January 2010 Wordcount Goal: 73,000

Monday, January 11, 2010

Janowrimo 2010: Day 11 Writing in a new location

I've realized recently that I needed to change the time and location of my writing time. The flow of my present days have made it difficult to be consistent and have played havoc with my ability to reconnect and go even deeper into my story's universe. After thinking about it for several days and observing how the days have gone this past week, I decided that upon waking I will begin the day writing. My goal is nominal with a minimum goal of 100 words but absolutely happy to write more. The location is not my office but my bedroom. It seems to be working. At least I know I've got those words out of the way even if the day eats up any other writing time.

What I'm trying to do is reinstitute the habit of writing daily. Until recent years accomplishing that seemingly simple task was easy. For nearly 30 years I was able to write productively. Things changed several years ago when, as an only child, the care for my 90+ year old parents began. A lot of stress piled up quickly and continues nonstop. Two years ago my health went on a major decline to the point where, for the first time ever, writing was not my main goal or resolution. My health claimed that position. It's been a long road but I'm now at a point where I can once again put writing back in its original place. But the tethered connection to the story has been lost, the well went dry, and the words receded. With the turning of the year I embarked on a journey to reclaim it all. I'm happy that my simple, easy, and non-threatening steps are working.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good plan. It's so great when you can put your finger on what is bothering you and find a way to tame it.
I'm glad it's working for you. I seem to be in a funk right now and have decided to just keep on getting "stuff" out of the way. My health seems to be an issue, but I'm attempting to ignore it as much as I can.
Keep up the great work.
E

vikk simmons said...

Hey, Elaine, thanks for leaving a comment. I'm sure hoping it's a good plan and continues to work. Sorry to hear you're in funk but it sounds like you're trying to work your way out of it. Good for you. Stay in touch and thanks again for commenting on the blog.

Nighfala said...

Okay, I joined Janowrimo. Since I'm starting late, my goal is 30,000 words. I'm including the 2,000 I have so far.

Thanks for letting me know about it. I love your blog!

And no, my dog can't read. Except reading my mind.

Nighfala said...

I was able to do about 1,000 words this morning since I'm still on semester break. It's really difficult to be able to focus when things are hectic, as you mentioned in your post, Vikk.

But I am determined not to let my novel slide by, unfinished, for another year. If only to be able to say I've finished it.

I'm happy that your steps towards writing again are working, too.

My goal is just to spend *half* the time I normally spend on the Internet actually writing, rather than *talking* about writing.

My main difficulty is not getting started, but stopping. I have to be very careful or it takes over my life, and bad things start to happen.

Best wishes for a productive month for all of us!

vikk simmons said...

Hey Christine, so glad you joined up! Terrific work and progress already. My goal this month is 20,000. I'll be adding up my wordcount at the end of the week when I transcribe my early morning writings but I did about 2 pages this morning.

I totally get the taking over the life thing. I fought that for years until my health took me down.

Looking forward to hearing more wonderful news out of you!

Nighfala said...

I did it! 5,847 words. I made my daily writing goal of 1500 and finished Chapter Two. That includes revising what I wrote yesterday. Thanks so much for your comments. I'm going to post it on my blog. I'll probably post through Ch. 3.

I just told DH - I'm going to finish this if it kills me.

vikk simmons said...

Wow! As Tony would say, That's GRRRREat! Good for you, Christine. Sounds like you broke a barrier. Not sure what I said to help but man am I glad it helped.

I know you'll finish. You're deeply committed. I can tell by your passion and your writing.

Nighfala said...

Well, Vikk, it's a great way to avoid doing housework.