Total Word Count (approx.): 36.5K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 3.5K
This will be a short post with absolutely no motivational speaking in it whatsoever. Ok, maybe a little.
I took last night off with the knowledge that I'd get some work done today. Turns out, I did, just not enough to put me over the word count missed last night. Still, there's tomorrow night and Friday with some evening time, so I'm not worried.
I imagine that working on a deadline is much different. I mean, I have a deadline, and I'm going to stick to that deadline (believe me, you'll hear me shouting for joy, of course, it may also be the alcohol since my deadline is St. Patrick's day and, well, I am mostly Irish!) but it's not like if I don't meet it I will lose cash. It's a self-imposed deadline rather than an advanced-driven deadline.
The thing to keep in mind about deadlines (particularly self-imposed ones) and goal setting (at least for me anyway) is that it's easy to take them out of context. For instance, sure, it's easy to say, "Yeah, I can write three thousand words a day" but if you don't look at the other impacts on your life and free time, then this may be a road to failure. Set goals for a week and then break it down by day, giving yourself some "wiggle" room. Really. Especially if you have plenty of other stressors in your life (like kids, work, bills, etc...). Find a goal that's right for your lifestyle. Understand where you want to be with your work and when.
So, that said, I'm pretty happy I pushed through my exhaustion to get some words on paper. If I can do it, so can you, the reader, who I am assuming has in interest in writing.
That said, get that butt in that chair and write, dammit!
Thanks for reading and thanks for your support.
~Stephan
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday Night Writing Session II
Total Word Count (approx.): 33K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 2K
Three cups of Hazelnut Coffee: Check.
English to Latin phrase translator: Check.
Writing a scene where a Southern hick vampire from a trailer park speaks a phrase in Latin: Priceless.
Ok, so the second Monday Night Writing Session has been completed with much success. Got my daily word count of 2000 words in. Got to hang with my friend Dennis, who is also writing his story. All very productive.
I encourage anyone who wants to partake in this productive creativity fest to come out and join us on Monday evenings from 7 - 9 at Panera Bread in Bolingbrook. It's the one by Target and Jewel.
Anyroad, not much else to say. I'm pretty exhausted and am running on pure caffeine now, so I'll sign off by saying thanks to Dennis for helping me stay focused, my wife for being awesomely supportive, and to all of you for reading this journey.
Have a great Monday night. See ya tomorrow!
~Stephan
Friday, February 24, 2012
Admiration
Total Word Count (approx.): 31K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 2.3K (Weekly goal of 10K words achieved!)
So, as the title of this blog insinuates, this post is about admiration. Looking at my daily routine and knowing my energy level at the end of a full day (which is to say, all but none) and sitting down to write is one of the more difficult things I've had to do. It'd be so easy to say, "I'm too tired" or "I've got a head-ache". It'd be easy to fool myself into not doing the writing...
...but then I'd not be a writer. Because then I look at some of the authors I've met who are a great influence to me, like Jim Hines, Tim Akers, and Matt Forbeck. I look at the things they're doing, like Jim, who works a full time job outside of being a successful author and Tim who also worked a day job while being a successful author and Matt Forbeck who is on track to writing 12 novels this year. I'm sure they all have days that they don't feel like writing, yet they do it. And they've succeeded.
So, tonight, through my exhaustion, through my head-ache, I achieved my weekly goal of ten thousand words. I am officially half way done with my first draft (and have nearly 100 pages of text). Sure, I felt like just lounging in the Poang and watching an episode of Being Human (UK) on Netflix, but instead, I wrote. I put words on paper (virtual as it is). I achieved my goal and now I have two days off. To reward myself, tomorrow night should once again be a night filled with Talisman with friends.
So, as the title of this blog insinuates, this post is about admiration. Looking at my daily routine and knowing my energy level at the end of a full day (which is to say, all but none) and sitting down to write is one of the more difficult things I've had to do. It'd be so easy to say, "I'm too tired" or "I've got a head-ache". It'd be easy to fool myself into not doing the writing...
...but then I'd not be a writer. Because then I look at some of the authors I've met who are a great influence to me, like Jim Hines, Tim Akers, and Matt Forbeck. I look at the things they're doing, like Jim, who works a full time job outside of being a successful author and Tim who also worked a day job while being a successful author and Matt Forbeck who is on track to writing 12 novels this year. I'm sure they all have days that they don't feel like writing, yet they do it. And they've succeeded.
So, tonight, through my exhaustion, through my head-ache, I achieved my weekly goal of ten thousand words. I am officially half way done with my first draft (and have nearly 100 pages of text). Sure, I felt like just lounging in the Poang and watching an episode of Being Human (UK) on Netflix, but instead, I wrote. I put words on paper (virtual as it is). I achieved my goal and now I have two days off. To reward myself, tomorrow night should once again be a night filled with Talisman with friends.
Thanks for reading, thanks for your support and have a great night!
~Stephan
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Family Game Night!!!
Total Word Count (approx.): 28.7K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 1.5K
Alright. I wasn't going to write at all tonight. I'm pretty exhausted. Long day with the Benvolio, not much sleep, crazy anger dreams and all that.
Still, for not going to write and getting 1500 words done, it's not bad. Fun scene too. By the end of this week, I will be half way through with the first draft. Then, three more weeks and the first draft will be done!
So, I guess the lesson I learned tonight is: even if you don't want to write... write anyway. Again, it's the first draft, so who knows.
Family game night was awesome. Played Talisman with the fam. Good times were had by all and it was a very close game.
Well, not much else to report tonight, looking forward to the snow we're supposed to be getting (and probably won't).
Thanks for reading, thanks for your support and have a great night!
~Stephan
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Hump Day... and I'm spent.
Total Word Count (approx.): 27.2K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 2K
Some days the words come easy. Other days, not so much. Tonight was one of those days. I wrote for an hour and barely got 2000 words and it felt much harder than normal. Still, I love where the story is going and it's getting tighter for being almost half finished.
Some days the words come easy. Other days, not so much. Tonight was one of those days. I wrote for an hour and barely got 2000 words and it felt much harder than normal. Still, I love where the story is going and it's getting tighter for being almost half finished.
Looking forward to family game night, tomorrow night. Other than that, I'm signing off for tonight. Gonna curl up and hopefully finish reading the horror novel I have.
Have a great night everyone. Thanks for reading and thanks for your support.
~Stephan
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Advice Day...
Total Word Count (approx.): 25.2K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 2.2K
Well, today was rough. Trying to stick to a schedule with a one year old who doesn't can cause quite a bit of stress. Particularly when sleep is missed. Still, it ended on a positive note. Had a great work-out at the gym, an awesome dinner, and then, when all I wanted to do was curl up and watch bad television shows on Netflix, I instead pounded out 2200 words.
So, as the title states, today is advice day. Not that I'm giving any. Nope. I just wanted to let folks know about it, where to get it, and how I feel about it.
First, for those of you who also follow my Facebook page, you'll note that I shared a link to Chuck Wendig's 'Terrible Minds' blog. Today's article was very germane (one of my favorite words) to my life currently. It was about Advice for Aspiring Authors. Not only is it funny, but it's also very true, or I should say that its truth resonates with me strongly. Like the Force. I highly recommend reading it. Especially if you feel you're one of my friends and want to offer me unsolicited advice.
Speaking of, I did a rant yesterday about it and I don't want to hash up what's in the past, but I do feel it important to re-iterate a few things with an addition: Be a friend who offers support (NOT unsolicited advice from a "friend" of yours who may or may not be an "authority" on the subject). If you want to help and offer advice, do research. If you don't, that's fine too (I won't ever judge someone for NOT giving me advice), just admit it to yourself and move on. Just don't be that person who offers uniformed information in a definitive manner. It's self-aggrandizing and that's just unflattering. More importantly, it's not at all helpful. OK, moving on.
Where to get advice? Just like how I mentioned Chuck Wendig above, find authors, particularly authors you enjoy reading, authors whose works you've read and whose works are similar to what genre you're writing in. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Find their blogs, read about their trials and tribulations. Ask them questions. Visit them at Conventions, sit on their panels, meet them in the bar afterwards and buy them a drink. OK, don't STALK them, but you know, be cool. They all started somewhere, probably where you're sitting right now, and they probably did a lot of what you're looking to do. In other words, they are an "authority".
Well, today was rough. Trying to stick to a schedule with a one year old who doesn't can cause quite a bit of stress. Particularly when sleep is missed. Still, it ended on a positive note. Had a great work-out at the gym, an awesome dinner, and then, when all I wanted to do was curl up and watch bad television shows on Netflix, I instead pounded out 2200 words.
So, as the title states, today is advice day. Not that I'm giving any. Nope. I just wanted to let folks know about it, where to get it, and how I feel about it.
First, for those of you who also follow my Facebook page, you'll note that I shared a link to Chuck Wendig's 'Terrible Minds' blog. Today's article was very germane (one of my favorite words) to my life currently. It was about Advice for Aspiring Authors. Not only is it funny, but it's also very true, or I should say that its truth resonates with me strongly. Like the Force. I highly recommend reading it. Especially if you feel you're one of my friends and want to offer me unsolicited advice.
Speaking of, I did a rant yesterday about it and I don't want to hash up what's in the past, but I do feel it important to re-iterate a few things with an addition: Be a friend who offers support (NOT unsolicited advice from a "friend" of yours who may or may not be an "authority" on the subject). If you want to help and offer advice, do research. If you don't, that's fine too (I won't ever judge someone for NOT giving me advice), just admit it to yourself and move on. Just don't be that person who offers uniformed information in a definitive manner. It's self-aggrandizing and that's just unflattering. More importantly, it's not at all helpful. OK, moving on.
Where to get advice? Just like how I mentioned Chuck Wendig above, find authors, particularly authors you enjoy reading, authors whose works you've read and whose works are similar to what genre you're writing in. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Find their blogs, read about their trials and tribulations. Ask them questions. Visit them at Conventions, sit on their panels, meet them in the bar afterwards and buy them a drink. OK, don't STALK them, but you know, be cool. They all started somewhere, probably where you're sitting right now, and they probably did a lot of what you're looking to do. In other words, they are an "authority".
Ultimately, these are the things I'm doing and they work for me. Find what works for you and do that. It's the best advice I've gotten since "put your butt in the chair and get words on the page".
As always, thanks for reading and thanks for your support!
~Stephan
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday Night Writing Session
Total Word Count (approx.): 23K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 2.1K
So, I totally blanked on the fact that Panera bread has different hours during the winter. Anyroad, my my friend Dennis for a writing session that was supposed to go from 8 - 10, but instead went from about 7:30 - 9. Next week, it'll be 7-9 and hopefully I can keep up the pace of the words to get four thousand.
So, I totally blanked on the fact that Panera bread has different hours during the winter. Anyroad, my my friend Dennis for a writing session that was supposed to go from 8 - 10, but instead went from about 7:30 - 9. Next week, it'll be 7-9 and hopefully I can keep up the pace of the words to get four thousand.
We chatted a bit (and had a good laugh about the reasoning for my rant earlier today on Facebook) and I got to writing proper closer to 8. In an hour I pumped out over 2100 words. They were two great scenes (well, ok, one and a half) and I left the session feeling more energized than when I got there (of course, I also had two cups of coffee during my stay there, which were even more flavorful since they were free).
I enjoy the fact that getting out of the house, sitting down with a friend and pounding out some creativity is energizing and exciting. It helps and it's good and I'm looking forward to doing this every Monday (as often as possible, of course, what with raising two kids and care-taking for two old dogs, managing a house with my lovely wife and helping run a publishing company while she's still working on her costuming).
Writing in the evenings, every weeknight, is definitely working for me. Dennis and I chatted about patterns and tools for authors and writers and what I'd like to think came of this is some advice I'll offer out to the few who are reading this blog: Find what works for you. No one can tell you how to write but yourself. Since you're the one writing, you're the one who has to find the best method to get that done. If it's sequestering yourself in a dark, candle-lit room for a few hours, then great. If it's not, then don't try to make it work. Find what works for you and use it.
Alright, I'm stoked, I'm energized and I'm ready for the rest of the week (which, according to the weather report, is going to be overcast and rainy).
Weekly goal, ten-thousand words. I'm over a fifth of the way there.
Thanks for reading and thanks for your support!
~Stephan
Friday, February 17, 2012
How much wood could a Woodchuck chuck...
Total Word Count (approx.): 20.8K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 1.2K
So, motivation-wise, I wrote for only about half an hour before I had a good cut off point. I intended to write until 8:30 when my wife and I were going to go and watch "Drive" but it turned out I got out roughly the amount of words I wanted in about half the time. Huzzah.
Setting a time to write and then getting in the habit of writing at that point is really a great way to train your body and mind to do what it is you need to do. So, this week I've almost doubled my word count. What does that mean? Well, it means that in the past five nights (about five hours) I've done as much work on this novel as I've done over the past month and a half.
So, now that I've had four Woodchucks, and posted my word count and such here, I'm heading to the living room for some well deserved R&R.
So, motivation-wise, I wrote for only about half an hour before I had a good cut off point. I intended to write until 8:30 when my wife and I were going to go and watch "Drive" but it turned out I got out roughly the amount of words I wanted in about half the time. Huzzah.
Setting a time to write and then getting in the habit of writing at that point is really a great way to train your body and mind to do what it is you need to do. So, this week I've almost doubled my word count. What does that mean? Well, it means that in the past five nights (about five hours) I've done as much work on this novel as I've done over the past month and a half.
So, now that I've had four Woodchucks, and posted my word count and such here, I'm heading to the living room for some well deserved R&R.
I've also discovered that it's important to give yourself a day off and that's what tomorrow is. Tomorrow I am not writing (but I am drinking whatever's left in the house after tonight and also playing Talisman with some friends). Something to work for, something to look forward to.
So that said, I'm looking to write 10,000 words a week. That means that I'll have reached my intended goal (and hopefully the end of this story) by St. Patrick's Day.
Coincidence? I think NOT!!!! Guinness and Woodchuck's make an excellent substitute black and tan as well as a great way to celebrate.
Alright, thanks for reading and thanks for your support. Now go out there and have a GREAT weekend! :)
~Stephan
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Something Pithy Here
Total Word Count (approx.): 19.6K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 1.5K
Well, I was going to write something pithy here (and I did, just look up), but my exhaustion is taking its toll. I didn't even feel like writing tonight (I just felt like curling up and watching another episode of Lie to Me). Still, I got almost six pages done (1531 words to be exact) and it was a fun (for me, not so much for the main character) scene to compose. Got to do some voodoo-esque divination and the main character falls unconscious... again. :)
Anyroad, feeling a lot better about things, rejection and such (which, by the way, didn't really bother me so much, but since it's a common state of affairs in this arena I thought it germane to reiterate my thoughts and feelings on it).
I'm also kind of psyched to hopefully take a night and spend two hours (instead of my normal one) with a friend to do some mutual(ly exclusive) writing on a regular basis.
Once more, thanks for reading, and thanks for your support and if you missed my post about rejection, just go here.
Thanks,
~Stephan
Well, I was going to write something pithy here (and I did, just look up), but my exhaustion is taking its toll. I didn't even feel like writing tonight (I just felt like curling up and watching another episode of Lie to Me). Still, I got almost six pages done (1531 words to be exact) and it was a fun (for me, not so much for the main character) scene to compose. Got to do some voodoo-esque divination and the main character falls unconscious... again. :)
Anyroad, feeling a lot better about things, rejection and such (which, by the way, didn't really bother me so much, but since it's a common state of affairs in this arena I thought it germane to reiterate my thoughts and feelings on it).
I'm also kind of psyched to hopefully take a night and spend two hours (instead of my normal one) with a friend to do some mutual(ly exclusive) writing on a regular basis.
Once more, thanks for reading, and thanks for your support and if you missed my post about rejection, just go here.
Thanks,
~Stephan
Rejection: It's not the end of the world, though it may feel like it.
I've been told that dealing with rejection in a positive manner is one of the most important tools a writer can have in their toolbox (on par with dealing with criticism in a positive manner).
It's true, and while we're taught to "don't let it bother you" or "don't lose sleep over it" that's not to say "pretend it doesn't affect you". Not only is this true for writers, but for all social creatures (and yes, if you're reading this or even if you just saw the link on Facebook, you're a social creature).
In my experience, how strongly rejection affects you is directly proportional to the amount of investment you have with what's being rejected. There are, of course, other mitigating factors but those are the basics. Of course every writer wants to get their work accepted and are thus heavily invested, but this can apply to almost all walks of life: personal achievement, dating, gaming, and really almost any social interaction.
Rejection can trigger strong emotions, particularly when first encountered and those emotions can linger. There's not a quick fix or trick or magic spell to rid yourself of these emotions or to ignore them. In fact, ignoring them (and pretending they don't exist) is, again in my experience, probably one of the worst things anyone can do.
The question then would be: Well, Sir Baldylocks, if I can't ignore it or pretend it doesn't exist, what CAN I do?
Great question, I'm glad you asked!
There are a number of things that have helped me and I offer them up to help you:
1. Remember that optimism is learned. One can only learn something if they're open to learning and wanting to learn it. So it's not a matter of saying you're just not an optimistic person, it's a matter of asking yourself if you truly want to be optimistic. There's nothing wrong with saying no, but acknowledge that you're making that choice (as opposed to that choice being made for you).
2. Acknowledge your emotions, recognize them for what they are and let them move on. Depressed because you got three rejection letters in one week? Great. Acknowledge that you're feeling depressed, recognize why you have it and then continue your work. Don't, however, cling to it or try to force yourself to feel better. Allow those feelings to flow and take breaks where you can to do some things to help you feel better (a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate, reading of non-required material, an hour of a video game, etc...), but don't allow your emotions or your distractions from keeping you from your work.
3. Work through it. Let's take an example of a physical injury. When we suffer an injury, we acknowledge it, we recognize it, we apply pain killers and then we start re-working it. Sure, our effectiveness might be a bit lower for the first few attempts afterwards, but soon enough we are back in business. Movement is life, but you have to be the one who decides to move or to not to move. In my experience, one of the most empowering feelings is making that decision to get up after being knocked down, and then getting up.
4. Be in the moment, but remember the past and gaze at the future. You may be feeling like it's the end of the world right now (and that's valid), but you've not always felt this way and I can tell you that you're not always going to feel that way. How do I know? I don't. I'm guessing, but I do know that I've been rejected a lot, I've felt like the world was ending, but I also know that I didn't feel this way all the time and I got through it to feel not like that any longer. But this isn't about me, it's about you. So, you, ask yourself how you're feeling right now, acknowledge it, recognize it. Now remember a time when you didn't feel this way. Not too hard, right? Now, I'm not a doctor or a scientist (and I've not even played one on TV, though there was this one time I was a double agent on a pilot episode of a soap opera) but I am a social creature and in my experience, feelings fluctuate.
5. Keep working. Did I mention this already? Yeah, but it's important so I thought I'd mention it again. Sometimes, some of the most productive days at the gym (or any task, really) are days when you don't feel like going. I've not ever come home from the gym and thought, "man, I wish I didn't go today". It may not be your best work, but it will be work and you will show yourself that you CAN work through something.
6. Own your feelings. They are yours, after all. Blaming someone else for how you're feeling only works to undermine your empowerment OF those feelings. Yes, someone rejects you (or your work, or your advances, or your lunch) and it can hurt. Saying they hurt you is taking away your power to deal with your feelings and giving that power to someone else. Saying you hurt is enough and is more empowering for you. The more power you feel you have over your emotions, the more ownership you feel you have over your emotions, the more you actually do. One learns to be strong by overcoming obstacles, not blaming others for those obstacles.
7. Moral Support. It's addictive and dangerous, but like anything that's addictive and dangerous, it's also rewarding. There is nothing wrong with saying to a friend, "Hey, I'm feeling a bit down, I could use a hug." I encourage it. Occasionally. Becoming addicted to it and needing it are harmful to your ability to overcome obstacles. A friend will give you a hug when you need it, a REAL friend will not when you don't. Ok, it's not a perfect allegory, but hey, you get the idea. Remember: you're not alone in your feelings, but sometimes you need to be.
Alright, I think I've rambled long enough. I hope this helps. Thanks for reading and thanks for your support! :)
~Stephan
It's true, and while we're taught to "don't let it bother you" or "don't lose sleep over it" that's not to say "pretend it doesn't affect you". Not only is this true for writers, but for all social creatures (and yes, if you're reading this or even if you just saw the link on Facebook, you're a social creature).
In my experience, how strongly rejection affects you is directly proportional to the amount of investment you have with what's being rejected. There are, of course, other mitigating factors but those are the basics. Of course every writer wants to get their work accepted and are thus heavily invested, but this can apply to almost all walks of life: personal achievement, dating, gaming, and really almost any social interaction.
Rejection can trigger strong emotions, particularly when first encountered and those emotions can linger. There's not a quick fix or trick or magic spell to rid yourself of these emotions or to ignore them. In fact, ignoring them (and pretending they don't exist) is, again in my experience, probably one of the worst things anyone can do.
The question then would be: Well, Sir Baldylocks, if I can't ignore it or pretend it doesn't exist, what CAN I do?
Great question, I'm glad you asked!
There are a number of things that have helped me and I offer them up to help you:
1. Remember that optimism is learned. One can only learn something if they're open to learning and wanting to learn it. So it's not a matter of saying you're just not an optimistic person, it's a matter of asking yourself if you truly want to be optimistic. There's nothing wrong with saying no, but acknowledge that you're making that choice (as opposed to that choice being made for you).
2. Acknowledge your emotions, recognize them for what they are and let them move on. Depressed because you got three rejection letters in one week? Great. Acknowledge that you're feeling depressed, recognize why you have it and then continue your work. Don't, however, cling to it or try to force yourself to feel better. Allow those feelings to flow and take breaks where you can to do some things to help you feel better (a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate, reading of non-required material, an hour of a video game, etc...), but don't allow your emotions or your distractions from keeping you from your work.
3. Work through it. Let's take an example of a physical injury. When we suffer an injury, we acknowledge it, we recognize it, we apply pain killers and then we start re-working it. Sure, our effectiveness might be a bit lower for the first few attempts afterwards, but soon enough we are back in business. Movement is life, but you have to be the one who decides to move or to not to move. In my experience, one of the most empowering feelings is making that decision to get up after being knocked down, and then getting up.
4. Be in the moment, but remember the past and gaze at the future. You may be feeling like it's the end of the world right now (and that's valid), but you've not always felt this way and I can tell you that you're not always going to feel that way. How do I know? I don't. I'm guessing, but I do know that I've been rejected a lot, I've felt like the world was ending, but I also know that I didn't feel this way all the time and I got through it to feel not like that any longer. But this isn't about me, it's about you. So, you, ask yourself how you're feeling right now, acknowledge it, recognize it. Now remember a time when you didn't feel this way. Not too hard, right? Now, I'm not a doctor or a scientist (and I've not even played one on TV, though there was this one time I was a double agent on a pilot episode of a soap opera) but I am a social creature and in my experience, feelings fluctuate.
5. Keep working. Did I mention this already? Yeah, but it's important so I thought I'd mention it again. Sometimes, some of the most productive days at the gym (or any task, really) are days when you don't feel like going. I've not ever come home from the gym and thought, "man, I wish I didn't go today". It may not be your best work, but it will be work and you will show yourself that you CAN work through something.
6. Own your feelings. They are yours, after all. Blaming someone else for how you're feeling only works to undermine your empowerment OF those feelings. Yes, someone rejects you (or your work, or your advances, or your lunch) and it can hurt. Saying they hurt you is taking away your power to deal with your feelings and giving that power to someone else. Saying you hurt is enough and is more empowering for you. The more power you feel you have over your emotions, the more ownership you feel you have over your emotions, the more you actually do. One learns to be strong by overcoming obstacles, not blaming others for those obstacles.
7. Moral Support. It's addictive and dangerous, but like anything that's addictive and dangerous, it's also rewarding. There is nothing wrong with saying to a friend, "Hey, I'm feeling a bit down, I could use a hug." I encourage it. Occasionally. Becoming addicted to it and needing it are harmful to your ability to overcome obstacles. A friend will give you a hug when you need it, a REAL friend will not when you don't. Ok, it's not a perfect allegory, but hey, you get the idea. Remember: you're not alone in your feelings, but sometimes you need to be.
Alright, I think I've rambled long enough. I hope this helps. Thanks for reading and thanks for your support! :)
~Stephan
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
People still use Macs?
Total Word Count (approx.): 18.1K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 1.1K
Not too shabby for having two people chatting while I'm writing. :) I'm actually pretty excited about the scene I wrote tonight. Not as many words as I'd like, I want to be at 24K by Saturday. I'll just have to work extra hard tomorrow night and Friday night.
Still, keeping the momentum going with the BICWOP philosphy (Butt In Chair, Words On Paper) and that's the important thing.
I mean, I want to be able to publish thoughtful posts on a daily basis, but the trouble is by this time every night, I've been awake for about fifteen or sixteen hours and am pretty drained in all aspects of my existence.
Still, I feel that I am on to something here. I'm excited to write this story, write about these characters (they're so vivid I can see them in my head), and flesh them out (well, not ALL of them, some of them aren't flesh and blood ;) ).
Anyroad, I wrote and now I'm going to reward myself with some MST 3K and some alcohol... of the drinking variety. :)
Thanks for reading and thanks for your support!
~Stephan
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Ouch
Total Word Count (approx.): 17K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 1.4K
I had a blinding migraine today from the lead up headache that I've had over the previous two days. It's still kinda here, just moved to the back of my head. Pushed through it and got some writing done.
Not much of a post to write about today, just trying to re-iterate the importance of writing on a daily basis, even when you don't feel like it. Kind of like working out. You get some of the best work outs when you go on days you don't feel up to it.
Anyroad, got some writing done, hoping to get much more tomorrow night.
Thanks for reading!
~Stephan
I had a blinding migraine today from the lead up headache that I've had over the previous two days. It's still kinda here, just moved to the back of my head. Pushed through it and got some writing done.
Not much of a post to write about today, just trying to re-iterate the importance of writing on a daily basis, even when you don't feel like it. Kind of like working out. You get some of the best work outs when you go on days you don't feel up to it.
Anyroad, got some writing done, hoping to get much more tomorrow night.
Thanks for reading!
~Stephan
Monday, February 13, 2012
Ayuh, it's a Monday
Total Word Count (approx.): 15.6K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 2.1K
It wouldn't be a Monday without getting something akin to a softball launched at (and connecting with) your balls. Thanks Benvolio, but daddy was already awake!
Ok, on to today. It was good, then it was bad, but now it's good. I'm wearing my suspenders and feel pretty good about that idea so far. I've also consumed my nightcap a bit early. Love screwdrivers.
On to the motivation. I am in love with Lie to Me and have found several valuable lessons with which I can apply to the mindset of my career. Until I view myself as more than just a gamer with dreams of writing, that's all I'll ever be. Not until I actually picture myself as a talented writer will I become so.
There it is, black and white. Of course, with all types of motivational tidbits, it's easier said than done, but I'm getting there. Plus, had a great writing session tonight. Over two-thousand words, good banter, and another fight scene (to be fair, the one last night was brief and more of a dream-memory sequence).
So, that's it for tonight, I'm going to celebrate with another Screwdriver and then some echobazaar and then bed.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for your support!
~Stephan
P.S. Just a fun tidbit, 41 years ago today I was brought home by my adoptive parents.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Clothes make the writer... well... write... or something.
Total Word Count (approx.): 13.5K; Daily Word Count (approx.): 1.5K
So yeah, it was a day. I got a total of five hours of sleep last night, broken up into three segments of two hours, two hours and then one hour.
Still, writing in the evenings is much more productive for me. Also, and this may sound strange, but I had a thought that might help and it did (much to my surprise). When one works from home, the benefit of staying in one's pajamas is enticing. For me, to feel like I'm "working" I need to feel a separation. So, I threw on a pair of khakis, my suspenders and a gun-metal grey dress shirt and boy did I suddenly feel the difference.
Not that you have to go out and buy a bunch of clothes, but if you take the mindset that if you're going to work, go to work (whatever that means for you), then it will help you be productive. Hopefully. It helped me.
My plan is to write in the evenings every night. I'd like to get at least two thousand words a night (or near enough there) and take some time on the weekend evenings to add to that. Going that route I should be at 50K in no time.
Tonight, I wrote a fight scene. I love writing fight scenes. The sense of tension between two adversaries, particularly two unknown to each other as they realize that only one of them is going to survive. I love it.
Anyroad, that's enough for tonight, like I said: Update daily (or nightly in this case).
Thanks for reading!
~Stephan
So yeah, it was a day. I got a total of five hours of sleep last night, broken up into three segments of two hours, two hours and then one hour.
Still, writing in the evenings is much more productive for me. Also, and this may sound strange, but I had a thought that might help and it did (much to my surprise). When one works from home, the benefit of staying in one's pajamas is enticing. For me, to feel like I'm "working" I need to feel a separation. So, I threw on a pair of khakis, my suspenders and a gun-metal grey dress shirt and boy did I suddenly feel the difference.
Not that you have to go out and buy a bunch of clothes, but if you take the mindset that if you're going to work, go to work (whatever that means for you), then it will help you be productive. Hopefully. It helped me.
My plan is to write in the evenings every night. I'd like to get at least two thousand words a night (or near enough there) and take some time on the weekend evenings to add to that. Going that route I should be at 50K in no time.
Tonight, I wrote a fight scene. I love writing fight scenes. The sense of tension between two adversaries, particularly two unknown to each other as they realize that only one of them is going to survive. I love it.
Anyroad, that's enough for tonight, like I said: Update daily (or nightly in this case).
Thanks for reading!
~Stephan
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Facing my Vice
Total Word Count (est): 12K; Daily Word Count: 0
Spent the day at Capricon, which is surprisingly not my vice and so unrelated to the title of this particular post. Yet here I am, about to tell you all even more unrelated info about my vice, yet it is relevant for those who are following this in hopes to one day themselves become a successful writer.
I was in the audience for the panel on 'Writing Is a Business' that was Moderated by (the awesome) Tim Akers and with panelists (who are also awesome): Matt Forbeck, Gene Wolfe and Richard Chwedyk. I asked several questions and was both motivated and inspired to continue my writing (as you can see above, my total word count is a little over twelve thousand words) as a business and career.
This is the part where my vice comes into play. Gaming. Larping or table-top. It's the thing that I have been doing for years and is my true addiction. Recently I discovered it, like other more caustic addictions, impacted my personal life in a very negative manner. I tried to cut back. I then tried to quit. Neither worked. So, with the help of my very supportive spouse, I delved into what I was getting out of it that I needed. Turns out it wasn't gaming at all, but a sense of belonging to a group. Simply (though things are never this simple) put, my ego needed affirmation that my contribution was accepted and praised within the social demographic of like-minded individuals. Ok, that was a lot more flowery than I intended and a bit of a contradiction in terms, but it works.
In any case, this is the first day of me actually facing my vice and not "trying" to face it. This is the first day of my life as a writer. The empowerment I felt today as I shook the hands of those who will one day soon be my peers both reminded me of and solidified for me my goal. One day I want to be sitting at that table, moderating a panel about writing sitting next to those folk who I asked questions of today. One day I want to be where they are and giving out the advice they gave me, to you. That's my stated goal and you're reading the first step I am taking on it.
Thanks for being a part of it.
~Stephan
Spent the day at Capricon, which is surprisingly not my vice and so unrelated to the title of this particular post. Yet here I am, about to tell you all even more unrelated info about my vice, yet it is relevant for those who are following this in hopes to one day themselves become a successful writer.
I was in the audience for the panel on 'Writing Is a Business' that was Moderated by (the awesome) Tim Akers and with panelists (who are also awesome): Matt Forbeck, Gene Wolfe and Richard Chwedyk. I asked several questions and was both motivated and inspired to continue my writing (as you can see above, my total word count is a little over twelve thousand words) as a business and career.
This is the part where my vice comes into play. Gaming. Larping or table-top. It's the thing that I have been doing for years and is my true addiction. Recently I discovered it, like other more caustic addictions, impacted my personal life in a very negative manner. I tried to cut back. I then tried to quit. Neither worked. So, with the help of my very supportive spouse, I delved into what I was getting out of it that I needed. Turns out it wasn't gaming at all, but a sense of belonging to a group. Simply (though things are never this simple) put, my ego needed affirmation that my contribution was accepted and praised within the social demographic of like-minded individuals. Ok, that was a lot more flowery than I intended and a bit of a contradiction in terms, but it works.
In any case, this is the first day of me actually facing my vice and not "trying" to face it. This is the first day of my life as a writer. The empowerment I felt today as I shook the hands of those who will one day soon be my peers both reminded me of and solidified for me my goal. One day I want to be sitting at that table, moderating a panel about writing sitting next to those folk who I asked questions of today. One day I want to be where they are and giving out the advice they gave me, to you. That's my stated goal and you're reading the first step I am taking on it.
Thanks for being a part of it.
~Stephan
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