Progress Update February
This is the last Friday of the month and time to check in!
I wrote a lot more this month.
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Duh, right? Of course that's supposed to happen. But I think when we write stories where we don't have to chop our darlings out of the story line, they can get fat with unnecessary scenes and sometimes even chapters. I'm finding this is making this story leaner.
Getting instant feedback from readers chapter by chapter has also been educational. Not to mention their suggestions have altered the plot, which is also fun.
I also started working on a new historical novel set in the late 1940's America. I find it to be a romantic era, so I am enjoying the research.
I also wrote a guest post for Cara Palmer. Cara has a money-saving blog that is always helpful and interesting. Read the 7 Ways to Save post here.
Okay, so I made a goal to read 50 books this year. I managed three last month (well, two and a short story), and this month? Well, let's mark it up as a work in progress. Unless...
I did babysit for my great niece and nephew and we read the Brown Bear story. It was a good read. I found it a little lacking in suspense, the characters were a bit flat, and there was zero romance.
I bet that does provide interesting feedback when you are only posting a chapter at a time. Might be something to try. Except that I don't write in chapters - it's just one big, long chapter until the very last edit.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting. I never plan the end of chapters in the beginning. I start with a long, drawn out synopsis and then when I start writing the chapters just sort of emerge and end themselves.
DeleteI had a friend a few years ago post a story on her FB and she said at times it was a challenge because ending each chapters she had to do so in a way to get people back to read more.
ReplyDeleteThat's it exactly, which we should be doing with every chapter anyhow. The whole hookers and hangers thing.
DeleteI think we should collaborate on a book. Write everyother chapter, switching POVCs...my jerk, your dreamer.
ReplyDeleteA post apocalyptic renewal of life with fuzzy kittens and monsters? Sounds like fun!
DeleteFeedback chapter by chapter sounds like fun, hopefully lol
ReplyDeleteWait. So you want romance in a bear book? Wow, are you a closet Furry?
I am dying laughing!! Nope, no closet furry. But that's hilarious.
DeleteNice going on you're reading goals. I'm struggling to get through one book. :-/
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking part in the GotGoals Bloghop! You can check out the other posts at gotgoalsbloghop.blogspot.com.
*Sigh*
Delete*your
No worries, I didn't even notice it.
DeleteIt's so hard to get everything done. I've been writing more words, which usually equals reading less words.
It seems like you're making good progress on your goals. Keep it up!
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
Thanks Gina!
DeleteWay to go with your writing progress! And yes, of course, the books you read out loud to kiddies counts toward your reading goals. (But sorry, you can only count each book once, no matter HOW many times you read it to them!)
ReplyDeleteIn spite of life getting in the way, I'm finally making some writing progress, too. I've almost finished rewriting the whole first part of my WIP. Woo HOO! Then I can finally move forward. :)
Darn! I could have been up by ten books in a day. LOL
DeleteGreat to hear you're getting finished. I can't wait to read it. Be sure to put me on your preferred beta list.
Yeah, it's the only way I can write books - chapter per chapter, and getting feedback from my writing bud on each chapter. I think it's the way to go.
ReplyDeleteA great weekend to you, my friend.
I'm usually too insecure to share very early. It has been a lesson in bravery too.
DeleteChildren's book authors are writers too. So bravo for adding it to your pile. It must be interesting writing "live." Keep up the great work on your goals.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good point. Writing children's books has to be one of the hardest genre. I'm amazed by an author who finds the magic to keep a child still for a few minutes.
DeleteI'm really enjoying the story on Wattpad, and find myself waiting till you get two or three chapters up before I read, so I can sink into the story more. This is my first time reading a story on that medium. Some great tips on Cara's blog! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIf it was me, Lisa, I'd wait until the whole story was up. But I also like to watch finished series of shows so I don't have to wait between seasons.
DeleteGreat that you're writing so much! If you need a crit partner for the 1940s story, let me know :)
ReplyDeleteThat would be amazing! Thank you, Mark! I've always wanted to do one, but feared the research, etc. Then I reminded myself...write for fun or what's the point? It's not the cash. LOL
DeleteGreat job on keeping at it, Twinny! That Wattpad seems like a really cool challenge and talk about getting some deadlines to focus in on :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm... interesting.. I'm going to check it out :)
I think you should! It's good for the writer spirit.
Deleteinteresting...i guess i never really thought about a writers process. and it sounds like you are making good progress, good for you!!!
ReplyDeleteProbably much like your knitting and crocheting. Little bits add up over time.
DeleteHi Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great with your reading goals and your writing. All the best!