Oh gosh it's early! Where's the sun at? I can't remember the last time I woke up before 7. My eyes are gunked up, my face is swollen from just a little, too little, sleep, and I'm feeling like my plans for today, and the whole reason I'm up, should just go ahead and be canceled. Shoot, this feels reminiscent of something. Oh yah, ha ha. My novel writing experience.
Usually when I get to day 6 or 7 I have a falling off of the radar period and the word count stays stagnant for a few days. I don't know how it keeps happening, but every year it seems to find me. So, here I am today to be held accountable for such goings on. But this time I have a good reason, I swear!
I've recently been laid off and I'm desperately in need of a job. I'm not alone in this search, as 16.5% of Clark County is unemployed. That's something like the 5th highest in the nation. It may have changed, as the last time I actually checked, was about 2 months ago. I do know it isn't getting easier to find a job. So, today I'll be going to a workshop to help make a perfect resume.
I don't want to do it necessarily, but I don't want to write today either. So what it comes down to, is what will make me the most productive today and what could actually become accomplished.
The point I'm getting around to talking about is thus: we all do have a falling out period with our writing. Whether it's a plot hole, a writer's block, or simply we've gotten bored with a character, it doesn't matter. When it happens, it sometimes happens for a good reason. When you get to the point where each word is a strain, and where you couldn't possibly make your character repeat that line, one more time, take a break. It's always okay to remember that the writer needs to be fed and entertained as well. Go watch your favorite movie and generally give yourself a bit of time where you can revive your excitement.
My reason, this year, for the short break, is actually a result of two important obligations popping up at once, so it's excuse enough for me. And since I won't be home until tomorrow around 3 or so I plan on fully using the time to recharge my energy levels.
You will finish your novel. I have faith. So take that hour or two if you need it.
Also, start talking about your novel to people if you get the chance. It will re-animate your enthusiasm about the characters and sometimes help you to fix plot holes. Non-writers are great for spotting plot holes, or even suggesting what they think would be interesting to see happening with the characters. Don't discount it if it's good advice.
Until tomorrow my Vancouver poppets,
Your Crazy-tired ML,
Lyndsey
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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!
15,104 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 07 08
I was up early too. My five year old came in at 6:30am. Not as good a reason as you...
----------My goal for today is to hit the 10k mark which shouldn't be hard and then to clean my house. It has been suffering.
Lyndsey, I think my dh's company is hiring right now. You ever thought about being a flight attendant?
12,374 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 10 13
Wow... 10k words. And I've barely managed to introduce my first two characters! I feel like such a slacker-- what have I been doing for the past five days?! D=
I appreciate the pep talk and advice very much though.
I thought the first week was supposed to be the most fun, but so far this whole week has been one stumbling block after another.
I've even started setting my alarm in order to wake up early so I have more time in my day to sit and stare at my screen. 2k words has begun to take me as much as four hours to pound out.
Maybe I'll take your advice and have a little break. Although since it's Friday, there's a good chance that I'll get next to nothing done for three days so maybe I shouldn't risk it...
But there I go with the rambling. And to make matters worse, a plot bunny just leaped into my head as I was writing this. Guess I'd better warm up the old Word.
Oh and good luck on your resume building! I'm in the same boat employment-wise, but I didn't realize the numbers were quite that bad. O.o
38,413 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 18 31
I have a ways to go, but after a very busy and full work week with our daughter home, now for a week it's just my son at home with me, and I only have to work one day next week, so I'll be able to catch up. My real goal is to write 2 novels this month, because I have 2 very different stories and characters in my head right now! Maybe with all my Spare Time next week, I can do it! But today seems like I've been doing everything but writing. At least I updated my website and my Facebook and and and and...
----------Dana
http://danabooks.8k.com
57,508 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 23 11
Today: 1046
Total: 16069
Again, taking it easy on the wrist. And going to sleep early! However, I completely re-worked the opening of my novel while I was in the shower this morning, so that was my 1K or so I knocked out today. I'm hoping it'll make things flow better--and help me with the word count in the future. We'll see.
Now I am going to sleep, because the last time I got more than 7.5 hours of sleep was sometime in August--at least that's how I'm feeling right now!! Good job with your novels, everyone.
----------Name my novel!
30,057 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 00 27
Today: 1168
Total: 10,147
Sluggish today and forced myself to get my words written tonight, though it is now far too late for me. I'm hoping to find some quiet time tomorrow to write, but it's harder on the weekends with the family all here. I may have to lock myself into the bedroom again!
Happy writing!
Carissa
50,023 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 12 12
I logged over 5000 words yesterday, and my poor wrists are feeling the effect today. My goal was to do 10,000 words over the weekend, but that is not looking very likely at this point.
Enoc