NEXT: Projects and Projections

Since I've been far behind my self-imposed production schedules, I haven't posted a current and goal status in a while, so here goes:

First & Second Quarter 2014 Projects:

• Book #1, Series #1, is undergoing that that third set of eyes read through.
• Book #2's fleshing out and pacing is almost complete, with a goal to send to writing coach for review by the end of February.
• Book #3 is up next, with fleshing out and pacing scheduled for March.
• Book #4, due to family commitments in April, will undergo partial fleshing out and pacing, that will probably roll over to May.
• Book #5 will follow, naturally, Book #4 for fleshing out and pacing in May/June.
• Series #1 published in its entirety by the end of June, July at the latest.
• Note: If, by tracking my progress, I am able to speed up the fleshing-out and pacing process, the series will go live sooner.

 Third and Fourth Quarter 2014 Projections:

• July is set to write AND finalize Book #1, Series #2.
• August is set for writing a romance.
• September will involve the 2nd Book in Series #2.
• October, of course, will be horror novel month.
• November, Book #3, Series #2
• December, Book #1, Series 3

Of course, the projected schedule is fluid, depending on the realistic pace I am able to establish. That's the key to the next few weeks, gauging and measuring how much I've accomplished in what period of time, where accomplished, and any distractions thereof.

Writing-wise, that's my 2014. Interesting times and onward!

Back to Basics (Progress Tracking & Scene Direction Made Simple)

While previously a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and a Microsoft Word table listing chapters served as tracking devices for my writing, now that I am heavy-duty first drafting, a printed sheet from a Word calendar template and a notepad serve as my guideposts for writing goals and tracking and for scene direction. While diving into first drafting, I need simple.

I jot down what chapters I plan to write when for the entire month, leaving a couple of days off per week to accommodate non-writing time and potential appointments, then make adjustments at the end of each day. I check off completed chapters, and then use another color of ink to adjust chapter numbers if a chapter happens to roll over to the next day. Simple.

For each scene, I hand write (well print, since my penmanship tends to lack readability) a bulleted list of what might possibly happen next in the scene, potential happenings, possible conflicts, dialogue snippets. At the bottom of the page, I note word count when I pause to reflect on what's next in the scene. (Again, simple.)

The calendar and note page are nothing fancy, and with the exception of the examples included in this post, are for my eyes only.

The calendar gets messy, but I am able to discern where I stand and what adjustments I might need to make to the schedule. My notes are sloppy, yet I get an idea and gist of what direction the chapter might go or needs to take.

The information on both pages is flexible, ever changing, and helps me keep track and view the first draft status and where the next chapter is possibly headed. Both sit on my writing table for easy referencing. Nothing fancy or complicated, yet they work. Oh so simple!

Did I happen to mention that I love and appreciate simple?

Review Time (Writing Full Time & Loving It!)

The journey during these last few months of writing full time has been enlightening and painful, yet satisfying and fulfilling.

In attempt to keep track of when, where, and how I reached self-defined writing goals, I have tracked my journey over the last nine months, to include progress or lack thereof. Health issues have served as stumbling blocks, yet in looking at the dates of launches and completions, I have made steady, if at times plodding, progress.

First Draft of Book #1 in five-book series:


The first first draft of Book # 1 Development Edit and Review. (Majorly developmentally flawed. Back to square one with planning, plotting, and redevelopment of series):


Second First Draft of Book #1:


First Draft Book #2 & Revision of Book #1 (Revision of Book #1 placed on hold):


First Draft Book #3:


First Draft Book #4 (scheduled completion date):


First Draft Book #5 (scheduled launch & completion date):


Revision time-frame for Series #1 (scheduled launch and completion date):


In looking at the time-frames for each book, I am able to see the blocks of missed writing due to illness, as well that when health issues are not a factor, the time-frame between launch and completion of first drafts has tightened.

A five-book series completed in little over a year. (If all goes well, in 14 months to be exact.) Not bad at all!

In September and October, I will draft and revise a standalone book.


Then in November, I will begin Series #2. This go around, instead of first drafting an entire series up front, I will write the first draft in November and revise in December:


My 2013 writing journey all mapped out. Glancing back and looking forward makes me smile; therefore, I must be headed in a positive direction.

For 2014, I am debating completing Series #2 straight out, as in completing and self-publishing each book as they are completed, or alternating writing each book in Series #2 with a standalone book. (I have two story ideas for standalones that keep surfacing, and I am looking forward to writing each.)

No regrets, no pondering or slogging through what ifs. In review, I am happy with my progress over the past few months, and am looking forward to writing onward. (Yeah, this writer gal is writing full time and loving it!)

Time for Change (Process, Goal, and Schedule Review)

In the last few months, to increase my writing productivity, I have experimented with several writing schedules, such as:

1. Drafting and revision by writing first draft material in the morning and revising in the afternoon,
2. Revising in the morning and first drafting in the afternoon,
3. Setting aside three or four days for first drafting and three or four days for revision, and
4. Alternating weeks of first drafting and revision, while during revision weeks, attempting to first draft for 15 minutes each day to maintain some sort of drafting momentum.

Currently, I am approximately 60% complete with the revision of Book #1, Series #1, while the first draft of Book #2 is complete, and the first draft of Book #3 is 26% complete.

Most of what I consider my low productivity has been due to switching back and forth from drafting one book and revising another; therefore, in order to eliminate the struggle and the slowed progress, for the next six weeks, I will focus on first drafting, while the next six weeks will be dedicated entirely to revising.

If the process ain't working, it's time for change.

I've been attempting to follow the advice of a well-known writing blogger and fiction author. Write fresh first draft material every day, in addition to revising, business activities, etc. While this everything but the kitchen sink process works for this author, the attempt to write and revise at the same time is not working for me.

Should I continue on in an attempt to do both, I will undoubtedly draft several of books, while revising or editing very few of the manuscripts. In experimenting with different time-frames, I have discovered that the blogging author's way is not a path that works for me.

Although task-oriented and able to multitask, I tend to be singularly focused; therefore, either I need to draft one book at a time, then revise and edit that most recently written book before moving on to the next, or draft several books and edit several books, such as those in a series like this one.

Since I'm approximately half way through the current five-book series, I will finish the drafts, then revise and edit, in two distinct phases.

In changing the writing process, I have drilled down the scheduling into daily writing and revision goals to move toward my mid-year series completion goal. Because of my struggle in maintaining a consistent productive pace, I am behind schedule, yet have updated and increased daily writing goals in order to meet the overall goal.

Process reviewed and updated: Check. Goals reviewed and updated: Check. Schedule reviewed and updated: Check. Time for a change: Triple Check!

Wishes, Dreams and Goals - 2013 Here I Come!

A wish is a thought about a hope or desire for something imagined. A dream adds images and emotions to that something imagined and exists only inside the mind. A goal is a dream with a plan and a set deadline, supported by outside-of-the-mind actions to bring that imagined something into reality.

I wish could lose weight.

I dream when I imagine wearing attractive clothing and experience how I feel when I slip into a slinky black dress.

That dream becomes a goal when I plan to exercise, change my eating patterns and set a weekly weight lose goal, then implement the plan.

Dreams are not always something directly attainable. I may dream of being on a Best Seller list or two; however, I cannot control the outcome of potential book sales.

What I can control, by setting goals, is the quantity and quality of my writing.

In order to make realistic goals, I need to review the first six months of my writing full-time life, then evaluate where I go from here.

How many chapters/scenes per day can I actually produce, in conjunction with how many chapters am I able to revise per day?

My word count for the last six months equaled +200K, yet due to lack of story direction, close to half of that total is iffy as to whether the material is banked or unusable.

Now that I have the ability to plot and have a definite direction, 2013 should be a much more prolific and productive year.

I wish I could write a thriller series.

I dream and imagine how the book covers will look and enjoy the feeling of my series being read by eager, appreciative readers.

My goal is to write a specific amount of material in a specified amount of time, one day at a time.

Look out 2013, here I come!

2012 Writing Overview

200K?!?! Until I sat down to tally my word count for this blog post, I did not realize that I had written over 200,000 words during the past six months. Since this word count consists of actual first draft words written and does not take into account time spent on revision, I am shocked and a bit taken aback that I was able to produce anywhere near this level of words.

Since most of my days during the last six months have consisted of many your-not-doing-enough moments, the actual realization of what I actually HAVE accomplished is still sinking in.

In setting my initial goals, I did not take into account three factors: 1) a more extensive learning curve than expected, 2) prevalent heath issues, and 3) the very real adjustment of leaving a demanding full-time job.


With all three of the above factors addressed and taken into account, it should be interesting to see what 2013 brings.

Onward!

A Mission Statement? Hmmm.

Until today, this woman on a mission has never considered developing an actual mission statement.

Sure, I've worked on potential business plans, but I purposefully skipped the part about creating a statement, perhaps because of uncertainty about how to write the statement or indecisiveness toward a definite mission direction. More than likely a mixture of both contributed to my not coming up with a mission statement to assist in the pursuit of my mission.

The one-week course I'm taking on Savvy Authors suggested coming up with task-specific mission statements.

Here goes:

As a writer, my mission is to write books and make a living doing the same by writing quality books for reader entertainment, escape and enjoyment.

The mission of my blog is to chronicle my journey of writing books and making a living doing the same, to share that experience with others and to encourage other writers on their writing journey.

The mission of my Series #1 is to provide entertainment and escape for Young Adult and Adult Crossover readers, and to spark the belief that our family of choice can support us through the worst possible challenges in life.

Look out, world, I'm a woman on a mission with mission statements. There's no stopping me now!

Wannabes & Negative Inspiration

According to another author's blog post, which has since been removed by said author from the author's blog, I am a Wannabe.

Wikipedia explains that a Wannabe (slang for "want to be") is a person with an ambition to be someone or something that s/he is not.

Who the author making the post is or is not doesn't matter. What matters is that this author seemed to have forgotten that not long before his/her self-publication as an Independent Author, this author was a "Wannabe" as well.

Wanting to learn as much as I possibly can about writing and publication: Guilty. Writing books: Guilty. Wanting to make a living writing books: Guilty, guilty, and guilty.

Inspiration comes from many sources and from many directions. When it comes to negative inspiration, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to this author, who's name-calling spurred me on and inspired me to be a true Wannabe in every sense of the word. Unnamed and Unknown Author (my one zinger, forgive me), thank you!

Hello, my name is Alexa, and I am a Wannabe.

Second Chances & Second First Drafts

Years ago, the first book I attempted to write went though multiple drafts. Despite years of effort, the book never worked, and I never got a handle on the story that I wanted to tell. After a hundred and second chances, it was time to let go, and to move on to a more viable, workable story.

After a gracious, spot-on, and much-appreciated Developmental Edit, Book #1 of Series #1 wasn't in line for minor updates or revisions--the book needed a major overhaul. Instead of giving up, setting the book aside and working on another book idea, I set out on a journey to write another (the Second) First Draft.

How do you know and when do you know whether and if it's time to stop handing out chances?

For the earlier book, it was way past time to let go. After numerous attempts to do so, so many that I lost count, I had to admit to myself the book was not workable or salvageable. For the more current Book #1, Series #1, the First First Draft held the foundation of a strong book and a viable series concept. Book #1, Series #1 held not just the possibility, but the probability that the story and the book done right could work. Unsure that I was up to the task, I believed in the story and the series; therefore, I had to put forth the effort.

This Second First Draft tells the story I intended to to tell. It presents a tighter story with higher stakes than the previous draft. The current draft of Book #1 delivers, with a satisfying wrap-up, yet one that serves as a lead-in into Book #2.

After numerous second chances, there comes a time to let go and move on; yet, when a journey down Second Chance Avenue succeeds, with hard work and genuine forward effort, the trip is enjoyable, interesting, and worthwhile.

"And miles to go before I sleep." (Robert Frost)

Fifty days ago, I began my 2nd First Draft of Book #1, Series #1. On Day 50, I completed the draft.

For the rest of the week, I will work on addressing Kat Duncan's chapter-by-chapter writing mentor/coaching comments and suggestions in the draft, then will begin what will hopefully be a close-to-final draft edit next week.

In the meantime, while implementing the updates for Book #1, I will flesh out the plot of Book #2 using the Rock Your Plot methods and workbook.

Next week, I will coordinate and alternate the edits of Book #1 with the first drafting of Book #2. [Plus, I'd like to work in (somewhere in this so-far realistic schedule) the planning and start of a new series that I'm equally excited about.]

There are four other books in the series, plus other series/books I need to and feel compelled to write.

In the poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Robert Frost shares the line, "And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep." In completing Book #1, I accomplished a milestone, with many, many miles left to travel.

Uplugged and Plugged In

No phone. No internet. No television. No other interaction, other than between my story and me. It took taking limiting the time I spend writing each day (i.e., a drive down Only Street), and unplugging from all electronics during that time, for me to be able to hit my natural writing stride.

For many years, I've wondered what it would be like to do what I was meant to do. It took almost as many years for me to make a choice to make writing a priority, then a few more to be able to make writing a priority.

I won't dwell on what I could have done or should have done. That's the past. It can't be rewritten or changed (although I've got a great story idea for a book along those lines). Although I have plans for the future, all I truly have, all any of us have, is today.

By unplugging, I am plugging into that writer part of myself that I knew was in there somewhere. After all this time, I've come home.

"All magic comes with a price. Now it's yours to pay." (Rumplestiltskin, Once Upon a Time)

Rumplestiltskin, from the television series Once Upon a Time, said, "All magic comes with a price. Now it's yours to pay." Everything, in addition to storybook magic, comes with a price. If it's something we want, then we have to be willing to pay.

As a full-time writer, I've been forced to ask myself: What are you willing to pay? What are you willing to give up? Are you willing to make the sacrifices necessary to get what you want?

Recently, I unjoined several Facebook Groups, writer support-type groups included. While I welcome the interaction with other writers, I could not justify taking the time to read numerous posts or participate in the group discussions.

Also, to foster a more writing-focused environment, I disconnect from the internet entirely for extended times during the day using Freedom software to block internet usage.

Television, especially coming from a family where the television was constantly blaring, has been another thing I've chosen to give up, except for a few preferred shows, such as Once Upon a Time, that I record, in order to get the time I need to write.

In addition, I don't get out much. Writing is a solitary, singular-focused activity; therefore, I shut myself away and write. (Thankfully, I have a husband who is independent and caring enough to all me that space and to remind me that I haven't been out of the house in a while, as well as a dear friend who gets me out and about for a girl's-day-out occasionally.)

There are tradeoffs. In order to write, these are the sacrifices, along with giving up my day job and not having a spic-and-span house, that I choose to make.

Oddly enough, now that I'm willing to give up other things in my life, I am able to have time to write.

As in most other activities in life, if you want to write a book, there will be a price to pay. (In my humble opinion, well worth the sacrifice and the price.)

Today's Progress Status - 9/15/12

The Inciting Incident started the story rolling. The two following scenes are strong and move the story forward at a good pace.

With three (3) out of 75 (seventy-five) scenes drafted, seventy-two (72) scenes remain to be written.

For a goal of 75,000 words, with 3,630 words written today, the First Draft, of Book #2 of Series #1 is 5% complete.

Scene By Scene

Although I track my daily writing progress by word count, I write by scene. (Which leads me to question why I track by word count instead of number of completed scenes. Hmm. Perhaps because the tracking App that I use tracks by logging in word count. Something to think about and consider.)

For Book #2, Series #1, there are seventy-five (75) total scenes planned.

My goal is to write three (3) scenes per day, every day, with the intention of banking extra scenes along the way just in case something comes up and which is more than likely inevitable, to derail my writing for a day.

With the Goal, Motivation, Conflict, and Disaster (GMCD) noted for each scene, subject to change of course, I focus on the one single scene before me.

For Book #1, Scene #, I addressed the GMCD for each scene just prior to the scene without pre-planning, which in looking back tended to slow down my writing; therefore, this time around I have constructed the GMCD for each scene in advance, so that all that remains in front of me is the fast drafting of the actual scene.

Whose scene is it? Who is the Point of View (POV) character? Keeping in mind the GMCD for the scene, what would that POV character do? What happens then?

For me, the First Draft is diving in and telling of the story, scene by scene.

Project Status and Goals

Project Status:

• September 10th - Book #1 in for Developmental Editing
• September 11th - Rock Your Plot Workbook for Book #2
• September 12th - Index Cards for Scenes and Sorted
• September 13th - One-Line Scene Descriptions
• September 14th - GMCD for Each Scene
• September 15th - First Draft Begins 

 Short-Term Goals:

• 3 Scenes Written per Day
• 20+ Scenes Written per Week
• First Draft Complete by October 15th 

Mid-Term Goals:

• Book #3 First Draft Complete by November 15th
• Book #4 First Draft Complete by December 15th
• Book #5 First Draft Complete by January 15th
  

 Long-Term Goals:

• Finalize Majority of Series by End of 2012
• Publish Majority of Series on Amazon prior to December 25, 2012
• Publish Rest of Series on Amazon in January/February 2012
• Begin Series #2 January 2012
• Reassess Goals January 2012

Good Storytelling Versus Good Writing

In an interview, Stephen King stated that Stephanie Meyer of Twilight fame is not a good writer. I've heard the same said about J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), although Mr. King's opinion differs, as well as Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code).

Yet, all three are touted as good storytellers. Their books and movies have certainly proven that storytelling sells. What stories they have told and can tell!

Although their storytelling abilities are strong, their writing tends to be clunky, disconnected, rambling, etc. (Enjoyed the movies based on all of the above author's books, but did not enjoy the reading experience of their books at all.)

Dean Koontz's mastery of words, grammar, etc., is strong; however, his ability as a storyteller lags at times, devolving into rambling narrative and rushed lackluster endings. Thus, in my humble opinion, Mr. Koontz is a good writer, yet not a good storyteller. (Enjoy the reading experience, but am not always satisfied with the development of the stories or the endings.)

While Sherrilyn Kenyon has bouts and spurts of good writing in her books, her ability as a storyteller has suffered greatly over the years. Although it's debatable, I would personally consider Ms. Kenyon a better writer than storyteller. (Enjoyed very much her earlier books, but am no longer a reader or a fan.)

By most standards, the likes of Stephen King and Nora Roberts are considered masterful writers, as well as great storytellers. (I can stay lost in the worlds and characters each create for hours, and the depth and power of the experience stays with me long after the books have been read.)

As writers, we may tend toward having natural abilities with either writing or storytelling; however, a balance and strength in both is what I, as a reader, long for and enjoy most.

As a writer, both good writing and good storytelling is my main goal.

When Writing Hurts - That's So Not My Type

The Novella I've been writing is in a genre in which I've never before written.

While I enjoyed plotting and have been enjoying some aspects of writing the book, there are some aspects that when I sit down to write, I am reminded of how I feel right before going to the dentist when you know there are needles and a drill involved.

I've heard it all. Romance sells. Erotica sells. Horror sells. Thrillers sell. Suspense sells. Etc., etc., etc.

So with much enthusiasm, I tried my hand in a genre for the first time.

The experience has not been pleasant. I don't think it's that I can't write in that genre. I'm pretty sure I could fake my way through and make myself finish the Novella. But I wonder if I feel as I'm forcing myself to write, wouldn't it stand to reason that the reader would perceive that my heart is not in it and my enthusiasm was lagging?

Light bulb moment!

That particular genre -- right now and as of yet -- is not the best genre for me to write. I gave this genre a good try. Maybe this genre will be one that I return to at a later time.

I would suggest that, as writers, we write what we're excited about, what angers us, what's in our hearts, what we have a passion for and are enthusiastic about.

As far as what sells, if we write what we truly want to and are meant to write, the sales will follow, don't you think?

Writing a Novel in 30 Days

I’m a gal who like’s challenges, so I asked myself, “Self, can you write a novel in 30 days or less?”

My answer to was (We writer’s do talk to ourselves. I usually claim I’m rehearsing dialog aloud, but...), “Yes. Once you get your health issues in line, maybe even less. But for now, why not shoot for 30 days?"

Many folks that participate in National Novel Writing Month, which officially occurs in November (a busy, busy time in my former job), crank out 50,000 words in a month.

So could I possibly accomplish such a feat?

I live in the south. The oppressive heat precludes doing much of anything outdoors in the summer months. So, I say, “Why not!” (Self wholeheartedly agrees!)

Could I? Can I? Will I?  Write a Novel in 30 days?

While working, I averaged writing 2,000 or so words per week, which was the best I could do what with staying so busy, busy.

Since I’ve been able to dive into Fast Drafting, while struggling with some health issues, I’ve written 2,000 words on more difficult days and over 5,000 words on good days. Since health issues are a reality for me right now, I have to factor in that I am in the process of getting more healthy; however, I’m not quite there yet. (Soon, soon, soon, I hope!)

Starting July 14, 2012, this gal is committed to writing a novel in 30 days.

This goal is a win-win for me. If I can not surpass my health issues, I may have to bump my 30-day goal up to the end of the summer — yet, in the mean time, I will still have produced lots and lots of words. AND if I do write a novel in 30 days, what an accomplishment! (No rewarding myself with Italian chocolate. Darn.)

So, here I begin my quest of writing a book in a month. Onward!

Milestone - 5,000 Word Day

When I was told, "Give yourself permission to write crap for your first draft," I knew what that meant.

But exactly HOW do you: 1) give yourself permission to write crap, and 2) let go of control/perfectionism/critical thinking in order to to write crap and fast draft.

JUST DO IT! - Nope, telling myself that didn't cut it. My inner control freak, said, "No Way. No How."

Laying Out Index Cards and having a direction was the first step.

Tracking My Progress as to when and where might be the best times and location for me to write was the second.

The third, has been Managing My Fears and Anxiety on a daily basis, when I first sit down first thing in the morning to write. (Writing blog posts for this Alexa Writes Books blog has helped greatly with that!)

I have two projects in the works, a 40,000 word novella and a 60,000 word novel. (I've found what works for me, to keep me fresh on both books, is to alternate days.)

Yesterday, I wrote close to 4,000 words on Project A. Today, I wrote just over 5,000 words on Project B. (I'm averaging 1,000 words per hour in 45-minute to 1-hour writing stints spaced out throughout the day.)

This is a journey, one word, one sentence, one paragraph, one page, one day at a time. I very much appreciate all the support and shared enthusiasm I am being blessed with each and every day. Thank you so much for allowing me to share my milestones and adventures with you along the way.

From Getting Off Track to Getting Back On Track

Bullet, 6 Months

The little fellow in the picture a wire-haired dachshund. He tracks wounded big game. It's what he does, it's in his blood. When Bullet is on a trail of a wounded animal, such as a deer, he puts that marvelous nose down to the ground and takes off. Even at six-months old, once he's on a trail, nothing can dissuade him from finding the game he's set out to locate.

Except, this talented fellow doesn't track in a straight line, he angles back and forth to ensure he's still on the scent and following the right trail. Every once in a while, he'll lift his nose to test the air, then he's back at it, right on task, doing what he's meant to do.

This week, I lost my writing trail. Big time.

We came home from a glorious trip to find the compressor had gone out on our refrigerator/freezer combo. The compressor is what cools the temperature inside the fridge, so, yeah, we came home to quite a mess.

Good intentions -- ah, don't we all have and recognize those -- went out the window in a flurry of cleaning out spoiled foods, buying a new fridge/freezer combo, installing the combo, restocking said combo, and then settling in after being away. Only settling in meant being overtired and experiencing the first migraine I've had in quite a while.

This afternoon the migraine receded, leaving my eyes and head feeling bruised and tight. (Those of you who experience migraines well know that feeling, I'm sure.)

Pretty much, my writing goals for the week are blown. This week is a bust. Or is it? Yes, for the majority of the week, I did not reach my goals, but what about tomorrow, the next day, and the next?

While on a trail, Bullet may zigzag back and forth, but he's fierce about recognizing the scent and staying on track.

So tomorrow, more than likely in a low-lighted room, I will follow the little fellow's example, and put my head down and write. One word, one sentence, one paragraph at a time. One page at a time -- inspired by the puppy who never gives up -- I will get back on track.