ROW80-3 check in 8/29 - what about Sunday?
August 30, 2012
Last Sunday's check in slid to Monday, then Tuesday, then off my list. So I really need to get Wednesday's done. Today. Thursday.
Saturday was very much a distraction day as far as my objectives went, and Sunday was not much better. I did get to a meet and greet Sunday afternoon, at my local independent bookstore. They had invited several local independent authors to come in and do some readings, and five or so did show up. Good readings, and some good networking opportunities. Even continued the networking over coffee at the store's cafe, then beer at a nearby pub. Most of my time has been focused on my Coursera course, this week's reading and essay was on several stories by Hawthorne and Poe. I had difficulty finding a thesis at first, but eventually said something about the consequences of science trying for perfection by presuming to be a Creator. Not a strong essay I thought, but did better than average. Last weeks seemed better to me yet did worse. The essays that I was given to assess were very mixed in quality, as well as several being just wrong - as not on the assigned stories from the collection. Many made the same mistake, some claiming it was the fault of the course outline for not being clearer. Others feel these should just pay attention, read the syllabus, and realize it's supposed to be college level. This specific course and the concept in general still both interesting experiences.
I also did two short stories since my last check in. One was for Terrible Minds, on a prison riot, and one for Flash Fiction Friday, on self awareness. The latter is one of my better ones I think.
I've pulled together my first 10 stories too, putting details and plans on a spreadsheet, and the stories in a file sent to two people for comments and suggestions. I'm eager to hear what they have to say.
Focus now? Another story for tomorrow for Terrible Minds, and start reading the next unit, some stories by H. G. Wells. Oh - and one for this weekend's sci-fi club meeting - Princess of Mars. It's a long weekend too but no special plans. I'm self employed, so every day is a work day or a holiday - my choice.
Just for reference, my overall objectives for this ROW (which I never expect to meet all at the same time):
- Writer (8) - 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 (1) - 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 (1) - this will be a fixed early task. 2 hrs ?? 10 pages/day
- Learning/sharing (5 1/2)
- Blogs (1) - maybe too many subscriptions. Track them all for a week and rate them.
- Facebook (1) - ROW80 group, Ottawa Writers, Creative Writing Circle, and NaNoWriMo Ottawa.
- Podcasts (.5) - have set up a few, mostly on writing. Can follow these while walking or cooking.
- Reading (1) - non-fiction, to entertain and learn.
- Reading (0) - fiction, to entertain and learn (part of course now).
- Course –(2) Fantasy and Science Fiction. Reading, writing, critiques, videos
- 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 13.5
Hey! Amazing progress this week. I love that you went to the meet and greet because I think talking with other writers is always inspiring. We get energized by each other and look forward to speaking about craft and brainstorming. Hope it gave you the push you needed to keep at all your projects. Have another awesome ROW week!
Posted by: Jess Witkins | August 31, 2012 at 01:39 AM