Month: February 2009

Randomness

For the past two weeks, I’ve felt like I have absolutely no spare time at all in my life. There is so much that I want to get done, and there really aren’t anywhere near enough hours in the day to get it all done. And I’m not just talking about writing-related things, either.

I’ve tried to really make working out a priority in my life right now. Getting up early and going before work, going on my days off. It’s hard, and I’d much rather be doing other things, but I know it’s worth it. It just seems like it sucks up so much of my time! I’ve barely had any time to read for the past couple of weeks, which is beyond unusual for me. Normally, I read something every day, even if it’s only a couple of pages. Lately, there have been days where I haven’t read anything at all (or at least nothing strictly for enjoyment).

I’ve been reading the story I’m critting in a novel swap, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I actually got pretty sucked into it last night and read about thirty pages or so. Now I’m twenty pages from the end, and looking forward to the rest of it.

Other than that, I haven’t been getting much accomplished. I’m re-reading Tempest of Angels right now, trying to figure out how to make it stronger. Haven’t had any revelations in that department yet, but I’m hoping.

The HTTS lesson did not go terribly well. I gave my Muse what I wanted, and a deadline, and my Muse proceeded to pretty much ignore me. Until the deadline passed. Then I got one idea with a bit of detail, and today, two more ideas with little-to-no detail. Sigh. Please, Muse, can you help me out here?

Calling Down Lightening

Dear Muse:

I know Holly said all I had to do was tell you what I needed, and get out of the way, but I must admit, I’m skeptical. I’m not trying to cast doubts on your abilities, I just don’t know how well you perform under pressure. But I’m not going to pressure you. I just want to clarify my request a little bit more.

I said I needed three unrelated story ideas, ideas unique to me, and based on words and concepts from my Sweet Spot Map, any genre, any length, deadline one week. To be slightly more specific, I would like:

One epic or high fantasy idea
One paranormal idea
One mainstream idea

Also any length, and the deadline is still one week. I know you’re busy playing with the ideas right now, and I just want to thank you in advance, Muse, for what will be, I’m sure, wonderful ideas.

Love,

Me

January

I didn’t come anywhere near hitting my goals for January. At all. Guess that’s what I get for setting such high goals, huh? I’m really not stressing about it, though. I started on the werewolf story, made it to the second chapter, and stalled out, probably because I was writing without any sort of plan. Then I discovered the HTTS class, which I’m going to use on this story. So really, although I’m not actively writing this story, I’m still working on it. (At least, that’s how I’m wording it to myself.)

The zombie story fell by the wayside this month, too. But, my co-writer had a computer meltdown, so we couldn’t really email about things like we normally do. (That’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.) I am currently working on a chapter, though. And it should be finished up today.

I also did a novel swap in January that wasn’t anywhere in my plans for the year. Unplanned, maybe, but greatly appreciated and enjoyed. (Thanks, Dale!) I got some good things out of the crit I received, and as always, learned a lot from the crit I did.

Now, I’m off to work on Lesson Two of the HTTS class: Making a Sweet Spot Map.