Oh how I know those character blues, only mine isn't with my MC, it's the guy she likes. He's sorta shy and standoffish with her, but he's being the same way with me! After about a million rewrites, I think I'm finally understanding him, but geez, he's been a tough one.

My current MC is just so good. So good she's a bit judgmental, and thus my readers are connecting way more with her love interest than her. Trying to find the perfect balance isn't always easy.

Hooray for you for tackling such a big revision challenge! You can do it.

My MC is a spoiled brat, so my challenge is to make her more likable. I understand why she is the way she is and I empathize with her, but I'm afraid readers will just want to see her die. . . Anyway, that's one of the many challenges I face as I tackle this messy first draft for the first time.

Best wishes with getting deep inside your MC. ^_^

Like Angelina, I'm also facing the challenge of making my MC more likable. Mine's not a spoiled brat, but she is a brat. She has good reason, of course, and I understood her on some level before. But now I think I've dug around enough that I understand her even better, and I'm feeling more compassionate toward her. Hoping my potential readers will, too! ;)

Today's goal: revise two more chapters. I made good progress yesterday, so yay for that! Happy writing/etc, everyone!

I need to dig deeper inside my character and show more emotional struggle and conflicts. At first she came across to my Beta readers as wishy washy and not having enough back bone. Then she was too much of a smart mouth. I just need to get it just right.

Right now I'm in Act 2 of my revision right after Espie is kicked out of her world. This revision is turning into more of a major rewrite as I dig deeper for emotions and her motivations.

Today's goal: revise at least 2 scenes. She's in a harsh new environment, so I have the challenge and opportunity to really pull down deep.

Because I'm working on revisions to two manuscripts I thought were trunked forever, I feel like I'm having the happiest reunion ever. It's all dancing together in fields of flowers - at least for now. But it's early yet. But these are girls I LOVED and my CP's LOVED but then it looked like maybe no one would meet them, but now it looks like maybe they'll get their shot after all, so I guess I feel sort of like a fairy godmother trying to make sure they're as awesome as they can possibly be when they set foot in the ball! May they snag the prince (except not really b/c it's MG and there's no romance!).

The shy ones are always tough. And stubborn! I'm glad you slapped some sense into him! :-)

That is tough, Angelina, and it has inspired another blog post perhaps. Should the narrator be objective or sympathetic? Of course, we know what lies beneath the surface, but how much do we show our readers just so they don't just our MC too harshly too soon? But then again, a little spunk and brashness is good! It makes us feel... Good luck!

Way to go, Shari! Can't wait to hear more about your MC's journey!

Oh, yeah...I've been there. I did the major re-write and now I'm waiting for the verdict on the first attempt at "tweaking" the major rewrite. Send up a flare if you need a safety line sent down to the deep!

I was having issues with my male MC being just a total unlikable jerk (I think he was representing a part of me that THINKS some of the same things he does, but he didn't have the decency/filter not to say or act on those things). It was fun to write him, especially his dialogue, but by this latest draft I could see it wasn't really working in terms of the greater story.

Yesterday I had to go back and give him more narrowly defined goals in each scene narrated from his POV so it didn't just seem like he was being a jerk for the sake of being a jerk. Today, I have to go over sections narrated by my Female MC, but I think she'd better rounded already.

Happy writing/revising, everyone!

It's amazing how people we've MADE UP are so difficult to understand sometimes. And how they don't like to do what WE want them too. Good luck going from 3rd to 1st, that's not going to be easy but you can do it!
I managed to shake off yesterday's writing apathy and got 3 solid chapters revised. Now it's back to house-cleaning for this weekend's party! :D

That's exactly what I've been doing with my male MC! Also fixing his dialogue so he sounds more British. Somehow he keeps sounding like me. ;)

Way to work that character, Kim! I've thought about multiple POV's but I haven't hit the right project for it yet. Have fun!!

Thanks, Carolyn! And WOW! That's the way to shake that apathy. 3 chapters at a time. Have a fun party!

LOL! I might just take you up on that offer!

I've also met some characters who defy my efforts to get to know them.

They usually make the best characters in the end, though, because I have to get to know them on the page, which means the readers will too.

Checking in: I wrote a bit over 1600 words today, which means I'm 6 words away from being ahead of schedule. Then I also read 16 chapters, which means I'm now 5 chapters ahead. So far so good. ;-)

I'm so impressed with your goal to completely start over! But you are right - if we can't get inside the character, we'll probably put the book down.

My MC finally started talking to me a week ago and so far, we're doing okay with each other, as long as I let her keep her secret from her best friend. In the end, she'll hate me, of course, but that's many pages away.

Thanks, JRo! You are so right about finding that balance. They all need to be wrong once in a while, vulnerable, lost, even if it just for a second. Maybe a little guilt could shake things up ;-)

LOL, Joy. Maybe a puppy prince is in the cards ;-) Enjoy the reunion. I know that magic wand will find just the right spell!

Holy cow, Misha! You are rockin'!

Those are the tough moments in tweendom, Lori. Navigating friendship through all that emotional and physical chaos is tough! Hope the conversation keeps going!

Those are the tough moments in tweendom, Lori. Navigating friendship through all that emotional and physical chaos is tough! Hope the conversation keeps going!

I'm soooo behind schedule with my writing this month. I'm really contemplating switching projects. I know. Crazy, eh? Problem is I'm just not feeling like I've got enough of a plot plan to begin the story. My thoughts keep evolving, and they're becoming some new storyline, which needs more work.

But I hope all of you are soaring through March Madness!!!

I think I'm *finally* ( in the 11th rewrite of my opening scene) starting to get my MC to show herself on paper in a way that matches the emotional tone of the rest of the book. In the earlier iterations she's either come off as too Debbie Downer or too sarcastic and clever without showing that it's mostly a shield to protect her from really opening up to anyone after her brother died.

I've made pretty good progress towards my goals the last couple of days. Nine new scenes outlined for my rewrite, about 1800 words written yesterday and working on my romance arc.

Kim, I'm working on the same thing on my current revision too. All of this messy emotional stuff is hard!

Reposted for Tonette dela Luna (sorry, it was accidentally deleted):


I'm taking a workshop right now where we get to be our characters. We answer questions in the forums as our characters and it's really helped with the voice and also led to revelations I never considered that I can work into rewrites. I've also tried writing diary/journal entries from my characters' POVs as a part of my Morning Pages. They seem to be working so far for character development. :)

That sounds like a very cool workshop, Tonette.

I'm a little behind of my goals this week, although I've taken the time to write down a few ideas I've had for future projects. Hoping this weekend, I'll be able to catch up and be back on track.

I figure if I start putting all my energy into my current projects, I'll stop worrying about the one I just sent off.

My characters and I are doing fine, it's the darn structure/plot that's giving me headaches. But I suppose the only way to work that out is to work through it. Anyone have a spare wrecking ball?

It's draining but needs to be done!

Well today was a bit of an off day for me in goals, as I didn't write a word on my novel today HOWEVER I managed to re-work my query (which will be re-worked and -re-worked till I am pro at writing queries) AND I got a surprise today on my blog by being nominated for an award so I worked on my response post for the most of the afternoon. I also justify my fall back on the fact that I have done well so far in the past few days.

My house all decided to get a cold at the same time as well, and I guess my body didn't want to be left out on that, so here is hoping I can kick it.

As for my main character, I am doing well with her, she is like an extension of myself, in some ways, so it is easy for me to imagine how she might think, and be, and act. Because of that I think that may be why I am having such a great time with her. It is the other characters that are giving me grief most of the time.

Mary Ann, I had the same struggle with my MC a few months ago. I had to walk away from her for a bit and spend some time with characters from a completely different WIP before she stubbornly demanded attention and when I returned, we got on like a house on fire. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back.

Got some work done today, even if it felt like pulling teeth. Outlined 3 chapters (up to 32 now) and wrote about 1000 words (bringing me up to about 140 handwritten pages of this WIP so far). My head wasn't in the game today so I feel a bit attached from what I put on the page but maybe it'll feel different once I look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow.

Hope everyone's doing wel!

- M

My MC is supposed to be angry and worried, but in my first, very rough draft he seems fairly normal and happy. I, too, am working on adding emotions in this revision. Met my goal today through a critique group meeting. Always helpful! :)

Maybe some first-person journaling is what he needs, too. Great idea!

Massive, massive breakthrough tonight. When I started writing my novel a few years ago, I was in a completely different place, emotionally and spiritually. Realizing that, or at least reaffirming that, and remembering that I was writing the story for no one but *me*, was an eye-opener because it freed me to cut out a part that really didn't need to be there. Yay hacking and slashing! Oh, the glee with which I wield my writerly machete. ;)

I've been there, too! Sometimes a switch can throw your brain off kilter just enough to jar something fabulous loose. I say go for it!

I love those strategies, Tonette! I've interviewed my characters for the new WIP, and it's given me some good bits to work with and some real insight. Keep rockin' that wip!

That's a good plan, Chris. The best medicine for anticipation is focusing on a new project. In the meantime, I'm sending along my favorite wrecking ball...it bears the likeness of a certain WSJ journalist who seems to think YA has a problem with darkness...

Queries and synopses are the bane of my existence! Way to work it, Rebecca! And tell that immune system of yours not to give in to peer pressure. Sending cyber soup and inspiration your way.

Awesome work, Melissa! Handwritten?! I couldn't do long-hand anymore. I've gotten too spoiled by the speed of the keyboard and the slick organization of Scrivener. A pen in hand just could not keep up with my brain and I'd lose half of it before I got it written down. I'm not sure what that means...Hope I don't have lazy brain.

Walking away for a bit is a huge help. I'm still not sure if switching POV is the right answer, but we'll see... Keep rockin' that WIP!

I have a journal for every book I write. It really helps me work through things in the process. As far as the emotions go, Ghost Hunk always says, "Go big or stay home." When it comes to teenagers, they usually go big. I want to say go to a mall or some place teens hang out and look for the angry ones and jot down what you notice about their demeanor, but I wouldn't want you to be accused of stalking or anything! ;-) I'm also not sure where the angry ones tend to go...might be a good question to consider.

Way to work it, Liz!

Slaughter those darlings, babe! Way to go! Hurray and Hazzah for the breakthrough!

I just joined March Madness today, and I'm looking forward to it. I'm working on the sequel to a novel I've already finished, but I've discovered I still don't know the characters as well as I hoped. Part of this next week will involve digging deeper into their minds, so I can figure out what direction this sequel is supposed to go.

Yay! Welcome to the madness, Stephanie! I've considered a sequel to one of my books, but I'm not sure I'm ready to explore those depths yet. Have fun!

I almost always find 3rd POV too distant. So I am probably not the most reliable person to comment. But I'm cheering for you as you explore this.

I appreciate what you said on FB about the challenges of writing historically accurate story when using 1st person. AT least it has me second guessing my 1st person narrator. I think that's healthy for my writing.

I recently added a second POV character to my historical. It added just enough information so the reader was no longer in the dark about a load of stuff going on. . .

Fun interview! Liked hearing from the different characters...sounds like a great read.

Thanks Katie. It was fun interviewing them as if they were on a talk show. I got a totally different perspective from them after living with them in my head for so long. :)

Sounds like a great read! I'll have to check it out.

http://akwardisms.blogspot.com

First of all, I'm sorry you and your family have been going through so much. You seem to have a realistic view of how to make it through it all...keep your head up.

I, too, think about my teenage years and some of the choices I made, and, man, I'm not sure how I made it through either. It is such a strange time in life.

Certainly for me becoming a mother has changed my perspective on writing. I've had to reconcile my whole notion of who I am as a person compared to how I used to be. I think facing all the new fears that come along with parenthood is something I struggle with. It's hard to remember a time when I didn't fear so much.

Because that's how I remember the experience of being a teenager. Sure, there were fears and insecurities, but the world was a place of possibility and hope, so much so than one full of fear and hate. I think that's how I flourished in those tough years, by facing it all with the hope of youth.

The wake-up I've had recently has not been influencing my writing. Not yet. Too close. Too painful. Some day this pain will be useful, but for now, I'm having to write despite the agony I'm experiencing. Editing this humorous MG is probably just what I need to distract me from the emotional turmoil raging inside of me.

I don't know what your agony is, Angelina, but I'm sending lots of hugs and healing vibes.

Amen to that, Katie. Now if we can just get the gloomy ones to see the hope and hang their hearts on that.

Angst… It can be fuel for good action, fodder for good writing, or (please don’t let it) it can paralyze.
Like you I would only want to be fifteen if I knew what I know now. To be as I was then? No thanks.

I'm with you, Mirka. I might consider it if I could take my current knowledge and mindset back with me.

That sounds like a wonderful story, and so beautiful of your friend to help Sandy victims with his profits.

This is beautiful and I didn't know about it. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, how very touching, and what a lovely idea about donating the proceeds.

Timing is more important that age! The right story at the right time sent to the right publisher!

Happy writing!

What an honest, heartfelt post. Boy do I know those doubts--and that sting of jealousy, too. But we only have our own paths to tread. I hope by the time we both get our book deals, we'll look back and know it couldn't have gone any other way. And look forward and be so grateful for all we have ahead of us.

And just to say, PD James is still writing in her 90s!

Oh, I feel this. I will turn 50 when my book releases. I'm probably the 2nd to the oldest on the One Four Kidlit blog. It's daunting. Makes me want to dye my hair pink and get a nose ring until I realize I'm googling images of "My mother got her nose pierced" because "nose piercings" only pulls up twenty year olds. Hugs, '64 sister.

You are so right, Ann!

Thanks, Anne! Maybe this will be the year we can toast each other!

Ooohh...I like the pink hair idea! Hugs to you and big congrats, '64 sister! With any luck, I'll be toting some champagne to NC in October!

How old is your inner child? I think that's the place we write from, regardless of our years.

Oh, I hear ya, Mary Ann! I'm seven years older than Jodie Foster. And I remember her as a child actor in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore! But let's not compare ourselves to someone who started her career at the age of three in Coppertone commercials. Please. And no, there's no expiration date on a writing career.

I like your list. I would add Dick King-Smith (author of Babe, the Gallant Pig), who started writing at age 56. Lists like this keep me going, although at this rate, Laura Ingalls Wilder is the only one I can still hope to emulate.

Oh what a perfect question!

I adore BABE! Onward and upward, right?! (That'll do, pig)

I wouldn't worry about getting too gimicky with your website till you have a platform. Just who you are, what your projects are, and some stuff to let the world know you.

I am *actually* reading your post and even looking at the various excellent author links. I fully agree that you should worry a lot less about your style or who the reader is at this point. Websites are a work-in-progress, always. If they don't look/feel right at some point- you change it. Especially when you know who the readers are, or if it is more of an intro-supplement to queries for the publishing professionals.
The only thing that to me is a major turnoff is bouncing pulsating flash. I’ve never had a migraine, but I don’t want to chance it… I click it off faster than I read anything on it.

Be yourself.

I love starting with character. It often means loads of rewrites but if I don't have character, who do I have?

Okay good. You figured that out. Now have at it!

Write the story you want to write. Fix it later. . .

I agree with Angelina. Write what you want to write, and ask your "donor" questions once the first draft is done. Save the worry for revisions. :)

When I need to bounce ideas off someone, I often ask a non-writer. They won't give me writing advice, just look at the situation objectively.

Also, I hope all is well with your son and family. Your WIPmadness post has me a bit concerned--prayers with you.

The funny thing is that while these are literary clichés, we know these people in real life.
But yes, I so agree with you that in stories it pays to stir away and around them. (And maybe in real life too ;-})

"Go big or stay home." I might have to adopt that.

While reading your post I was thinking about my 5 year old granddaughter who entered K this year and is so enamored with all that involves. Wondering how hard it will be for her to stay unencumbered - to retain her love of the school social world & to keep feeling good about self without falling into the gang mentality.

It's a little scary.

So true, Mirka!

I know, Joyce. I still remember Maisie as she started school. She loved it so much, and still does, but the trials of being different have certainly taken their toll. We are hoping to help her embrace her gifts, because she has many, and love being different. It's a tough road.

I have definitely seen these tropes! Especially the first one, which I admit really bothers me. The super-shy introvert who happens to be GORGEOUS, lol.

I'm so sorry to hear about your bang-up! Walmart just isn't good luck for anybody... (they recently got voted as the worst company to work for in America...).

Thanks, Charlie. Our Walmart is particularly bad here. I got rear-ended there 2 years ago. I hate shopping there and thought I would save a little time and money. Got that wrong! Now I have a repair bill and time wasted standing around waiting for the cops to arrive, not to mention the time my care will be in the shop. ((sigh))

Ooooh, sounds exciting. I'm certain you can do it.

Pushing your boundaries will help you grow as a writer. Go for it!

Trust that you are more than a one trick pony, and that you have many voices and possibilities. You new work sounds intriguing.

A challenge, for sure, but if it's inside you and banging to get out, what choice do you have? I'm interested in seeing how it turns out for you.

Enjoying your blog!

Kris

It's good to step outside your comfort zone. it's the only way we can grow as writers. You can do it, Mary Ann!

*Thank you* for this post. I skipped my usual Tuesday posting yesterday because I just couldn’t do ‘business as usual’ on 9/11…
And Yes I spent the day thinking about how our country has changed.

Amen and amen!

Beautifully stated with much to ponder.

This is SO COOL. I have some serious Scrivener envy now ...

I ADORE my Scrivener! Don't know how I wrote without it before. And it is really an inexpensive program!

I downloaded the Scrivener trial but I found it so confusing. I need an in-person tutorial.

Well I might just have to make a house call! :-)

That's very cool!

Thanks so much for having me, Mary Ann! I'll be happy to answer anyone's questions about the cover or anything else.

Liking your cover is so important, because you'll be seeing it A LOT.
Yours is a beautiful cover, Katie. I'm happy and excited for you.

There's so much to like about this cover. I like the splash over color provided by the flowering vines.

Thanks for all your support, Mirka! It's fun having book b-day's so close to each other.

The flowers were a nice surprise when I saw the cover. I had mentioned them to the cover artist, but I didn't expect them to show up on the cover.

thanks for posting.

Well that dragonfly photo is just magnificent! I'm really glad you are the one who sat out in the heat and misery to get it though!

I love the "bottom line". I'm also in the process of figuring out why something didn't work. I do expect it to come back to me but it feels great to be ignoring that for awhile.

"So the first writing lesson I've learned from photography is you have to be willing to be uncomfortable."

Thank you. I so needed this today as I delve into a new project that really scares me. :)

Oh, wow. Those 'bug-eyes' will follow me for a while. Amazing.

Fabulous photograph Mary Ann! This is really a growing talent for you!

I'm hoping there are no external forces tearing at all the work you're doing on your WIP. ^_^ Best wishes for perfectly lovely nest, I mean story.

What a well-written story. Don't you love nature in action?

Amen, sister! I'm feathering it carefully.

Thanks, JRo! Yes I do love watching nature at work. Some days I could just sit on the porch for hours and take it all in.

Pull on them summer WIPkicking boots, girlfriend, and that that manuscript to new heights!

You can do it!

Thanks! *tug...tug I have 'em on now and ready to kick it up a notch! :-)

Putting too much information at the beginning... I know it well.
I'm happy you have constructive feedback from your agent. That's golden.

You are so right. She has always steered me well and given me the right kind of kick in the pants. I'm very thankful...and re-invigorated.

Wow, sounds both scary and exciting! Good for you! Wishing you all the best with it =)

Thanks, Ruth! It is a little scary, but I've been re-invigorated and I'm splashing on through.

Nothing like a great editorial agent to point out the obvious. ^_^ I'm kind of in the same spot, rewriting the WIP by adding another POV character. Having a lot of fun and excited about it. I'm also revising another project that my agent hasn't seen yet. Revising that WIP is like frosting, light and fluffy and yummy.

Enjoy the process, Wipster!

Sounds fabulous, Angelina! (And you're making me hungry!). It is all about the process sometimes, isn't it? :-)

Ooooooh, how exciting that you will have revision notes soon! I think I missed last week's check-in. I was definitely floating around the #wipmadness ether, but didn't come up for air much.

In other news, I clicked SEND a handful of times. Scary.

I'm working on two work-for-hire fiction books now (so cool to be writing something that will definitely be published!) but as soon as I'm done, I'm back to drafting my halfway-in-progress novel. Can't wait!

Hope to see you all in May!

I'll be revising with you in May!

April WIPMadness was awesome! I finished my draft, like I'd planned, and May will be all about revisions - can't wait!

Hope to "see" everyone at Angelina's blog!

Woohoo!!

Ooooh...floating in the ether sounds kind of tempting... Congrats on the WFH books. That has got to feel good. And Hurray for clicking "send"!!

That's what we like to hear! Congrats on finishing that draft!

Sounds like May will be a revision month for many. I'm waiting for notes from my agent, supposed to arrive this week. *bites nails*! Thanks for hosting this month, Mary Ann. See you next week, gang. Hope you all have a great start to a new month ^_^

Can a month crawl and blaze by simultaneously? If so, April did! I finished the short story, revised, and sent it out. This week's goal was to simply figure out what I wanted to work on next. I think I've decided to rework my literary YA book into an adult literary book. It's a long project, I fear, but it's something that's been waiting for me.

Thanks for letting me take it easy these past couple weeks (months). But now I want to really get back in gear!

See y'all over at Angelina's :)
Lora

I'm biting my nails too... Thanks for stepping in for May!

All right! We can kick some butt if need be...but hopefully inspiration will do the trick. Well done on the short story!

Unfortunately I found April to be hectic and the least productive of the year. I know most of that is from going back to school after...twenty-something years. Last week alone I had way too many tests that required a ton of studying - which sapped even more of my writing time. I'm hoping May will be better and that I'll make a big dent in all that I want to accomplish.

Good luck with revisions!!

My goals took a turn when I decided to make that Strange Chemistry submission. But I'm feeling good about it, and writing a synopsis for the first time was a challenge, but worth it. I sent my submission off this morning ... and then submitted to my dentist, who gave me a crown. Ow.

Not sure what May will entail. I do have a few things to do, but I think it's safe to say that revising is pretty much done with, in theory. Except that even though the novel's finished, I realized there's two or three scenes that could use some tune-up, which all things considered I should do ASAP. But I may also be writing some fresh stuff, because I *really* need it now, more than ever. Lots of options present themselves. The Urban Fantasy I've been toying with is starting to backstorybuild itself further. And I'm almost ready to plunge back into my romances, too. (And, um, work on Book Two of the novel I submitted, because now that I've discovered my voice ... oh, did I forget to mention that? Yeah ... I'm eager to tackle the story again.)

Happy revising!

School is demanding and I know what finals time is like. Hang in there. Here's to some awesome May Madness!!

There must be something in the water, because I got a crown last month, too. Hurray for the submission and the synopsis! And WHOA! Yeah! Discovering that voice is a huge deal! It sounds as though May is going to be an awesome month!

April seemed to fly by for me, I started work full time and was able to simplify my life from three jobs to one. Sure made it hard to fit revision in especially when I got sick last week. However I bumped up my pace from March (16%) to 22% in April. For May I'm hoping to get through 25% and make it to page 217 out of 314! Having a hundred page stack to go will be nuts! I had hoped to finish this stage by the end of May but it looks like it will instead be the end of June. That leaves me a couple of months to rewrite and hopefully I will have a finished novel in the fall. (Fingers crossed) It'll be my first completed book so a year and half wouldn't be too bad for a weekend warrior.

Rock on, weekend warrior! That's awesome! Goals are meant to be a little elastic...like our sanity! Here's to an awesome May!

Love your new profile pic with your pooch!

I'm on that band wagon and there are days when I feel like, "Fine, you don't want to learn, you want me to &%$ing spoon feed you? All right then." High school has been a huge eye opener for me as far as the complete and total lack of caring from at least 50% of the student population (now there are great wonderful creative, thinking kids, too)

Anyway - writing. I will never do the A-Z challenge again. It's too much even though I pre-wrote my posts. Blogging is definitely taking away from my writing. I have a lot of revising in my future but this week is prom and I'm on the prom committee so I guess I'm going to get zero done.

Next month, I'm slinking into the revision cave and other than a few promised blog interviews, I'm going to be low profile on the web. That's my goal.

Thanks! That's my Danté...devil dog with a heart the size of the cosmos!

There's a definite culture of devaluation of education out there, too, so it's not all the government or the schools. The toughest nut of all to crack is the family attitude that learning and education have nothing to do with each other.

I can't imagine the A-Z project. I would drown! Hang in there this week! As for the prom—take good notes! Ha!

Yay, finally I remember to check-in on time!

So my last few days have been interesting. I haven't been working *so* much on the WIP except to fine-tune the first five chapters for Strange Chemistry's open submissions call, and writing a synopsis (though I like Shari's neologism, "synospsisizing"). One week until the sumbission is due, but I'd like to be done before that. What the submissions call did do for me regardless of the results is that I moved up a few key starter-events, so I'm feeling good about that. I still have some more to do beyond that, but adding more fire to the opening chapters has helped me set a new note that I'll address soon, and I'm going to work on my submission, first.

I completely hear you about the "students not being prepared" thing. I don't work in the college's library proper anymore, but when I did, it was always that sort of madness. (Now what I do is madness of another sort.) Most students here are required to take a one-hour library literacy workshop, though.

I like that Library literacy workshop idea! I think they get complacent, thinking the internet has all the answers.

Hurray for the open submissions and inspiration. I hate the "synospsisizing" thing. It's brutal. Good luck with all of it!

Last week was busy at the day job -- picked up extra shifts, which is great for the bill-paying, not so great for the writing. But I'm waiting on a couple beta-readers anyway (we'll see if my last revisions fixed the pacing problems I had with that WIP). Didn't do much new writing, but I've revised my synopsis and also read through an old ms & made myself some revision notes, which I'll spend some more time on this week.

Mary Ann, I'm SO with you on the learning/education/not-teaching-kids-to-think thing. Ugh. I can really get going on this, lol. And viewing the arts as "electives", thus making them first-up on the chopping block?!? Argh! ...step away from the soapbox, Shari... heh

This last week was so busy I barely squeaked in my writing time. Between a concert, school, homework, my son's birthday, housework (bleh) and writing I didn't get much downtime in except for yesterday. Weather was gorgeous and I decided to make half the day about relaxation.

This week I have 3 tests to study for, but I'm determined to get in 3k on the WIP and edit at least another 10 pages, along with blog stuff and polish the short story so I can send it off. Really need more hours in the day.

Hope everyone's doing a great job! Thanks so much for the weekly check-in - it really does help!

My WIP characters are stomping around in my head today, demanding I finish their story. Not sure I'll be done with my draft by the end of the month, like I'd hoped, but I've gotten so much written the past few weeks, that I can't complan too much :)

I hate that education discourages creative thinking. It took me years to get over that deficit. ^_^

This past week I finally opened up a document and started writing my character interviews!!! I'd forgotten about this favorite tool of mine. Makes the characters voices come out loud and clear and gives me a sense of my own voice (the interviewer). ^_^ Having fun again. Finally.

We're living parallel writing lives, Mary Ann. Supposed to hear from my agent by the end of the month. Trying not to fret.

LOL, Shari. I know what you mean...had to pry myself off the soapbox before I got too carried away.

It sounds as though you got a lot done this week, even if it didn't feel like it. Any time you spend thinking about writing is writing.

Awesome, Marie! We all need those relaxation days. And it sounds as though you run pretty fast all the rest of the time!

Hurray for progress! (no matter how big or small). I hope those characters are wearing ballet slippers and not clogs!

Fingers crossed for you, Angelina. I'm taking lots of notes on my MC. I really should interview her. Of course, I should probably interview the ghosts as well! ;-)

Started thinking about a new project last week. ...started acting upon it this week. Think I'll have to borrow Angelina's character interview idea too. :)

Hurray for new starts!

I hate hate hate those standardized tests and what they've done to teaching. Everything is geared toward tests. I noticed that the kids didn't come to the library much in recent years to do research or choose books, that they thought the most important elements of a story were the topic sentence and details. Huh? I NEVER had kids give me such dopey answers until recent years when testing and NCLB became so all important. You're right, we're not encouraging thinking.

The arts are great but let's not forget debate teams, chess clubs and other after schools groups and activities that encourage thinking. I had elementary kids who also thought that "we" as in "We, the people..." was spelled Wii. Hard to believe, but sadly true.

Egads! That's frightening! I was on the speech team in high school, so I know what you mean. So many of our extra-curriculars that fill in the gaps are being cut. Aside from the pumping up test scores (based on non-learning), if it doesn't draw huge crowds willing to pay money or win you some gargantuan trophy, then it gets the shaft. It bone-head cuts like this that are dragging our achievement levels down and condemning our kids to rote exercise rather than learning and enrichment. Ugh!

I'm still around, but forgetting about things like checking in. Working really hard to get this draft done in amongst everything else that is zapping away my time. Hopefully this week!

This article is three years old, but it's great, on how standardized tests are even affecting the poor kindergartners: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/08/30/pressure_cooker_kindergarten/ One of many reasons we homeschool. But I know that's not an option (or desirable) for everybody, and it sure pisses me off (and makes me sad).

Anyway, I keep forgetting to check in on Mondays, and now here we are almost at the end of the month. But the good news is, since I started querying April 1, I've gotten five requests.

And even better news in the long run, I've gotten going on the new WIP. I'm not trying to plow through word count goals - this baby is going through a different process than previous manuscripts. But I am moving forward, and pleased.

I'm even later checking in this week than I was last week! I have visiting family here (wonderful grandchildren!!!) and haven't attempted much writing other than keeping up with my blogging. I'm with Jaye when it comes to blogging at the expense of my other writing. If something has to go, I feel guilty if I don't post something on schedule, so that's what gets my attention.

Your rant is justified. A lot of things about the current approach to learning frustrate me, but I'm a retired teacher and feel like I'm shouting ineffectively from the sidelines. Thank goodness there are still people like you in the ranks who believe thinking is critical!

Hope everyone has a good writing week (and weekend).

I know how other stuff can get in the way. Here's to a fabulous, productive week!

Wow! 5 requests! Congratulations, Joy! And hurray for the new WIP! My new one is going through a different process as well, so no word counts, yet. Hurray for forward motion!

I feel as if we have this rebel group fighting the evil empire for the good of mankind... Maybe my devotion to Star Wars (as well as my age) is showing too much. ;-) Enjoy those grandchildren! And as far as I'm concerned, you can count thinking about writing as writing.

Wow, it's crazy, busy here. **And I thought last week was nuts! I was able to go over a couple chapters of second edits. But mostly with all the scoring? I've been reading. This gig should be done in a couple more weeks then it's back to my sekrit project.

Oh, I hope the scoring is quick and relatively painless. I know that goes though. Hang in there!

Late, but here!
Oh, I do like that new pic Mary Ann, and congrats on the book going out the agent!
I have finished a draft of the short story -- which was my revised (and revised (and revised)) goal. My crit gals should come back with final edits this Fri and I'll send it out.
I'm laboring under gray emotional clouds, lack of motivation, and terror about personal life issues, so I'm going to keep my goal for this week small: figure out if I want to continue with the YA paranormal or dive into an old adult literary project.
Hugs to you all, and I wish I could be there more for you throughout your processes!!
Lora

Thanks, Lora! Hurray for the finished draft! I'm sorry about the clouds. Hang in there... Sending warm hugs and inspiration!

Hey hey! I finally made it. Most of my madness has been backstory, as well. And that lead to going waaaay off on tangents with research and ideas and then losing sight of the actual story. Think it's time to get back to the writing, writing part so I can ground myself back in the book. Also have a dialogue workshop I am attending this Friday and have a couple of books I need to finish reading for it! Enjoy the week #wipmadness peeps...see you on twitter!

I usually have a vague idea of where my books are going when I initially start writing, but since I'm mostly a pantster, I'm always surprised by what ends up happening. It makes writing both frustrating and exciting.

I had a good past week, got 5000 more words written in my WIP and still on target to finish by the end of the month.

YAY! I know how seductive that research can be. The workshop sounds like fun!

Way to go! I guess I'm sort of a half-pantser... ;-)

The madness is good, really good... finished my revision last night! (That was my March Madness goal. Even though I'm two weeks late, I'm really happy, LOL.) If it sucks, I guess I'll be back to square one, but for now, a little stickerage is in order!

Awesome Shari! Stickers everywhere!

I'm a pantser slowly learning the ways of a plotter. I find that by the end of whatever I'm writing it becomes something different, which I have to fix up in editing. So for each project I start I spend more and more time planning
.
You could always try plotting them out both ways and see if there are any obvious problems. Or just jump in and try a direction. It could take you time to backtrack but you might come up with other cool characters or ideas along the way even if you make a wrong turn.

I always make a wrong turn somewhere, even when I plot it out. I'm trying something new this time around, so I want to have a clear picture of what it's about when I start writing. I know things will change, but it's still a little too vague for my comfort. But some of my pants stuff is the best! So I never count that out ;-)

Good morning! I'm finally healthy this Monday. Had the flu the other week, and a cold last week thanks to starting back to school. But feeling good and brimming with motivation today. Despite the gray rainy day :)

Indeed I've had an idea sweep me up in its clutches without any rhyme or reason, and no real plot point until days later when I wondered just where the heck were these characters taking me? I do prefer to have an idea beforehand, but you never know where ideas take you.

Good luck working out your story's direction, and I hope you're able to get rest soon!

Have a great week wipsters! Have missed you!

Plots come to me first, then I have to figure out who the characters are. Sometimes it takes getting to know the players as I write the first draft. They often surprise me and the plot ends up taking twists and turns I never anticipated. But right now I'm stuck. Here's why:

This past week I've been lurking around in a blue funk that turned darker over the weekend. My wandering soul has longed for a dramatic change for almost four years. I want to move SO BADLY it stabs like a sharp knife. Waiting for my first novel to sell is child's play compared to waiting for this house to sell. The grown-up me has hundreds of reasons why I am grateful and appreciative for all the blessings in my life, but the petulant child who dominates my moods is acting out like Veruca Salt (from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factor) I WANT IT AND I WANT IT NOW!!! This blue funk is killing my creativity. Yes. I'm being childish. Stomping my feet and turning red in the face because I can't have my way. Remember what happened to Veruca? I fear I'm heading for the same fate!

I had a really productive weekend. I'm still not exactly sure how I'm going to end this book, but I better figure it out pretty quickly, because I'm nearing that point! Still working at getting 2500 words per day, but had a couple of stellar word count days last week while my husband was away (one around 6k!). I have to speak with my agent about a different project this week, so I'd like to at least have this finished in my brain if not on the page before I switch gears.

Good luck with your character sketches! I usually do mine after writing a first draft--during the writing, I end up learning so much about them, but realize I still need to learn so much more!

Thanks, Marie! I'm glad you are finally feeling better. School always spreads the germs around...there's just no winning that one. I hope your week is full of inspiration!

I have soooo been there, Veruca! 3 years ago, I had to move from the PA that I love to the armpit of the South. I still have not recovered. I long to be somewhere else. And it does make it hard to embrace my creative bend, especially when there is nothing here to nurture it. It's not GA or the South in general. It is this corner. Even the locals call it the armpit.

I hope your house sells and you don't end up in the trash chute like Veruca. Let the madness inspire us all!

6K?! Wow, you were on fire! I'm waiting on my agent to respond to the WIP I finished in March. I always discover new things about my characters as I write...I hope that means that they grow. This one, though, I just have to get right. Its different than anything I've done before.

Oh yeah, I pantsed this last book and though I like much of it, some of it has me perplexed. And now I've started revisions, albeit slowly. I also had a whirlwind moment of avoidance in which I wrote 1.5k on a new MG manuscript that I thought was sort of stupid the next day, but it may just be jumping between YA and MG voices.

My Cheryl Klein workshop is this Saturday and I'm back at school so, my writer life will slow once again.

I can't wait to hear about the workshop. She's a hoot! I've pantsed it before, but the last two books I plotted the first half and sort of grew into the finale because the research was so cool. This one is more personal. Hang in there. School is almost out...right? We're done (kids) May 23rd. The university is done May 5th.

Wow, Jennifer. Nice going. I am a half pantser, half plotter. I am slooooowly coming to the conclusion that maybe I have to pants the first draft, then start over and plot out then write the second draft from scratch-ish.

lol on the pants stuff...it is often surprising when you go back and read it and think...hmmmm, not bad!

I TOTALLY know what you mean. That's exactly what happened with my WIP, which I've set aside for this month in favor a short story. ... And it's what's happening now with the short.

Ah, well. The short is coming along. Not as fast as I'd like, but I AM writing. Glad to have my wipsters about to keep me on task!

Good for all of you cranking out pages!

YAY for forward motion...even if you have to go sideways sometimes!

Oooooh! Here I am! Such an interesting thread and what a great variety of responses. I used to be a pantser back in the day, and I still need to start a project by writing a chapter or two to get to know the characters and what's at stake etc., but from there I need to map it out before diving in full-force.

I am so glad to be back in the #wipmadness! I'm all moved to our new house now, and I spent the last week polishing my query, and now I'm on to those last pesky revisions before subbing. So glad to be here with all of you hard workers! Congrats on all the fab progress!

"How has the madness treated everyone this week?"

Kookiness lives company. Glad I'm not alone. My latest story has no idea why it's there...

I took the "April Word Count" widget OFF my home page. Does that tell you anything? The "0%" was getting to me. I've been writing, but it's more like revising. I keep going back and reworking previous chapters so I'm not getting the forward momentum that's needed to find an ending for this one. Ackkk! I have a couple books I want to read, so I promise myself I can read a chapter only after I write a chapter. That's left me thumbing aimlessly through my gardening magazine. You are all putting me to shame, especially Shari. Finished! Woooeee!! And Denise... all those words! Wow!!

My first novel was a flying blind thing and I kept asking myself if it had a point. In the end it did, but I'm not proud of how it turned out. After that I became more of a "sort-of" pantser, in that I do a bit of pre-planning and have a beginning and an ending in mind, but not a lot of plot points to guide me through the middle. That's let me wander a bit too much in this one and the intended ending isn't fitting. ::sigh:: We're only half way through the month, right? Still time to figure something out. Hope everyone (including me) has a productive week.

Well deserved stickerage!! That's terrific. I'd do a Snoopy dance, too, but I'm weighed down by a green-eyed monster. I wish I could stop wallowing around with my ending.

Hurray for the new house and the new revisions!

Ah...but it will... Waller around in the madness awhile! :-)

Hey..."unwriting" is writing! That's what I call those mid-point revisions and those temporary expeditions into where-the-hell-am-I-going-land. Hang in there and don't be too hard on yourself.

Aw, sorry about the ending woes. Call me if you need to bounce around some ideas.... (Heading out soon for the morning, but home this afternoon.)

Sorry your creativity is taking a beating. I can't say I really understand a serious need for change, because I'm a person who likes deep roots. But... my hubby gets restless, so restless, and so I just go wherever he goes when he needs to go, lol. But I do get that the need for change can be an all-encompassing thing.

Hoping your house sells & life takes an interesting turn for you very soon! In the meantime, wishing you peace and creative energy....

LOL, Ghost Girl, I have so totally been in where-the-hell-am-I-going-land!

I spent so many months un-writing this WIP in my head (and sometimes on paper or on screen), and it's a really brutal thing to be stuck in. Self-doubt, second-guessing, questioning, wondering what on earth I'm doing, wondering if I should scrap the whole thing, being depressed about lack of "progress"... yeah, it was all there, and it was NOT pretty.

I have to make a conscious effort to remember that mulling is a valid and vital part of my process. It would be easier if I could relax through that stage, and hopefully when it hits next time 'round, I'll do better. Anyway, all this is to say, maybe you're a muller, too. (Reminds me of the Dr Pepper commercial -- wouldn't you like to be a muller too... heh.) And letting your subconscious work while you indulge in other creative pursuits and filling-the-well pursuits, and while you think and mull and wonder... maybe that'll shake loose the ending your story is meant to have. I hope so!

Hang in there.... You know we're all rooting for you! :)

Shari, I now have the Dr. Pepper theme in my head and it won't leave! LOL ;-) I agree with you. Mulling IS writing. It's all part of the process, as frustrating as it can get. When I got stuck on my last WIP, I was approaching the big climax and still didn't really know where it was going. So I decided to go back to the beginning and start revising with some of the new ideas I had picked up along the way. That gave me some new momentum to launch me into the climax with a better idea of where I needed to go. You can do it, Carol!

Sorry I'm late posting! This week I'm going to concentrate on my second round of edits as I'm starting scoring 4th grade writing exams. Let's just say the next few weeks are going to be crazy, busy.

I'm also waiting for feedback on the first 30 pages of my sekrit project.

Wow, I don't know what's come over me that I forgot again to check in.

I totally get you about the sketching ... and the impatience. I have one character who is so eager to get on the page, she's trying to come to me in *scenes*. Opening lines, in fact. But I can't right now. Got some revisions to do first.

Well, I'm making some progress with my goal of finishing the rewrites. And just today I had a fire lit beneath me to get it done, fast - a YA open submissions came across my desk. So I'm going to go for that. I figure why not?

Oh, I don't miss grading those papers! I hope the news on the sekrit project is good and that you find at least a little time for some #wipmadness.

Fabulous! Sometimes a new opportunity is just what I need to light that fire and finish what I'm doing. Good luck!

Sounds like a trip well worth the drive. Hope the kids enjoyed it as much as you.

Well, not this week, but... I started March's #Wipmadness near New Haven, CT. I flew to Winnipeg, MB, Canada for a funeral and from there to Calgary, AB, Canada for a second interview with my old company, Waste Management. After three weeks in Winnipeg, waiting for paperwork and then background check, I find myself living in Calgary, 2463 miles away.

Good to be working. Sad to be away from my wife, who is stuck in CT working out refinancing and potential sale of the house.

My WIP journey has been less adventurous, though I did spend a few hours this weekend, reacquainting myself with my ms.

At least, I can funnel the "missing my wife" into my novel because my MC is in a similar place.

Cheers,
@DavidJFortier

Awww...bird pic! There was an Oriole in my yard the other morning, but it kept flitting behind bushes as I followed it around with a camera.

I had an awesome start to April - 7,000 words down on my WIP already this month.

Have a great week, everyone!

Hi Mary, I kind of took a little break last week after WIPping myself half to death in March. I didn't do as much blogging, and I read a little of my completed WIP. This week, I'll pick up the pace in the blogging and complete the readthrough of the WIP. :)

So I wasn't the only one with a super busy week last week, eh? I didn't manage to accomplish much on the writing front, but I did make some brainstorming progress on the shiny new. I'm waiting for beta feedback on another WIP while I do some beta reading myself. And the sun is shining. This is BIG NEWS. Hope y'all have a fabulous week!

My WIP journey hasn't really led me anywhere this week. Other than journalling, there's been very little writing. I *could* blame it on the distractions of Holy Week and Easter (we had special services every day), but the truth is more that I haven't been motivated to find the time. I finished a synopsis and submitted it for critique, but that's about all. Just admitting to that should provoke me to get back on track this week!

That's quite a trip! But seeing old friends is always worth it.

I'm back after about 2 months off getting my life straightened out (for the time being). Moving, relationship change, job change... My WIP went away for a while.

I started a short story during the process, mostly as semi-autobiographical catharsis, but I think it has potential. This month, I want to finish it.

This morning I wrote 300 words. My goal for the week is to write at least every other day for at least an hour--starting off slow and taking it easy on myself.

And what a cutie your little red-hooded gal is!

Wow, David! I can relate though. 3 years ago, I was in PA for 8 months without my husband because he had started the new job in GA and I stayed behind with the kids, waiting for the house to sell. It's hard!

Channel that all into your WIP and I wish you luck all the way around.

Woohoo! Way to go, Jennifer! keep it up!

I have been in that place too. Enjoy the readthrough and get inspired!

That brainstorming is key. YAY for the sun! We have about 80º here (back in GA). I did a little journaling while I was in PA, but I hope to get some real prep work done this week. Rock on, sista!

Ooooh...sending good vibes and motivation your way... The synopsis is tough, and I found this time around that I end up in a very different place than I expected. A much better place! Good luck!

You said it, Lora. Even if we had only 2 days for contact, it was worth it. You've had a lot going on! Catharsis through writing is good. Embrace it and good luck with the story!

I love catching woodpeckers in action. This is the home of my very dear friend, acres and acres of woods. And I was lucky enough to have some sun and find some bird activity. The subsequent pictures are quite entertaining...let's just say I stumbled into a little birdie porn... AH, SPRING!

This week was a good writing week for me. Having a few days off with Easter was heaven. I got my first full critique back on the WIP (which made me grin so big), I drafted a query (which didn't make me grin) and I wrote the first chapter of a new story.

I'll be beta-reading this week and I'm expecting the rest of my critiques back by the weekend, so I can do my big pre-revision read through. I'm actually looking forward to revisions. I'm not very good at 'resting' or 'waiting'. Working steadily is my natural state, and I hope getting back into things will calm my query anxieties a bit.

Such a beautiful bird!

Wow! Great week, indeed! I love those critiques that give you a big grin... I like revisions, too. I do need to give myself a little distance before diving in, but sometimes I get too antsy. Queries are tough and I advise several revisions on that. I'm amazed sometimes at what I put together the first time around and how much perspective a little distance gives me. Good luck with the query and the waiting!

Not much time to talk... I've written 20k on this new wip since april 1st and I'm not planning on slowing down until it's done.

Wow! Love that...you go, girl!

Oh geez, I missed the check-in. I'm glad you were able to take your kids on that trip knowing what that probably means to them. I just a read a book, Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman about a girl who move from Argentina to NY and how hard it is for her. Not as far for your kids, but it's something your daughter may relate to (including a character named Jon who shares some characteristics).

As for me and writing, I've been having fun with the A-Z challenge, and I finished my book map. I also have revised my synopsis for my YA, Cast in Gold and am sending it and my long-revised manuscript to my agent with the hopes that the environment may be better for contemp. YA than for dystopian at the moment.

Glad to see everyone else here!

We're in re-entry mode now. Especially Ghost Son...this is when he has to face the fact that we actually live in GA now. It's hard. I'll have to check out that book!

Way to go on the book map! Good lock with your ms and the agent. Hope the word is a good one!

My week has lead me back to getting pages of my sekrit project ready for Joyce Sweeney to go over so she can help me figure out what's missing in this story. I went over my newer outline, taking out the dystopian part of the premise and trying to work in other things.

I also ended up reading the amazing book GRAVE MERCY. Hated that it ended.

Now just need to stay motivated. I was kind of bummed when I got an email from our regional SCBWI saying a local librarian was interested in having YA authors come and speak. What she really meant was big name YA authors with books with one of those big six publishers. That bugged me as I'm not considered that as I'm with a small press. I felt like saying not many of my YA friends with books are able to get into Barnes & Noble out here or even in the libraries due to budget cuts. So crazy.

Ack, I completely missed this week's check-in, too. I plead Vegas (which is where my journey led me!)

I actually didn't get any reading done, or work on my WIP, but I *did* write a lot in my writing notebook while in Vegas. By the pool especially, and on the plane both ways. It was good. And maybe just what I needed.

Though (shh) the bride forgot her vows and asked me, the writer, to help her write new ones.

Also in Vegas, but not because of Vegas, I went partially blind in one eye. Optic Neuritis. This is an MS thing, likely stress-related, and it will likely go away again in a few weeks. Now I'm home again but on ordered rest. I still find myself writing a lot, because I can sit up in bed with my laptop and take breaks. And since something happened in Vegas to inspire me to get back to work on my WIP, I'm ready to do that now. I needed a break. Which I'm still taking but feel good about getting back to the story, finally. FINALLY.

I've heard great things about Joyce. Good luck with your reconfiguration. And I have to get GRAVE MERCY. It's getting raves.

I'm sorry about the library gig. I know how that feels, though not through publishing yet. I'm hoping this ms is the one that gets me on track finally. Hang in there! And kick that WIP-ass!

Wow! You've had some wild times this week! I love journaling through my ideas and letting my book gel on paper a little before I actually start writing it. Make sure you get your rest. I'm glad you brought something home from Vegas instead of leaving it all there ;-). Ah...inspiration!

Lots of excitement for you Mary Ann!

Me - Finish my book map (100 pages to go)
Have fun with the A-Z blog challenge
Put in a vegetable garden over spring break
Attend Cheryl Klein workshop
Start revising my WIP.

I'm glad wipmadness continues throughout the year... I'm going to shoot for 20K again. I only reached 13K last month. Hopefully I'll be finished sometime in May at that rate! :)

I ... kind of burned out towards the end of the month. Real Life ramped up and prevented me from being as productive as I'd intended. Not that anything that happened wasn't worth it. I loved March Madness!

I'm keeping my goals simple, because in two days I'll be on a plane to Vegas, where I'll be for almost a week. So:

1. One of the best things that came out of last month was the realization about what else I could do to fix the story. So that's going to be my focus for the month. At this point I probably won't get an agent before I turn 30, but I'd like to start querying in earnest by then. I'm taking my laptop with me. *Maybe* I'll be able to have some quiet time, too.

2. I'd like to read some more. Maybe this week, on the plane and by the pool?

Unless I need this week away, to let my mind rest. Maybe.

Yes, lots of maybes here. :)

Thanks for hosting this month, Mary Ann!

I've got only one goal this month - finish my current WIP. For once, I actually know where the book is headed and I've got notes jotted for the rest of the scenes; all that's left is to write them out.

I'm *hoping* it all goes smoothly, but "this'll be easy" are famous last words...

Good luck to everyone!

Wow, JRo! You have a lot going on! I loved Cheryl Klein's workshops at the SCBWI retreat a few years ago. She really tells it like it is! As for the garden, I'm considering a pallet garden. But alas, my spring break is over...

13k rocks! Way to go! As Ghost Hunk always tells me...forward motion.

Real life can be a pesky little bugger at times. Definitely give yourself a little time to recharge. Besides, we all know that writing isn't only about words on the page. We writers are always thinking about our books, even when we don't think we are! Enjoy Vegas...and don't do anything I wouldn't do...okay, well maybe do a few things I wouldn't do...!

Ah, direction! It's a wonderful thing. You are on your way. We'll be here, cheering you to the finish line!

Oh, yippee! So glad to see the #wipmadness continuing. And how cool that you get to spend the month brainstorming and reading, Mary Ann. Two of my favorite things!

Looks like everyone else has great goals piling up. My goal is to finish my latest revision, get one more round of feedback and then prepare for submissions. Eep!

I'm so happy to be in our new house, but I only got to sit down with the WIP for the first time this morning. All those boxes are certainly distracting. Little by little.

Happy Madness!

YAY for the big move! Don't worry. I've found that loaded boxes have infinite patience. And they like the one-on-one attention, so don't feel you have to blitz them all.

So take your time and enjoy your WIP. And congrats on the new house and surviving the move!

Good morning and Happy April, gang!
My goals are very similar to yours, Mary Ann. I'll be brainstorming a new story (in my journal) reading loads, and taking a first pass through a manuscript I drafted last year, making revision notes to self. Should keep me busy and alleviate some of the angst while waiting to hear from betas and agent lady. ^_^

Thanks so much for hosting, Mary Ann!

I spent most of yesterday brainstorming my new idea, and today I'm just going to jump in and start drafting. I haven't felt this excited and eager in a while, so I really want to use that energy. I plan to try to get 2k per day.

Oh, and I also LOVED the Fault in our Stars. Though I've never been to Indy :)

Yay! *waves hi to everyone* One whole day without checking in and I was lost, lol.

Hope your edits go smoothly Mary Ann :)

This month is what I'm calling my Active April. My goals:
1) Deep-edit my steampunk novel
2) Continue rough draft of steampunk WIP#2.
3) Blog at least 3 times a week.
4) Exercise 3 - 4 times a week.
5) Submit a steampunk short story.
6) Read at least 30 minutes daily (I've found that if I don't schedule in reading time, I won't make the time).

And today, I start classes at the community college. I'm going for a Medical Office Specialist certificate. It will be a challenge for me to juggle my writing career, classes, homework, and house/personal stuff, but I'm up for it. At least I think I am ;)

Wishing everyone a great April - I hope it starts out strong!

I'll be sharing that angst!

Fabulous! 2k per day is a great goal. I've got some ground work to do before I get to that sort of goal, though.

I grew up in Indiana and lived the first 6 years of my marriage in Indy.

Wow, Marie! This will be an active April! I really need to do the exercise thing again. I know what you mean about juggling everything. I'm just thankful my job gives me some time to write during the day because I'd be mud if I only had the evenings for it.

Where are you subbing your short story?

Uh-oh.

All this #wipmadness-ing is going to be the end of me. I too am thrilled we're continuing. My goals will be much simpler this go-round, but still aggressive.

#1 - Finish the novel I was working on last month (I', 14,000 words away, I think!).

#2 (depending on the success of goal #1) - Edit through said novel once.

I have a few non-writing related goals for the month as well.

#3 - I'm addicted to energy drinks (horrible, I know) and will kick that this month. YOU ALL MUST HELP ME!

#4 - I'm going to work out six days a week. I'm just coming off an ankle injury and can finally move semi-regularly without pain, so I'm hitting the weights (carefully) hard.

Happy to see all of you here!

You can do it, Brandon! 14k away...woohoo! We are all behind you.

As for the energy drinks, may step down to Dr. Pepper or Mt. Dew first and the work your way out of it. Be prepared for a headache or two though... We're here for ya, man!

I'm so happy to have #wipmadness continuing. Staying in touch with fellow sojourners really keeps me conscious of my goals. Thanks for hosting the April version, Mary Ann!

As for those goals... they won't be quite as ambitious as last month's. For one thing, I have grandchildren coming for a week's visit mid-month and I want to devote lots of "doting" time to them. :) But I'd like to (1.) sort out the ending for my current WIP and add significant words, even if I don't actually get it finished; (2.) write and query the one magazine article that I didn't get to last month; and (3.) leave extra time for reading. That sounds very doable to me.

Marie, your goals look daunting to me. You must be a higher-metabolism type. LOL! But you go, gal, and let us know how you're doing.

Brandon, those energy drinks will drive you bananas! Maybe taper off with colas, coffee and also some brisk walks to get an oxygen substitute. The workouts should help. :)

Denise, it's great to hear you're on a writing roll again... and I hear it has a Christmas theme???

Good luck to everyone who is continuing on the path and to those beginning new directions. Here's to an AWESOME APRIL!

Yay! I'm so glad to have a place to check in this month. For the last few days I've been wandering around the internet, kind of lost without March Madness.

My April goals are:
1. Start a new novel and get at least a couple of chapters in.
2. Start my revision of the current WIP once I get crits back from CPs.
3. Enter the agent judged competition on Ruth Lauren Steven's blog.

Happy April, all!

My goals this month include:

1) Continue working on one revision chapter a day. Well, Monday through Friday.

2) One review a week for YA Books Central. I usually post my reviews on Saturday evening/Sunday morning. This week reading GRAVE MERCY will is nothing short of brilliant.

3) I also need to not beat myself up with the whole agent quest. Right now need to work on getting this one project to shine. Need to not be impulsive and send out queries when it's not ready. And trust me, it's so not ready right now.

4) Get stuff ready for my part of http://veiledvirtues.com/Summer-Teen-Reading-Party.php

5) Decide if I'm going to join RWA or not. It's kind of expensive: $185 to join both the National/regional charters but Nationals is this year is in Anaheim. Decisions. Decisions.

6) Work with my fairy plotting master, Joyce Sweeney. I so need some of her magic dust right now!

I so understand getting distracted with queries and agents when you should be focusing on the manuscript. Just knowing those things are on the horizon is distracting in itself. Good luck polishing up your WIP! I'm sure you'll get there much faster than youe realize.

You must take time for those grandbabies. They sound like very workable goals. Enjoy it all!

Awesome! Good luck on the contest!

Wow! You are busy, Kim. But you usually take no prisoners, so I know you kick those goals with style!

Hello, all! Well, my March Madness goal was to be query ready by April 1, which I was. And I sent out my first couple queries on Sunday and today ... got my first request! Woo-hoo!

But querying aside, my goal for April is just to get some notes and brainstorming down on my Shiny New Idea - if a full outline comes out, great, but it may need more simmering time. Otherwise, I'm planning to do a bunch more reading than usual. I hadn't thought of a number-of-books goal. I'm just planning to read-read-read!

Thanks!

Way to go, Joy! Congrats on a request already! Fingers crossed for more good news...

Greetings! This is a quick (and late!) check in. Thanks for hosting us this month!

Today I am working on my goals for April, fine tuning them so have measurable ones. Will be back.

Go team #wipmadness!