18 July 2012

Check-In On The Run...

Welcome once again to mid-week check-ins for ROW80! 

This week has had its ups and downs for this author.  I am currently reading my entire story to capture the right ending...well, drama before the ending.  I'm always seeking the HEA...lol.  One of my struggles in writing novels is crafting the climax.  Phew!  I'm a drama hater.  At least excessive drama, but within a novel, we love those precarious moments when we wonder if the characters we've grown to love can ever overcome the adversity thrust into their lives, right?  I think...I ponder...I imagine all sorts of scenarios to employ.  I sputter and balk.  It comes, but slowly.  That's where I'm at right now.  Then, I'll pop the cork on my last bottle of Gewurztraminer and celebrate before edits begin in earnest. 


But this week has been fun filled as well.  We hauled our cookies back down to Maryland on Friday to pick up DD#2 and schlep her home for the weekend.  We've got to get in lots of time with her - because we won't see her for months in the near future.  I know the base now like the back of my hand...lol.  :}Unfortunately, there was a problem with her paperwork, and that will delay her entry into the Academy for a year.  It was the Navy's mistake (the paperwork showed up two days after they pulled her...Arrrgghhh!), and they have been wonderful with her over the entire incident - and we are firm believers that everything happens for a reason.  So, she's off on a new adventure for a year.  Of course, driving to get her meant driving back down on Sunday to schlepp her back again.  We had a fun day, exploring more downtown and checking out the shops and enjoying a wonderful meal!  In a few weeks, we'll repeat the entire process.  :}

Company arrived last night, so we're entertaining for the week.  We'll have short break before more company arrives on August 4th.  It's busy, but we love seeing our family. 

Here's how my week stacked up.

*  Broke 35K in my current historical novella. 

*  Small edits (and notes for scene adjustments made on first 7 chapters) done as I've read through.

*  Still no images found for cover.  I'm struggling to find exactly what I want for this cover.  I've a great deal of 'maybe this would work', but nothing that screams, 'Aha!  Found it!'. 

*  I've been approached to work on an erotic anthology, and I'm quite excited at trying my hand.  The goal is to write something that captures the essence of early (say 1930's) erotica, which I find an exciting challenge.  I'm thinking of creating a piece based on Song Of Solomon, but that is yet to be determined. 

*  Exercise goals have been met.  Upper body workouts leave my shoulders aching, but I'm noticing greater definition in my triceps and biceps.  After completing the ab series, I actually find myself looking forward to the ab sets within this workout - as they feel like breaks!  Now that's progress...ha!

*  Social goals are on track. 

*  I will begin my second professional edit at the end of this month/beginning of next month.

*  I've noted that I intend to read Game Of Thrones over the summer.  So far, I've read next to nothing.  I've got to take some time out to relax and read for enjoyment.  Hmmm...almost forget what that feels like. lol. 

How have you measured up to your goal list this week? 

 ~ Nadja

29 comments:

  1. Sounds like things on your end are both progressive and adventurous. Excited to hear more on the novel that you're getting ready to edit and hope all the company fun is a blast.

    Things have been busier than expected on my end. I intended to work on revisions for one story, ended up on another one. Did some critting and have a lot more to go. I feel horrible about the social part. I've got to set aside a day to go through and visit all the blogs I follow at least once.

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    1. It's much harder to find the time for all our goals during the summer season! I don't let it get to me. There's a time for work...and a time for family and fun. :}

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  2. You are one busy little bee right now! I hope you have lots of fun with family. I know you'll be tired afterwards, but it's always worth it, isn't it?

    I'm sorry you're struggling so much with your ending, but I think you'll get it worked out soon. You HAVE to have a HEA! :)

    An erotica anthology? Wow, that's going to be interesting. I'll definitely have to read that when it comes out.

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    1. Yes! I'm excited about the anthology. I am, however, a bit nervous to write something...but new things/challenges are always irresistable! :}

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  3. You're a busy person! Congrats on the anthology, that is exciting. I'm totally lost about where to even begin in finding images for covers - any advice or hints would be very much appreciated. Awesome work on the progress and edits. I agree with the 'drama' bit. Too much is just too much. That's kind of where I am with my WiP at the moment. Is this one more element too much or just right? Ugh, why can't these scenes write themselves? :)

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    1. My first three covers were easy peasy! I wanted a couple...and an hour or two of searching the Google provided me options...

      This time, I'm not sure I'm going for a couple - I'm wishy-washy on the whole thing. lol. It'll come to me.

      I'm soooo with you on the drama dilemma! Too much...not enough? Just right?? Luckily, it all falls into place at some point. Phew!

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  4. Hah - I think I'm the exactly opposite when it comes to drama. If my character's aren't suffering, I'm doing something wrong. I mean, I love the HEA (otherwise, why would I write romance?) but I really want the HEA to matter.

    My characters all hate me for it.

    Good luck to you this week and congrats!

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    1. Haha...I think I must have read through your novel...lol. Probably had me craving cigarettes and contemplating biting my nails...Arrgh :}

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  5. Uh oh, we're out of sync. I was struggling with my beginning a couple weeks ago. Still, that's close enough, right? One man's beginning is another woman's ending?

    (Upon reflection, that last is a very layered statement. Maybe even vaguely sexual. Feel free to use it in the anthology. :-p)

    Also: *points to self* Song of Ice and Fire junky. There is nothing vague about the sexuality in those books. They single-handedly kindled a new-found respect in me for the "C" word.

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    1. Okay. I'm intrigued. Song of Ice and Fire? I'll be on the Amazon searching later. Ha! And...the 'C' word? I'm 'C'onfounded. 'C'onfused. 'C'ontemplating. (and apparently having wayyyy too much fun with the capital C) I'll def have to add that sentence into my word count, Matt! Ha!

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    2. Oh!...and I think that puts you ahead in the points department. I've been seriously lacking in coming up with cheeky comments/observations in the last few weeks.

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  6. Wow you sound busy as always!!! Nice to have lots of family time, I am planning the same over the summer :) Well done on your exercise goals, I am in awe as usual!!

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    1. Em, you are so great! Don't be too awed...I've been summer-funning-and-goofing-off way to much over the last weeks. Sigh. But I must enjoy it while I can. Lol.

      Have a great week. Matchmaker, Matchmaker.

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  7. Wow! I think I want to read that anthology when it comes out... An interesting era to write about as well, given the backlash against sexuality that was occurring after the ribald Twenties! Not only do you have your work cut out for you, but you have a chance to actually change the social perception of an era here.

    Cool!

    The drama thing... oh, how I understand that! Drama that happens inside the characters... not action, not cliff hangers... not shooting or tears... but contemplative thoughts, slow turns of the head, consideration. I love those.

    But action and drama have their place too. And my characters hate me with a passion at times. Hope yours do too...at least here and there. =)

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    1. So true about the inner turmoil! Great to meet you; thanks for stopping by. :}

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  8. Game of thrones is an excellent book! if you get the chance and are even slightly interested in science fiction give Ender's game a read...that is assuming that you haven't read it already...

    I have been so busy that I havent had much time to visit my blog friends to say hi. Hi Nadja

    Wander

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    1. Once in awhile I read a sci-fi book. One of my girlfriends reads that genre often, I'll recommend. Good to see you, Chris!
      I've heard so much good about Game of Thrones I've got to read. Maybe next week I'll heave a sigh of relief and indulge. :}

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    2. you do that...and the sci-fi aspect of the book is such a small part of it...
      relax...and enjoy the summer...you want to be recharged for the fall/winter sales season!

      :-)

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  9. Lots going on! You're at 35k on your project? What's your definition of novel vs. novella? Because I call it a novel if it's over 40k. I've heard some say 50k.

    I know what you mean about having little time to read. At times, something has to give.

    Good luck this week!

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    1. My goal is to hit 40K approx., then edit down when and where I can. My goal is to publish anywhere between 30-35K. I tend to like the longer novellas - I get a great story with enough time to develop my characters. I've always heard anything over 50K is considered a novel. My first is about 75K and my third between 50-60K...I can't really remember.

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  10. That's awesome about the anthology.

    Years ago I found it hard to find time to read. I made a sacrifice by watching less TV, but now I miss TV.

    Enjoy your family and friend time.

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    1. Thanks! I'm excited about the anthology too.

      I also rarely watch television. I prefer to read or write. About once a week I like to watch a movie, but other than that I don't really miss television.

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  11. Um, if you're to read it, you better get started, summer is half over! :) That anthology sounds like a ton of fun! Short stories are great because they can really get the creative juices flowing. Or so I've found.

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    1. And I think it will be a nice shorter project after this longer one as well. Ha! It will make me feel productive - and be something new for me.

      I know....I've got to get reading. It seems the weeks are slipping through my fingers! Sheesh!

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  12. You are one busy lady!! You're already optimistic, so I'm sure we don't have to tell you that the ending will work itself out, but it will lol. I also sometimes find it hard to pick the right lead in to the end. We all fret because we want it to be perfect.

    Glad you've been able to make time for your family. It's nice to hear that someone is enjoying their summer without regrets lol. So excited you're going to start Game of Thrones. I'm reading the first now (though I've seen the 1st season of the HBO show so I know what happens), and I can't wait to get to the second!! I really want to be finished with the 2nd book so that I can watch the 2nd season of the show! I know you just said you don't watch much tv, but if you enjoy the book, the show is a really great addition.

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    1. I can claim in all honesty that I've not heard one reader offer negative feedback on Game Of Thrones. That is impressive.

      Thanks for the encouragement, too. Have a great week - and get that list started!! Ha!

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  13. Sounds like you've gotten quite a bit done considering how busy you've been!

    Wanted to let you know I'm passing along the Illuminating Blogger Award to you. Check out the details here. http://featherpenstartandreams.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/illuminating-blogger-award/ ‎

    Melanie

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    1. Oh! Thanks, Melanie, for thinking of me. :} Yes...it's been busy, but fun! What have you been up to this summer so far? Visit any more haunted battlefield inns in Gettysburg?

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  14. Writing and dog-loving makes for such an awesome pair. :) Congrats on your latest sunshine award! (Found your link via Raelyn.)

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