Word Count & One Handed Writers

I was thinking a bit today about how I first became aware of word-count goals. In doing so, I have to share a bit about what got me self-publishing my erotica stories to begin with.
It was simple really. I was gifted a Kindle in 2009. It is 5 years old, but I still use it to read (along with other eReaders on my computer and Samsung smartphone). It is in great shape, I take very good care of it!
In 2011 (pre-fifty-shades publication), I started searching for erotic fiction via AMZN. Other than classics, I could barely find any. Especially that which included stories for plus-size woman like myself.
So, in Spring 2012, I started to write my own erotica! It was awkward at first - but I read, and I studied, and I watched and I waited.
This was when Aubrey Rose, Christa Wick, Jasinda Wilder, Christin Lovell, Julia Kent, Seraphina Donovan, Julianne Reyer, Adrianna Hunter, and many others were just getting warmed up. To my delight, I'm proud to say that I am probably one of their first 100-500 readers in all seriousness. Although they had their writing craft down to more of an art-form, whereas I didn't, I was eager to join in! I delighted in watching their initial and continued success. I’ve tweeted the hell out of them, pimping and promoting whenever and however I could. My kindle library is teeming with titles. It is a bit outta control actually…
There was just one BIG challenge. Like many writers, my writing was a hobby that I had to do on the outskirts of my always very time-consuming and full-time corporate jobs. Since 2008, I've typically worked a minimum of 45 hours and as much as 65 hours a week, on a regular basis. This makes for a tired and often less-than-inspired person. So, writing always took a backseat. Albeit an enjoyable one.
Until, that is, I read that if you can somehow manage to write 500 words on at least half the number of days in a year (365/2 = 182.5 x 500 = 91,250 words) , you'll have written a large novel or two average-sized novels in a year's time. I took that to heart and so I made mine a weekly or monthly goal, depending on my work schedule.
On good days, I can now write an average of 2-3K (2000-3000). On a bad one, 250-500 words. But all of those words matter. Each and every one!
Because, to date – I’ve written nearly 200K words (3/4thfor erotica, 1/4th for paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi) and have launched 3 series. All with titles and WIP (works in progress) while working full-time. For me, this has been a slow journey, but very rewarding.
Interestingly, the flame of inspiration just keeps burning. Some days brighter than others, but in all seriousness, I’m coming up with new ideas all the time. Like last night, I started a 4th series. It will be my first YA Romance series. I know, I know… I need to finish the ones I already have in motion!! Believe me, I have to temper and pace myself. But it’s getting done. One day at a time. One word at a time.
Recently, I started a word-count group called One Handed Writers  on FaceBook with Jacqueline Sweet . We both found that the accountability of having other’s know your current writing goal can help encourage and support you to achieve your goals. We’re all different and some of us are true writing pros that can hammer out several thousand words in a day, whereas others of us move and type at a slower pace. But hey, the tortoise (turtle) won the race the last time I checked! Whether you're a rabbit or a hare or a tortoise or a turtle, I don't care. Just that you love writing... and hope that others will enjoy reading it. 
Whoever you are, however you write – it makes no difference to me. Simply that your love for the written word can be challenged, tracked, acknowledged and respected. Writers need support as we often find ourselves in the proverbial ‘writing cave’. Many of us have very busy lives being employed, self-employed, parents and often a combination of all the above. I commend all of you, especially when you can own the ‘downtime’ when your muse has taken a vacation (usually unannounced and at an inconvenient time) or when life is unexpectedly gobbling up all of your time and all you want to do is WRITE.
We can’t all be Jasinda Wilder who puts out a book or two, nearly every month, while being a Mother to five, AND running, from as far as I can tell, an animal and wildlife zoo-farm! She’s got superhero genes, that one, I’m sure of it. AND one amazing man ( Jack Wilder ) whom she is happily married to.
Whatever your situation, I honor the writer and creative in you. So, who wants a word-count challenge?
Come on over and join us! Any member of the group can invite new members. We look forward to word count challenges with you. Right now, we've been doing challenges on Fridays & weekends. 
We’ll be writing, one blessed word at a time…