Sixteen Days.......And Counting ! (Backwards, That Is....)
Another week of summer has slipped away, and I hope to read that my Round Of Words in 80 Days friends have had a terrific one - whether because of a new idea, continued success in 750words, or disciplined adherence to exercise. It's great to read about so many different goals that shape us all as people as well as writers.
I joined in the exercise this week, walking around a nearby lake on a fabulous trail with friends, and I enjoyed it so much that I plan to do it again tomorrow!
These are great images, right? My boys named the section in the second image, "The Great Wall Of Scranton" with the help of my friend. It's been a goal meeting week in our household! My oldest son met his goals of working out in the gym five days this week after taking a few weeks off due to a hand injury. (It did allow him time for some long awaited summer fun, too.) My husband also had a momentous week, reaching a goal he's been working toward for quite a long time - he's finally ready to buy the motorcycle he's been wanting. And I'm approaching a non-ROW80 related goal. I have chosen a mattress I think I can sleep on for ten years or so...... This may seem trivial to some, but I've tried out countless mattresses, unable to decide if I think they're comfortable enough to take home. And it's a decision I've got to make, as we'll buy our sons new mattresses at the same time in the hopes of a heavy-duty discount. Of course, this means replacing pillows, bedding, moving the furniture to clean the dust bunnies from behind, and setting it all up before school starts......Whew!
In a couple weeks, I'll travel to visit my large family. I can't wait to see my brothers and sisters, my parents, and my great aunt - who is like a grandmother to me - and who turned 92 on 08 August! My sister and I were discussing this week all the changes she's seen in her life, and it's amazing. She has lived through the roaring 20's, the Great Depression, seen the automobile morph into what is is today, World War II, The Cold War, The Korean War, Vietnam, The first and second Gulf Wars, 9/11, The War On Terror, seen air travel become commonplace, and watched technology transform the world. She worked for Mellon Bank, retiring in the 1980's after decades of service. She's traveled across the United States and also been abroad. That's a lot of living. Happy Birthday, Auntie!
Fourth Reading Of The Novel.........
Claiming The Prize continues to consume my time. I'm more than half-way through my fourth reading, and I'm convinced that I'm nearing the place where I'll be able to recite it by heart! Ha! My tabulations - yes, I'm a math geek who loves manipulating numbers - say that I've read over 316,000 words so far in this process. Jeepers! That's a whole lot of words! And I'm not done yet..........
I was reading around this week and came across an interview with Danielle Steel, one of my favorite romance authors. She was asked if she ever reads her novels after they're published, and Danielle answered with a resounding NO! I think I understand why. She reads her novel at least six times before the publish date. And that's only after two years of edits. Wow.
I'm liking the flow of the story after my 'adjustments' and finding fewer things to 'tinker-with'. It's progress. I have only one more critique to wait on, and I have high hopes that there will be only a few issues that need attention. Here's to a short wait, and minor adjustments......(I'm ready to clink the glass already! But I've got just over two weeks to wait..... And polish....)
Stop by Julius Cicero's Blog for a sneak peek at the first chapter of his latest WIP. It made me want to read more. His characters came across well, and I liked the humor he inserted into the chow-scene. I'm sure I want to meet Dr. Sherwood in real life.
The Girdle of Melian posted some medieval poetry about writing. Poetry lovers will enjoy stopping by there.
The Brazen Broads blog is beginning a new project sure to please the die-hard fans of that classic, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Stop by to add your favorite spin-off novels from that favorite. (Or to recommend staying away from others.....Ha!) I think I'll watch the movie today......my eyes are protesting at the thought of reading any more.
Have a great day, and best wishes for a productive upcoming week. ~ Nadja
Seems like goals rule in your house and having a lake to walk around sounds like a great motivation to exercise, I've only got bricks to look at. Enjoy the time with your family.
ReplyDeleteKudos for joining in the exercise! You picked a beautiful spot to walk, way nicer view than my laundry room where the treadmill resides.
ReplyDeleteBeing tall, I completely understand the need for a good mattress. Best of luck in finding ones that work well. Nothing is more important then a good nights sleep to recharge the batteries.
Nice job on your goals (your's and the families). Have a great week :)
Lovely pictures! I don't think we have any walking trails around our lake. Best wishes on your (hopefully) final edits.
ReplyDeleteAfter everyone's comments, I'd better appreciate that view!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaleh! And it was appropriate (sooooo appropriate) to toss in the word the hopefully! Ha!
And Gene, I'm glad someone can appreciate my choosy-ness over this mattress thing. I'm the opposite of tall - :} - but am very funny about my sleeping rituals. I've found that I'm partial to 'very firm with pillow top'. I need the softness around me, but I don't like a soft mattress....go figure!
~ Nadja
great life all the way from the 20's - as to your reading word count I'm not a number person but those numbers made me contemplate how Often I read a book while writing and editing - scary!! all the best for this coming week
ReplyDelete- Alberta - Those words sure do add up! Glad you and your sister made it home safely, and hope things settle down in London.
ReplyDeleteHope your edits move along smoothly, too! ~ Nadja
came back to say I have to keep my whip in locked cupboard - waiting for comments on WIP to come back - like you -why do you need to eat sleep just read !!!!!!!-
ReplyDeletePreach it, Alberta! (Have I mentioned that I'm a terrible waiter....??? Ha! I now know that I'm not alone...) ~ Nadja
ReplyDeleteWell done wth persisting with your editing, your WIP must really be taking shape by now!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Yes, edits can drag on, can't they? Keep it up, it will all be worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteEm ~ Yes, it is...I'm glad to say. I'm almost there! You have a great week also.
ReplyDeleteJ.R. ~ Dragging on is an understatement!!! :) I'm so anxious to get my hands on the final critique and make the last decisions on any 'tweaks' that I'm about to burst! Really.... Ha!
~ Nadja
Love the pictures, and hope you enjoy your family time.
ReplyDeleteI agree about re-reading your work. It was so hard to let my novel go, but once it was published, I was at peace. If I re-read it, I might not be (although I hope so).
Thanks for stopping by Depression Cookies.
Tia,
ReplyDeleteThat's where I am right now. I'm reading and tweaking, but when it's published, that's it. I think I'll be at peace then, too. To re-read then may just be a form of self-torture...since I believe I will ALWAYS find something to fix, adjust, manipulate, ....and so on ...and so on..... Ha! I'll save that energy for my next project. Practice makes perfect, they say!
It was great to check out your blog! Thanks for stopping by here, too! Have a great week ~ Nadja
Exercise goals are important. And when you exercise, your mind works better. Hence, better writing. :0) See, it's all connected.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all of your goals!
Thank you for the compliment and the promo, Nadja! I am happy that you have finally found the one- mattress that is. And your Hubby's motorbike! I can see how your kids were able to liken the Great Wall of Scranton!
ReplyDeleteLauralynn ~ It's so true. I feel better - more awake and more energetic - when I exercise.
ReplyDeleteJulius - I was glad to do it! Keep writing that story!
~ Nadja