Kerri Nelson's Blog, page 4

3K-a-Day Challenge starts tomorrow! Write & Win!

"Art thou a pen, whose task shall be to drown in ink.

What writers think? Oh, wisely write, that pages white

be not the worse for ink and thee."

--Ethel Lynn Beers (Ethelinda Eliot)





Need to get the words rolling on a new project?





Stuck in the middle of a novel and can't seem to push through?





Almost done and just need a few...more...words?





If any of these are you, then please join me tomorrow, Monday, August 22nd for 5 days of writing fun! Every day I'll chronicle my writing adventures as I juggle 3 kids (under the age of 10), two jobs, and much more all while completing my Mystery novel.



For those of you who've written with me during my last 2 challenges, welcome back! For those new to my challenges...you're in for a treat. Cause not only will you boost your word count and stay motivated by sharing your daily word count with fellow class mates, but you'll be in the drawing to win prizes.



Take a look at how we did on our last challenge and all the great prizes we gave away. Click here.



All you have to do, is join me tomorrow and start writing. My goal this week is only 3,000 words a day for 5 days to equal the final 15K of my novel. If that sounds like too much, set your own goal. If that sounds like too little, the sky is the limit!



Just write each day and then come back later in the evening (typically sometime after 6 p.m. Central Time) and see my daily update. That is where you'll post your results and see how fellow challengers are doing. Be sure to report in each day, whether you've met your goal or had a bad day...we want to hear all about it.



At the end of the week, I'll give you my final report and we'll celebrate with random prize drawings.



So, get ready...get set...let's write!



P.S. No excuses. Just write.



See you tomorrow...



--Kerri Nelson

Blog Owner, Baby Maker, and Book Writer

4K-a-Day Challenge Final Results

We've reached the FINISH line!



Well, it was a long week and I even tried to schedule a "do over" day on Monday in an attempt to reach my goal. BUT you know what they say about the best laid plans. On Sunday night, I came down with the nasty bug that was harassing my kids all week and weekend. Thus, I'm sad to report that my "do over" day was a dud!



Nevertheless, I'm proud to report my week long totals.



Old project WIP new words written: 20,254

New project WIP new words written: 3,187



Total word count achieved this week: 23,441



I think this is pretty darn swell and I'm proud of the work we did. Thanks for being on my team and taking the journey with me.



I'm so close to finishing my novel now. I think one more challenge will push me over the finish line for good. So, I'll be starting a 3K-a-day for 5 days only challenge starting Monday, August 22nd here at the blog.



Hope you'll consider coming back for more push toward success.



Now, please be sure to share your challenge over-all results with us down below and for those of you who posted your results on days 1 through 7...I've drawn some random winners of prizes. If your name is listed below, please contact me to claim your prize (kerribookwriter AT yahoo DOT com).







Prize Winner #1: Nickie A.

Prize: Collection of Writing Reference Books or 1 Month of Personal Mentorship from me



Prize Winner #2: Nancy J.

Prize: Your Choice of Workshop from Celtic Hearts Romance Writers (http://www.celtichearts.org/workshops.html) or Your Choice of TutorMe Write sessions from me (http://www.kerrinelson.com/10.html)



Prize Winner #3: Rebecca

Prize: Your Choice of Workshop from Celtic Hearts Romance Writers (http://www.celtichearts.org/workshops.html) or Your Choice of TutorMe Write sessions from me (http://www.kerrinelson.com/10.html)



Prize Winner #4: Janet

Prize: $5 Amazon.com Gift Card or Your Choice of 2 books from my backlist (http://www.kerrinelson.com/5.html)



Prize Winner #5: Elisabeth S.

Prize: $5 Amazon.com Gift Card or TWO free months cover ad promotion on my Book Boost Author promotions blog (http://www.thebookboost.blogspot.com)





CONGRATS! Write on!

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #7 Results

The End (almost)!



Thanks to everyone who came out over the last seven days to participate in my challenge. Technically, today is the last day but since I'm just short of my goal (due to Thursday's delay) I'm going to add a Monday "do over" day and strive for a few more words.



Please join me if you want to. I'd love to have you with me.



Then, on Tuesday I'll be back with the final results and the challenge prize winners.



Here's how I did today:



Day #7

7:57 a.m. Scrolled through e-mail, got the children settled, woofed down some toast and started writing. I'm up to 798 on the first jaunt this day. Let's go!



11:07 a.m. Update

Working through some class stuff that I got behind on this week. Made a dent in that and just now upped my count to 1558 words. Will be back in a bit. Have to do some e-mails and play with my 3 year old who keeps "accidentally" hitting me with her pink ball. :-o



1:28 p.m. Update

One toddler happy hour of fun and games, one shower, and some munchies later and I'm back at it. Up to 2380 just now and I think I've FINALLY figured out how to tie up all the loose ends. I hope! Plus, my last run there pushed me over the 60K mark on my manuscript and that's very exciting. Back in a few.



4:24 p.m. Update

Late lunch with the kiddies. 3 yo refuses to take nap despite bribery! And I just ate a ton of Oreos with my 18 month old because he was in hog heaven sharing them with me. Now, I feel blah! Trying to get back to writing but can I say…oy!



5:06 p.m. Update

3216 words for the day! I decided to quit here and spend the evening with the kids. But I'll be back for one more day tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #6 Results

A Bit Short!



We're almost at the finish line! One more day (and a possible do over day on Monday for me?) to go, folks.



Glad you've stuck with me this far. Sorry I'm late getting this up today. I didn't have time to do my daily/hourly updates as I was juggling sick and grumpy kids and another deadline.



BUT, I managed to get in 3187 words total on a different project. I went a little off course today with a short story contest entry that I was inspired to write. So, I didn't push the WIP along but I did write.



I rarely do contests any more but this was fun and I'll have to put it aside to edit next week after the challenge. I struggle with wrapping it up in so few words. Bet you couldn't guess that I'm a bit wordy, eh?



How did you all do on S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y?



See you in the morrow,

K.

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #5 Results

Four Chairs...Four Thousand Words!





Some of you have probably heard the saying BICHOK (Butt in Chair Hands on Keys) before. That's what I've had to do today. I managed to get my 4K in without too much trouble but I'm still racing against the clock for another deadline.



Keep up the positive attitudes and great work everyone. You all inspire me as well. :-)





Here's how I did today...





Day #5

6:43 a.m.

Did two blogs and 200 e-mails and now it is time to get daughter ready for school. Gonna try to squeeze in 15 quick minutes and then I'll be back. G'morning.



6:58 a.m. Update

Geez. I got to 630 and then a safety gate debacle forced me to stop. Back after the school run for more.



10:02 a.m. Update

Juggling multiple projects this morning in an effort to keep up. I'm at 1443 words after my second jaunt. The story is rolling along nicely today but I'm still trying to figure out how to tie up some loose ends. I'm thinking I need to shake things up a bit with my characters. Let's see how it rolls…



11:25 a.m. Update

Almost at mid-day and I'm at the half way point…word count is 2104. I'm happy with that. Got to take a break to work on some other projects but I'll be back after lunch. Hope you all are hanging in there.



12:30 p.m. Update

Wrote a few more over lunch. Up to 3023 for the day. Goal is clearly in sight but I have another deadline I'm pushing as well---don't think I'll go much over goal today. Too tired. Starting to look like Monday will be a do-over day to make up for yesterday.



3:17 p.m. Update

Up to 4012 for the day and calling it quits. I'm still behind on some other projects and now two of my kids have come down with colds. A cold? In the middle of August? Crap! Anyway, back tomorrow for more. Hope you all did well.





Hugs,

Kerri

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #4 Results

STOP! I Need A Do Over!



Well, my lovely friends and writers...I may have been "on fire" on Wednesday but yesterday I had major "life interruptus" and despite my struggles to over come it--I had to throw the towel in. I won't go into details but let's just say...I spent at least 4 hours of my day at the doctor's office and I'm out about $600. Ugh!



BUT...I am not defeated. I'm re-energized and ready to conquer the new day and the remainder of the challenge.



Since, I didn't come anywhere near a reportable total toward my goal yesterday, I'm going to scratch the entire day.



What does this mean for you? Well, I'm posting this blog so that you can tell me how you kicked my challenge bootie yesterday. Go ahead and post your Day #4 results here.



The challenge continues today as normal. However, I have two options.



1. I'll try to write a little more each day over my 4K goal to make up for the lost words.



Or



2. I'll extend the challenge by one day to make up the lost day. My "do over" day.



I haven't decided which one I'll do yet but either way, you're invited to join me along the way. We'll see how things go over the next 3 days and I'll make an announcement then. Meanwhile, let's keep going.



We're cresting the hill on our challenge today and hopefully we'll glide down, gaining momentum along the rest of the way. And NO MORE speed bumps...please.



Thanks for being patient with your hostess.



Hugs to those who need 'em,

Kerri

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #3 Results

I'm on Fire (FOUR)!



Welcome back for today's update. I'm really enjoying all your daily updates. Keep 'em coming!



Remember that making the effort to sit and write every day is half the battle. Even if you don't reach your goal, keep writing! We are almost half way through our challenge. Don't give up now.



Here's how I did today...I'm smoking up the keyboard...



Day #3



6:41 a.m.

G'morning. Gonna try to squeeze out at least one 15 minute segment this morning BEFORE the school morning rush descends heavily. Back in a few to tell you how I did.



6:59 a.m. Update

Back. Got 714 on my first run today. I also scored over the 50K mark on my book. I feel like I'm over the hump now and need to start pushing toward that climax and resolution. Can't wait. Back shortly to continue.



10:17 a.m. Update

1 car ride, 1 blog post, 1 load of laundry, 3 phone calls, 100 words edited (on another project) and a shower later…I'm up to 1621 for the day. This is pretty darn good. More editing and time for e-mails. Be back soon.



11:39 a.m. Update

Got the baby down for a nap and got a little more editing done (but still behind on this). Also behind on e-mails but I'll work through them as I can. Gotta run switch over the laundry and then it is back to writing. I'm trying to finish up my words earlier today than on previous days so that I can really focus on editing (my book that is due) this evening. I'm not a fan of switching back and forth between writing and editing during the same time frame (even if they are on different projects). Up to a total of 2296 now. Little over half way there. Keepin' up the pace!



12:48 p.m. Update

Lunchtime and I'm rocking and rolling on the word count. Up to 3178! Hope to finish up in 1 or 2 more jaunts within the next hour. I have a lot of classwork and edits to do on other projects so I NEED to finish early today with writing. Hope you all are having productive days. Will let you know how my afternoon goes, crossing fingers and toes…



5:06 p.m. Update

Well, the best laid plans. I got all lost in other projects and only got back to my writing a few moments ago. I'm closing out the day now at 4062 words. Still kicking the 4K challenge bootie. 3 days down and 4 to go. Can I keep it up? We'll see.



How'd you do?



--Kerri

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #2 Results

FOUR + FLOUR = This takes the cake!



Welcome back for Day #2 results, my wicked writer friends! I've made it through Day 2 and got a lot done today but still have much to be done before I can call it a day.



You won't believe the craziness that is my life...details below on how I did. And as you can see by the fact that my tired mind thinks that the word Four looks so much like the word Flour and yet they are so completely different (as referenced above) you'll understand just how crazy my word brain is by this time of day.



Thanks to everyone who has come out to share your results with us. For those of you setting and keeping your goals, good for you. Keep up the pace. Seven days will fly by for you. For those who are struggling to make it--just be sure you get in SOME words. It doesn't have to be 4K. Even if you write 500 word it is much better than not getting anything down on the page.



Get in there and write. Worry about organizing it and second guessing it later. This week...WE WRITE!



Looking forward to hearing day 2 results and hang in there...the middle of the challenge is always the toughest.



Here's how I did today:



Day #2



9:31 a.m.

First day of school for my brand new 5th grade "big girl". Up super early so as not to be late on first day of school. But, of course, my life could be a British farcical comedy show (and very often resembles one--actually) and everything that can cause delays does cause delays.



Not the least of which is was the leaky bag of garbage that spilled in my garage as I attempted to drag it down the driveway just as the garbage truck rounded the corner and picture me screaming at the stinky mess that was now all over my driveway; the toddler then throwing up all in my hair as I attempt to put him in the car seat; and…wait for it…a flat tire on the way to school! Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner, folks. Oy!



Anyway, despite all that nonsense, I'm happy to report that the child was delivered to school on time (just call me Super Mom!) and the other 2 children are only mildly annoyed with me at the present. So, I'm gonna get started. Good morning!



10:21 a.m. Update

Checking in with my first update and I'm up to 771 but have to stop and give little ones a snack now. The eating never stops around here. Back soon with round #2 and I'm going to check more of those class e-mails now. Oh, did I mention that I'm not only teaching a class this month (Hi, Book Factory crew!) but taking a really intensive editing class as well. Double Oy!



1:52 p.m. Update

Many interruptions and tears later (the kids' tears not mine--this time at least), I've made it to the "not quite half way point" at mid-day. My newest total is 1579. Will try to get in one more good stretch before I have to do the afternoon school run and errands. Back in a bit.



2:27 p.m. Update

Another afternoon thunderstorm is upon us and I've still got to make a school run in this weather. I can only hope that no more tornadoes are headed our way. Alabama has had more than its fair share of those this year. Still mourning the losses from April.



But I've managed to get in a few more words before the afternoon craze hits my house and I'm presently up to 2164. I have to stop now and do some stuff around the house and work on my manuscript edits that are due. Will be back to write more later. Hope to make the goal. Keeping the faith.



4:16 p.m. Update

One rain storm drenched school run, one napless 3 year old, two dirty diapers, and a hyper "no homework induced" 5th grader later and I'm back at the keyboard. Need a to get to 3 K this run.



4:33 p.m. Update

Woot! Got up to 3090 just now and my brain is buzzing. A quick break to help eldest daughter with her computer issues and I'll be back. Less than 1K to go for the day. I think I can do it in 2 more jaunts. Yay!



5:54 p.m. Update

Done! I made it to 4055 before my timer went off just now and the microwave chimed in with a unified beep. Dinner is ready (leftovers) and my goal is met. I was actually at a pivotal point in a scene but I've decided to stop and finish it up tomorrow. I think it will help get me rolling in the morning. Here's to hoping my car tires are rolling in the morning, eh?





See you then,

Kerri

4K-a-Day Challenge Kerri's Day #1 Results

ACES! Day #1 VICTORIOUS!



Thanks to everyone for joining me today on this week's challenge. I see a lot of familiar faces/names on here and I hope you'll stick with us every day until the deal is done (pun on the playing cards from pic above intentional--ha!)



Here's how it went for me today...



Day #1



12:01 p.m. I know I'm late to my own party! I did get the kick off post up early this morning but then had to take my eldest daughter to get new glasses and an eye exam. This should have taken an hour but took all morning instead. I've been struggling to get caught up since. But I'm up and running and have 565 new words under my belt from my first jaunt. Keep on going.



1:32 p.m. Update

Children are being very uncooperative. Well, the baby is being a good napper and I was over joyed at my silent writing time to come but the other two (my 3 year old and 10 year old) are bugging me to death. School starts tomorrow and the 5th grader will be bugging the teacher then. Anyway, I just now squeezed out 728 more and I'm up to 1293 total by mid-day. Back after a lunch break and some children maneuvering. Hope you all are doing well. I'm almost 1/3 of the way there!



2:13 p.m. Update

Did the dishes and got the children set up with snacks. That kept their mouths busy for a few moments. I managed to crank out a few more words but now all havoc is breaking loose. Up to 1959 for the day. Now, almost at the ½ way mark! Woot! Gonna try to get in another 15 minutes shortly and I'll report back again.



3:25 p.m. Update

This time finds me with the 3 year old down for a nap and the 10 year old off getting ready for her big day at school tomorrow. Mommy is trying to get caught up on her Book Factory class responses and get her 4K completed. Just got in another 15 minutes and I'm up to 2718 for the day. Only a little over 1200 to go. Must take a quick break and play with the baby now. He's looking at me with a pitiful face. Back soon and we'll get a few more words under the belt.



5:02 p.m. Update

Took a nice long break and wrestled with my toddler. He beat me up. He's tougher than he looks at 18 months old! Anyway, I'm back and did another 15 minute jaunt. While I was writing these words, I had this brilliant idea come to me of a great POV to switch to for the next scene but I had to push through the writing until the timer went off. Now, I'm struggling to remember the idea. So, I wish I had paused the timer a second to jot down the idea. Maybe it will come to me. But this goes to show how serious I am about keeping up the writing despite the interruptions. I'm up to 3588 at the end of the regular business day. Back for one last jaunt and a wrap up shortly.



5:53 p.m. Update

The natives are restless around here…so I have to wrap up for the day. Plus a thunderstorm is fast approaching and I want to get offline before something snafus my computer. But I just did a quick jaunt with fast and furious fervor and I'm happy to report that I kicked challenge bootie with 4566 total words today. Yay! Oh, and I remembered the POV idea from above. Will start there tomorrow.



I'll be back tomorrow to do more damage. How did you all do? Gimme all the gory details.



Best,

Kerri

4K-a-Day Challenge is Up and Running!

Ready, Set, WRITE!



Welcome to my 4K-a-Day challenge that runs from Monday, August 8, 2011 through Sunday, August 14th, 2011. That's SEVEN DAYS of writing mania.



My goal is to write at least 4,000 words per day. I invite you to take the challenge with me. If you are frightened by the number 4 (it is a really cute number, though, so I don't know why), you can set your own goal. But I invite you to strive to write as much as you can this week.



At the end of each day, I'll put up a new blog post. It will contain all the down and dirty, nitty gritty details of my delightful days (warning: may contain tales of dirty diapers) including my total word count for the day.



That's where you'll come back and post your results. Good or bad. No words or 9,000 words--we want to hear how you did and what challenges you faced and overcame to get your words in throughout each day.



If you've already logged off for the night (or thrown your computer out the window), you can come back in the morning and put your total on the prior day's post. I know some of you go to bed early or I might be late posting the day's blog or you might live on the other side of the world or something. No worries. Just be sure you've reported in each day for all 7 days!



If you do, you'll be entered to win one of several PRIZES!



What are these PRIZES? Hmm...I'm working on it. But I can tell you that I've had special requests for cars, televisions, hunky male cover models, and personally I'd like a babysitter. Unfortunately, I doubt any of those will be forthcoming so you'll just have to be surprised.



Just think, even if you don't win a prize--your true reward will be all those lovely words you've added to one or more manuscripts.



A special shout out to all my Book Factory class folks who've bravely come along for the ride. Helloooooooooooooo!



Let's get going...





--Kerri