Ready. Set. Write. Week 12

                Welcome to Week 12 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game. 

How I did on last weeks goals:

• Transition to day shift!  I start back to days Wednesday so I have 1.5 days to adjust my internal clock- Done.  Didn't have a choice really but it went pretty well.  So far my body is really liking the adjustment. 
• Continue what I started last week, working on scenes I am missing.  I’m aiming for 5K- Fail.  I haven't done anything, this week was hard.  Work was busier than usual and I was crippled part of the weekend after sleeping wrong and messing up my back. 
• Read and work on my review for Another Day-  Read!  Took much longer than planned because day shift was surprisingly busy.  
• Revamp/Re-write my budget.  Rising power costs given the Hades like temps and other bills that flux and revamp my savings and trip fund- Did it!  But I need to revamp again as work is going to cut out OT (which we currently get every paycheck).  Should be much easier though. 
• Read 2 additional books (not counting Never Fade which should be finished by end of day)- Nope.  I didn't anything else, not even counting Never Fade. 

My goals for this week: 

• As this is really the last week of RSW I need to kick it into gear.  I'm aiming for 5K in my WiP
• Work on a description/summary for my WiP 
• Read 2 books

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:

I didn't get anything wrote L

The biggest challenge I face this week: 

Adjusting to being busier on the day shift.  Also I slept wrong or something because my back was killing me all day Sunday it hurt to move at all.

Something I love about my WIP:   

Love in its varying forms.

That’s it for this week.  Good luck this week!

Ready. Set. Write. Week 11

                Welcome to Week 11 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game. 

How I did on last weeks goals:

I want to finish Never Fade! I give up.  I am an epic fail!  Okay so I read more of it and I only have like 100 pages to go and plan to finish it today but nope still not done. 

I'd like to get serious about my story and take a look to see what's left that I need.  I write in different parts, whatever scene is calling to me at that particular time.  So I need to start piecing it together and see what is missing, besides the ending- Yes!  I did start going through and found things I was missing, and I swear some of the scenes I remember writing them but they are not on my master copy so all I can think is they got typed and didn’t save L

Along with the above goal I'd like to not only find the missing pieces but write them up and work on as many as possible- So as many as possible turned out to be three.  Still proud it’s 9,711 words so I’m pretty proud!

I'd love to get a week ahead in reviews for my blog so that would be two for this week and next week- Nope!  I did my reviews I posted last week.  I did Truth here and Shadow and Bone here but I didn’t get as much of a head start on this week as I’d have liked.

Along with finishing Never Fade finally I'd like to read at least 2 other books I have on my TBR list for review- Done!  I read 3 books and a graphic novel!  Well I listened to one, I found audiobooks are good for getting reading done when it hurts to read because your eyes or head hurt. 

My goals for this week: 

All the time really but still!

Transition to day shift!  I start back to days Wednesday so I have 1.5 days to adjust my internal clock

Continue what I started last week, working on scenes I am missing.  I’m aiming for 5K.

Read and work on my review for Another Day. 

Revamp/Re-write my budget.  Rising power costs given the Hades like temps and other bills that flux and revamp my savings and trip fund.

Read 2 additional books (not counting Never Fade which should be finished by end of day)

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:  

                Shrugging off his jacket he slung it over her shoulders and helped her slip each arm in one at a time.  “Okay Lexi, I need you to help me here.  Where are your keys?”

                She almost fell out of his grip when she leaned back and lifted up her leg.  He readjusted his grip on her and guided her over to the parking lot and leaned her against her car.  Leaning so his shoulder helped prop her up he reached down and unzipped her boot and found her key, phone, and two cards.  Smiling he pulled out the key and zipped up her boot. 

The biggest challenge I face this week:  It was my last week on night shift (11pm-11am) I’m posting it still on nights but when I leave in a few hours I will be off until starting day shift Wednesday!  So I tried very hard to stay on the night schedule on my off days to make it go smoothly which worked for that but I don’t feel super motivated to do anything when waking up at midnight but lounge. 

Something I love about my WIP:  I’m doing everything thing I can to make it seem as real as possible.  Not gloss over something because it might not be something that will go over well or might be bashed. 

That’s it for this week.  Good luck this week!

Ready. Set. Write. Week 9!

                Welcome to Week 9 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game. 

So let me just say I did horrible last week and don't expect to do much better this week.

How I did on last weeks goals:

• Classes- I'm in class this week with a co-worker.  So my plans are to not be late to class each day, pay attention, do well, and not fall asleep in them. – Done!  I was early each day and passed all parts of testing on the first go!  Also I only slept through one video as old as me but I had to lean against the wall to see it at all and then the lights went out and I was out for that wonderful 15 minute nap.
  
• Writing-I doubt I'll get anything done – And I was right!  Classes ran from 8-5 (or later if held up) then homework.
• Reading- I hope to finish my two books and at least one more for review- Nope!  I got maybe 100 pages of non-work related reading done the whole week.  It’s been horrible.  

My goals for this week: 

• Finish Vicious and Never Fade
• Read Truth and Wednesday and work on my reviews
• Finish 2 posts for this week and one for next week (see above)
• Send my short story to at least 2 people for thoughts
• Write 2 scenes in my WIP
• Finish my blog tabs (about me and my rating system) and get it updated
• Unpack!

That’s about it for me this week.  I’m sure I’ll spend most of today sleeping since I have been ‘working’ since last Sunday.  I’m just happy to be home with my bed and my bebe (my cat Keira) who missed me terribly!

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:  Didn’t write any.

The biggest challenge I face this week:  Staying awake in class and getting out of bed to go at all since I’m on nights and the class was during day time hours.  I haven't even unpacked my laptop yet.  Okay I haven't unpacked anything but the dirty clothes bag.

Something I love about my WIP:  That it will wait for me to return to it. 

Sorry I wasn’t able to go by and spread the love last week.  I posted quickly before leaving for class then was there all day and when I got back to the hotel had a ton of homework we worked on (after dinner in a nifty new place) until after midnight. 

That’s it for this week.  Good luck this week!

Ready. Set. Write Week 7

                Welcome to Week 7 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game.

 

 How I did on last weeks goals:

• Exercise 3 times this week (upping it some)- Epic FAIL I only had 1 day off this week and it was spent sleeping after not sleeping between the previous two 12 hour shifts lol  Sleep schedule is not working with me. 
• Write 2,500 words in my WIP- I fell short only reached 1,586.
  
• Edit my short story-I ended up adding more to it.  I just felt there was another scene or so that could make it a bit better.  I’m not the best editor in the world, horrible really when it comes to my own work since I know what should be there I read over mistakes.  I’m going to send it to a couple friends to see what they think and go from there. 
• Finish The Darkest Minds, I mean seriously it will get finished!  Also finish the Grisha trilogy with the read-along group.  Also read two additional books, one of which being Paper Towns so I can have read it before the movie comes out.  I finished The Darkest Minds at the start of the week then Ruin & Rising the last of the trilogy with the read-along yesterday.  I also finished my review book and I’m starting Paper Towns as soon as I post this.  I also read another book in there so still met my goal #’s wise just not one of them I had intended.      
  
• Write 3 reviews, trying to stay ahead and keep a schedule-I typed and posted Escape From Witchwood Hollow and Alienated.  Did not get an extra one done.  

My goals for this week:  

• Pack / Reserve Room / Plan- I have a training class all of next week and leave Sunday for it so I need to pack…again.  I need to make sure I have things I need for the work classes and then also have things for after if we want to do something after, I’m a horrid over-packer if it wasn’t clear.  Plus prep some lunch and dinner items to take with to save money on eating out.
  
• Have posts ready for Monday/Wednesday/Friday edited and on blogger so I can post from my phone if necessary (unsure what the internet situation will be like sometimes hotels and wifi don’t always get along).  I have one review written but not formatted and I’ll have my RSW put on there and formatted Sunday before we leave.
  
• Writing wise I’d like to send my short story to a few people to get their thoughts and look into a few places that take short story submissions as a possible option.  If anyone knows of some good sites let me know in the comments or e-mail me please.
  
• I also felt like I did better with scene goals rather than words so I’m going back to that.  I want to write at least 3 new scenes on my WIP.
  
• I’m working on updating my blog and blogs FB page with adding tabs and such for things.  Finally!  I need to work on creating my rating system or more explaining the one I already use since it’s never been discussed and someone mentioned it would be good.  Also my contact page and all that fun stuff.  Slow but I love that it’s coming together.
  
• Reading wise:  I’m reading Never Fade and Vicious as read alongs this week.  I also plan on finishing Paper Towns today (or tomorrow if I don’t finish it before leaving work and go home to crash) so I can be good to see the movie this weekend.  Hopefully more but that’s all for goals.
  
• See the Paper Towns movie next weekend and have the book and movie review down and ready to post while I’m in training class next week.

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:  Main character and her best friend since diapers talking via e-mail.

                She had a point.  She had been using that excuse as is to avoid talking about things.  As always you make a good point.

                But…

                She knew me too well.  I’ve already lost everything.  I don’t know if I could take falling for someone and losing them.

                There it was.  The real truth.  Sure all the practical reasons were there but the heart of the matter was straight forward.  Her response takes longer than the others which means she’s either stunned silent and has nothing to say or she’s writing a book.

The biggest challenge I face this week: Time.  Only one day off and having sleep issues between 12 hour shifts doesn’t leave much time.  When you can’t sleep it would make sense to write but if you’re trying to fall asleep sitting up to write or typing on the computer/phone seems counter-productive.  So restless lying in bed it is.

Something I love about my WIP: That my characters are real.  They act and think like people do, not always rational or sane but the ideas and feelings flow and influence everything.  Or at least that is my goal.

That’s it for this week.  Good luck this week!

Ready. Set. Write. Week 6

                Welcome to Week 6 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game. 

How I did on last weeks goals:

• Finish The Darkest Minds ASAP!- Nope!  Just  haven't even though I'm enjoying it which makes zero sense. 
• Read Storm and Siege and Never Fade with my friend for our read-along and at least 1 other book from my TBR list. I finished Storm and Siege with my read-along group.  I never finished Darkest Minds so didn't start Never Fade.   I did finish a review book from my TBR list, a short story, and a manga that arrived Friday.
  
• Type 4 reviews and post 2. 3/4 Done!  I posted my reviews for These Broken Stars and Every Day.  I also have one other review ready to go.
  
• Finish my short I started. Pretty much.  It needs some editing and just a few minutes ago I thought of a line I wanted to add to it but I'm excited.
  
•  Swapping things up: 3k words in my WIP- L Nope.  I am ashamed to admit I didn't work on it at all. 
• I’m going to get in with everyone else here and add exercise in some format at least twice (it’s small but from nothing I need to start somewhere). Okay so I know the bar was low but nope.  I did walk Saturday and intended to walk Sunday and keep it up but it's just so HOT I don't have the energy to move.

 My goals for this week: 

• Exercise 3 times this week (upping it some)
  
• Write 2,500 words in my WIP 
• Edit my short story 
• Finish The Darkest Minds, I mean seriously it will get finished!  Also finish the Grisha trilogy with the read-along group.  Also read two additional books, one of which being Paper Towns so I can have read it before the movie comes out. 
• Write 3 reviews, trying to stay ahead and keep a schedule

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:  (short story)

Get in a truck with a total stranger?  In the middle of nowhere.  This was the start to most serial killer movies.  Her overactive imagination was getting the best of her, he was probably just a nice guy.  Screw it.  She didn't have anyone else she was willing to call.  If he was a serial killer then fine, it would just round out her night. 

The biggest challenge I face this week:  Feeling motivated to do anything when it is frankly just so flipping HOT.  I have the AC cranked but after my last power bill *cough* I've determined I can't afford to keep it at 65 all day despite my desire to do so.  It isn't hot at 75 by any means but I just want to chill and veg out.

Something I love about my WIP: That even when I take time off from it and don't work on it, the story still calls to me and doesn't feel abandoned.

That’s it for this week.  

Ready. Set. Write. Week 4

                Welcome to Week 4 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game. 

How I did on last weeks goals: Well I missed last week given I was sleeping most of the day after returning from UtopYA super late/early.  But the last goals I had went pretty good.  I had a blast at UtopYA and did learn a ton, made tons of new contacts and friends, and had such an amazing time I can't even put into words.  I know some of you asked for details, to keep this short I made a brief post about it and filled it with tons of pictures and a swag giveaway open until Tuesday which you can see here!  I also haven't posted the lip sync videos anywhere but Facebook due to my lack of knowledge on uploading them and Blogger saying they are too large. 

I did not post a chapter in my Fanfic as I was so busy having fun there and honestly being home has just zapped me.  Apparently being out there and open when you're normally more of an introvert takes a lot out of you.  I did get about halfway through the chapter I want to post and I have the rest plotted out just have to get it rolling again.

I didn't work on my WIP at all thought.  But at UtopYA several people gave me an idea for another story and I have been writing down ideas and notes for that so I'll count it as a half win.

I also technically did my posts/reviews but it was also an extra week in there so I feel there should have been more but the signal in Nashville was kinda crappy for everyone so I honestly didn't even take my computer out of its case.  I was in my room to drop off books/swag, refuel, shower/change, and SLEEP.

My goals for this week: 

·         Work on a new short story that came to me Sunday and see if it could develop into more than a short story as I'm kind of unsure just yet but I don't want to lose it. 

·         Finish and post the new chapter in my Fanfic that I didn't do.

·         Again: Write at least one scene on my original WIP story so I don't lose momentum.

·         Finish the 2 books I'm reading along with a friend this week (The Darkest Minds & Shadow & Bone) as well as at least one of my TBR books I got at UtopYA.

·         Make a schedule for some upcoming events I want to host on my blog and do at least 2 reviews!

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:  What I have currently is just notes for a new story but the idea/project others mentioned was something I thought about previously.  A collection of short stories about the crazy and insane time as a 911 dispatcher for a small southern county.  Thoughts?

The biggest challenge I face this week:  Coming back from vacation and trying to readjust my schedule.  Also remembering all my work passwords (seriously I have like 8 different ones that have to be changed at different time frames which make it hard enough to remember on a good day let alone after a week of no use).

Something I love about my WIP:  That I have all these new ideas running through my head and so much determination to FINISH them.

That’s it for this week.  

Ready. Set. Write. Week 2

                Welcome to Week 2 of Ready. Set. Write.  Simple is the name of the game. Last weeks post can be found here.

 How I did on last weeks goals: I finished re-reading all my typed parts, my notes, everything.  YAY!  I also wrote 3 scenes.  Fell a little short there but I had more written than I had anticipated but I'm happy with what I've written.

My goals for this week:  I loved how everyone posted not just writing goals but life goals last time.  I'm leaving Wednesday for UtopYA in Nashville so I'll be gone all week and with all the people to meet and things to do I don't think I'll get much done. 

·         To learn as much as I can, meet new people, and have a ton of fun! 

·         Post a new chapter in my Fanfic that I have been neglecting (hopefully before I leave).

·         Write at least one scene on my story so I don't lose momentum.

·         Write up at least two blog posts/book reviews.

A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised: My main character's first day at a new school pissed off the queen bee / mean girl.  Her way of telling someone about just made me laugh.

                Giving a dramatic sigh Lexi leaned her elbows against the counter placing her head in her hands, “She’s a snobby self entitled bitch who thinks the world should bow down to her.  I didn’t bow before her.”

The biggest challenge I face this week: Finding time with packing and final planning for my trip and having a few other life things happening at the same time.

Something I love about my WIP:  I am working very hard to make my female lead impulsive but also pretty smart so her reactions/decisions make sense. 

That’s it for this week.  Let's see how I do.

Ready. Set. Write. Week 1: Goals

Ready. Set. Write.

                Hello everyone.  So I’m trying something new.  Something a bit different than my usual reviews and fun.  In case any of you didn’t know already I’m also an aspiring author.  I have been writing for fun for a long while but I have yet to finally finish any of my projects for one reason or another.  I have not done anything like this before, the closest would be NaNoWriMo.  Which is also the last time I worked on my current project.  That being said I’m going to participate in Ready. Set. Write. this summer and push myself to work on my writing.  But don’t worry I will still be reading and reviewing!

                 Ready. Set. Write is a summer writing intensive that provides an opportunity for everyone to cheer each other on wherever we are in our writing stage.  This year the RSW hosts are Alison Miller, Katy Upperman, Erin Funk, Elodie Nowodazki, and Jamie Morrow.  Each Monday everyone will post a few quick lines under the headlines then spend a few minutes visiting and spreading the love and encouragement to other participants then get back to those WIP.  Sounds like a plan. 

                Today is day 1 so we only post our goals for the week.  Here goes.

Week 1 goals: 

• It’s been too long since I worked on my project so I need to read everything I have written at this point, all 52K words of it; plus my notes, scene cards, character cards, the works and find the heart of my story again. 
• Once I have the heart and soul of the story back at the forefront of my mind, goal two is to write at least FOUR FULL separate scenes.  Lengths depend on the particular scene but I figure finishing scenes over word count might work better for me.

               That’s it. I’m starting off small but better than nothing!