my boss wasn't looking. :eek

As for my goals for the next week--I'm working on an outline for a novel, and I want to finish that by the end of the week, and start writing the darn thing the week after that. On the non-fiction front, I need to up my query output, so the goal is two per week. We'll see how that pans out.

Have a great week!

[Melina]

Well, now that I have some time on my hands (at work), I have been writing a lot. I've got about 1,000 words in this past week on the memoir I talked about before. They're all written on paper, partially because my computer is still in transit (we moved), and partially because I don't want my fiance and my kids to see it (scandalous!). I have a few ideas I'll begin work on when my computer gets hooked up again. Until then, I'm going to keep on with the current project, and maybe see if I can pull a few publishable essays out of it.

[drgnlvrljh]

WELCOME Drgnlvrljh! (wow, that's a handful to type! What would you prefer to be called here in the nuthouse?)

Danke! Lorrie is fine. If you don't feel comfortable enough to call me by name (If I have my way, it'll be out there in public soon enough), you can just call me drgn. Then there's "Hey you!", "That psycho redhead", and variations on either of those! :rollin I've been going through an identity crisis for most of my life, so I answer to just about anything! :p

(He's an out of work Teamster complete with beer belly and picket sign that says: Will work for beer and/or nekkid wimmin. He's also into something he calls "puddin' wrasslin'" but we won't talk about that.)

*sprays coffee all over her monitor* :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin

[Lori Basiewicz]

Drgn, I read the piece you posted over in SYW both before and after you revised it. I know I didn't comment on it, but I really enjoyed the revised version. It was very engaging. I hope I will be able to buy it in the bookstore one day and read the entire thing at my leisure.

Oh, and welcome to WPR.

[batyler65]

Excellent! Concrete goals!

*scribbles notes*

Oh, and thanks for the taser. ZZZZztt! Yep, I think 2005 is gonna be one fun year.

*looks around for a likely vict--- ahem... I mean person in need of motivation*
Anybody want to take the new taser for a test drive?

My biggest question is this: If you sub two per week, where do you find all your markets? Hmm? Inquiring minds who are going to be generating bunches of work want to know. Any ideas to share?

Barb

[batyler65]

Yep, I hate the whole holiday slowdown, too. Hopefully everyone will get busy and start sending us money.

Sounds like you've got a lot in circulation. always a great way to start the new year. Keep the pieces going out. And don't let the novel gather too much dust.

Happy writing,
Barb

[batyler65]

Oh good! You are going to finish CTN this year. I can feel it in my bones. My new taser says so. =-)

Your own brand of reviews? Go for it, Ray. We'll be here to cheer you on!

Keep us posted on the progress of TPB. And don't forget to check in.

Barb

[batyler65]

Um... Cindy, you do know that hanging out at the water cooler does not get the words on the page, right?

Get that outline done. Then set a daily goal. Maybe you can spare ten minutes in the morning to do some free writing. Maybe an hour before bed to brainstorm a list of new queries to send out or write the next scene in your novel.

Good luck and glad to have you with us!

Barb

[batyler65]

Mmmm. Scandal. Gotta love scandal.

Glad that you are feeling better and generating some new writing. Hope that you get the computer back together soon. Oh, and you can write your memoir on the computer without fear of the fiance or kids reading. Just name the file "Chores to do" They won't touch it with a ten foot computer cursor. =)

Here's hoping you double your output this week.

Barb

[aka eraser]

Got the column out and wrote another 900-word piece that's a tad on the risque side. Not sure where I might try sending it. The New Thing is stalled right now. I keep waiting for something to happen. Something's gotta happen. It's good for stories when something happens. Pretty sure. Anyway, I got a wonderful collection of oddball characters sitting under a tree waiting for something to happen.

While we're all waiting, I've been working on editing that book. Still a mountainous mass of manuscript to go through there.

My main goal for '05 is to land an agent. That's tough enough in itself but what's going to be tougher is finding a good one who won't shy away from repping an eclectic variety of stuff; straight nonfiction, humour and fiction. I have to carefully select the right lure to grab his/her attention, then, when (hopefully) securely hooked, show him/her all the other spiffy stuff in my tackle box.

Welcome Lorrie. :)

[batyler65]

Good enough. We can't start calling you "Hey You". Too many of us would answer and it could be confusing.

B

[batyler65]

Oh, Frank... if you can just find an agent who fishes... you would be in heaven.

As for being stalled... a member of my writing group always suggests killing someone when the work is stalled. Not sure if that means killing a character in the WIP or killing someone in real life... I've been afraid to ask. =)

I personally favor the approach of just writing any old thing about the characters until they get sick of listening to me prattle on and start doing things on their own again. Usually doesn't take but a couple of pages... Besides, what's that dang delete key FOR?

Good luck with landing an agent.

Barb

[drgnlvrljh]

@ Lori,

Danke! Danke! I hope you'll be able to buy it too! ;)

There are a couple people at work who come up and threaten me with bodily harm if I don't get something written for them to see at least once a week, so there's some motivation there...I'm severely allergic to pain!

@ batyler65
" Good enough. We can't start calling you "Hey You". Too many of us would answer and it could be confusing."

Awww! And here all this time, I thought I was original! :p


(okay, I'm clearly in a silly mood. Must be the lack of sleep, durned "creeping crud")

[Kida Adelyn]

I've been pretty dead this week. I had a seminar on thursday so I was working hard at getting that done. I was really nervous and forgot all the clever things I wanted to say and ended up saying 'um' alot but it's done now. *yay*

In answer to Lori's reply to my last report (old thread):
I don't want to start revising until I have a new project so that I don't avoid writting completely just to get away from my revisions.

On the other hand, I think I finally have a plan. (yes, this is one of those be very afraid situations)

(not really)
I want to continue with spirit door. I like it, but it needs some *major* changes. I think what I'm going to do is write it straigth through, starting at the begining again. The problem with what I have now is I started writing it when I was in grade 8, and at that point I was writting for juveniles, then I changed it to teen, now I want to go back and change it to juvenile. So, that's my new writting project. I want to finish it in
three months.
Hold me accountable please. :)

-Ally

ps. Welcome Lorrie!:D

[MrAngelwithnowings]

Hi everyone,

Glad to see everyone again. It's been awhile hasn't it?

Lets see...I had to take a break from writing to focus on helping take care of my mother and sister.

My mother helped me long ago when i was hurt and hospitalized from my near-fatal injuries and I never forgot her sacrifices and never will.

...but enough about the personal chitchat...

Hmmm. There's so much dust on my seat....

Okay has someone been using part of my desktop for firewood?

:rollin

No writing report to post up, but give me some time to settle back into writer mode.

In the meantime, keep up your spirits everyone and keep writing like you were the last historians on earth...LOL

[Lori Basiewicz]

Rich, remind me to "thank" you for giving Barb that taser.

Writing achievements this week. Not much to report as I've been settling back in and rediscovering my laptop after contemplating on the changes the new year is bringing and what I would like to accomplish in 2005.

I did contact four new markets -- only one of which resulted in a bounced e-mail -- and I've already heard back from two of them. I identified a fifth market I need to contact, too, but I cannot locate an e-mail address for them, so I will have to *gasp* contact them by snail mail.

I also cleaned out my inbox's e-mail (still need to organize the subfolders), mailed out the newsletter I edit, and met with my writing group for the first time since the holidays. Felt really good to feed off their creative energy again.

[Cate]

I didn't do much writing this week, but did do market research, re-vamp my writer's website, updated my resume and cleaned out my files.
This week, real writing begins!
Cate

[batyler65]

Okay, gal, you asked to be held accountable and now thanks to my nifty new Taser ZZZZzzt! I think we are in business. Make a plan and set a word count. You know from experience with NaNo that you can write a hefty amount in a short time. I want to see weekly word counts from you, Missy.

ZZZZzzt!
Barb

[batyler65]

Hey there! glad to see you back among us. Don't worry about not having anything to report yet. It is a brand new year. Everybody gets to start with a clean slate.

*glances around the nuthouse* Has anybody seen the rest of Mr. A's desk?

Brush the dust off the seat and mind the splinters, but make a start and let us know how it is going.

Happy New Year!
Barb

[batyler65]

*grumbling* Busy work. Sounds like busy work. Um... you wanna come clean out my inbox, too?

You ARE going to finish TBWN this year, right? Ahem... I said, RIGHT? (hint: an affirmative answer would be good right about now.)

Hoping to hear big numbers from you next week.

(boldly going forward, still can't find reverse)

Barb

[batyler65]

You've had such a full work load going, I guess I won't complain too much about your lack of actual writing this week. You gotta do all that "housekeeping" sometime. Otherwise the piles start avalanches and people get lost... Or maybe that's just my piles.

Keep your chin up... it makes it easier to see over the piles of paperwork.

I'll look forward to another lively report come the weekend.

Barb

[Betty W01]

I don't know if I'll be able to check in on a regular basis, but here's what I've gotten done recently: 2 book reviews, scads of queries, review copy requests, and market research, a poem, a micro-fiction piece, ten recipes for a cookbook I'm submitting stuff to, and probably some other stuff I can'r remember. I did a bit of office housekeeping last night, but I need to do waaaaaay more - the piles are beginning to take on lives of their own (and not friendly ones, either...)

I'll be back, I promise.

[rtilryarms]

This will be a busy year for me. I won't have much time to give detailed updates but i promise you this:

*I will self pub an Anthology. It's just for me. So when I die my thoughts don't go with me. I will print about 100 for future generations and hand-write a special note in each. It's already complete so just a few months needed. I will leave room for a supplementary in the back.

*It looks like I will finish a first draft novel before my main book. I have it all worked out except for a certain escape scene from a big dark hot vessel with no oxygen left. I hope I haven’t boxed myself in. Just in case I have characters ready to come to the rescue but that would be anti-climatic. The main character must Houdini himself and a certain girl-whom-he-likes out just in the nick of time. I am very excited about this first attempt. Some people here helped get me going in the right direction. I started it to show someone my special investigative skills and scored a biggie. I am extremely surprised at the 180 degrees turn it took.

*I am also excited about my historical semi-fiction. After many re-writes I think I am finally on the right track. Severe complex technical engineering issues threatened to greatly disorient the reader. I think I solved the problem and it really adds to the interest. I am REAL pleased about how this turned from a rant of a wronged citizen into a versed story with humor and action. This is not a documentary or an expose. It is actually so unbelievable I had to fictionalize some harmless parts to give it credibility. I read that Mark Twain said something like the difference between fiction and real life is that fiction must be believable. That quote helped me solve that problem.
I am greatly excited about this work. I will spend the next several month of Saturday mornings researching fof historical accuracy. It goes back to 1895 to 1997. A sequel is still playing out in politics. That might be even better (If I succeed).

*A totally separate fight has been started. Why do I keep stepping in doo-doo? Isn’t one lifetime of problems enough? Why can’t a save some of these battles for others? This one ain’t pretty. But it would sell. Maybe 5-6 years from now. No more updates on this one until then.
All this work is a result of me coming here 2 years and 2 months ago as a way for me to learn how to write a simple story.

You guys are killing me.

[Lori Basiewicz]

You ARE going to finish TBWN this year, right? Ahem... I said, RIGHT? (hint: an affirmative answer would be good right about now.)

Um, yeah, sure. That's the plan. You can even call it a goal if you want. Whether or not it will happen.... Only time will tell. (Uh, Barb, why are you pointing that taser thingy at me?)

[ChunkyC]

Oops, nearly forgot to check in... lemme see, um -- er -- wrote my column as usual, submitted on time as usual. Got a $50 bonus from the paper. NOT as usual. First time in three years. Made me feel good to get a little pat on the back like that, especially since I went through a spell last spring where my columns were a bit -- blase.

As for FATL, progress has slowed due to the holidays, but I did get the new chapter written and I've started up with the Holly Lisle revision method again now that I have that done. I should be through it in a week or so, then I can do the actual rewriting.

And like Frank, I want to find an agent this year.

[batyler65]

So good to see you again! I knew you were bound to resurface from under all that paper sooner or later.

Glad to hear that (as usual) you are out there slugging away. Stop in when you can and keep us posted, you hear?

Barb
Mistress of the Whip
(and Taser)

[batyler65]

okay... we won't ask for detailed reports. Just stop in weekly and wave a sheaf of papers at us, okay?

Sounds like you are off to a fantastic start to this year! If you get bored, wanna come work on mine? Ahem. Did I say that aloud?

Keep the faith. It's going to be a big year for all of us here on WPR. I can feel it. No wait. I think that tingly sensation may mean that the taser is having a malfun-ZZZzzt!

wimblewimble,
Bsdfa

[batyler65]

Good deal on that bonus, Charlie. It's nice to know that what you are doing is appreciated. Here's hoping you get a bigger bonus at the end of next year.

With all the work you keep churning out, that agent is bound to be within reach. Let us know how the search goes.

I can't wait to hear how this year turns out for you!

Barb

[batyler65]

I just wanted to take a second and let everyone know how much I appreciate the camaraderie that has sprung up around this thread. That such a diverse group of writers would come here each week and cheer each other on warms the cockles of my little taser-crazed heart.

You are all a fantastic group of people. So, give yourselves a big pat on the back -- and then go back to tapping out those words.


Also: I'd like to take this opportunity to issue January's Challenge! *drum roll* *applause* *chasing of the rolling drum* *laughter* AHEM.

JANUARY'S CHALLENGE
This month, work outside your comfort zone. Write one piece and submit it to a market you have never tried before. It doesn't have to be something earthshattering-- heck, write a filler for a new mag if that's how the mood strikes you. Write humor for your local paper if they have a slot. Do a product review if you've never written one.
The only requirements are that it is something new for you, and written for a market you've never approached before.

The 2005 CHALLENGE
As a bonus, this year I'm going to throw out a group challenge. Let's strive as a group to collect a massive number of rejection slips this year. What do you say, gang? Do you think amongst our group, we can rake in 1,500 legit rejections this year? We can start a Rejection Club Thread (the first person to post a rejection can start it) and add to the list as the year goes on. And if we happen to make a few sales in the meantime... what would it hurt? Jump on the bandwagon folks! It's going to be a great year.

Barb

[drgnlvrljh]

GGggrrrraaaarrrrr! :evil

My fiance and I were sick as dogs over the New Year holiday, and he missed a bit of work. Well, due to that, he spent all his time while conscious on the computer, which meant that I -didn't-!

So...over the weekend, I managed to get a few notes written on changes and polishes I want to get done, but little else.

I'll be glad when he goes back to work!:lol

I have Tuesday and Wednesday off this week, then friday, Saturday, and Sunday, then my new schedule starts, which will give me some extra time during the day (after he leaves) to get some work done, too. So things are looking up!

[maestrowork]

How about an Acceptance Club instead, Barb?

:lol

[Lori Basiewicz]

Do you think amongst our group, we can rake in 1,500 legit rejections this year?

*Pulling out the calculator and plugging in some random numbers.*

Barb do you realize that means each of us would have to get... Let's see, divide the number of total rejections by the number of months in a year and then take that by.... Oh, what the heck, I'm in.

[Cate]

Count me in on it all!
Hehehehe!
I love challenges!!

Btw, Barb--I must agree with you--although it is hard to keep up with everyone's agenda/workload/accomplishments, I too enjoy this thread and the people here!
Cate

[drgnlvrljh]

Barb do you realize that means each of us would have to get... Let's see, divide the number of total rejections by the number of months in a year and then take that by.... Oh, what the heck, I'm in.


:rollin :rollin

Oh, why not? I have at least three shorts that could stand to see the light of day (after some TLC, of course).

Count me in, too! :rollin



Mercy! Y'all's enthusiasm is contagious! I think I'm scared!

Well, not -scared- scared. More like going down that first steep hill on a rollercoaster scared.:lol

[Lori Basiewicz]

Barb, have I ever thanked you for starting WPR? I know a year ago, you created it for your own purposes, but since then it has grown. I know I would not have had the first 10K in TBWN finished as quickly as I did if it were not for you cracking the whip and driving me forward.

Thank you.

[maestrowork]

Barb is the bomb.

I wish she were my mom... * hamsters. rocket.*

[Melina]

Yes, thank you Barb! If it wasn't for you, my debilitating lack of self-esteem would've talked me right out of this game a long time ago. I'm so grateful for you, Lori and Mac, and all your words of encouragement.

So, I'm in for the rejection slip telethon (or should it be cyberthon? post-a-thon?). Should we make pledges, or just donate as we collect them?

Melina

***

[batyler65]

You are welcome, everyone!

Ray... Acceptances have their own rewards. Shouldn't rejections get their share, too? Think of it as a reason to submit. You might gain another rejection for the team.

And as for what to do with those rejections? Just donate them to the pile, Melina. Betty has already started one for us. (She's quick, that gal is).


Barb
ZZZZzzt!

[ChunkyC]

I have at least three shorts that could stand to see the light of day
For a second there, I thought you were saying your shorts could stand on their own. :eek

Yeah, Barb. I second Lori's pat on the back for YOU. *hug* This thread keeps me going, 'coz I set goals here for all to see, and that's a great incentive.

[drgnlvrljh]

For a second there, I thought you were saying your shorts could stand on their own. :eek


Sssshhhhh! You don't want to reveal my secret! :lol

[ritinrider]

Didn't mean to not check in again with you in charge. Honest. I came Sunday but someone was in the chat room, and well I stopped by there first. Yesterday I didn't have internet access, it happens.

So, last week. Oops, really didn't do much writing ended up at school almost every day. BUT, think I found a solution.

When I was at school yesterday, I grabbed a notebook out of the office and started writing as I watched the little hellions, uh angels. Added some when I got home, counted it up and had almost 2000 words for 2 projects.

So last night I printed off the last page on a couple of my projects that I want to finish this week. This way, I can write for them in the notebook, or on the computer.

A plan was born, just so I'd have something to report to Barb.

Thanks Barb. Oh, and I'll do my best to add to the rejection pile.

Nita

[batyler65]

*Whew*
I thought I had driven you away again. Glad to see that's not the case.

Your plan sounds... er... sound. and 2k words? Excellent!

i'll look forward to hearing about your progress and seeing those rejection posts. ;-)

Barb

[Yeshanu]

Over here, men! Let's have that dumpster right under the office window! I've got a ton of paper burying my desk, and I think there's a computer under here, too!

And don't you dare bring your dirty boots into my house and tread on my sparkly clean floors!

Put your dirty dishes in the sink so I can wash them right away!

*Ruth pauses in her cleaning mania to listen to Ally tell her that someone who shall remain nameless got a new taser. Now who on earth would be so silly as to give that woman a lethal weapon? She decides to report.*

Now Ally will tell you that I've spent all my time playing Sims, but that isn't true. The whole truth is that my muse took off for warm, sunny climes (if any of you down in Florida see a red-haired elf with funny clothes and a bow, tell her to go home), but it really didn't matter because I couldn't get into my office to use my writing computer until late this morning anyhow.

So now I have a tidy (if not clean office) and a clean house, and absolutely no reason on earth to procrastinate.

Oh, and welcome, drgn.

*sprays coffee all over her monitor*

Did no one warn you that you should not be drinking in front of your computer while reading posts on the AW board? If not, consider yourself warned. It's not good for the computer. Trust me on this.

[drgnlvrljh]

Did no one warn you that you should not be drinking in front of your computer while reading posts on the AW board? If not, consider yourself warned. It's not good for the computer. Trust me on this.

You'd think I'd know better by now, but I'm slow! :lol

Well, here's the current news. I peeked in the chat last night, and was immediatly threatened with great physical harm if I didn't get -something- mailed out by 01/22/2005. :lol

Lori and Mac are really good motivators, you know that? :eek

Anyhow, I'm going to do a -major- rewrite on Helen's Eyes. The link is up in the SYW section (hint, hint).

So now I have something concrete, a goal, and a deadline.

No pressure there! :rolleyes







(Really! I am glad I joined in on the insanity here!) :D

[ritinrider]

Oh may gosh, completely forgot to welcom drgn to the madhouse. Welcome and good luck with your new goal. Threatened with bodily harm? hummm

Ruth, can I borrow your cleaning crew, can I? please?

Gotta go write now. Must have something to report to Barb.

Nita

[drgnlvrljh]

Threatened with bodily harm? hummm

Yeah. I'm a wimp, so threats are enough! :lol

[Lori Basiewicz]

Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_55.gif

[drgnlvrljh]

Does a bruised ego count? :b


I know, I know, get back to work!



*drgn slinks back under her couch*

[Lori Basiewicz]

(Psst. Drgn, don't tell Barb, but I do believe that all work and no play makes for dull writing.)

[batyler65]

*developing mind reading talents so she can SEE those parenthical posts*

ZZZZzzt!
Barb

[macalicious731]

I'm jumping on the bandwagon this time around. This threepage thread is much less intimidating than the longer one, which I posted on once or twice, even though I hear Barb's no exception.

I'm going to write every day. Really. Seriously. Because if I don't finish this WIP by March, I'm going to be frustrated with myself. It's not like I don't have the time. I've had a six week Christmas break between semesters-- and it's not even over yet.

If anyone noticed, that was more me yelling at me. So sorry about that - glad to be here!

[batyler65]

Welcome to the nuthouse, Katie. Don't worry, you are in good company here.

So... how much of the WIP have you got done? We throw smiley parties every 10k or so. Heck, we don't really need much of an excuse to celebrate. We are a partying kind of crowd.

Oh, and you have to give us a one-word handle (or some acronym) to call your story by. Lori uses TBWN (The Badly Written Novel, for those who missed that episode) Mine is *Monster* because it is one. Mac has *Weird*, CC is working on FATL and Ray has CTN... gosh this list could go on awhile. Seems like we have a lot of novelists at work. Anyway, give us something to call your baby.

March is coming... GET BUSY!

Barb
ZZZZzzt!

[macalicious731]

You have my permission to throw a party for the 11,000-some odd words I already have completed, and this is the rewrite. Do what you will with the 22,000 word mess that was dumped to make way for changes.

Acronym? Now that's going to be tough. I call everything and everyone a "Beast" when it gets it irritates me. The car, the dog... even a balloon once. Although, we already have one Monster going. It might take me awhile to come up with something. Titles are my vice, and now you're forcing one upon me without the thing even being finished!

[Yeshanu]

"Beast" is good enough, Katie.

Oh, as for my cleaning crew, it consists of me, myself and I, and no, you can't borrow us.

I'm proud of myself, though. Today I sorted through and sort of filed two full boxes of papers. The biggest file was the round one, but I did discover in all that mess the pages I had printed out of my WIP. Also thought up a humour piece on cleaning the house. More later. Gotta write it now.

[Melina]

Ugh! Friday again? Well, I wrote, maybe 600 words. While I realize it's nowhere near the amount I had hoped, perhaps this extremely valid excuse will save me from the tazer...

GRAVEYARD SHIFT IS KILLING ME! Please pardon my shouting, but I mean it! I can't think, talk, or even be nice anymore. I'm so grouchy, and I've gone stupid. I'm living on about 3 hours of sleep a day, because my fiance works during the day, so I have to take care of the baby until he gets home from work. That leaves me with the hours of 7pm to 10pm to sleep. Then I have to get ready to go to work. My brain is totally scrambled. Everything I've written emits an unbearable stench. So, though I've actually written a couple thousand words, I've deleted most of it. What I kept needs deleting, too. I'll look it over later and see if it can be salvaged, but I'm not holding my breath (Actually, yes I am--the stench, remember?).

So, please don't zap me this week. I'll cry... :(

Melina

***

[batyler65]

Hello fellow nutcases!
Here we are again at the end of another week and you know what that means! Time for a new report.

In my writing world, the year is off to a productive, yet slow start. This week I researched six new markets, wrote an outline for my January Challenge submission (A nonfiction ballooning piece for an educational market), sent a query to FamilyFun Magazine, drafted a vaguely humorous essay that started out as a funny idea then sort of fizzled and worked on *Monster*. I'm planning to spend the entire weekend on the thing (well, not the ENTIRE weekend, but several long hours of it). I'm still trying to get the second draft finished by the end of the month.

That's about it for me. It has been a long week trying to get back into the swing of things after such a hectic week last week. I found myself in a serious tapped-out state. The clouds seem to be lifting now. Yay!

Okay, folks, it is time to account for yourselves. Let's hear all about your writing week. Tell me your plans for the JANUARY CHALLENGE. And if you've got excuses, at least make them creative ones, okay?

Melina: My condolences on your recent zombiefication. Perhaps you can turn the whole experience into a humorous sleep-deprived essay? Still, 600 words is progress and don't judge them yet. You are probably too tired. Besides, you can't fix a BLANK page. Anything else can be repaired.

Lorrie: So, how's that rewrite coming. Still on target? Managing to avoid bodily harm?

Rich: Okay, Buster. I want to know facts. How many words? How many essays? How many markets? How do I recharge this Taser thing? Hmm?

Cate: Is the holiday stall over? I want to know that you are generating new queries and getting the work out there again. And how is pup? Haven't heard anything in awhile.

Ray: CTN and reviews. What's the news? I hope to hear that you are moving forward. CTN by the end of the year. Just keep repeating that to yourself.

Cindy: Still with us? I hope so. Did you get your outline done?

Frank: Any nibbles from agents yet? What are you using as bait?

Ally: Okay, girl, drop and give me a word count on Spirit Door. How much progress have you made?

Mr. A: It's good to see you back with us. What are your goals for this year? What are you working on now?

Lori: I'm expecting creative excuses from you this week. Lots and lots of them. What HAVE you been doing with your time?

Betty: You are taking up the slack for Lori, I'm sure. Thanks for starting the rejection club thread. So, how is our best overachiever?

Mike: Hold your hand up so we can see you behind all that paper, will ya? Have you figured out how much more of that first draft novel you have left to write? is it done yet? Huh? Huh?

CC: How is the Holly Lisle Revision method working for you? I used it to work on my rewrite and it went well for me... Unfortunately, Monster needed LOTS of work.

Nita: How's that notebook plan coming? Are you keeping up with it? What is the word count this week?

KatieMac: Okay, BEAST it is. 11k is a pretty good start. Keep us posted on the word count and we'll throw (as Ruth says) "A honkin' big party" for your progress.

Ruth: Cleaning time is over (unless of course you are on your way to my place with shovel in hand). Time to write. Write, write, write. You think you'll finish your WIP this year?

Mac: AWOL again. I've sent Bud looking for you. DO NOT GIVE HIM BEER.

ASSORTED LURKERS AND HANGERS ON:
You know you wanna play. You know it. I know it. Jump on in. We're wild, we're wacky (Who said "Whacko"? I heard that!) Mostly, we're here every weekend to support each other.

Until next time, keep those words flowing.
Barb

[macalicious731]

It's party time! I hit 23k last night, which means I doubled what I had. Now, a lot of that was recycled from old drafts that I had to piece together, and fit together, but now I'm at the breaking point where everything from this point on will be brandnew, which is sort of scary (exciting?). Anyway, this had to be done... and now I've finally done it. Feeling pretty good about everything right about now... we'll have to see what happens during the writing block today.

[Betty W01]

...with underachieved results.

Well, the good news is, I'm here. The bad news is, I'm here. (I should be in the kitchen doing dishes, instead... or cleaning up my office. Or taking down the rest of the Xmas stuff and putting it away. If you could see my house, you'd agree.)

Didn't get too much written this week, although I did get a few requests to see reprints, as well as a couple of rejection slips. Wrote part of two book reviews and did a LOT of reading the last two days.

I went to the gym this morning (3X this week - I'm so proud of myself. And sore. And tired.) and read part of How to Be at Peace With the Things In Your Life (I think that's what it's called) while walking on the treadmill for 30 min.

And now I'm thinking, "peace" isn't what I need. I need a flamethrower. Hey, Barb, where'd you get the tazar? Do they sell flamethrowers, too? Meanwhile, there's always the low-tech answer to a messy office... http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_1_202.gif

[ritinrider]

WHOOOO-HOOOOO We gets to have a party. 'Cept'n I'm not too good with the smilies. Someone will be along soon to add our smilies. In the meantime, congrts Macalicious, 23K not bad, very good infact. Party on.

Melina, any chance you can get the baby to take a nap so you can get some sleep? It may not help your writing, but it' may make you feel a little better. Who watched the baby when you worked days? Any chance that can resume, even on a part-time schedule? Hope you get some sleep soon. It's not good to be sleep deprived.

Betty, you inspire me to at least submit.

Oh, Barb, uh the notebook thing. Well, umm, see *trys to dig toe into frozen ground* um, it would probably work better if I remembered to take it with me. I did manage a little over 700words for the rest of the week. To bad they weren't in one of my immediate projects. However, this project is important to me, and it will take daily input for it to be successful. I think I'll call it 05.

I hear E calling me. Better go write something for her before she gets in a huff and leaves.

Good luck to everyone, someone take that tazzer away from Barb before she hurts one of us.

Nita

[batyler65]

http://bestanimations.com/Cartoons/Dancer-01.gifhttp://bestanimations.com/Cartoons/Dancer-01.gifhttp://bestanimations.com/Cartoons/Dancer-01.gifhttp://bestanimations.com/Cartoons/Dancer-01.gif

Way to go KatieMac.

Think you can do another 11k by next weekend? Hmm?
Now the "real" work begins. Stretch, take a deep breath, crack your knuckles if you've a mind to, and get cracking on the new parts!

[sugarmuffin]

Honeeeeeeeeeeeyyy, I'm home!

I'm back, although the year is off to a slowish creative start.

Finished paid editing gig Dec 23.

Mostly finished with an edit of a short that I want to sub next week.

Also trying to get back to the novel. My creativity is stalled. Need to shuffle characters around on paper, I guess. Bring them back to life. I feel like Dr. Frankenstein, trying to give life to inanimate objects. Having a bit of trouble--my current muse, Igore, was on special at Musemart, and I can see why. He's useless in a hairy sort of way. Although he makes a mean strawberry smoothie. At least that's what he calls his little blender concoctions. He's short, wacky and wears this smelly burlap getup.

Anyone want to swap muses? Drop me a line.

[msQTpi]

Well, Barb and everyone.

I guess you could say that I have already accepted and completed the monthly challenge. I just submitted my very first work today. It may not be much to anyone else here, but to me this is actually earth-shattering.

Since it was submitted to a contest I won't get a rejection, so I will have to submit something else to someone else for that, but consider me in on that too.

I have been working on TPQ, and picture prompt shorts when my muse refuses to stay in the trailer park.

I have also been reading everything I can get my eyes on to help to learn more. I feel like such a greenhorn.

Renee'

[aka eraser]

Editing, editing and editing. Got the column out, then edited, edited and edited. I've been working on the paying job as well as a freebie. As I predicted earlier, January is going to be mostly tied up with this and probably into at least early Feb.

Sent a query today to a new start up mag for Dads that had me all excited. Then the mail bounced back. I hope it's just a glitch and not an omen for the mag's chances. We need a mag like that.

I won't start my agent approaching til Spring. Want to be sure I have more than a proposal and 50 pages to show. Right now on the chat thing I have about 35 K words. Want/need more. The New Thing is in temporary (I hope) limbo.

Lots of RL stuff playing out right now too. Offer on my dad's house and other estate stuff that, as executor, is eating up my time.

On one plus side, and non writing-related, I got the results of a bunch of medical tests back and they were all good. Still waiting on a couple but so far, so good. :)

[maestrowork]

It's the one-year anniversary of my column this week. Yup, 52 is the magic number.

I've decided to work on CTN and the new novel (yet to be acronymed) at the same time (not "writing" both at the exact same moment, of course). I think that might help me with my blocks -- when I'm blocked with one, I could work on the other. Besides, I'm really psyched about the new novel, so I don't want to lose the steam.

No further news on TPB. I assume I won't hear more on it until it's my turn with the editor.

[Lori Basiewicz]

CONGRATULATIONS, KATIE MAC!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_1_201.gif

23K!!! WOOHOO!!!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/13/13_1_104v.gif

[Lori Basiewicz]

Renee', you actually subbed somewhere for the first time ever? That's simply awesome. Congratulations on taking the leap!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_2_112.gif

[MacAl Stone]

I hate my WIP. I've done about 1200 words this week, and all of them are wrong. It just doesn't happen that way at all.

Scrounging for something else to send to my crit group, since they're showing signs of impatience. Signs like frothing at the mouth and leaving threatening voice mails.

Mailed off a sub to Realms of Fantasy.

*whew* and no longer AWOL, so put that taser away, Barb...:o

[Melina]

Yeah, it would be nice, but my 18-year-old used to be my babysitter. He now has a job, and moved out. No more built-in-babysitter. Plus, we just moved to San Francisco, and I know no one there. So--for the time being, this is the way it has to be. I'm hoping it won't last too long...thanks for the thoughts, though.

Melina

***

[CindyBidar]

Well, I did get most of the outline done. I'm still unclear on a couple of points, but I'm hoping something will "come to me" later. I wrote some of the first chapter, hate all of it, every word sucks, so I'm going to trash that today and begin anew. I just have to find the starting point, I think. Wish me well.

[drgnlvrljh]

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

I got a nasty virus that just wiped everything off my HD yesterday! (Yes, my stories are backed up....somewhere)

The worst casualty was that I lost 6,000 MP3s!:eek




*crawls back out to install her XP Office, so she can attempt to be productive*

[maestrowork]

Tell me you backed up those mp3's too? Ouch.

[drgnlvrljh]

*sniffles*

No. :(

Well, not exactly.

See, I got this lovely new DVD/CD burner for Christmas. The bundled software that came with it has a wonderful back-up application. Well, my original burner had died, and the discs I had were a jumbled mess. I made the stupid mistake of giving those discs to a friend, since I was going to "clean-up" all my MP3s and reburn them in a nice neat manner.

I was also going to back up the Hard-Drive.

*cough*

I kept procrastinating.

And yes, I can get most of the MP3s back (just coordinate with the friend for that), and a large number of them were ripped from CDs we have already. But it's going to take some doing to get back a couple thousand that I had gotten from friends all over the planet, and these aren't songs you can just search for on WinMX, or KaZaA. Those particular MP3s were also my favorites. *whimpers*

Not to mention, I spent $13.00 on the conversion software (to convert the .wma, and .wav files to MP3 format), that was downloaded, and now....lost (I emailed them, on my knees begging them to replace it for me...not holding my breath, though)!

Oh, you can bet, I got the extended version of the "I told you so" speech from Sam. :rolleyes

I took it like a big girl, though. He was right.

[CindyBidar]

Good luck in your recovery efforts, drgnlvr. I feel for you.:(

Now, off to do my own back-up....

[macalicious731]

Oh, drgnlvr, know how you feel. Lucky me, though, I just put all those MP3s on an actual player, so if the computer dies it's nothing to fret about.

Hmm.. but now that I'm finished with Part One of the WIP, I'm thinking it's time to make another writing disk.

[msQTpi]

Thanks Lori :D

I sat on it for a week before I actually sent it.

Now I just need to write a masterpiece to sub somewhere else, or maybe edit some of the crap have...:rollin

I want to keep it up.

Renee'

[macalicious731]

Think you can do another 11k by next weekend? Hmm?


...
...
:lol

Oh Barb.


(I put the period on "Part One" last night. Part Two is hard.)

[ChunkyC]

Congrats, Katie! Time to celebrate!

http://www.smilys.net/groessere_smilies/jumprope.gif

I'm such a party animal.

CC: How is the Holly Lisle Revision method working for you? I used it to work on my rewrite and it went well for me... Unfortunately, Monster needed LOTS of work.
I just hit another spot that needs a major insert of new material. I'm close enough to the end that I want to keep going, so I made copious notes in the margins like she said.

Renee -- good on ya for sending your work in!

[drgnlvrljh]

Holly Lisle Revision Method?

Anyone care to fill me in? :D

[msQTpi]

Thanks Chunky :D

[CindyBidar]

drgnlvr, I think this (http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/Articles/wc2-4.html) is what Chunky was referring to. Lots and lots of great info on that site.

[Betty W01]

I'm a big Holly Lisle fan (just reread Glenraven this week) and can highly recommend her advice, since her books show that it works!!

[ChunkyC]

That's the spot, Cindy. I really like Holly's attitude toward the process. She comes across as a very likeable, determined person. I just finished her first book, FIRE IN THE MIST, which is available for free from the BAEN Free Library (http://www.baen.com/library/), a great place. I might never have purchased one of Holly's books before, but now that I've read one, I have her on my list whenever I go to the bookstore. I also downloaded her e-book MUGGING THE MUSE, which is a great read and very inspiring. Get it here (http://www.hollylisle.com/) over on the right, under Free Stuff.

[ritinrider]

CC and others, thanks for the infor about Holly Lisle, newbie that I am I hadn't heard of her. The link was nice, just downloaded her ebook also.

During my short scan of her site I liked that she says to rework your piece from the printed page. Was beginning to feel like a cave-woman. Some of the people in my writing group insist everything can be done on the computer. Me, I like the feel of the paper and pen in my hand. Also, I can taked the print-out with me anywhere. So far can't do that with my computer.

So, long winded way to say "thanks ya'll".

Nita

[Cate]

Hey!
Holiday stall is ending, tho I'm not up to my usual yet.
Here goes:
Submitted 2 articles to a web-based publication
Am editing a fiction piece to send out per Jan challenge
Hounded 2 publications for my CHECK! (aggrivating)

My pride--Cut out all of my articles for 2004 (or printed them if on web) and made a 3-ring binder full of them in archival plastic sleeves. Threw out the rest of the mags and feel great that everything is in order if I need a clip!

Wooo!
Thats it for me.
Next week I want to be back in the fire--
Cate

[Lori Basiewicz]

Okay, I don't have much progress to report this week and what progress I did make is gone. *poof* Like it never happened.

I started the week thinking I was going to have a hard time escaping the taser, but about mid-week, I rediscovered a short story I'd written more as a rant long about December 2003 and started rewriting. At the same time, I came up with three new ideas for short stories and wrote opening paragraphs for them so I could remember what they were and what I wanted to do with them.

And then... And then... my computer caught a virus.

I didn't think it was a major one and I was working diligently on cleaning it off my computer when.... something went wrong. In the end, I had to contact emergency tech support and perform a lifesaving Recovery Reboot.

The Good News is my computer is alive.

The Bad News is I lost all of my files and programs that did not come with the computer.

The News That Makes It All Bearable is I had just backed up all of my writing-related files two and a half weeks ago (Thanks for that kick in the pants, Frank -- what is the proper form of payment for undying gratitude?). So, as far as the writing goes, I can recover.

Music-wise, I don't really collect mp3's and own almost all of the songs I had on the laptop on CD. I did lose all the pictures of friends and my nephew that had been sent to me (I'd been MEANING to back those up, but hadn't gotten to it yet), but I think most of those can be recreated with the assistance of the people who sent me the pictures in the first place.

The writing, especially TBWN and the short stories currently circulating, are what were really important. And they are largely safe. The programs and setting the computer up again how I like it will take time, but is just a minor annoyance when all is said and done.

*breathing a deep sigh of relief*

So, Frank, about that payment....

[macalicious731]

::runs away to backup her laptop, because she forgot to do it last night::

It does sound like you'll survive, Lori! For that, I'm glad to hear. Sorry about your losses.

But three short story ideas? Wahoo!

[aka eraser]

So, Frank, about that payment....

Jeepers Lori. I never thought at this stage of my life I'd have a young, intelligent and gorgeous woman in my debt. It's not likely an opportunity like this will come again. I'd better not blow it.

Okay. I've given it a lot of thought:

1- A big hug when next (first) we meet.

2- A signed copy of your first book.

3- You pay for the worms when we go fishing.

Now before everybody yells at me for taking advantage of Lori, I'd just like to say in my defense that I deleted #4 which was she had to pack the lunch for that fishing outing. I'm not a complete pig.

:)

I'm really glad the damage was minimal Lori. And drgn, you have my pity.

[batyler65]

Okay, so you're having an off week. sounds like you are nesting. ;)

Congrats on the reading accomplishments and the new workout routine. I suspect that by the coming weekend you will put us to shame again.

BTW: Rich gave me the taser over the holidays. Wasn't that sweet of him? Now I can really intimidate Bud.

[batyler65]

Okay, I won't zap you. 700 words, huh? well at least it's something. Now repeat after me: I will take the notebook. The notebook is my friend.

I'll expect better in the next report.

~b

[batyler65]

SO, CC, copious notes? ugh. At least you haven't had to redo half of your storyline. Sounds like you are almost ready to get back to the computer. I'm out here cheering you on!

Back to work.

~b

[batyler65]

Yep, sounds like character shuffling is in order. Or perhaps just a long day staring off into space or contemplating your navel, or whatever frees your mind to wander around in the back rooms where the good ideas live.

If nothing else, fall back on the timed writing again. The exercise may just jump-start you again.

Sorry, your stuck with your muse. Just like I'm stuck with Bud. At least you get smoothies. Bud just burps and looks sweaty.

Good to see you back among us.

~b

[batyler65]

Glad to have you on board for the challenge! And congrats on that first submission. Now get to work and generate another! No rest around here. Plus... it's much better to multiple projects in the works.

Best of luck!

Barb

[batyler65]

You sound incredibly busy. Been taking lessons from Betty?

Okay, you're off the hook this week. And I won't start harrassing you about agents... yet.

Have been the executor of an estate and can honestly say, I feel your pain. Hang in there and in the midst if everything, don't forget to take care of yourself.

~b

[batyler65]

Happy Anniversary! and congrats on completing your first year as a columnist!

If you can juggle two novels at once, my hat is off to you! I look forward to hearing more juicy details about this new project of yours. And next week, I hope to hear WORD COUNTS for both. Got it? Good. ZZZZzzt!

Barb

[batyler65]

Sorry to hear that you hate your WIP. I suspect that much of writing is a love/hate relationship. It will pass. Take a couple of deep breaths and plow ahead. You can always hack it up with a chainsaw later if it makes you feel better. (Have actually considered that with Monster) And who knows, maybe it's not as bad as you think.

More writing. More, more, more!

Congrats on subbing to ROF. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Barb

[batyler65]

Wishing you well. Making a start can be the hardest part.

Keep pushing, you'll get there.

Sometimes you just have to write pages of garbage to get to the good stuff. Tell yourself: I will not judge, I will just write. it's okay to write garbage. Honest. Get the words on the page. Even the sucky ones can inspire new ideas for you.

Good luck.

Barb

[batyler65]

Sorry about your losses. Here's hoping this week will be better.



Barb

[batyler65]

Glad the stall is over. Good going on getting your clips organized. That can be such a chore. Yet for some reason, I always wait until they stack up before I do anything with them *sigh* here's to hoping your clip habits are better than mine.

Good to hear that you have you January Challenge in the editing stages. Woo-hoo! Crossing my fingers that your sub is a sale (although a rejection for the heap would be good too. Darn... now I'm conflicted. Do I cheer for sales or rejects?)

Barb

[batyler65]

Lori... *Pats Lori on back*

There, there. It'll get better. by next week hopefully. Or I'll have to get strict.

I hope you don't have too much trouble getting your system reloaded. That can be such a pain.

Barb

[batyler65]

Or should we call them escapees?

RUTH

MIKE

ALLY

RICH

MR. A

If you find them, send them home, okay?

[RichMar]

In answer to your earlier question Miss B.: All the taser needs is an hour's time in any standared electrical outlet. If you're that busy with it, or plan to be, I'll send a spare battery.

A word of caution. (I know you must've thought about this.) On a muse-less day you might be tempted to give your own self a jolt. From my own experience I advise against it.

One day some months ago I couldn't put a dependent clause together without puking on the re-read. I placed a taser against my left frontal lobe and fired. Instead of it recouping my creative juices I found myself--for a solid week mind you--fingerpainting with cartridge ink. (Magenta was my favorite color.) I thought I was into a new artistic mode, but my wife refused to tape a single one of them to our refrigerator.

The taser's most useful when you apply it to others. For writers the best placement is on the butt--a meaty area where a good deal of their mental faculties are clustered.



I'm slightly--only slightly--behind in my two piece a week goal. I have three completed; two of them mailed. I need five more for the month of January.

[Lori Basiewicz]

Frank, it's a deal.

(And, yes, you probably could've gotten a nice, healthy turkey sandwich with cheese and thick wedges of tomatoes out of the deal. I just wonder if you took #4 off because you remember some of the stories about the aged quality of some of the food in my house? I always said you were wise beyond your years. :rollin )

[macalicious731]

Ah, yes. What was that, Lori? Sushi?

[msQTpi]

When you say "challenge" I assume you are not referring to the short bus type...assume/hope...aren't they interchangeable words :rolleyes

Your words to Cindy really struck me. When I saw them I had just written a piece of crap in free write, using your advised method.
You said,
"Sometimes you just have to write pages of garbage to get to the good stuff. Tell yourself: I will not judge, I will just write. it's okay to write garbage. Honest. Get the words on the page. Even the sucky ones can inspire new ideas for you."

Thought you might get a tickle reading it. It's sure not my norm...but here goes:

Meandering thoughts spill onto the paper as my mind flows freely. Like a cool waterfall the writing is refreshing to my soul. Whether it is good or bad means nothing to my fingers. They type and fly across the keyboard in the pure joy of the moment, little knowing or caring what is good or bad. The joy is in the writing. Creating what was not there. Breathing life into a blank sheet of paper. Bringing forth ideas that only moments ago did not exist. My fingers care not whether what they do is worthy to be seen. They are like children playing dress-up, putting on a show in front of the mirror. They need no audience, desire no applause. They only need the chance to fly.

It's pure crap I know, but it was a chance for my fingers to "fly"

[ritinrider]

I dunno MsQ, I kinda like it. Surely that doesn't mean I like crap? Naw, you just don't like it cause it's different that your normal stuff. And it IS different than your TrailerPark stuff.

See, interesting writing, like beauty is all in the eye of the beholder.

Nita

[batyler65]

Okay, so it isn't a publishable piece... but it certainly isn't pure crap. Look at the imagery you captured.
Particularly liked "They are like children playing dress-up, putting on a show in front of the mirror."

Writing is a lot like building with Legos. First, you've got to get a load of bricks, dump them all out on the table and shove them around a bit until you decide what shape they should take. Our bricks happen to be ideas, words, phrases, catchy pieces of dialogue that won't go away and let us sleep at night, and that little buzzy feeling in your brain (or maybe that's just a side effect of the Taser). The act of "dumping" them out on paper where you can see them is the first step in shoving them around to see what you can shape them into.

Don't forget to play with your words today. ;)

[maestrowork]

I want to play with my rollercoaster set with rocket boosters...

[batyler65]

Ray... take that hamster out of your mouth and go write something.

*waves taser menacingly*

I mean it!

[MrAngelwithnowings]

Hi all,

I took a wrong turn but now on track.

I been relviewing my autobiography and i'm determined to finish editing it. I have redone 21 chapters and just need 9 more chapters to go.

big thumbs up to everyone here. I know writing can be a chore every now and then but dont fret. Stay focused and dont let anyone or any situation dampen your spirit.

[Kida Adelyn]

I'm veerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry sorry I'm late. I did stuff over the weekend, just not sure what. *scratches head* I remeber what I did sunday, but saturday is lost to my memory.

I'm afraid I didn't do much writting. In fact, you might as well zap me now. I looked at spirit door a bit. I looked at Nano Novel a bit, and wrote a few comments on it. But other than that not much. *hangs head*

Oh, I did give my friend some comments on a story he's trying to write. Honestly, he's not very good at writting, but I admire him for trying, so I gave his a few points to start with.

At this moment, I am looking at the Holly Lisle link. Very good. Now I have somthing to start with.

Ally

ps. Three guesses to where my mother is, the last two don't count.|I

[Yeshanu]

Don't pay attention to the kid. I've been reducing the mountain of unfiled papers to several little hills of filed papers. Still.

I still have one pile about a foot high to do, plus a box full of miscellaneous "stuff" that has accumulated over the last little while.

No writing, in part because I was sick for a couple of days in between all that filing. But I have some more thoughts. I really am hoping to finish ATTS by the end of the year, "finished" meaning "submitted to an agent or publisher."

Doing anything else before April is going to be kind of iffy -- I have a fifteen page research paper for history, a fifteen to twenty page integrative paper on social justice, and a fifteen page commentary on a section of the book of Amos (which is only about ten pages long in its entirety in any standard bible), plus some minor papers for three of my four courses, so consider any output above and beyond ATTS before the end of April to be somewhat of a minor miracle.

Messages to others:

Katie, cheers on your progress.

Frank, I'm so glad to hear your medical news was good.

Betty, welcome back!

(Not my usual smiley parties, I know, but I'm really feeling poorly today...)

[macalicious731]

Ruth, just so you know, you can start schlopping your chapters to me again whenever the time calls for it - whether it be tomorrow or April. Good luck on all those papers - I'll be having similar experiences in about a week. Weeee!

[Cate]

Eek! I had to write in--I did it Barb--I submitted a fiction piece!
Feels really weird!
And cool!
I fully expect a slip for the heap, but it still was liberating!

Oh--and by the way, the pup is better but still in the recovery phase--thanks for asking!
Cate:hat

[batyler65]

Good for you, Cate! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Good to hear about pup.

Barb

[sugarmuffin]

Hey QTpi, is Trisha out of town or something? I know someone who sent her a letter a while back :smokin and is dying for a response. :)

[ChunkyC]

Thought the folks who've been hearing all about Bud, but have yet to be introduced, would like to meet the big fella ... and because I know looking at him makes Betty gouge out her eyes. :p

http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/fatguy1.JPG

PS -- only three chapters to go on FATL before I start the rewrite.

[msQTpi]

Sorry it took so long to reply Sugar. :o

Just posted a reply for ya...hee hee

Renee'

[Betty W01]

AAAAIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE...

Quick, someone throw a blanket over that guy. Or a net. (An opaque one, please...)

EWWW. :x

[sugarmuffin]

I remember a little haiku I once wrote for Bud. It went something like:

thunderchunk of love
sweat-glazed, boozy, thong-wrapped flab,
Bud, you complete me

[maestrowork]

Bud, you had me at "Boogie."

[sugarmuffin]

:rollin

[MacAl Stone]

GO BUD!!! SHAKE IT!!!!

Who brought the beer?:rollin

[macalicious731]

Hey, the thunderchunk is back! Been awhile. Hey there, Bud.

[ritinrider]

Quick everybody, get your 'puters or notebooks out and look busy. It's Friday and you-know-who'll be here soon with tazzer in hand. Good going there CC, maybe she'll be so enthralled with Bud she'll go easy on us.

Good going Cate, you know they May buy the piece you sent. But, if they don't have the good sense to do that, at least you'll have a contribution for Barb's pile.

Happy writing everyone. Assuming I have 'net access I'll be back to report my little progess later. After I make some more.

Nita

[batyler65]

Hey gang!

Well another week has gone by and what do I have to report? Hmm... *looks around at the mess on her desk* I'm sure there is some progress in here somewhere.

Bud has been taking a vacation and making me do all the work myself. Afraid I'm running a bit behind.

I did make strides in finishing the rewrite of Monster. It's not quite there yet. But I can see the end. Only trouble is, I'm not getting any closer to it. *sigh* 40 pages to go (+/-).

I'm planning to draft my January Challenge piece today, as well as write a humor piece. Don't know how funny it will be, but I'm going to pound out the words. I can always pretty it up later. I also pulled out the beginnings of my 2005 novel project and went over the pages. So far, I still like it. There is much writing to be done, though, and I'm really ready for Monster to be complete so I can get started.

I also have been combatting a nesting urge (probably since my house looks like a dump) and am planning to take a lot of time off today to work on getting organized.

So... What's new with you?

Lisa: Unstuck? Did Igore finally give up on smoothies and start working. *hands Lisa a slightly dented box* Here, hand him this slightly used connect-the-words kit. Maybe he'll get crafty and make you something.

Lori: So, Miss, have you made your weekly backup? Are you all ready to report great gains in TBWN? I certainly hope so.

Betty: Okay, your empressness. Shame us. You know you want to. And none of that nasty cleaning talk, either. *shudder*

Nita: Good of you to drop by and give everyone a nudge. SO tell me, did you remember to TAKE the notebook this week? Hmm?

CC: Is it done yet? Is it done yet? Is it done yet? Isitdoneyet?

Renee: How are you doing with your challenge? Oh, and do we have a word count for TPQ, yet?

KatieMac: Okay, it is time for a report on BEAST. Surely you have that other 11k by now? No? Well, then, how much did you get done this week?

Frank: Edit, edit, edit. Sounds like work. Which fascinates me. I can sit and watch it for hours (yuck-yuck). I suppose you will wander in and tell us that you are still swamped. Which is okay, I guess... as long as it doesn't involve bait of some kind.

Ray: By my count... you've mentioned 2 novels 0 wordcounts. Um, I'm thinking you owe us a bit of an update.

Mac: Please tell me that you haven't torched Weird. Lie if you must. It's been so long since we've heard much about it, that Bud is starting to worry. Just remember, it's okay to write garbage. It can all be fixed later.

Melina - I'm wondering. Are you still out there in Zombieland? Send up a flare so we can mark your position, okay?

Cindy: I hope you found a starting point this week. did you give yourself permission to write lots of garbage? I'm thinking a word count is in order from you, too. How many did you write this week?

Lorrie: Okay, so did you get YOUR computer up and running again? Hopefully you managed to make some forward progress this week. Status report, please?

Cate: Good job getting the sub out. Did you have any luck getting the deadbeats to pay up? Start any new work? Have anything roll off the presses?

Rich: Still generating all that humor, Rich? I keep trying, but I think I have too many projects going at once. so far I've managed to squeak out one per week (although this week is looking iffy).

Ruth: Okay. So I guess we have to give you another pass. But only if Sims were not involved in any way shape or form. And don't think you can get away with it... Ally would rat you out. Please promise me that even though you are swamped with other writings, you will try to eke out ten minutes per day to scribble a note or two. Just ten minutes. I know from experience if you let a project sit too long without attention, you lose the "voice" of the piece... plus it is hard as heck to get back in the groove. Keep the faith.

Ally: Stop shuffling your feet. Stand up straight. Now look me in the eye and tell me you worked on Spirit Door this week. Or the Nano project. Or did something that would net us a rejection over in the reject collection. Well? I'm waiting.

Mr. A: Sounds like you are almost finished with that bio. Let us know when you cross the finish line so we can throw a party for you.

Okay, folks. It's your turn. Show me what you're made of. well, everybody except for Bud. I've already seen what he's made of. Cellulite. At least, near as I can figure.


MIKE? Oh, Mike? Are you out there? Wave the sheaf of papers over your head and grunt, would ya? We want to make sure you're still getting air in there under all that paper.

[drgnlvrljh]

Lorrie: Okay, so did you get YOUR computer up and running again? Hopefully you managed to make some forward progress this week. Status report, please?

*sniffle*:( I'm still mourning the death of my MP3s.

Although, I have been working on the story, I'm not going to meet the deadline of getting it out today. Computer works fine, and I've been plodding along, slowly....very slowly. I'm also trying to adjust to a new shift (excuses, excuses, I know).

Maybe I'll have it done by the end of next week?

Barb? What are you doing with that tazer? :eek

[Betty W01]

Hmmm. Cleaning. Not much.

Trying not to swear at my computer at school, as I learn to use some new software? and deal with pain-in-the-a** tech people? YES!!

Went to gym twice this week, for treadmill and weight training. Boy, am I sore...

Writing? Ummm... let's see. Wrote one poem (still no title, so if anyone wants to see it and make suggestions, "e" me) and an article for writers about saving money on sample copies. Don't know where it's going yet, but it's still in skeleton form, so I can flesh it out as the venue requests.

Worked on several book reviews in various stages of doneness.

Sent out a half dozen copies of a clip about our school's penny contest, to interested people.

Wrote and submitted my monthly essay for Tiny Lights.

Sent an article and a filler to a cookbook project I'm contributing to (already sent her about 10 recipes or so). It'll be the - let's see - seventh book I'll be in? Eighth? I need to go look... yep, eighth.

Queried a WA magazine about a book review (on Monday) and got assignment (on Monday) and deadline (700 words, due today), read book, spent about an hour unsuccessfully looking for author's interviews or her web site (she doesn't have one... :eek but did dig up a little on her elsewhere), wrote review and sent it in. A day early <grin>.

Signed up to be a reader for a new Marita Litauer project and got four e-mails I need to read and respond to today.

Read several books for my Midwest Book Review column and started two reviews for it, too. And read one for another magazine I do reviews for and wrote that review. Need to edit today and send off.

Sent off for and posted some new writer's guidelines for NSL.

Posted several new resources in NSL:RDJ and started doing the same thing in CW. Posted in various forums (ok, it doesn't pay, but it's great procrastination stuff...)

Reviewed some publishing catalogs and newsletters and then sent out requests for several new review copies; I also received some I sent for before - looks like it'll be a busy weekend.

Spent several hours going through market guides for some new market ideas, as well as reading various newsletters for the same thing.

Today's job is to read three more junior fiction books and finish the Teacher-Librarian columns for April's issue. Good thing I read fast and that the reviews are short and to the point.

Not much overachieving going on here lately <sigh> but I think I lost 4 lbs!

[sugarmuffin]

'k, Auntie Barb.

Finished a short & subbed it (thanks to my writing buddy's writing whip).

Wrote 1300 or so words on the novel (will probably end up keeping only half). Can't say I'm unstuck yet, but working on it. Need to get limber up.

But my writing bud wrote more than me and now I owe her a WHOLE FREAKIN' DOLLAR! UGH!

Lisa

[ChunkyC]

Betty said a** (snigger)

Dear Barb: I'm SO nearly done the read-through and note-taking on FATL. I'm going to see and review the film version of "Phantom of the Opera" this week. I saw the stage show a few years ago, so I'll be able to talk about how it compares. (It was quite the extravaganza, by the way.)

[Cate]

No luck on the deadbeats--I have 2 pubs that owe me money, 2 that want to publish me but don't get back to me, and 1 that got delayed by a month.
Ug.
Rejection on the fiction front, but I shopped it right back out.
Worked on an article I have due on the 2nd of Feb which is now complete, save one quote I am waiting for and a final go-over.
Sent out 3 queries, 2 requests for info, and am working on a third query . . .
More than I thought!
Cate

[macalicious731]

Stepping in...

Hit just over 34,000 this week, which means another 11k. I'm ridiculously surprised I actually could write that much, but now that I know I can, I guess I can't settle for anything less now. (Least the tazer have me.)

Even though I did accomplish the 11k, I think I hate every single word I did write. As I mentioned before, I've made it into Part Two of the story, in which every single major scene is basically mapped out. I think it's because I have everything *perfect* in my brain I'm upset with the results.

Alas, there's always rewrites.

[ChunkyC]

http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage06/14.gif

Go KatieMac! Bravo!

[Melina]

:rollin

Great job, Katie!

:rollin

Melina
***

[maestrowork]

No soup for you until you finish your novel, Katie.

clap clap clap

[Melina]

Well, yes, I am still in Zombie Land. Looks like it's going to be a couple more months. I am not happy about it. I have managed about 1000 words this week. Better than none, I suppose, but what I've written sounds so flat and boring. Maybe it's because I'm exhausted. At least I hope that's all it is. I don't know. I'm just going to keep going, and see if I can salvage anything when I've got my wits about me. I'm going to go have a nap now...

Melina

***

[maestrowork]

Column (600 words), 400 on CTN-2, and I'm trying finish up at least 1200 words on CTN by the end of today. I also blogged. Not to mention the 102,002 words I wrote on AbsoluteWrite.

I critiqued a few WIPs in my spare time -- it's nice to know that some people trust me enough to let me review their works. I'm critiquing two WIPs over this weekend. It keeps me busy.

Had to write a recommendation for a friend (for her Harvard admission).

[MacAl Stone]

I've been better about updating the silly blog, this week. And I'm currently rewriting a short story prior to sending it out. have managed just over 2k more words on Weird.

Heh. See? I reported in. It isn't even Monday yet. No taser for ME!!! YEAH!!!

*boing, boing*

[CindyBidar]

Well, lessee...Finished the outline, decided on a (brilliant) ending :smokin and finally began writing the darn thing. So far (just over 1000 words), so good. I should say that I have started a few novels, and they all fizzle out at about the 5000 word mark, where I simply get lost and have no idea what happens next. That's why I went with an outline this time. Anyway, looks promising so far. For now, the title is Mind Games.

Now it's 6 am on a Sunday, the hubby won't be up for another four hours, the snow from yesterday is shoveled, and I'm caught up on the message board. Time for some BIC. Have a great week everyone!

[aka eraser]

Column done. What was really terrific about last week's was mail I got from two Moms whose kids have cancer. Both are having a hellish time dealing with every parent's worst nightmare yet they took the time to write, thank me, and tell me my column made a difference in their lives.

One asked for permission to post it on her site too.

That's better than money! :)

I made a semi-major dent in the editing job too but the finish line there is still at least two weeks away. I find it takes more focused concentration than my own writing by far. I can write in the centre of a hurricane but for this editing gig I need absolute quiet, which is a rarity here. I might try taking it to the library and working on it there sometime.

Barb, you might need an extra page in your notebook and a 2nd battery pack for the taser soon. Signs are pointing to an possible influx of folks to the WPR community before long.

[wurdwise]

Before long is right! Hello guys, (I call everybody guys, by the way, or ya'll, being from Texas and all. (I really don't talk like that. I mean, I do say ya'll, but I never say, "and all", though I do have that southern drawl. I didn't think I did until the first time I heard myself on the answering machine EEEKK. God did I sound like a hick! 8o

Anyway, I am jumping right in. This past week I edited an essay in a day an a half, intense, long hours, and resubmitted to an editor considering it for publication. Keep your fingers crossed for me. If it's accepted, it will be a first. I did a critique for a friend, a very indepth one, but I did it from her email attachment, then overwrote the whole thing like a total computer dumb butt, and cried. The next day, I copied and paste it into word and though I didn't go into all the same detail, I still managed to redo it yesterday and send it to her.

What else. Does research count? I am like a sponge, collecting links and checking out websites all the time.

Next week I am going to spend getting my ducks in a row. I am disorganized, and I can't stand it. I have a drawer full of news clips for ideas for stories, folders full of stuff I made up when I first started out and didn't know better that need to be transferred to my computer files, files on the computer that need to be organized by markets, genre, ideas by genre, tons of favorites I need to put in a file, in other words, I am very anal and I need a clean slate so I concentrate.

So I don't plan on getting any writing done till the week after, and I guess I'll wait till next weekend and tell you what that will be, cause I don't know yet! :eek

I'm joking, I am working on a middle reader, almost done with the second draft, my long term plan is to work on it some days, other days work on getting my new freelance career up and running in hopes of bringing in some moolah one of these days in the not so distant future. .:hat

I promise next weekend I won't be this long winded.;)

[Ed Williams 3]

...I am jumping in here. Goals for the week:

1. Edit this weeks' column (mine is called "Free Wheelin'"), write another, and query two lit agents on my just finished manuscript.

2. Find out more about this taser business before I decide whether or not to let Lori have her way with it and me.

Did I start out okay?

:p :evil :eek

[Natalia]

OK..so I got the invite to come here and commit tee hee

School just started and I think I have been using that as my excuse. Ugh. My students have been demanding.

OK..here is goes. Realistically, I would like to send my short story "Butterfly, Interrupted" to a few lit mags in the next month.

A dear friend of mine *wink, you know who you are* was amazing enough to read the whole 10 pages and give me an in-depth critique, shedding light on parts that need to be tweaked. I think I can whip this baby into shape in the coming weeks and have it ready to go by mid Feb... Valentine's Day would be a poetic day given the topic hehe...:rollin

Cheers,

Natalia

[Kida Adelyn]

Welcome New People!

You have entered the LOONY BIN OF DOOM!

Hehe. 8)

Okeeday. Not much writting done. I have completed a revised synopsis for Spirit Door. I would have done more but I have been spending all my spare time working on my summative progect for art, and practicing for my final playing test in music. I'm almost done that. Then I get to study for my exam in sociology. Then I'm going to die for a week.

-Ally

[ElizabethJames]

Oh good! We were hoping that's where we were.

Thanks!

[batyler65]

*Raspy Whisper* If you build it, they will come...

Sorry... I keep hearing this voice in my head. ;)

Welcome to the asylum, Denise, Ed, Natalia and Elizabeth! Straight jackets are in the closet to your left, please don't eat the checkers, and if Bud says, "come here, I wanna show youse somethin'" DON'T GO!

Glad to have you with us. I'm sure you've probably heard rumors that once you land here-- I mean voluntarily commit yourself, you can't leave. This is not true. You can leave whenever you like. As long as you take the rest of us with you.

For those of you who have no idea who I am, good. I'm trying for an aura of mystery here. I tried for an aura of wisdom, but something went wrong and I had to live with pink hair for three weeks.

I am often referred to in these parts as She-who-wields-the-whip (and the nifty Taser that Rich gave me for Christmas). And at one point during last year's WPR, I was described as an excellent Cat Herder. Beyond that, what I am is anybody's guess.

The name of the game here is progress and motivation. We cheer each other on, throw smiley parties for major milestones (sales, rejections, 10k words on a project, heck just about anything that can be celebrated, really), and generally nudge each other along. Occasionally, I throw out a challenge to get folks motivated.

I'm SO glad you came to play! (FRESH MEAT!) Oh. Did I say that aloud?

Welcome aboard, Gang!

Barb

[drgnlvrljh]

Oh, goody! New people!:D

That means less focus for that taser on me!!!




*hides from Barb*

[MrAngelwithnowings]

on chap 24 of 30

i think the break really refreshed my eyes. i see things in my book now that needs editing that i didnt see before.

good job to everyone else on their progress reports

:D

[Lori Basiewicz]

*crawling under Dragon's couch*

I got all except for one of the crits I'd promised done. And I met with my workgroup, who got me thinking about TBWN again. And I judged some essays for a scholarship. And I confessed to the group whose newsletter I do that I'd lost all the submissions for next month's newsletter (so now I'm dealing with a bunch of people who are telling me what I should've done to prevent my computer from being infected *vague muttering*). And I... I.... *cringing* That's it. It was a pretty wasted week. As wasted as that Wednesday night I lost to the martini bar last year. In fact, this week is probably strolling around somewhere with that Wednesday right about now. If I could find one, I'd find the other.

[MacAl Stone]

*sigh* I must stop drinking coffee and go to sleep now. Or soon, anyway. At least sometime in the next few hours.

Damn. Now I've forgotten what I was going to say...

[MacAl Stone]

heh--what's keeping everybody??? I think the sun has been up a WHILE on the eastern side of the states. All these new faces! It's so terribly exciting! I have to make smileys, now...
http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/babysmiles.gif

[wurdwise]

Mac, I thought you were going to sleep three hours ago!:eek

[maestrowork]

Mac doesn't sleep, even when she makes you think she does.

[wurdwise]

Poor Mac! |I

[Lori Basiewicz]

But Mac, I went to bed not too long before the sun came up over the middle part of the States. Don't know how much I really slept, but I did go to bed!

[Natalia]

Hi all,

It is 11 something in sunny Orlando, Florida and I am happy to report that I have been working on "Butterfly, Interrupted" for about 2 hours now. I have been editing as per suggestions from my dear friend and feel very good about the short story. It is very personal and close to me and it had gone to 10K words because I wanted to tell the world EVERYTHING lol
Then I went on an editing binge and it ended up being less than 3K words. After my critique, I am starting to fill in some gaps and change some stuff around. Yaay. :smokin (wish I could have a fag)

That's my report...Over and out :)

[wurdwise]

No cigarettes, my dear! :b Sounds like you have Butterfly sitting in the palm of your hand.

[Natalia]

Well, darling... you know where I left my cig vice *wink* just wishful thinking... The butterfly is coming into focus quite nicely... I am excited about having it fly off to editors... it would be such a poetic end to all of this... deadline is Valentine's Day :)

[ChunkyC]

Frank -- fabbo feedback on your column, my friend. To know you've touched someone like that must be a great feeling.

Welcome all you new WPR newbies!

'Kay ... wrote my weekly column. Dunno why, they still haven't paid me for last month. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/CUSSING.GIF

...but I digress....

My darling Barb, light of my life, reason for typing ... you know what's coming, don't you? Yes, my name is ChunkyC and I did ABSOLUTELY NO WRITING OTHER THAN MY COLUMN THIS PAST WEEKEND.

There, I admitted it. I present my posterior for punting. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage04/10.gif

Actually, I spent seven hours, on my only day off work, assembling a new entertainment centre for she-who-will-not-be-ignored. In the process, I think I sprained my entire body, right down to the knuckles. Can you forgive me, Barb?

Oh-oh ... here she comes.... http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/whipg.gif

[batyler65]

Don't worry. I don't generally Zap people who are making forward progress. And even if you are plodding along, you are still moving forward. Just don't stop.

No gold star, but no zap either.


Keep the faith.

Barb

[batyler65]

They don't make a gold star big enough for you, gal. You are always out there showing us what can be done if we put our minds to it. (Well, there is that little issue of finding our minds...)

WAY TO GO on the 7th Book! Excellent work!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

Good for you subbing a piece this week!

Shame on you for losing the bet.

Keep on plugging along. 1,300 words is still progress. One. Word. At. A. Time.


http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

Oh, Charlie, Don't you fret. We count the progress you make during the WEEK too. So, while I am disappointed (mostly because I didn't get a cool name like She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Ignored) I won't flog you. Or zap you. You did write a column. That is enough to spare you. This time.

* <-- Small star for you. It's not gold, but I thought you deserved something. Besides, you normally are one of the overachievers. Everybody has off days.

Barb

[batyler65]

That's one of the great things about this report. It makes you sit down and think about what you accomplished all week. Sometimes you really do a lot more than you think!

Careful, you're on the fast track to compete with Empress Betty. ;)

Condolences/Congrats on the rejection! And on sending it back out.

Good luck with your new queries. Hope you get some nibbles.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

WOW!

I'm at a loss for words here.

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/party/party-smiley-049.gif


Way to go! I can't wait to see what you report next week.

keep the momentum going!

[batyler65]

Don't judge the words yet. Just write what you can and go on. This phase will pass. You will eventually leave Zombieville. Life will return to normal.

Hang in there.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif
For Effort

[batyler65]

Um... Ray, pal. I hate to tell you, but those words in AW? They don't count unless you are writing an expose. (hmm, that would look better with a diacritical mark, making it ex-poh-say, but as I can't figger out how to do that... we'll just skip it, okay?)

Actually sounds like you made pretty good progress this past week! It warms the heart.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

Most Excellent News! Glad to hear that your writing is moving forward again.

And I see you and Lori and Frank have been recruiting again.

I'm expecting more regular reports from you now. Don't think you can pop in once a month. I'm not buying it.

I must go read the blog... hee-hee.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on Mind Games. I wish you the best with it.
I understand that fizzle at five thousand syndrome. Somewhere around there, it seems like the writing becomes WORK. Go figure. *grins*

I'm a big believer in index cards. Jot a note about the key elements of a scene on each one and you can lay them out chronologically, read through them and pinpoint plot holes, bad timing... all sorts of things. You might give it a try. Oh, and the other thing that makes the cards great: If you decide you want to rearrange scenes to see how they flow, all you have to do is move cards, not shuffle the entire manuscript.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

It is always so rewarding to get that kind of feedback. Congrats! You deserve it.

I'm glad to hear that the end of the editing project is in sight, even if it is two weeks away. I'm ready to start nagging about the chat book again.

And I see you get credit for recruiting new members to WPR, too.

Until next week, breathe deep and dream of fish.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

Good to meet you!

Good luck on your essay sub. Let us know how it fares. OH! And in case you missed it, the 2005 WPR challenge is to collect a combined 1,500 rejections this year. So, if it does get rejected, add it to the pile over in the "Rejection Collection" thread. Last time I checked, we had 9.

Don't worry about being long-winded. We like it.

Good luck with your middle reader. My next project (starting Feb) is a middle reader/YA novel (haven't exactly figured out the level and audience yet). Keep us posted on how that is going and when you send it out. We're a nosy bunch. We just can't help it. It also helps if you give us a working title so we know what to call your project. It can be an acronym, an abbreviation, whatever works for you is good.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif



Barb

[batyler65]

I love a man with a plan!

What kind of columns do you write? Hmm?

Good luck with those goals. I'll be asking about them come Friday.

oh, and the Taser is a motivational tool that I got for Christmas from another member of WPR. He has been suspiciously absent this week though. I fear he is in need of zapping. Don't worry, I don't zap people if they write. You will write, right?

bwaahaahahaaa!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif
Freebie Gold Star

[batyler65]

Good to have you here!

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you want to accomplish and the time frame to do it in. Keep us posted on Butterfly. And like I said above -- don't forget to add any rejections to the collection in the other thread. We need all the help we can get.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

Okay, revised synopsis, CHECK! What? That's all?

I'm expecting better next week. And give your mum a nudge.

*<-- little star for you, too.

[batyler65]

Are you gonna play, too? All you have to do is give us a brief rundown of the goals you'd like to accomplish (long or short term) and be willing to come report in once a week.

We promise not to bite. (Well,MOST of us promise)

Barb

[batyler65]

Excellent! You are definitely moving forward.

Yep, sometimes a break really does help you see things clearly.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

[batyler65]

ZZZZzzt!

What were you thinking? You wasted a whole WEEK? A WHOLE week?

That's way worse than losing a DAY.

Didn't I just give you a pass last week for computer failure?

*heavy sigh*

This hurts me more than it does you.

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/waffen/violent-smiley-031.gif

[wurdwise]

8o Oooohh, they weren't joking! I think I'm gonna like it here.>:

But seriously, I believe this may be the kick in the butt I need to get more writing done.

Do you guys talk in here during the week, or just report in on the weekends?

Barb, thanks for the star! :D The title of my middle reader is
"The Nucleur Fusion of a Chintamani Beanpole." My goal is to have an agent before 2005 is over. My secondary goal is to have at least one publishing credit from a paying market for my freelance work.

This is going to be fun, and inspiring.

[Ed Williams 3]

....whatever pops into my mind that particular week, that's why I call the column "Free Wheelin.'" Well, that and the fact that "Free Wheelin'" is one of my favorite Bachman-Turner Overdrive songs. Anyway, look forward to hangin' out with y'all...

[batyler65]

Generally, we don't chat much in here during the week... unless there is a reason to party. But that doesn't mean you can't. I encourage everyone in here to cheer each other on and offer support. That's why we're here.

As mod of this section, I check in frequently, but I also write full time to earn my keep, so I don't get to stop and play much. :(

I do try to encourage people to save up their accomplishments/goals and post those once a week. Multiple posts make it complicated to compile the weekend follow-up. ;)

Wow, what a title! What can we call it for short?

Onward, into the fray! And take a notebook!
Barb

[batyler65]

So, Ed, are they humorous columns? Creative nonfic? Rants?

Do they have a permanent home where we can go sneak peeks?
If not, can we help you find one? Hmm???

(I can't help it. I'm nosy by nature.)

Barb

[wurdwise]

Thanks, Barb. We can call my novel Maddy. (I know, a far cry from the title, but much easier to remember) That's what I have been calling it all along, the name of the main character, 13 year old Maddy Weaver.

Thanks for filling me in on the MO here, I will be reporting in this weekend with hopefully lots to show for the week. :hat

[batyler65]

Since CC has so kindly posted the picture we all think of when we think of BUD, I thought it only fair for folks to get a better idea of who he is. Bud is my ever twisted muse. He shows up here periodically and behaves badly. He grew out of another thread here called Personify Your Muse...

I think I created a monster in the second post on this page.

bud's humble beginnings (http://p197.ezboard.com/fabsolutewritefrm9.showMessageRange?topicID=37.top ic&start=41&stop=60)

Barb

[ritinrider]

Barb and all, hi. Welcome to the new kids, yeah. Lets see, this week I talked about writing, learned how to get im, thank you Lori and Melina. Read about writing. Dreamed about one of my projects. Thought about how to fix, or move ahead on a couple of my projects. Almost finished the tax thing for the kid, couple more hours tonight should do it. Installed program so I can do our taxes next month, or the next. Managed to lose enough weight I don't have to pay this week, (I'm on a team that's competing with several other teams for weight reduction).

Uh, think that's it. Actual writing? Um, probably zero.

Wait, wait, keep that tazzer thing away from me, I got plans. First, I don't think I'll work this week. Well, except for tomorrow afternoon, but I can write in the morning. My boss'll be there so no sloughing off and writing during work. The deadline for the contest I'm determined to enter is Feb. 1, so need to have all the entries ready by Fri. I think I'm entering 4 categories.

Okay, that's it. Do your worst Barb. It only hurts for a little bit anyway.

Nita

[Ed Williams 3]

...to one of the sites where Free Wheelin' runs:

www.maconareaonline.com/news.asp?id=9712 (http://www.maconareaonline.com/news.asp?id=9712)

Right now it's in about twenty papers and websites, and I am always looking for new outlets for it. I also have an emailing list of roughly a couple of hundred people who have requested that the column be emailed to them each week. Go figure.

Thanks for asking!

:D

[Natalia]

I worked on "Butterfly, Interrupted" pretty much all day yesterday... painstakingly going over every single word and then sentence and then paragraph lol Awaiting second critique by fellow writer in the next few days. After that, I will have about two weeks to whip that baby into shape and start sending it out to lit mags. I have compiled a list of possibly suitable places and I am checking out their submission guidelines to make sure all is well with the world.

I am off to teach now and have a dissertation committee meeting...lovely stuff :)

I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Also, I just got a heads up that there is a submission deadline coming up for my Uni's Lit Mag... have to whip my other story "Severed" into shape...can I handle both???

Light getting dimmer... oh damn!

Cheers,

Natalia

[ChunkyC]

Thanks for the link, Ed. Great column! I have officially bookmarked your site.

[Ed Williams 3]

Chunky, many thanks, I'm just an old Georgia country boy havin' a good time...

:b :evil

[wurdwise]

I am sorry to tell you guys, I won't be able to stay. You see, I have a troll who has followed me here. I was thinking of only staying in this one forum, but that wouldn't work either. Over the progress of my career, I wouldn't be able to say, if I were lucky, who accepted my work or who my agent might be, for I really feel this person would be keeping tabs and try to harm my career. This may sound wacky, but it's all very real. Thanks for the laughs, it's been fun.

[ChunkyC]

But -- we're just getting to know you! Can't you just ignore this person and keep the private stuff private?

You gotta do what you gotta do, but it will be a shame if you feel you must leave. *hig* (that's a big hug, abbreviated)

[wurdwise]

Your sweet Chunky. But I don't want to feel I have to censor myself when I post. I am a naturally exuberant, loud mouth Texan, and I would forget and shout the names and places and people to the ceiling! I am new to the internet, and I made the mistake of engaging this troll, and she ain't gettin over it. So, I would rather leave before I get too attached to you guys. Even if she were caught and banned, she could still read what I am saying here, and here is where i wanted to be most, to keep me motivated. It's a dilemma I can see no other way out of.

[MacAl Stone]

Eh. Don't give it that much power, Denise. Internet trolls are a dime a dozen, and trolls who can actually affect your career are nearly nonexistent. Editors are a pretty bright bunch.

I really don't think you need to worry.

[drgnlvrljh]

wurdwise, don't let the troll chase you away. Really, think logically, if this troll by chance did find out who your agent was, or publishing house, what damage do you really think she can do? I don't think any of them will take this troll seriously, if she tried to get you discredited. It usually takes alot to do that.

Hang around for awhile. The troll won't be allowed to harass you here, the Mods won't allow it, nor will ez-boards.

[wurdwise]

Ok, you twisted my arm!:rollin

Didn't take much twistin, did it? I will be reporting in this weekend as scheduled, Captain, I mean Barb! (I wish i had a guy saluting.8) ) http://fool.exler.ru/sm/shv.gif [gift from the Empress]

A few days ago I asked "where is a girl on a surf board when you need one?", and wha la! Instantly, there she was! You guys are amazing. I am luvin ya'll today, thanks for watching out for me and dispelling my paranoia. (You'd think I was going to be discovered sitting on a stool in the soda fountain tomorrow, to hear me go on!):eek

[sugarmuffin]

Trolls? Where? I love trolls...

for LUNCH.

[batyler65]

It only hurts for a little bit

That almost sounds like a challenge -- <evil grin>

ZZZZzzt!

I know, you've got plans. They sound like good plans, so I am sincerely hoping to give you a big gold star next Monday. Don't disappoint me. I'll have to go get my scary red whip.

Sometimes life gets hectic. Sometimes things don't go according to plan. Sometimes you gotta ask yourself, which is more important, taking care of the IRS or steering clear of Barb's wrath?

Nita, I know you want to write. You wouldn't be here if you didn't. Take it in baby steps if you must, but write a little something each day.

Barb

[batyler65]

Glad to hear that you are sticking with us. And don't worry. The rules around here are pretty good about keeping the trolls in line.

If your troll follows you into this particular playground and tries to start trouble... just DO NOT respond. If the troll persists in being a nuisance, all troll posts will be reported/ deleted. This thing gets long enough without people starting post wars.

As for the troll reading what you post-- eh, so what?

Now get back to work! Books don't write themselves, you know.

Barb

[maestrowork]

We love trolls. Trolls are good to beat up on. Trolls are good to be laughed at. Trolls are good to ban. Trolls are good for entertainment.

Don't run. Laugh. I've always said and believed: You can only be hurt if you allowed it.

[MacAl Stone]

aw heck--is it Friday already? What's everyone doing here? Cut it out, newbies, and put your heads back down--you're going to raise the overall level of expectation and blow the curve for the rest of us...:b

[Lori Basiewicz]

*Psst. Mac. If there's consistent activity here all the time, maybe Barb will get confused what day of the week it is and not show up to hand out zaps.*

[msQTpi]

Sorry so late :o

I have spent most of the past week whining about being stuck....then I realized that the "whining" I was doing was IN FACT writing. DUH...is anyone else as dumb as me? :o

Below are some of the "worst" whines if any are interested:

-------------------------
Burdensome need to write
Language escapes me
Obedient muse rebels
Characters take a nap
Knives turn in my gut
Aching desire for release
Gnashing of teeth
Ending of a dream

BLOCKAGE
---------------------------
then there is....
---------------------------
Bleak and cold is my soul,
empty lone and stark.

Light eludes me as a whole,
waiting in the dark.

Heavy is the air I draw,
swiftly comes the wind.

Screaming at the awful flaw,
words used to be my friend
---------------------------

Can you say drama Queen???

Sometimes I embarrass myself.

Barb,
You asked:
Renee: How are you doing with your challenge? Oh, and do we have a word count for TPQ, yet?

As for the challenge, I take that to be a ref to my block...not sure how to answer other than what has been reported above.

As for word count: I have no way of knowing, except to actually count the words myself...and I am too lazy for that...sorry. (I am working with wordpad and this program does not have word or page counting abilities)

What I can say though is that I am not happy with my recent progress on TPQ. Hence the whining.

There are many factors that may be playing into my problem. I won't bore you with the long list, but the short one includes my married son and his wife living with us in our tiny trailer and insisting on holding conversations with me when I am trying to write. I must constantly remind myself that killing them would adversely affect my chances of having sweet revenge on them once they decide to reproduce. Visions of drum-sets and finger paints are constantly roaming through my dreams.

I refuse to allow the present sidetrack to become a permanent thing. I am still at it.

Renee'

[wurdwise]

Hey, you guys aren't getting off that easy!
:lol
Us newbies know the score now, next week, mums the word!

[batyler65]

you realize you have to report in again, tomorrow, right?

bwaaahahahaaa!

As for the younglings invading the nest... Deep breaths. Long, slow, deep breaths. Then take your handy-dandy writing implements and head for the nearest library. Go on, now. Gather them up and get on out of here. Think of all the loud noisy things you will be able to buy after you sell TPQ.

B

[maestrowork]

Barb, every day is a Friday for them. :rollin

[wurdwise]

I'm going, I'm going.....but man you guys are tough on us freshman!:eek

The last time I went through initiation I had to lay on the floor and fry like a piece of bacon.

Ok, I'm going............

[aka eraser]

Just a note to the exuberant newbies. While this thread is (mostly) devoted to our weekly reporting, pleading for mercy and lashing; there's no reason you can't start new threads here on whatever tickles your fancy - that's at least vaguely humour-related.

[batyler65]

Okay, Gang... I'm gonna be brief today. I wanted to have the second draft of Monster done and out of my hair by the end of this weekend. To that end, I'm going to spend the next 72 hours or so all wrapped up in a world of my own creation.

Well... that and pesky family stuff.

I did draft my humor essay this week, put out a lot of fires with the educational stuff I write, but *crosses fingers* I think that as I type this, I may be finished with my annual contracts. This means three months to crank out the rough draft of the YA fantasy I'm writing. It also means I have to knuckle down and get this second draft of my first novel DONE. Multitasking, anyone?

So, what's new in your twisted corners of the universe?

Lorrie: Did you finish the story that was supposed to go out last week?

Betty: I'm still tired from reading about everything you did last week. Did you get that poem subbed? Don't forget to pace yourself

Lisa: So how is the progress THIS week? Limbered up yet? Any new subs to report? Any new bets?

CC: you WERE busy this week, right? scribble, scribble? Is the FREAKIN' THING DONE YET? Oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to yell.

Cate: How many queries did you ship out the door this week, girl? Oh, and is that Feb. 2nd deadline put to bed? It's getting close.

Katiemac: Another 11k this week? Hmm? if you keep up this pace, that novel will be done before spring break!

Melina: Melina? *nudges Melina* wake up, it's time to report in. Are you still hanging in there?

Ray: How many words? How many columns? How many hamsters? How many? How many?

Mac: So did you send out that short story? I hear ugly rumors that you are not sleeping. Again. And that you've been running amok. Stop it or you will give Bud ideas. Big ones. He's started asking for Red Bulls. Sleep. Write. oh, and I suppose having a decent meal in there somewhere would be a good idea. Energy drinks will only get you so far.

Cindy: what's the word count on mind games this week? Are you moving forward?

Frank: Oh, Frank, dearheart. Is it time to nag about the chat book yet? Hmm? Have you dug out from under that editing work?

Wurdwise: Maddy is a good name for your WIP. Let me say again, that I'm glad you are sticking with us. Now, tell me about all the great and small achievements you made this week. Is Maddy moving forward?

Ed:Columns... Queries... Finding an agent... Funny, those things are on my list. Of course, I can't FIND my list at the moment, but they are on it. Thanks for posting the link for us. We'll be reading *winks*. So, have you made any headway in the search for the agent? Any other news you'd like to share?

Natalia: How is Butterfly coming? is it winging away to a publisher yet? Your self-imposed deadline approaches.

Ally: More writing. Less Life thingies. Oh. Well. SOME life thingies. But I want to know that you are making progress on your projects. You ARE, aren't you?

Elizabeth: Still with us?

Mr. A: Okay, what chapter now? You were SOOOO close last week. I'm sure that you will be done soon.

Lori: Here we are. Same bat time, same bat channel. Please tell me it isn't the same bat story. Am I gonna have to zap you again? (ooh-ooh, pick me! pick me! I wanna zap Lori!) *Barb removes the Taser from Bud's sticky fingers and wipes it off* Bud! Get out of the pudding and leave my toys alone! Why don't you go write a poem or something? AHEM. Sorry, Lori. Progress?


MIAs:

MIKE
RICH

Come back guys! We miss you.

Okay, folks. Your turn. Stand up and be counted!

Barb

[batyler65]

This is the thong that doesn't end...
It jus' goes on and on my friend...
some peoples started flingin' it
not knowin' what it wuz.
now they'll jus' go on flingin' it
forever jus' becuz...

nobody really wants to hold onto it
any longer than they has to.

Bud


Bud! Bud! Get away from the keyboard!

But, youse tole me I could write a poem!

BUUUUUUD! ACK!

Grumble-grumble, wishyoudmakeupmymind

[Melina]

Okay, I've written about 500 new words, and I sent out two queries. I managed to not kill my fiance or my children, which is pretty amazing since I'm sleep-deprived and becoming borderline psychotic. All in all, a pretty good week. :|

***

[wurdwise]

Ok. I am in a funk this morning. Tired, burned out, bummed. So I'm going to go ahead and get this over with so I can begin my day of vegetation.

Confession. I started working on Maddy in July of 2003 and worked in a Virginia Woolf on crack fashion, 5 am with some breaks in between only for bodily functions and sustanence,(sp?) but staying up late into the wee hours. Ok, that may be a bit overdone, but I worked very hard, anyway. The novel is very personal, and besides being physically draining, it was more so emotionally. In September of 2004, I realized that the novel had jumped track like a run away train, meandering from it's intended destination. I sat down with 300 pages, cutting and physically pasting scenes until I ended up with 100 pages that were what I wanted. Then I started all over.

I worked till November 1st on it, very happy with the way it was progressing, but September 1st is when I logged onto the internet for my first time ever, and that is where the real trouble began. We moved on November the 1st, and I have not touched Maddy since. I have become a message board junkie. I have written a few measly poems, sent out three or four submissions of poetry, but basically, I have sat and this chair wasting my time fighting with trolls, talking about things like why they paint doctor's offices the color blue, you know, real important stuff.

However, there is a bright side to this tale. I realized this was stressing me out and making me feel useless a few weeks ago. So I got back to work, and have been working quite productively since. (although, I am stil addicted to message boards, I am in recovery, and the going is tough.)

Now, to my weekly report. On Monday and Tuesday, I organized the mess I had in my desk, throwing away the majority of what was in there, mostly my precious 200 lost pages I thought I should save. That shows how much I knew about computers. The pages are here.

I made up computer files, one for all the market leads and links I have collected, (I wasn't always chatting when I was online!) which has filled up three pages, advice and links I have picked up about queries, synopsis, agents, anyway, you get the jist. I am getting my ducks in a row. My husband is on vacation next week, so I am going to get him to help me make hide nor hare of the many files I have on my computer and move them around to where they need to be. I will try to send out some submissions while he is home, but mostly, next week will be a wash.

As far as productivity, I spent Wednesday, as it says in the rejection club, auditioning for a part time poetry job, and was declined. Yesterday I was a bum and plan to be one today also.

I am having trouble deciding which direction I want to go. I want to finish Maddy, but I can't seem to get excited enough to go back, and it's not that the story isn't good, or that I can't write, I have had several online critiques of the beginning with glowing reviews. The story will sell. I don't know if I am lazy, or scared of success, or scared to go back to that emotional place. On the other hand, I am itching to make money as a freelance writer. I have an essay with an online editor, and I have all these markets and two full pages of ideas for short stories, essays, and research about working for the trades.

Ok, Barbara, I need a taser, direction, advice, something. I said I wouldn't be so long winded, but I wanted to get all my cards out on the table and come clean. Now, I actually feel better.

P.S. I have severe allergies that started in September and the doctor said my stress level is aggravating them. Kick me off the internet, somebody! I think I became so enthralled and wrapped up in the drama, all so new to me, I lost perspective. But I am wide awake now, and the drama is becoming really stale.

Denise, the confessor.

[Natalia]

First things firts...

*hugging Denise* - It's all in a day's work, darling...we'll get through the funk.

Now, for the report:

I have sent "Butterfly, Interrupted" to three more people for feedback. I have spent the rest of this week since I last reported in tweaking like an editor with a bad case of OCD. Once I get the rest of the critiques in, I will focus on the final edit. WOW did I just say that??? I hope to have the final version in place by the 7th, so I can spend the last week before my deadline actually making copies and licking stamps for my SASE. This means I will,most likely, be a very cranky little bunny in the coming weeks.

I have also been making steady progress on a short story called "Ordinary" (working title) about a family that is anything but. I am really into it now and seriously wondering if I can make the Feb 15 deadline to enter it into the Florida Review Contest. We shall see. Quite honestly, I would rather miss that deadline than submit something subpar...make sense?

Fairy Snuff...enough ranting...

This is Natalia ... over and out....

[batyler65]

Wurd…
I didn't want to wait until Monday to respond to you.

Okay, I could get the taser out and zap you a good one. But I fear it would do little good at this point. So instead, I'm going to ask you a pair of hard questions. And you don't have to answer here if you don't want, but you MUST answer them for yourself.

Do you want Maddy to get finished? Is this story important to you?

If the answer is yes, as I suspect it is, then what are you waiting for? It is not going to write itself, and I hate to point it out, but we writers don't have time to sit around and wait to get excited about the stories. And even if we did, well, it just doesn't work that way. Stories are like small children. They are contrary and require lots of attention. Without it they just sit around, eat all the junk food in the house and watch TV. You're going to have to take this next part on faith, but trust me, it is true. If you want to finish Maddy, the first thing you have to do, is set a reasonable daily goal. Make it a page. A paragraph. A pair of truly priceless sentences if you can't muster anything else. But quit avoiding the story by hanging out on the message boards and put some words on the paper. The excitement will come. It may take a few days, and some days you will feel like you are slogging through wet concrete, but it WILL come. Make the message boards a reward for time spent writing instead of a way to get out of writing.

Now get off here and go do something productive. That's an order!

Barb

[macalicious731]

Okay, I'm just going to go ahead and get this over with.

Week's word count: 0.

Now. In my defense, I moved back into the dorm this week and started classes again. I'm still trying to work out the new schedule, and also work out where I can actually fit writing into that. What initially appeared to be bad news - a big long break between classes on MWF - may actually be good. Because if I don't have to carry much else around, I can bring my laptop and hide out in the library for some writing, or head in there to check into the Writer's Market which I have yet to do because I don't have a copy of my own. Plus, I find it difficult to work when I want to murder half of my building. *sigh*

Ok, that's all I have to say. Taser!

[wurdwise]

I have logged in only long enough to tell you, Barb, I will be working on Maddy tonight. Thanks for the advice. I will use it. I'll have good things to report next weekend!:hat

[batyler65]

Renee

I wasn't kidding about that reporting in thing. I DID accidentally leave you off the main list... mostly because you just reported yesterday, but then I thought, no... if I don't say something on Friday, she'll probably think I've forgotten and that she's off the hook.

This is NOT the case.

You are still on the hook. *tapping foot with hands on hips*
I'm hoping you have something good to tell me.

Barb

[maestrowork]

It's been a busy week for me.

First, the column. 645 words.

CTN, 830 words, give or take.

CTN-2, 0 word. Nada. Zilch. Zip. Zero.

Crit group stuff. Was doing crit on another piece I promised...

First round of edits on TPB. It wasn't painful. It just took a long time to go through 75,000 words in one big sweep. Added material to make the plot stronger. Second round coming soon.

[CindyBidar]

Words this week: 1500

Not great strides, but moving nonetheless. My biggest problem from this point will be to stay focused on this one project and not run off willy-nilly into another one--which at this moment is only a sketchy idea and a few incoherent notes stuffed in my purse--but it's calling me. I can hear it. Any pointers on learning to focus?

[Betty W01]

This week's writing was mainly focused on finishing and sending in the TL columns (which required reading a stack of books, but is finally done!!), writing a few extra book reviews ahead, to have on hand for next time, and trying to get caught up on stuff at work.

I still don't have a title for my newest poem, although I've workshopped it with two different groups this week, along with a bunch of other stuff. Got some very nice comments on my work, but still no title. <sigh> And I refuse to call it "Untitled"!

I helped run the bi-monthly writer's group meeting (I'm VP) which took 5 hrs out of my life. In fact, this was a busy week - lots of evening meetings for various groups (unusual for me), stuff at work that really needed done RIGHT NOW (like sending off for and installing new anti-virus software, which took way longer than it sounds like it should have), family drama (not my kids for once - whew!), and other time-sucking stuff. And today will probably be consumed by putting together DD#2's new futon.

I did write four book reviews to sell, worked on several poems, sent some more stuff to the cookbook project, and sent off some queries. And will be sending out some stuff later today to a travel site that asked me to submit some ideas.

This week? I HAVE TO GET THIS FRICKING OFFICE STRAIGHTENED UP!! Barb, if I come back next weekend and I haven't made some MAJOR progress on that, feel free to tazer the heck out of me. I need some motivation (beside that of not being able to walk in here, which seems to bother me less than it should...)

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/3/3_13_9.gif

[MacAl Stone]

Err...less than a thousand words on Weird, this week. BUT I did do a bunch of plotting stuff that I'd avoided up until now, and think I have a better idea where it's going, and how to get it there.

I've kept the blog much more up-to-date. Also done quite a bit of work on the new thing. It remains to be seen where that will take me.

Oh, and did just over 60 hours at the pays-the-bills job.

[ChunkyC]

*cough, cough*

Column: notes taken, writing it up & submitting in the morning. Check.

Anything else: er ... no. Got caught up in furor over ATLANTA NIGHTS by Travis Tea. My bad, but damn, was it exciting. Plus, wife said she smelled gas in the house. For about 1/16 of a second, I hoped the house would explode so that I'd have an excuse for Barb. Turned out to be a cat fart.

Oh, and I lost three pounds this week.

Do your worst, Barb. Macalish and I can compare scars afterward.

[maestrowork]

I think the taser is a hit (puns intended). Everyone is asking for it. Not me. I can't take that much pleasure.

[aka eraser]

Column done and out. Another dent in the editing job but still only a bit past half-way. (I blame Son #2 who *might* have told me it was exam week - but if he did it was not while making eye contact. So he's been home much of this week and will be for most of next as well. And as everyone knows, if #2 is home, so are about five of his urchin friends.)

Also made pretty good progess with my student's (don't much like that word but dislike "mentee" even more) novel - about six chapters polished.

Does my review of Atlanta Nights count? It took thought and was reasonably funny...maybe 300 words or so.....no?...sigh...ok.

Got about 400 more words on The New Thing too, but that might have been cheating since it was this morning.

<eraser braces for the taser - whimpering in a manly fashion>

[wurdwise]

I have something special to add. I JUST GOT AN ACCEPTANCE! The email just came. My first publishing credit. I am on my way, dear friends. This feels marvelous. Now I must go to bed, I'm a happy wreck! :rollin

Oh, yeah, it's an essay called "Don't Sign Me Up" to be published in Hot Psychology, an online mag. No pay, but a byline and they asked for a bio. Good enough start for me.

[Lori Basiewicz]

Congratulations, Wurd!!!

[MacAl Stone]

Way to go, Wurd!

[msQTpi]

Barb,

If it weren't for Bud flinging his thong at me I would have kept crying and just closed this page before I saw that you had remembered me. Right now I am thankful for his presence, but would you please come pick him up. He is playing havoc with our decor. Thongs are not all he is flinging and THAT is going to be very hard to get out of our shag rug, even with the new steam cleaner.

I haven't touched TPQ, but have written a short and a few poems.

I have submitted several (other) poems and one short for crit to one of my writers clubs since I posted the other day.

Once I have "perfected" the short, I plan to try to find a place to submit it to. I really think this one may sell if I can find the correct venue.

The poems were submitted simply because I had written them and they fit into the theme of discussion at the time (writers block). The simple act of writing them seems to have helped in some strange way.

We are having a Winter-storm here in GA and the whole family is drawing straws for computer usage (did I ever mention how my luck runs) I have just now gotten to the PC for the first time today...it's 2:38 in the morning.

I am a night owl. This fact should keep me from whining too much, but my daughter in law is sitting in the room with me...and I do not write well at all with an audience...never have. Writing should never feel like...um...er...excuse me for saying it...going to the bathroom, but with an audience, the feel is quite similar. (I may write "IT" but sure don't want to be watched while I do, pass the paper please)

Now that I have totally disgusted everyone here I guess I need to back out slowly...after I flush.

Renee'

[msQTpi]

WOO HOO!!!! WTG Wurd!!!

:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin

[wurdwise]

Thanks, guys. I went to sleep right after I wrote this and dreamed I got another email from someone else I had submitted to, asking me if I was joking, pointing out how bad my writing was, on and on. :eek

Ain't that a kick in the head? Shook me up so bad, I had to get up and smoke a cigarette!:smokin

[Betty W01]

Wurd, congrats on the essay (and boooo on the cigarette)! Keep plugging - you're on a roll!

[macalicious731]

Congratulations, wurd! That really is fantastic. But I'm with Betty on this one.... no cigarettes! (:

[triceretops]

Congrats to Wurd! That's where it all begins!
Renee', you crack me up, but you're rolling' right along

Me, I just got mad and started typing 10 pages everyday this week until I finished my proposal, chap outline, and two sample chapters--55 pages in all. I have no spell check at all and am trying to figure out how to edit this thing and get it off to one of the four agents who want to see it. So I'm trying to figure out how to copy it and send it too my roommate's computer so he and I can spell/grammar check it together and get it back on my computer for a printout. Gak!

Then I'll pick up on chapter three and go like hell!

Triceratops

[drgnlvrljh]

Lorrie: Did you finish the story that was supposed to go out last week?

Been actually working on trying to get it cleaned up. Honest! :\ Thing is, I think I let myself get too close to it, and was getting annoyed with it. I was trying to change too much, I think.

OTOH, got the crits from Mac, and it's given me some new focus. (*Thanks Mac!*)

Made some outline note for "Shadows" too, so there's something.


And, on a completely unrelated note, I've managed to get about halfway through ripping my CDs again. :o

[ChunkyC]

Congrats, Wurd!

And Barb: out of sheer guilt ... okay, abject terror ... I sat my slightly-smaller-than-it-was backside down today and am happy to report that I have FINISHED going through FATL Holly Lisle-style.

Copious notes, scribbles and doodles have been annotated, collated and stapled and now await compilation, annexation and integration into the manuscript. (Can you tell I've been thinking about increasing the word count?)

I'll understand if you still feel the need to tazer me. I'll bring the wine. :p

[Cate]

Ok Barb!
Feb 2nd piece is out, photos and all--editor agreed to first rights so that I am able to use stuff in my book later on down the line.
Got another assignment from same publication AND a raise from them too! Woo hoo!
Shipped out a CV for a regional editor position and got a nibble but don't know for sure yet . . .
Sent out one finished piece, wrote a rough draft of another, got an acceptance and sent out 2 queries.
Ug.
Hating the winter - it is so hard to stay motivated!
Cate:\

[wurdwise]

Man! Cate, congrats. If that's lack of motivation because of winter, you must be hell on wheels in the summertime!

And thanks, guys, for the good wurds!

[Natalia]

Okies..I did my congratulations of wurdy privately.. but it's worth doing again... WHOOHOOO! There :) very proud of you girlie :)

And Cate... congrats... sounds like you are on a roll :)

-Natalia

[batyler65]

Way to go!!

Now write another... and get it sent out!

You go, girl!

Barb

[Lori Basiewicz]

Okay, a little taser action last week seems to have done me a world of good. Or maybe just quitting the day job. It's hard to tell.

This week, I have:

8) Resubmitted a short story to Realms of Fantasy after checking with them and learning they never received the original submission.

8) Reworked a short story slightly, adding 120 words to it.

8) Wrote three pages on a website I am helping rework.

8) Finally ended my game of telephone tag with an editor. Next week, I need to get him a list of possible contacts for interview subjects.

8) Contacted an agency that helps people find jobs to see if they were interested in any resume writing services. Was told they do not recommend outside service providers. (Does that count towards the rejections count, Barb?)

8) Wrote just under 1000 words in TBWN. (It's forward movement.)

8) Wrote just under 4000 words in Something New. It was just something that started appearing on the screen. I wasn't certain what it was when I started, but it seems to be the first chapter and a half of a new novel.

Don't worry, Barb, my writing group has already made it clear that I MUST finish TBWN first before focusing my full attention on Something New -- whatever it is. They have promised me many painful punishments if I should even consider dropping TBWN at this point, which I wouldn't do, so no need for you to threaten me with that taser.

[batyler65]

Good to see you!

Hope you'll stick around. The more the merrier...

Of course, with this bunch, sometimes "merrier" is pushing it.

Barb

[batyler65]

Welcome Back! I'm gonna give this a try vs. individual posts. Heck, it works for Fridays�c

First: An announcement: MONSTER is done. As of 5 pm Sunday night, after 19 hours of labor, this baby is complete. It weighed in at 396 pages and is just under 80k. I have to make a third pass�c but that will not happen until I finish drafting the YA novel. And before THAT happens, I am taking a much needed week to decompress. Yippee!!!


Melina: It's okay to be psychotic. Especially if you are productive AND psychotic. I thing 500 words and two queries counts. Good job! Any news on when you get off this graveyard shift?http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

Natalia: Just don't obsess so much that Butterfly sits on your desk. ;) Good luck on the new story. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you make the deadline
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

Wurdwise: Congrats again on your acceptance, and on taking the first step to getting Maddy done. Stick with it girl. All books get written the same way. One word at a time. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage08/11.gif

Katiemac: Okay. You had been just trucking along. And you DID do 11k two weeks in a row. That and I'm in an incredibly generous mood today *bounces in chair* So I guess I won't zap you�c This time. You have until Friday. Get busy. No star, but no Taser either.

Renee: Bad news, sweetheart. There's no such thing as perfect. Don't obsess over the short. The best plan is to often write it�c let it rest a couple of days�c revise it�c and then mail it. Too many edits can suck the life right out of your writing. Trust yourself to stop and let it go. Good luck with those poem subs, too. Let us know how they fare. And make time to get back to TPQ. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

Ray: It's official, I can't call you a slacker bum this week. That editing process is a lot of work A LOT. Congrats on getting through it!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

Cindy: I sometimes wonder if all writers suffer from some form of ADD. *shrugs* most of the ones I associate with seem to be master procrastinators as well. As for keeping focus�c I've found that it helps to keep a notebook handy for jotting down errant ideas as I write. That way, when a new project pokes its head in I can capture it without giving up what I'm currently working on. Give it a shot, it can't hurt. 1500 words is not too shabby.http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif


Betty: Sounds like you were busy as usual. I hope you find a title for your newest poem, and a home, too. And don't worry, I'll check back with you on that whole "clean the office" thing. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

Mac: More words, less excuses. Oh and a little sleep and food in there somewhere, too. Glad that you made progress in the plotting. A little plotting goes a long way. ;) And the new thing? Does it have a name yet?
*<-- small star but it's borderline.

CC: Congrats on the weight loss! Way to go! And a bigger congrats on getting through that rewrite! Yay! Double party for you! http://pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/signs/gogogo.gif

Frank: You and Mac aren't sharing this "New Thing" are you? Because if you are, it doesn't count. Does it have a working handle yet? I understand about having the urchins underfoot. We all do the best we can. *<--small star


Triceretops: Wow! That's a lot of work to crank out in a week. I can hardly wait to see what you report next week! Let us know how the submission goes. Four interested agents? Woo-hoo! Good luck! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage17/19.gif



Lorrie: Um�c Lorrie? Ripping the CDs does NOT count as writing. NOT. Putting words on paper. That's the ticket! Glad to hear you've got some outline notes for Shadow, and that you've gotten some feedback. Clean that story up and sub it. Chop-chop! *<-- small star

Cate: I have to second Wurdwise here. Wow! If winter is your slow time�c Keep up the good work! And good luck on the nibble. Let us know how it turns out. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

Lori: Just for the record, I don't THREATEN with the Taser. That would be a frivolous waste of time. (And too much fun�c Ahem.) Sounds like you've really been cracking this week! Good for you. I sincerely hope that TBWN is getting ready to take off now that you've ditched the pesky day job. Remember back in November? 1k 2day? Remember? And you were doing that plus working full time. Methinks you need to establish a routine, girl. ;) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif


MISSING:
RICH
MIKE
ED
ALLY
RUTH (again)
MR A.
NITA

Gosh, I swear�c turn my back for a minute�c

[Lori Basiewicz]

Barb completed the Monster rewrite. Good for you.

Have a few gold stars yourself:

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gifhttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_17.gif

(Has anyone else noticed that Barb tends to use the taser a lot less when her own writing week has gone extremely well?)

[wurdwise]

**********************************************
**********************************************
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))) )))))))))))))))))))

Barb, here are tons of stars and hugs for finishing your novel ! .:smokin

(I have been putting off buying the goods, which I love, thinking we were changing boards!)

[maestrowork]

We need those darn party icons!!! Betty?!?!?

Yay Barb.

Yipee Ai Ay!

[Natalia]

Yaay Barb... tha sounds like an amazing accomplishment.
Woohoo..

And don't worry, I won't obsess THAT much more :)

[Cate]

Barb!!!!!!!!!!

The Monster?!!
Congratulations to you at long last!!!!!!!!;)

And thanks to those w/ the kind words for me this weekend!
May you all find an acceptance in your box today as good karma!

Cate