Confessions of a Blogger

I usually write my blog posts on Mondays and let them sit overnight. Sometimes I'll think of tidbits to add but most of the time I make little or no changes. But the time-buffer is reassuring. It allows me to catch mistakes before publishing my words for others to scrutinize. I'm a poor speller and queen of type-os, but I'm expanding my knowledge of grammar and punctuation everyday.

I'm typing this right now—on Tuesday. Yesterday, I used my writing time to add about three-fourths of a page to my manuscript. Anything added to the story is worth celebrating—especially this past week. Two weeks ago I edited my first two chapters into one which took several digits off my page count. Quality, not quantity is my new mantra. I can't allow myself to morn over the reduced page count.

After all, don't we all want to reduce numbers?

Perfect Ten

Today is the National Day on Writing-- how cool is that?



http://www.ncte.org/dayonwriting

There are currently ten children from the ages of one to thirteen in my house, so that's all I can say at the moment!

Back at It

Last week I added two and a half pages to the first draft I've been working on for an extended amount of time (it's embarrassing to say how long). That's two pages more than the past several weeks combined. I joined a critique group last month and I figured I'd have an easy ride the first few months since I had four completed chapters.

When I submitted the second chapter to the group last week I realized I've used half my reserves. It took me an insane amount of time to get those forty-odd pages and I realized I need to get my fingers in gear so I don't look like a total washout with nothing to submit in another month.

I want to work on my novel at least four days a week. My goal is a completed first draft by my next birthday. If I keep to my minimum for four serious days a week (even if it's just fifteen minutes a day) I'll reach my goal with time to spare. Since I have three freakazoids running around the house I'll probably need to use that spare time.

*****

On September eighth I urged everyone to write their senators in regards to mandatory vaccines. I am happy to report that Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama responded to my letter. Part of his closing remarks are “Rest assured, I do not and will not support mandatory vaccination.” Let's hold him, and any other politician who claims such, accountable to that statement.

Who Done It?

I've been trying to figure out where the past week went. My Franklin-Covey day planner is littered with scribbles about the baby's naps, shopping (several times) at the seasonal children's consignment sale, and exercising.

Some of the one-time events were bringing my youngest to her one year check-up and attending the local writers' meeting.
The princess is now twenty-one pounds and six ounces and thirty inches tall.
I managed to write twice during the past seven days. Sad but true.

So, after watching Castle on ABC last night I'm revved up to have a killer week with writing. Castle is the only show I'm watching right now. It's not the greatest show in the world- all those have been canceled already. But it has enough charm, humor, and intrigue to keep me tuning in each Monday since it began last season.