Jaymee Jacobs's Blog, page 9
February 18, 2014
The Game On Chronicles: Draft Completed
Last night, I finished the draft of Game On. Thirty chapters are written. For me, writing is the hardest part. Getting my ideas out of my head and into a tangible form takes a lot of time and effort. And tons of thinking, scheming, and daydreaming.
I said in a previous Chronicle that I don't know how a story will end until after I write the ending. That's so true; I knew that my main character Audrey would return home for Christmas, and that's when the story would end in the timeline of events. But it wasn't until I got to the final scene that I felt the closure I needed to feel to know that the story was over.
So, the writing's finished. But what does that mean for a story?
It means there's more work to be done!
A draft must be turned into a final copy suitable for publication (and for a publication date to be calculated), which requires the following steps:
EditingProofreadingFormatting for eBook PublicationCover DesigningFor those of you who keep up with the Chronicles, the cover for the Game On eBook is finished. So that's one less thing to worry about.
Editing is about making sure the story is the best that it can be, that the plot and characters are exciting and believable, and that reading the story will be enjoyable for those who buy it. The editing process is finished. Mel Ting has been checking over each chapter as I have completed it. Out of 30 chapters, 26 have been edited. So I just have to implement the edits for chapters 27-30. That means I have some rewriting to do, so this may take up to several hours of time to complete.
Once that is complete, the entire document needs to be proofread for errors such as typos, misspellings, and anything that may have been missed the first few times around. Proofreading is all about the technical details; it's polishing the story to perfection (er, as close to that as possible). I proofread as I write, but it's hard for a writer to always catch her own mistakes.
Then it's time to format the story. This will make the eBook look like an eBook when it's uploaded to Amazon and then downloaded by a buyer. To save time at this stage, I've been writing out my story in publication format. I have the title page, copyright page, author page, etc. already plugged in, and the text is set up for conversion. There's even a little teaser for what will be my next full-length novel....
All that to say, all I have to do is finish the editing process and then proofread again. And Game On will be finished!
Now that I'm close to being ready to publish, I've set the publication date: February 28. Ten days and counting!
I know this post is long, and I'm hoping you're still with me. And if you are, you're in luck! I'm going to distribute advanced reading copies (ARCs) to any interested fans! Just leave me a comment with your contact info, and I'll be happy to send you an ARC when the final version is completed, before it publishes on the 28th! All I ask is that, if you enjoy the story, please review the eBook on Amazon and/or Goodreads to help spread the word. Reviews for eBooks are like comments on blogs.... Authors live for the feedback!
Oh, yeah, and I created a Facebook page. So, if you like me, why not Like me?
I've got big news coming up, too, that I'm very excited about. Stay tuned for that!
I said in a previous Chronicle that I don't know how a story will end until after I write the ending. That's so true; I knew that my main character Audrey would return home for Christmas, and that's when the story would end in the timeline of events. But it wasn't until I got to the final scene that I felt the closure I needed to feel to know that the story was over.
So, the writing's finished. But what does that mean for a story?
It means there's more work to be done!
A draft must be turned into a final copy suitable for publication (and for a publication date to be calculated), which requires the following steps:
EditingProofreadingFormatting for eBook PublicationCover DesigningFor those of you who keep up with the Chronicles, the cover for the Game On eBook is finished. So that's one less thing to worry about.
Editing is about making sure the story is the best that it can be, that the plot and characters are exciting and believable, and that reading the story will be enjoyable for those who buy it. The editing process is finished. Mel Ting has been checking over each chapter as I have completed it. Out of 30 chapters, 26 have been edited. So I just have to implement the edits for chapters 27-30. That means I have some rewriting to do, so this may take up to several hours of time to complete.
Once that is complete, the entire document needs to be proofread for errors such as typos, misspellings, and anything that may have been missed the first few times around. Proofreading is all about the technical details; it's polishing the story to perfection (er, as close to that as possible). I proofread as I write, but it's hard for a writer to always catch her own mistakes.
Then it's time to format the story. This will make the eBook look like an eBook when it's uploaded to Amazon and then downloaded by a buyer. To save time at this stage, I've been writing out my story in publication format. I have the title page, copyright page, author page, etc. already plugged in, and the text is set up for conversion. There's even a little teaser for what will be my next full-length novel....
All that to say, all I have to do is finish the editing process and then proofread again. And Game On will be finished!
Now that I'm close to being ready to publish, I've set the publication date: February 28. Ten days and counting!
I know this post is long, and I'm hoping you're still with me. And if you are, you're in luck! I'm going to distribute advanced reading copies (ARCs) to any interested fans! Just leave me a comment with your contact info, and I'll be happy to send you an ARC when the final version is completed, before it publishes on the 28th! All I ask is that, if you enjoy the story, please review the eBook on Amazon and/or Goodreads to help spread the word. Reviews for eBooks are like comments on blogs.... Authors live for the feedback!
Oh, yeah, and I created a Facebook page. So, if you like me, why not Like me?
I've got big news coming up, too, that I'm very excited about. Stay tuned for that!
February 9, 2014
The Game On Chronicles: Back Cover Copy
As a story nears completion, and I finally have a clear idea of everything the story is supposed to tell, then it's time to start thinking about the "blurb." In publishing terms, this is called back cover copy, because it's the teaser that gets printed on the—you guessed it!—back cover.
Writing this is so hard! It's supposed to be a teaser. So this is what I typed up:
Let me know what you think. Does this make you want to read Game On?
Writing this is so hard! It's supposed to be a teaser. So this is what I typed up:
Audrey Hunt hopes to make her mark on the world. Armed with her masters in broadcast journalism, she applies for a job that would allow her to do just that but instead finds herself in Columbus, Ohio, covering the NHL’s Blue Jackets. At first, she thinks that the job is a joke; however, she quickly discovers that there’s more to hockey than scoring goals and more to sports reporting than talking stats. With the support of the players on the team—including lots of help from the superstar captain Nathan Fox—Audrey searches for her niche as a sports journalist for Ohio Spots Network and finds out more about herself along the way.
Let me know what you think. Does this make you want to read Game On?
February 5, 2014
The Game On Chronicles: When the End's in Sight...
It's been about two months since I've updated on my progress of my latest novel, Game On. It's hard to talk about it when I don't exactly how the story is going to end, or when I'll actually wrap it up.
Endings make the story. Endings are the story; everything that happens is designed that way, solely to lead up to the end. The reader's satisfaction depends on how the story wraps up. Has this ever happened to you: you're reading a story or watching a movie, and everything's rolling on just fine, until you get to the ending and bam! The whole plot is ruined by a crappy ending, and instead of a feeling of resolve, you only feel disappointment.
That's why endings are so hard for a writer. Beginnings are the fun part; you get to create a whole new world! Middles are the interesting part, because you get to know your characters and investigate their lives and personalities. But endings... Sometimes, I feel like I don't write the endings. They happen entirely on their own.
I know that I'm getting close to the end. Right now, I'm working on Chapter 29, and the story should only run a few more chapters after that. The exact events yet to occur still aren't crystal clear, but I at least have a vague idea. But that's the way that story writing works for me: I have a general sense of what should and will happen (or what I want to happen, because sometimes those are very different things!), but it's not until I actually put the words on the computer screen that the details and specifics emerge.
My favorite stories don't wrap up every tiny detail in a pretty bow. I like some open-endedness. That lets my imagination fill in some of the blanks. The stories that I'm drawn to are ones that make me think. I try to do the same with the stories that write. Those who have read some of my stories in the past know that I'm not a fan of epilogues, for that very reason. The hardest part about a satisfactory ending, for me, is balancing out the conclusions that get set in stone and the ones that are left open for interpretation.
These are the thoughts that weigh on my mind as I begin the end of Game On.
Endings make the story. Endings are the story; everything that happens is designed that way, solely to lead up to the end. The reader's satisfaction depends on how the story wraps up. Has this ever happened to you: you're reading a story or watching a movie, and everything's rolling on just fine, until you get to the ending and bam! The whole plot is ruined by a crappy ending, and instead of a feeling of resolve, you only feel disappointment.
That's why endings are so hard for a writer. Beginnings are the fun part; you get to create a whole new world! Middles are the interesting part, because you get to know your characters and investigate their lives and personalities. But endings... Sometimes, I feel like I don't write the endings. They happen entirely on their own.
I know that I'm getting close to the end. Right now, I'm working on Chapter 29, and the story should only run a few more chapters after that. The exact events yet to occur still aren't crystal clear, but I at least have a vague idea. But that's the way that story writing works for me: I have a general sense of what should and will happen (or what I want to happen, because sometimes those are very different things!), but it's not until I actually put the words on the computer screen that the details and specifics emerge.
My favorite stories don't wrap up every tiny detail in a pretty bow. I like some open-endedness. That lets my imagination fill in some of the blanks. The stories that I'm drawn to are ones that make me think. I try to do the same with the stories that write. Those who have read some of my stories in the past know that I'm not a fan of epilogues, for that very reason. The hardest part about a satisfactory ending, for me, is balancing out the conclusions that get set in stone and the ones that are left open for interpretation.
These are the thoughts that weigh on my mind as I begin the end of Game On.
January 18, 2014
A Great Review for Shots on Net!
I recently got a great five-star review on Amazon, written by Anne-Marie Cherry:
Sure, I write about hockey, and hockey is a major part of the storyline. But I like to think that I write about people and life. It's nice to see that someone else thinks so, too.
I guess that Shots on Net is a sports romance about hockey, but it's so much more than that. This is a realistic story that deals with the struggles that a lot of millennials face: figuring out your goals, priorities, and most of all your career. Layered on top of that is all the awkwardness of dating and having to define the relationship for everyone in your life, and exploring attraction, desire, and love. If you're on the dating scene now, there is a lot to identify with in the story of Shannon and Kevin. And I really liked the fact that Shannon loves romance books.
Sure, I write about hockey, and hockey is a major part of the storyline. But I like to think that I write about people and life. It's nice to see that someone else thinks so, too.
December 31, 2013
Reflections and Resolutions
Happy New Year!
I'm not really a fan of New Year's resolutions, but I do it anyway.
Change happens the instant you truly want it. The date on the calendar doesn't matter when you make up your mind. In fact, I think it's easier to keep to your resolution when you make it because you want to and not because of an arbitrary reason like the start of a new week, month, or year.
All that being said, I like the ceremony of making a New Year's resolution. It's a good time to stop and evaluate my life, where I am, what I want, and if I'm on track to get what I want. I don't make resolutions to be healthier or to finally ask out that cute guy I've been ogling for weeks, because those are things that I should already be doing everyday—I know that, and every morning I tell myself I'll do those things today. As far as I'm concerned, every new day is a chance to be better and do better than the day before.
Instead, I make resolutions for the whole year. 2012 was my year to try new things and push my boundaries. 2013 was spent working on e-publishing three novels. Okay, well, I got two of them finished and published (I'm still working on Game On), but still! For me, that was a big step forward for taking my writing to the next level. Maybe I didn't get all three done, but I'm still incredibly proud of myself for the major accomplishment. Publishing is a lot of work, and I learned a lot in the process—including a lot about myself.
My resolutions aren't vague; they're concrete. I don't just say that I'm going to read more. I say that I'm going to read two new books a month. I don't just say that I'm going to write more. I say that I'm going to set aside at least one hour every day and make myself write. It's not about losing a bad habit and picking up a good one. It's not about being a "new" me—it's about being a better me. It's less about who I am and more about what I can do in a year's time.
So, what about 2014? I'm going to finish Game On and then see a completely new idea through to completion. I have a few personal goals set for myself as well, but these two stories are the big accomplishments I hope to make in the coming year.
I'm not really a fan of New Year's resolutions, but I do it anyway.
Change happens the instant you truly want it. The date on the calendar doesn't matter when you make up your mind. In fact, I think it's easier to keep to your resolution when you make it because you want to and not because of an arbitrary reason like the start of a new week, month, or year.
All that being said, I like the ceremony of making a New Year's resolution. It's a good time to stop and evaluate my life, where I am, what I want, and if I'm on track to get what I want. I don't make resolutions to be healthier or to finally ask out that cute guy I've been ogling for weeks, because those are things that I should already be doing everyday—I know that, and every morning I tell myself I'll do those things today. As far as I'm concerned, every new day is a chance to be better and do better than the day before.
Instead, I make resolutions for the whole year. 2012 was my year to try new things and push my boundaries. 2013 was spent working on e-publishing three novels. Okay, well, I got two of them finished and published (I'm still working on Game On), but still! For me, that was a big step forward for taking my writing to the next level. Maybe I didn't get all three done, but I'm still incredibly proud of myself for the major accomplishment. Publishing is a lot of work, and I learned a lot in the process—including a lot about myself.
My resolutions aren't vague; they're concrete. I don't just say that I'm going to read more. I say that I'm going to read two new books a month. I don't just say that I'm going to write more. I say that I'm going to set aside at least one hour every day and make myself write. It's not about losing a bad habit and picking up a good one. It's not about being a "new" me—it's about being a better me. It's less about who I am and more about what I can do in a year's time.
So, what about 2014? I'm going to finish Game On and then see a completely new idea through to completion. I have a few personal goals set for myself as well, but these two stories are the big accomplishments I hope to make in the coming year.
December 3, 2013
The Game On Chronicles: Final Cover Design
After discussing it with my editor (Melanie Ting!), I decided to go in a different direction for this cover and use a different designer. My original idea was the same, and we worked together and got this:
Voilà!
What do you think? Feel free to let me know in the comments section!
December 2, 2013
Shots on Net Review
I'm pretty sure I speak for all writers when I say that reviews mean a great deal to us.
I finally got my first review on Amazon for Shots on Net, by user S. E. Scott:
The biggest compliment someone can give me is that I know my hockey. I couldn't be more pleased!
I finally got my first review on Amazon for Shots on Net, by user S. E. Scott:
The author really knows her hockey! I learned a lot about procedures for players, dieting for players, and the mindset of the player who wasn't drafted by a team but wants to play hockey more than anything. Kevin is that hockey player. He wants it so much that he has set aside any type of personal relationships to concentrate on his goal, to play in the NHL. He meets Shannon and even though he has this goal, it's nice to have someone to talk to outside of hockey. Both are skittish, especially Kevin. He backs off when he feels he is getting too close to her and even breaks it off when he's losing that concentration. Shannon realizes her plans to move to Boston and when Kevin breaks up with her, she moves on. This is a good read for s [sic] hockey enthusiast, along with a little romance, not a bad combo.
The biggest compliment someone can give me is that I know my hockey. I couldn't be more pleased!
November 24, 2013
Interview with Melanie Ting
Today I'm very happy to plug a fellow writer—and friend—Melanie Ting. She's authored some of my favorite hockey stories, including
Fresh Air
and
How the Cookie Crumbles
. Mel's climbing up the Amazon sales charts; if you haven't read her work yet, do yourself a favor and check her out!
Mel took the time to talk to me about her writing and latest novel, her love of hockey, and of course, cats:
What motivates you as a writer? What inspires you?
I would say that real life inspires me. I love hearing the stories behind the athletes. When you read about a hockey player who struggled for years, undrafted and unwanted, before he made it to the NHL, that’s inspiring. Or if he’s just hot, well that’s inspiring in a different way. I also use things that happen to me in real life, as well as real people. In fact, if some of my friends read my novels, they’d probably kill me … slowly. But luckily, nobody I know likes hockey romances. Maybe it makes me a nicer person though, I don’t complain when people do or say ridiculous things, I go home and write them up.
Frankie Taylor, the heroine of How the Cookie Crumbles, leaves Vancouver to get over a broken heart. Have you ever picked up and started new somewhere?
Well, when I went to grad school, it was a pretty big move for me. I quit my job and moved to a new city. When I got there, I didn’t know anyone and I was really lonely. I remember I tried to chat with a wrong number call. But then when I told some of my new classmates that wrong number story, one of them decided she wanted to befriend me since I was so pitiful. And you know how it goes, once you have one friend you find many more. So it all worked out.
Frankie's also a great cook. Is that a trait you share with your character? If so, any helpful advice some of us who are less culinary inclined?
I am actually a good cook, but I don’t enjoy cooking the way that Frankie does. I like cooking for dinner parties, and weekend dinners, but I don’t like the day-in-day-out drudgery of producing meals every night. I’ve read about people who eat out every night, that would be my secret fantasy.
As for cooking advice, I would suggest that you develop a few specialties, perhaps dishes you enjoy eating, and serve those when you entertain or go to potlucks. Like my friend, Daisy, she makes cupcakes (from a mix) and decorates them fabulously. Everyone knows that’s what she’s going to bring to parties and looks forward to it. The other advice I would give is to eyeball a recipe, if it has more than 10 ingredients and 10 steps, forget it. In fact, 5 + 5 = perfect.
Jake Cookson's a great character; he feels so authentic, like someone you could meet on the street. Do you find it difficult to write male characters?
Ha ha, I think you know as well as I that Jake was originally based on a real life character. However, since I don’t personally know any NHL players, I usually take characteristics from people in my own life. I am sadly unimaginative for a writer! I like Jake because he’s funny and and easy-going, but he definitely has his flaws. I prefer a hero with flaws since I like a little realism.
I don’t usually have trouble writing male characters because I don’t think they’re that different from women. However, I have trouble imaging what guys say to each other when they’re alone. Maybe they talk sensitively about their emotions, but more probably they burp and say nothing. I run my male characters/dialogue by the guys in my life, to get their feedback. They like to check my hockey facts, but they hate hearing about the romance part. That’s too bad since I think that most guys could learn a ton about women by reading romances.
We know you're a hockey fan, namely the Canucks and Hawks. How do you feel about your teams this season? Any predictions?
Wait! You forgot the Kings, I cheer for the Kings too. While some hockey fans might think I’m not a true fan, I have to say that supporting my hometown Canucks is a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. So I started supporting a second team to cheer myself up. And lo and behold, both my second teams have won cups! Why doesn’t my magic work for the Canucks?
I’m too emotionally involved to make predictions or bets, so it’s better if I pass on that. I have my secret hopes though.
Favorite hockey movie?
Slapshot, definitely. It’s crazy how often “Who ooowns the Chiefs?” comes up in regular conversation around here.
Besides writing about hot hockey players, your stories also feature cats. I know you're a cat lover. So, the question that everyone really wants to know the answer to: did you dress your cats up for Halloween?
Funnily enough, on Halloween I was Googling cat costumes and laughing my head off. This one is my fav. But I like my arms un-shredded, so dressing my two cats is out of the question. I usually stick a bow or ribbon on them at Christmas, but that only lasts about 30 seconds. They prefer fur coats. Who wouldn’t, really?
Mel took the time to talk to me about her writing and latest novel, her love of hockey, and of course, cats:
What motivates you as a writer? What inspires you?
I would say that real life inspires me. I love hearing the stories behind the athletes. When you read about a hockey player who struggled for years, undrafted and unwanted, before he made it to the NHL, that’s inspiring. Or if he’s just hot, well that’s inspiring in a different way. I also use things that happen to me in real life, as well as real people. In fact, if some of my friends read my novels, they’d probably kill me … slowly. But luckily, nobody I know likes hockey romances. Maybe it makes me a nicer person though, I don’t complain when people do or say ridiculous things, I go home and write them up.
Frankie Taylor, the heroine of How the Cookie Crumbles, leaves Vancouver to get over a broken heart. Have you ever picked up and started new somewhere?
Well, when I went to grad school, it was a pretty big move for me. I quit my job and moved to a new city. When I got there, I didn’t know anyone and I was really lonely. I remember I tried to chat with a wrong number call. But then when I told some of my new classmates that wrong number story, one of them decided she wanted to befriend me since I was so pitiful. And you know how it goes, once you have one friend you find many more. So it all worked out.
Frankie's also a great cook. Is that a trait you share with your character? If so, any helpful advice some of us who are less culinary inclined?
I am actually a good cook, but I don’t enjoy cooking the way that Frankie does. I like cooking for dinner parties, and weekend dinners, but I don’t like the day-in-day-out drudgery of producing meals every night. I’ve read about people who eat out every night, that would be my secret fantasy.
As for cooking advice, I would suggest that you develop a few specialties, perhaps dishes you enjoy eating, and serve those when you entertain or go to potlucks. Like my friend, Daisy, she makes cupcakes (from a mix) and decorates them fabulously. Everyone knows that’s what she’s going to bring to parties and looks forward to it. The other advice I would give is to eyeball a recipe, if it has more than 10 ingredients and 10 steps, forget it. In fact, 5 + 5 = perfect.
Jake Cookson's a great character; he feels so authentic, like someone you could meet on the street. Do you find it difficult to write male characters?
Ha ha, I think you know as well as I that Jake was originally based on a real life character. However, since I don’t personally know any NHL players, I usually take characteristics from people in my own life. I am sadly unimaginative for a writer! I like Jake because he’s funny and and easy-going, but he definitely has his flaws. I prefer a hero with flaws since I like a little realism.
I don’t usually have trouble writing male characters because I don’t think they’re that different from women. However, I have trouble imaging what guys say to each other when they’re alone. Maybe they talk sensitively about their emotions, but more probably they burp and say nothing. I run my male characters/dialogue by the guys in my life, to get their feedback. They like to check my hockey facts, but they hate hearing about the romance part. That’s too bad since I think that most guys could learn a ton about women by reading romances.
We know you're a hockey fan, namely the Canucks and Hawks. How do you feel about your teams this season? Any predictions?
Wait! You forgot the Kings, I cheer for the Kings too. While some hockey fans might think I’m not a true fan, I have to say that supporting my hometown Canucks is a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. So I started supporting a second team to cheer myself up. And lo and behold, both my second teams have won cups! Why doesn’t my magic work for the Canucks?
I’m too emotionally involved to make predictions or bets, so it’s better if I pass on that. I have my secret hopes though.
Favorite hockey movie?
Slapshot, definitely. It’s crazy how often “Who ooowns the Chiefs?” comes up in regular conversation around here.
Besides writing about hot hockey players, your stories also feature cats. I know you're a cat lover. So, the question that everyone really wants to know the answer to: did you dress your cats up for Halloween?
Funnily enough, on Halloween I was Googling cat costumes and laughing my head off. This one is my fav. But I like my arms un-shredded, so dressing my two cats is out of the question. I usually stick a bow or ribbon on them at Christmas, but that only lasts about 30 seconds. They prefer fur coats. Who wouldn’t, really?
November 22, 2013
The Game On Chronicles: The Plot Thickens
I know I haven't said much about this new story that I'm working on. I'm afraid to reveal too much in case I change my mind and have to play with the details. But I've told you about Audrey and Nate. You've probably inferred that Nate plays on the Columbus Blue Jackets once I mentioned the setting.
The first few chapters of any of my stories are usually spent introducing the characters. To me, my characters are the most important part of my stories. That's just part of who I am; I love people's stories, so naturally I love imagining up people and giving them stories. When I write, that it what I want to convey: the characters, and their stories.
The plot is important because characters reveals their traits and personality through their reactions to what happens around them or, maybe more truthfully, their actions and deeds.
Once the characters are established, that's when the plot starts to develop.
All that being said, the plot is what dictates how the story itself is categorized. Sure, my characters have romantic interests and relationships, but that does mean I write romance stories? I don't like to think so. In fact, I don't like to get pigeon-holed at all. As I've stated, I like to write character-based stories. People are constantly falling in and out of love as they navigate through life and figure out the best course of action to obtain happiness.
I'm still not sure exactly where I want this story to go. What's in store for Nate and Audrey, individually and/or together? What obstacles will come their way, and can they clear the hurdles? I haven't quite figured that out yet, but the deeper that I delve into their characters and their mettles, the closer I am to finding out.
The first few chapters of any of my stories are usually spent introducing the characters. To me, my characters are the most important part of my stories. That's just part of who I am; I love people's stories, so naturally I love imagining up people and giving them stories. When I write, that it what I want to convey: the characters, and their stories.
The plot is important because characters reveals their traits and personality through their reactions to what happens around them or, maybe more truthfully, their actions and deeds.
Once the characters are established, that's when the plot starts to develop.
All that being said, the plot is what dictates how the story itself is categorized. Sure, my characters have romantic interests and relationships, but that does mean I write romance stories? I don't like to think so. In fact, I don't like to get pigeon-holed at all. As I've stated, I like to write character-based stories. People are constantly falling in and out of love as they navigate through life and figure out the best course of action to obtain happiness.
I'm still not sure exactly where I want this story to go. What's in store for Nate and Audrey, individually and/or together? What obstacles will come their way, and can they clear the hurdles? I haven't quite figured that out yet, but the deeper that I delve into their characters and their mettles, the closer I am to finding out.
November 17, 2013
The Game On Chronicles: Distractions
I'm usually pretty good at time management. When I have a lot on my plate, I have to buckle down and stay focused, which I can do. If the pressure's on, that helps me stay motivated.
But sometimes, no matter what I seem to want to do, I keep getting pulled away from the task at hand.
My social schedule varies a lot. Sometimes, it feels like I have all the time in the world; yet other times, I'm so busy I'm lucky to get a decent night's sleep.
I'm pretty busy right now. Work is pretty crazy, and I'm stage managing for the local theatre, which takes up 2-3 nights during the week. I captain a trivia team, which is how I spend my Tuesday nights. On top of that, I have Christmas projects to work on, and I'm trying to make new curtains to help block the cold from coming in as winter descends on Pittsburgh. And my apartment desperately needs to be cleaned. Oh, and I can't forget that my typically antisocial cats, for some reason, are following me around like little ducklings and crying for attention.
So when I have time away from all those responsibilities, that's when I sit down in front of my laptop and work on the story I have in my head. Currently, I'm on chapter 16, and I'm 43,000+ words for Game On. Things, for the moment, are going swimmingly.
The problem is all the distractions! Between all the stresses and obligations, it's nice to relax for a few moments. Those few moments then turn into hours. So, what's holding my attention away from my writing?
1.) Dexter
So I'm way behind the times. I finally started to watch the show Dexter, starting from the beginning. I've seen bits and pieces here and there, and of course I know the premise. But I never really sat down and watched it. Stupid Netflix. I just finished season two, and I'm dying to see what's next. Why can't I just divide my attention between the two and write while I watch? Well, I don't have Netflix streaming on my TV and only on my laptop, which prevents me from using Word to type. Damn.
2.) Sporcle
Have you ever heard of Sporcle? My God, it's one of the best sites I've ever come across. You can play all kinds of games for free. You name it, there's a quiz for it. My current favorite is the 1-100 clickable mines. Seems simple enough, but you only have four minutes! My best time is 3:20, although I'm obviously trying to break that. Phew.
3.) Knitting
Okay, so I'm an old lady. But I love to knit, and I just found this pattern for a slouchy hat. I have a scarf that I never finished too, so I seem to be taking turns between the two projects.
4.) Nothing
Good, old-fashioned nothing. Just lying on the couch, listening to the rain, trying to convince myself not to go and grab another piece of leftover Halloween candy. Telling myself that I have so many things to do, but enjoying just being lazy for a little while before Monday rolls around and I have to start another workweek.
5.) Blogging?
Okay, so maybe this isn't a major distraction, but I'm typing here rather than in Word, where it matters. I'd like to promise you that I'll close out of Blogger and get back to work, but I can't guarantee it.
Those mines aren't going to click themselves.
But sometimes, no matter what I seem to want to do, I keep getting pulled away from the task at hand.
My social schedule varies a lot. Sometimes, it feels like I have all the time in the world; yet other times, I'm so busy I'm lucky to get a decent night's sleep.
I'm pretty busy right now. Work is pretty crazy, and I'm stage managing for the local theatre, which takes up 2-3 nights during the week. I captain a trivia team, which is how I spend my Tuesday nights. On top of that, I have Christmas projects to work on, and I'm trying to make new curtains to help block the cold from coming in as winter descends on Pittsburgh. And my apartment desperately needs to be cleaned. Oh, and I can't forget that my typically antisocial cats, for some reason, are following me around like little ducklings and crying for attention.
So when I have time away from all those responsibilities, that's when I sit down in front of my laptop and work on the story I have in my head. Currently, I'm on chapter 16, and I'm 43,000+ words for Game On. Things, for the moment, are going swimmingly.
The problem is all the distractions! Between all the stresses and obligations, it's nice to relax for a few moments. Those few moments then turn into hours. So, what's holding my attention away from my writing?
1.) Dexter
So I'm way behind the times. I finally started to watch the show Dexter, starting from the beginning. I've seen bits and pieces here and there, and of course I know the premise. But I never really sat down and watched it. Stupid Netflix. I just finished season two, and I'm dying to see what's next. Why can't I just divide my attention between the two and write while I watch? Well, I don't have Netflix streaming on my TV and only on my laptop, which prevents me from using Word to type. Damn.
2.) Sporcle
Have you ever heard of Sporcle? My God, it's one of the best sites I've ever come across. You can play all kinds of games for free. You name it, there's a quiz for it. My current favorite is the 1-100 clickable mines. Seems simple enough, but you only have four minutes! My best time is 3:20, although I'm obviously trying to break that. Phew.
3.) Knitting
Okay, so I'm an old lady. But I love to knit, and I just found this pattern for a slouchy hat. I have a scarf that I never finished too, so I seem to be taking turns between the two projects.
4.) Nothing
Good, old-fashioned nothing. Just lying on the couch, listening to the rain, trying to convince myself not to go and grab another piece of leftover Halloween candy. Telling myself that I have so many things to do, but enjoying just being lazy for a little while before Monday rolls around and I have to start another workweek.
5.) Blogging?
Okay, so maybe this isn't a major distraction, but I'm typing here rather than in Word, where it matters. I'd like to promise you that I'll close out of Blogger and get back to work, but I can't guarantee it.
Those mines aren't going to click themselves.
