28,117 words, 11 chapters, 137 pages

So, here I am at the NJRWA writing conference. No further than I was an eternity ago. I’ve been avoiding my manuscript.

To be fair to myself, I’ve also been battling life (work, health, etc) for the last 24-36 months. A gal can only do so many things at once.

As I look it over, I’ve realized I haven’t actually totally neglected my manuscript. I’m 11 chapters in and ready for some analysis. A big thank you to Megan Ryder for 2 terrific sessions today. The first was on plotting and the second on revisions.

Now I’ve got a plan to analyze the work I’ve done so I can create a plan for where to go next.

~Anna

I don’t want to shorten the journey. You never know who I might meet along the way!

I’ve been working on my novel for the better part of four years. I’ve been researching, snowflake method-ing, Book in 30 Day-ing and NaNoWriMo-ing.

I’ve been:
– researching
– scene sketching
– character sketching
– outlining
– world building
– map drawing

Not all the time. Just when the mood struck me.

Well, the mood struck me about a week & a half ago. Of course, I went to Barnes & Noble and I picked up a bunch of writing magazines. I also looked online for writing conferences, workshops or local groups.

So I spent a week reading my magazines, occasionally thinking about about the local conference and not writing one word.

This past weekend, as I sat there trying to figure out why I couldn’t get this novel started, I came to a realization.

I was scared.

When my husband came in the room, he asked me what was wrong. I looked up at him and said, “I want to write my novel, but what if I’m not smart or pretty enough?” (yes, the second-half of the question is illogical & dramatic… I should be allowed the occasional sprinkling of both.)

He gave me his, what I swear should be a prize-winning one eyebrow raised grin, and said “when has that ever been an issue?” I smiled and kissed him.

Vocalizing my fear felt like the permission I needed to make a mental checklist of what was holding me back. Once I got them out of my way, the words started to flow.

Three days and 2,816 words later, my fears haven’t gone away, but I’m not letting them paralyze me. This is a great story and it deserves to be told.

~Anna

I don’t want to shorten the journey. You never know who I might meet along the way!

Sunday, 10/12/14:

–> I woke up early and did some writing before heading to church to sing with the children’s choir. (209)

–> Hubby and I did some cleaning. I took a nap to fight off a fever. I read some articles on POV.

–> I’m attending NJRW’s Put Your Heart in a Book Conference next weekend so I spent some time ordering business cards.

–> We sat down to eat dinner and then watched the late game. I wrote some more. (839)

I need goals and focus or things get lost in the shuffle. My goal is at least 500 words a day. It seems completely manageable and keeps me moving forward.

~Anna

I don’t want to shorten the journey. You never know who I might meet along the way!

It’s 12:30 AM and I should be in bed, but delaying until morning felt wrong.  I’ve been working on a novel for far longer than I care to admit and it’s time for action.

Back in June (my birthday month), I set a few goals for this year.  Finishing the book was not on the list So I took a look at the list last month and decided to reassess.

Several items came off the list and finishing my novel took top billing.  I now have a manageable lists supporting what’s important to me.

My writing is back on top and I’m excited about the road ahead!

~Anna

I don’t want to shorten the journey.  You never know who I might meet along the way!