ROW80-3 check-in 7/18 - birthday boy
July 19, 2012
Yes - a day late again, but a good excuse. Yesterday was my birthday so I slacked off a bit. Still did some writing though, and reading. Definitely no editing.
The heat wave we've been having broke - just for me, yay! - so it was a nice day to be out and about. Up early, then dropped a book off at the library, went for a good, plain breakfast at a neighbourhood restaurant, next door to Bridgehead for coffee and free wi-fi. Unfortunately their wi-fi was down, so just read on my iPad instead. Not my favourite in their chain, as the blender for their iced drinks can be deafening. Luckily it was a cool day. Then off to Carleton Tavern for a few pints and writing - their wi-fi was fine. Quiet place, just a few tables of geezers yelling at the TV - a pro-gun, pro-jail, anti-those darn kids group. Entertaining. I ended the day with games and BBQ at grandson's, then a Blizzard at Dairy Queen. I'd planned to drop in at my local for drinks and music, but stayed home to read. Long day.
My focus was to be editing, two flash fiction stories, walking and schedules, and that darn paperwork cleanup. Successful? Sort of.
- editing - got another 15 pages covered, words added, changed, deleted. Maybe 40% done, so I am making progress. I'll need several more passes I think, don't have it down yet to a one-pass method.
- writing -did two stories. One for Writer Unboxed, another for Flash Fiction Friday.
- health - walking yes, structure and schedules, no. Less beers.
- chores - as in filing - another no.
Targets for next check in will be editing, another story that's due Friday, and that bloody pile of papers.
Just for reference, my overall objectives for this ROW (which I never expect to meet all at the same time) are:
- Writer (7) - writing for fun, but also working to become a better writer. Writing every day, editing. Reading about writing, books and blogs, as well as networking.
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- Editing (2) - this will be a fixed early task. 2 hrs ?? 10 pages/day
- Due North. First pass pencil edit done. Now do online. Approx 315 double-spaced pages, starting at page 81.
- Due North 2 - sequel. About 260 pages. TBD – cleanup scenes synopsis and notes, print, revise, type in.
- Writing (1) - Flash Fiction stories. 2/wk, 3 hrs each, so an hour.
- Publishing (1/2) -nothing like rejection/acceptance to hone your skills
- Short Stories (1/4) – Flash fiction. New, or edit existing. Take from blog while submitting. Use market survey from Flash Fiction Chronicles, aim to send in one a week.
- Fairy Tale Folk (1/4)- pull them together into collection. Start with a spreadsheet – story, characters, their traits, their development, good for ongoing stories too. Edit if time. Not a high priority this round.
- Editing (2) - this will be a fixed early task. 2 hrs ?? 10 pages/day
- Learning/sharing (3 1/2)
- Blogs (1) - maybe too many subscriptions. Track them all for a week and rate them.
- Facebook (1/2) - ROW80 group, Ottawa Writers, Creative Writing Circle, and NaNoWriMo Ottawa.
- Podcasts (1) - have set up a few, mostly on writing. Can follow these while walking or cooking.
- Reading (1) - non-fiction, to entertain and learn.
- Reading (1) - fiction, to entertain and learn.
- Health (2 1/2) - not a lot of time, but needs to be a main item.
- Walking (1) - can be an evening activity too. With podcasts. Will aim for 10,000 steps.
- Exercise/sports (1/2) -Short morning yoga session. Floor exercises? Bike?
- Diet – Better food, less alcohol (healthier and cheaper).
- Schedule - hopefully this will be healthy addition too.
- Friends and family (1) - just to make sure don't get stuck inside doing all these tasks
- Chores (2) - the boring stuff. Cleaning, laundry, shopping. And taxes.
- TV (1)
- Total 11.25
If you discover an editing method that takes only one pass, write a book about it, and your financial worries will be over! Editing is such a grind but the written word is best when tended by the conscientious pen.
Good for you for recognizing the worth of having fluid ROW 80 goals, knowing that not all will be accomplished but that routine is paramount. I have no doubt that is why you are able to accomplish so much with your writing; also, you are generous with your time and comments on the ROW 80 Facebook page. That means a lot to a lot of people.
Best to you in this round.
Karen
Posted by: Kmhubersblog | July 21, 2012 at 04:01 PM
The one-pass method I referenced is a bit of a trick, I think. She looks at each scene in turn, but has several things to look at in the scene at the same time. And no mention of what to do when massive re-shuffling is needed.
Goals are fluid. The whole day is a little too fluid, still trying to set in some structure and scheduling.
Posted by: Ravens | July 21, 2012 at 04:20 PM