I think Sven and I broke up. 
Sigh. I was doing so well, but after I finished WIP #1 my life exploded. Yes, I know we all have excuses, but I have deadlines on editing projects (edits for other people), plus have been out every night with something I am volunteering for that will all, thankfully wrap up, by the end of this month (well Dec 2nd really). Add to that a toddler who’s decided to be awake from 2-5am and I’ve run out of writing time option. I’ve tried ignoring my children during the day, but they don’t like it much and neither does my creativity.
I’m so sorry Sven. I have to go look at the rules again and see how many days it was that we were allowed to do whatever. I can’t remember. Maybe I’m still inside that and can give it another go. Today I pulled out a completed ms that needs an overhaul. I’ve added words to it, albeit not much as I seem to be taking more away – who wrote this crap anyway? 
Yeah, it was me. It’s amazing how much your writing evolves over the space of a year. I’ve added this ms to my Sven WIP spreadsheet and I’m going to count any additions to that towards my goals.
What I really should be working on is my WIP#2, which is the rest of my novella that is entered into a contest. I can’t seem to figure out where the story should go. And, for some reason, I have been discouraged by this contest in the last couple of weeks. Not from the organisers, not at all. They have done an excellent job. The contest should be a dream. It’s free, it supports more than just a few finalists and your work is put in front of numerous people that could help your career. No, I’ve been discouraged by the way I’ve seen others behaving. They’ve been offered a fantastic opportunity and they’ve been complaining about it. Publicly.
It seems like so much of what has been going around romancelandia lately. It’s biting the hand that feeds you. Do you know how many editors and agents read these forums and blogs? A lot. Many anonymously. Maybe you are the next biggest thing, but do you think they want to work with difficult people? And truthfully after following some of the links back – I think you may want to rethink your opinion. That’s not said to be mean, but it’s reality. I am an editor also, but even if I wasn’t… there’s always room for improvement. Does that mean that I think my own stuff is brilliant? No, it means it’s sometimes harder for me to see my own mistakes. And trust me, I don’t think I’m all that. I’m trying to be better with everything I write. My blog posts aren’t necessarily edited to within an inch of their life, either. I write these fast, these are are just me, being who I am.
I wrote a bunch more stuff, but really then I’m only contributing to the rant and rave that started my own. I normally refuse to be drawn into this stuff, but lately I have been saddened. We should support each other. Not drag each other down. It’s the whole, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, why say it at all thing” – hmm, I’m full of cliche’s today. Or is that the correct word? I’m tired.
Sven, bring it on. Let’s try to make it work. The rest of you. Put your love and angst into your writing 
, it’ll do you more good there.
Give Sven another try. The point is to write “something” every day. You’ve still got plenty of time to get into the habit!
I hear you on said contest. I couldn’t believe how pissy some people got. Anybody who remembers past winners/contests would know exactly how the contest unfolds. You’re right too that lots of people see such comments and take away an immediate impression.
by Joely November 18th, 2007 at 5:01 am ♦it’s 23 days built in for holidays and the like.
And really, the key I think, is to just keep on keepin on. Life will intrude (I just paused in commenting to draw fins on several mermaids) and then you try and carve out writing time. It all builds up over time.
As for stupid people doing stupid things online? You know what – in the end, all you can do is comport yourself with dignity and get your words on paper. It’s a waste of time trying to save people from themselves.
by Lauren Dane November 18th, 2007 at 2:12 pm ♦Give yourself a chance. I was behind about halfway through the last Sweat but I made it up a little at a time. Keep on trying.
by Rebecca Airies November 19th, 2007 at 1:51 am ♦I just couldn’t face Sven this month. I’m having a fling with NaNo. And NaNo is being harsh with me. I may need to go back to Sven.
by Christine d'Abo November 21st, 2007 at 6:54 am ♦Oh, Sven doesn’t do break ups over missed word counts. He probably does breaks ups when you fall off the horse and don’t get back on.
If you had a few weeks go to hell, don’t let that stop you from getting getting back to it.
Good luck!
by Shiloh Walker December 5th, 2007 at 2:14 pm ♦