ONE WEEK left of Grapemo 2014. I'm impressed by everyone's progress and totally LOVING the Teasers. Thank you all for participating this year!

We're finally reaching the final stretch, folks. For those of you still hanging in there--which, happily, is the majority of you--remember: You can accomplish a lot in a single week if you put your mind to it, and, well, be a bitch about your writing.



Yes. Be a bitch! "This has to be done, that has to be done..." "So-and-so wants this, what's-his-face wants that..." "I can't miss this...they're making me do that..."

NO, NO, NO!

One week. One week to yourself. It doesn't have to be 24/7. Yes, that would be nice, but we all know it's impossible unless you're stranded in a dinghy or holed up in the desert. As none of us are, this means all of us have "other things" demanding our attention. We have people in our lives who also demand our attention, and I'm certainly not here to minimize their importance.

I am here, however, to remind you one of this: YOU are important, too. Your writing is important; otherwise, you wouldn't have committed to Grapemo  in first place.

With one week left, it's time to say NO to distractions whenever possible and do whatever you can to make your writing time more accessible. Stock up on DVDs and candy for the young'uns. Get a bully stick for the dog. Accept the fact that your house looks like crap; you'll have time enough to get to it in March. Fast food, pizza, Stouffer's frozen lasagna...screw the massive home-cooked meals your family has learned to expect. Turn OFF the damn TV already! Knock back the amount of time to spend on the internet. And, unless it's a special occasion, get-togethers with family and friends can wait another week.

Grapenuts, please don't be afraid to say no. NO, NO, NO! If this makes you a "bitch" (while some prefer the term assertive, "bitch" totally works for me) then so be it. Your needs are no less important than anyone else's. Time to devote yourself solely to your writing is not too much to ask of others. Even a hour a day is better than nothing.

Be strong. Be assertive. Be a bitch if you have to.

It's up to you to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!!!!