Rita Sawyer's Blog, page 3
March 17, 2015
Tuesday Timeline & To Do List (me being a happy author)
Even though one of my resolutions for this years was to try and blog daily I quickly realized I wasn't having fun with it. I'm a big believer of enjoying what you do. In that frame of mind I have changed things around (this probably wont be the last time) again. My new schedule can be found over on the right. Here goes.
It's Tuesday. This is the day when I sit down and go over how things are going. This is broken down into 4 categories. Family, Writing, Admin, Me.
Family: (I'm the family secretary, yet unpaid and unappreciated at times) Who has appointments? Hubby has a few dentist appointments, son has one, and I have few more doctor appointments coming up. Car goes in for maintenance this weekend, daughters car is in now because her alternator in the Jeep she's only had since September has to be replaced. Stuff that needs to be done? Getting hubby ready for his golf tournament in April, which at the end will become a family vacation to visit family in Tennessee.
Writing: Have I kept to my schedule? Almost. I had a few things pop up and derail a few days. Did I make my daily word counts? Only 4 out of 7 days last week. But I did write everyday. How about weekly word counts? 2k short, but I'll make them up. Is my story headed where I want? Since I'm a hybrid pantser I'll never know for sure. Are you asking what the hell a hybrid pantser is?It's pretty simple to explain. I don't plot out my stories so that makes me a pantser. But I do make a list (as you can see I like list) of something that I want to happen in each chapter to move my story forward. So as long as I hit the points I want to happen I'm happy.
Admin: Am I on track for releases? I'm actually 2 months behind. Cover art request made? Yup. How's it going? Image for 1 is bought, looking for the other. And I need to find a waterfall to use on the back of the books of new series. I hope to be able to a cover reveal soon. Talk about edits? Round one (content) is done. Working on line edits now. How are my sales? March has sucked so far! (I have to consider all these questions for my self-published and the titles I have out with publishers.) Is book ready to be formatted or is it done? Not at that point yet, but soon. Have I updated the back matter in my books to include my newsletter and other links? I really have to do this before I release the last book in the Heiresses In Aprons Series. Is my new letter ready to be sent out? I'm working on this. Surprises may be included.
Me: Am I keeping track of my food log? Yes. Wow I drink a lot of water. How are the sugars (I'm diabetic, so have to watch this)? Now that I'm back on meds and watching my diet (This means eating at as close to the same time each day as I can.) Exercise? I haven't been doing well with this. Any new goals here? Exercise for 30 minutes a day. Either on stationary bike, or go for a walk.
After I go through all of this I make a weekly to do list. I then break it down by day and hope to get it all done. I have to say this has gotten a bit easier to deal with thanks to the Passion Planner my daughter got me for Christmas.
Strangest thing on my list for this week is: Shave the cat! He's got some mats that have to come off.
It's Tuesday. This is the day when I sit down and go over how things are going. This is broken down into 4 categories. Family, Writing, Admin, Me.
Family: (I'm the family secretary, yet unpaid and unappreciated at times) Who has appointments? Hubby has a few dentist appointments, son has one, and I have few more doctor appointments coming up. Car goes in for maintenance this weekend, daughters car is in now because her alternator in the Jeep she's only had since September has to be replaced. Stuff that needs to be done? Getting hubby ready for his golf tournament in April, which at the end will become a family vacation to visit family in Tennessee.
Writing: Have I kept to my schedule? Almost. I had a few things pop up and derail a few days. Did I make my daily word counts? Only 4 out of 7 days last week. But I did write everyday. How about weekly word counts? 2k short, but I'll make them up. Is my story headed where I want? Since I'm a hybrid pantser I'll never know for sure. Are you asking what the hell a hybrid pantser is?It's pretty simple to explain. I don't plot out my stories so that makes me a pantser. But I do make a list (as you can see I like list) of something that I want to happen in each chapter to move my story forward. So as long as I hit the points I want to happen I'm happy.
Admin: Am I on track for releases? I'm actually 2 months behind. Cover art request made? Yup. How's it going? Image for 1 is bought, looking for the other. And I need to find a waterfall to use on the back of the books of new series. I hope to be able to a cover reveal soon. Talk about edits? Round one (content) is done. Working on line edits now. How are my sales? March has sucked so far! (I have to consider all these questions for my self-published and the titles I have out with publishers.) Is book ready to be formatted or is it done? Not at that point yet, but soon. Have I updated the back matter in my books to include my newsletter and other links? I really have to do this before I release the last book in the Heiresses In Aprons Series. Is my new letter ready to be sent out? I'm working on this. Surprises may be included.
Me: Am I keeping track of my food log? Yes. Wow I drink a lot of water. How are the sugars (I'm diabetic, so have to watch this)? Now that I'm back on meds and watching my diet (This means eating at as close to the same time each day as I can.) Exercise? I haven't been doing well with this. Any new goals here? Exercise for 30 minutes a day. Either on stationary bike, or go for a walk.
After I go through all of this I make a weekly to do list. I then break it down by day and hope to get it all done. I have to say this has gotten a bit easier to deal with thanks to the Passion Planner my daughter got me for Christmas.
Strangest thing on my list for this week is: Shave the cat! He's got some mats that have to come off.
January 11, 2015
Day 11: Getting Back To It.
I've come to realize today that skipping days is not a good writing process for me. I write romantic comedies and contemporary romances and normally have two projects going at once. This process allows me to work on one I'm having trouble with the other work in progress. Right now I'm solely working on one story. Okay I'm making dozens of notes for the new series, but I am not writing it.
Getting back into the flow of the story isn't hard, because the characters are driving the story. My problem is I keep think I already wrote parts of the story that I had meant to, or in my foggy brain dreamed I had. Anyway I had to go back and reread the last six pages to figure out how badly I screwed up. Tomorrow I will hopefully make some headway.
Sneak peak of Gina and Wes (unedited):
“I’m going to tell you something I don’t think anyone else ever has.” Gina doubted that. “And I want you to listen to me.”Whatever he was about to say she’d most likely heard in one or more of the many lectures she’d gotten from her father and sister. “What’s that?”“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Gina just started at him until he laughed. “I told you. Gina, take it from someone who knows you better than you think, you've come a long way in a very short time. You’re going to make mistakes. We all do. And there’s nothing wrong with blowing off a little steam from time to time.”“I was reckless.”“Did you use protection?”His question took her by surprise for just a second. “Of course.”“Then you weren't reckless. A little impulsive, but hardly irresponsible.”
“But what if someone saw me sneaking out of there?” Oh how she hoped no one recognized her.
Getting back into the flow of the story isn't hard, because the characters are driving the story. My problem is I keep think I already wrote parts of the story that I had meant to, or in my foggy brain dreamed I had. Anyway I had to go back and reread the last six pages to figure out how badly I screwed up. Tomorrow I will hopefully make some headway.
Sneak peak of Gina and Wes (unedited):
“I’m going to tell you something I don’t think anyone else ever has.” Gina doubted that. “And I want you to listen to me.”Whatever he was about to say she’d most likely heard in one or more of the many lectures she’d gotten from her father and sister. “What’s that?”“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Gina just started at him until he laughed. “I told you. Gina, take it from someone who knows you better than you think, you've come a long way in a very short time. You’re going to make mistakes. We all do. And there’s nothing wrong with blowing off a little steam from time to time.”“I was reckless.”“Did you use protection?”His question took her by surprise for just a second. “Of course.”“Then you weren't reckless. A little impulsive, but hardly irresponsible.”
“But what if someone saw me sneaking out of there?” Oh how she hoped no one recognized her.
January 10, 2015
Day 10: Good Intentions VS The Flu (or whatever this bug is)
Okay goal for the blog this year was to post something everyday. Yes EVERYDAY! Whatever popped into my head or I felt like talking about. Unfortunately that plan has gone to poop. And yes that is how I feel. I've been sick since late Tuesday night, which make today day 5. By far yesterday was the worst and I was so bad I missed posting. I'm going to have to start scheduling post in advance when I can. Today I can breath through my nose. So even though my chest is still tight and my whole body aches I'm hoping I'm on the uptick.
I really don't like being sick. What makes it worse is haven't even been able to take advantage of the down time and get some writing in. Usually I can push through a cold or whatever and keep writing, but this thing has kicked my ass and wiped my brain of all coherent thoughts. Seriously I think in the past four days I might have gotten 1000 words written, and none of those were from yesterday.
What does this mean in the long run. I'm about 6000 words behind where I wanted to be in Wes and Gina's story.
On the upside my family really pitched in to keep things running smoothly. Hubby kept fridge stocked with plenty of OJ, and my daughter cleaned and did the laundry.
I'm hoping to waking up tomorrow feeling a bright shiny new penny. Then I can dive back into the current mess Gina has gotten herself into. Wish me luck!
I really don't like being sick. What makes it worse is haven't even been able to take advantage of the down time and get some writing in. Usually I can push through a cold or whatever and keep writing, but this thing has kicked my ass and wiped my brain of all coherent thoughts. Seriously I think in the past four days I might have gotten 1000 words written, and none of those were from yesterday.
What does this mean in the long run. I'm about 6000 words behind where I wanted to be in Wes and Gina's story.
On the upside my family really pitched in to keep things running smoothly. Hubby kept fridge stocked with plenty of OJ, and my daughter cleaned and did the laundry.
I'm hoping to waking up tomorrow feeling a bright shiny new penny. Then I can dive back into the current mess Gina has gotten herself into. Wish me luck!
January 8, 2015
Day 8: Important Decision To Make.
Well the decision has actually been made. What I need to do is tell the other person involved of said decision. I'm still sick and really don't feel up to dealing with the fallout today, but I know the sooner I do it the better for everyone involved. Yes I'm possibly going to be letting some people down, but I do think it's the right thing to do for me at this point.
I believe if you make a commitment you stick to it unless there is no other recourse. So I hope I will be forgiven.
I believe if you make a commitment you stick to it unless there is no other recourse. So I hope I will be forgiven.
January 7, 2015
Day 7: Wednesday Words Are Coming Hard
To my right is a bottle of water and box of tissues. To my left is a bowl of beef stew that I can barely taste. In front of me is my computer . I have my current work in progress open and the cursor is linking at me as a reminder that I am supposed to be writing. The words are slowly struggling to get out of the dense fog that has drifted in and settled around my mind.
Who and what is to blame for this? The answer is plain as day, and one look around my house would show you the answer.
First my husband brought this crappy cold home. Luckily I didn't catch it completely just a stuffy head. So I blithely went on about my life thinking I was in the clear. WRONG!
Why? Because my youngest (who will be 21 soon, yes I'm that old, and today I feel it!) came down with it only a few days later. Now my middle son got it even worse (he's about to be 25, but with this bug he's acting more like 15). If dealing with 2 sick men wasn't bad enough between the two of them they managed to make sure I got the damn thing. So hoping my oldest doesn't catch it. She's not a pretty sickie!
The youngest is starting to feel a bit better, the middle is managing with theraflu. As for me the dishes are done, I could really care less if the laundry gets done today, I'm eating, and trying to write.
I should probably give up and go to bed. I'll most likely just purge anything I do get written today. Then again who knows it may be some fabulous stuff that oozes out of the haze.
Who and what is to blame for this? The answer is plain as day, and one look around my house would show you the answer.
First my husband brought this crappy cold home. Luckily I didn't catch it completely just a stuffy head. So I blithely went on about my life thinking I was in the clear. WRONG!
Why? Because my youngest (who will be 21 soon, yes I'm that old, and today I feel it!) came down with it only a few days later. Now my middle son got it even worse (he's about to be 25, but with this bug he's acting more like 15). If dealing with 2 sick men wasn't bad enough between the two of them they managed to make sure I got the damn thing. So hoping my oldest doesn't catch it. She's not a pretty sickie!
The youngest is starting to feel a bit better, the middle is managing with theraflu. As for me the dishes are done, I could really care less if the laundry gets done today, I'm eating, and trying to write.
I should probably give up and go to bed. I'll most likely just purge anything I do get written today. Then again who knows it may be some fabulous stuff that oozes out of the haze.
January 6, 2015
Day 6: Preparation Is Key
It doesn't matter what path you take to get where you want to go. Everyone's journey is going to be different. I know both of those facts are true. The thing is no matter what you want to do planning truly is key.
As a writer my plan is like a tree. It has a thick trunk with lots of goals inside. Little by little I get things done and the tree grows. Unlike what most people think the first step isn't writing the story.
The first step is coming up with the idea for a story. For me that includes determining where the story fits. Is it part of a series, or a stand alone? If it's part of a series where does it go? That's why the base of my tree is so thick. As I answer the questions that's when it starts to thin. Then comes the actual writing. Branches now start to sprout. While doing writing I have to think about whether or not I'm going to put it out myself or submit it to a publisher. If I do it myself I have to start thinking about cover art, promotion, editing and all the other stuff that goes with it.
Sometimes you'll hear writers talking about being a pantser or a plotter. I'm a mix of both. I like to know the beginning, middle, and end of my stories. I don't like knowing too much more than that. I like having the freedom to let the story grow naturally. Now I do like to have a list of points for each chapter that I want to make sure I get in.
As a writer my plan is like a tree. It has a thick trunk with lots of goals inside. Little by little I get things done and the tree grows. Unlike what most people think the first step isn't writing the story.
The first step is coming up with the idea for a story. For me that includes determining where the story fits. Is it part of a series, or a stand alone? If it's part of a series where does it go? That's why the base of my tree is so thick. As I answer the questions that's when it starts to thin. Then comes the actual writing. Branches now start to sprout. While doing writing I have to think about whether or not I'm going to put it out myself or submit it to a publisher. If I do it myself I have to start thinking about cover art, promotion, editing and all the other stuff that goes with it.
Sometimes you'll hear writers talking about being a pantser or a plotter. I'm a mix of both. I like to know the beginning, middle, and end of my stories. I don't like knowing too much more than that. I like having the freedom to let the story grow naturally. Now I do like to have a list of points for each chapter that I want to make sure I get in.
January 5, 2015
Day 5: Manic Monday
Real Life VS. Writing Life
There are just those days when you have a dozen or so things on your list that you have to put everything else aside and take care of.
Phone calls and tracking paper work down are a pain in the ass, especially when the people you are dealing with are states away. Seriously we were beginning to think we were going to have to drive to Maine and meet with the school to get things straightened out. Luckily everything was accomplished today with about four phone calls. It only took four and a half months!
Then there are errands. Normally I don't mind running them because we grab lunch or do something fun while we're out. But this does seriously interfere with my writing time.
When I started writing I was working a 3rd shift job and trained myself to write during those hours. I still write better between 11pm and 7am.
There are just those days when you have a dozen or so things on your list that you have to put everything else aside and take care of.
Phone calls and tracking paper work down are a pain in the ass, especially when the people you are dealing with are states away. Seriously we were beginning to think we were going to have to drive to Maine and meet with the school to get things straightened out. Luckily everything was accomplished today with about four phone calls. It only took four and a half months!
Then there are errands. Normally I don't mind running them because we grab lunch or do something fun while we're out. But this does seriously interfere with my writing time.
When I started writing I was working a 3rd shift job and trained myself to write during those hours. I still write better between 11pm and 7am.
January 4, 2015
Day 4: Weekly Wrap Up
Okay so we're only 4 days into January, but I'm feeling pretty good about the goals I've set for myself.
Writing and Admin: I've gotten some words in. I've nailed down a production and release schedule. Right now I'm about 2 Weeks behind where I want to be. That means I really need to pick up my pace.
Health Wise: I'm sticking to my NO SODA rule. I'm doing pretty good too. It's been over a month. I've been tempted a lot since my family still drinks it. So go me!
I also got compression braces for both of my knees, which have been bothering me. they really help a lot. Now I can ride the exercise bike longer and faster, I hope!
Eating better is still something I'm striving for.
I've also made an appointment for a physical in June, but I'm going to see the doctor before that to get back on my meds.
Financial: Okay it may not be realistic to want to earn enough so my hubby never has to work again. But a girl can dream right? For now I just want to pay all the bills and just have enough for us to do fun stuff together.
Writing and Admin: I've gotten some words in. I've nailed down a production and release schedule. Right now I'm about 2 Weeks behind where I want to be. That means I really need to pick up my pace.
Health Wise: I'm sticking to my NO SODA rule. I'm doing pretty good too. It's been over a month. I've been tempted a lot since my family still drinks it. So go me!
I also got compression braces for both of my knees, which have been bothering me. they really help a lot. Now I can ride the exercise bike longer and faster, I hope!
Eating better is still something I'm striving for.
I've also made an appointment for a physical in June, but I'm going to see the doctor before that to get back on my meds.
Financial: Okay it may not be realistic to want to earn enough so my hubby never has to work again. But a girl can dream right? For now I just want to pay all the bills and just have enough for us to do fun stuff together.
January 3, 2015
Join Or Don't Join
That is my question of the day?
So what am I considering joining?
Here's my list:
RWA
New England RWA Chapter
Some other romance focused writing group
What do I already belong to?
As I mentioned before I'm a member of Romance Divas.
I'm a member of a local writer collaborative. It's multi-genres and so far I haven't found it to be super helpful. But I think maybe it's because I haven't discover a way use it to my advantage.
I did just join a sprinting group on FB, so we'll see how that goes.
Since I write mainly Contemporary Romance and Romantic Comedies I need to find a support system that is going to help me become a better writer (because we all want that) and helo me promote my genres better.
Still thinking. Will make a decision and post about it later.
So what am I considering joining?
Here's my list:
RWA
New England RWA Chapter
Some other romance focused writing group
What do I already belong to?
As I mentioned before I'm a member of Romance Divas.
I'm a member of a local writer collaborative. It's multi-genres and so far I haven't found it to be super helpful. But I think maybe it's because I haven't discover a way use it to my advantage.
I did just join a sprinting group on FB, so we'll see how that goes.
Since I write mainly Contemporary Romance and Romantic Comedies I need to find a support system that is going to help me become a better writer (because we all want that) and helo me promote my genres better.
Still thinking. Will make a decision and post about it later.
January 2, 2015
Day 2: Project Management, A Positive Jump Toward Rainsing Productivity.
New Years Eve I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with another author and talk. This author also wears an editing hat. We talked about goals and what I want to accomplish this year, We both laughed at some things, but she totally got where I was going.
We discussed what is realistic goals and milestones. There are some really awesome things that I have already done and things that I wish I have done. Several of the issues we discussed were having a good support system, being organized, and what direction I wanted to take my writing in. So I'm going to break those down a little here. Remember this is just my take on how I have been performing and would like to this year.
Support System: My family comes 1st. They are the ones I depend on to honest and helpful.
I have writer friends, but sadly most of them don't live close enough to see often. Which is why I'm contemplating joining RWA again. MAYBE. I really didn't get much out of it the first time, other than reaching my PAN status. But now that my local chapter meetings are only an hour away, instead of four, it might help. There's also a chapter in NH I can get to easily. And I just found out about a group in RI I might check out.
I also lurk on a few forums. Romance Divas is very valuable. I've been a Diva since 2008 and have learned so much. I really need to stop lurking and talk more. But that falls back to me getting out there more.
Being Organized: I think this is super important for me. If I have everything, notes-research-ideas, where I think it belongs I don't waste time trying to put stuff in order before I start writing. I can just go and if I need something I know right where to find it. I also write better when my desk isn't completely cluttered. Usually with other peoples stuff.
Direction: Okay this is where it gets super tricky. I would love to get a deal with a publisher that would get my books into bookstores and maybe Target And Walmart. This is not going to be a quick or easy thing to do. I need to put some serious research into finding the right publishers and then there's no guarantee that they'll have a spot for me in their stable. So right now though I think I'm going to stick to the path I've laid out in front of myself. I'm 90% sure focusing on my Kismet Falls series is the right thing to do.
So to wrap up this post I'm going to dive into my organization and start really thinking about getting a solid support system in place. What do you guys do?
We discussed what is realistic goals and milestones. There are some really awesome things that I have already done and things that I wish I have done. Several of the issues we discussed were having a good support system, being organized, and what direction I wanted to take my writing in. So I'm going to break those down a little here. Remember this is just my take on how I have been performing and would like to this year.
Support System: My family comes 1st. They are the ones I depend on to honest and helpful.
I have writer friends, but sadly most of them don't live close enough to see often. Which is why I'm contemplating joining RWA again. MAYBE. I really didn't get much out of it the first time, other than reaching my PAN status. But now that my local chapter meetings are only an hour away, instead of four, it might help. There's also a chapter in NH I can get to easily. And I just found out about a group in RI I might check out.
I also lurk on a few forums. Romance Divas is very valuable. I've been a Diva since 2008 and have learned so much. I really need to stop lurking and talk more. But that falls back to me getting out there more.
Being Organized: I think this is super important for me. If I have everything, notes-research-ideas, where I think it belongs I don't waste time trying to put stuff in order before I start writing. I can just go and if I need something I know right where to find it. I also write better when my desk isn't completely cluttered. Usually with other peoples stuff.
Direction: Okay this is where it gets super tricky. I would love to get a deal with a publisher that would get my books into bookstores and maybe Target And Walmart. This is not going to be a quick or easy thing to do. I need to put some serious research into finding the right publishers and then there's no guarantee that they'll have a spot for me in their stable. So right now though I think I'm going to stick to the path I've laid out in front of myself. I'm 90% sure focusing on my Kismet Falls series is the right thing to do.
So to wrap up this post I'm going to dive into my organization and start really thinking about getting a solid support system in place. What do you guys do?
