My second WIP Wednesday post, I guess it's lucky I finally have a WIP to write about. Or rather, why have one WIP when you can have two.
I've spent the past week (and most of the month) avoiding working on anything. Yesterday I sat down and decided to finally start work on my YA 'The Horrifiques'. I re-read the outline (impressed and left wondering why I'd delayed working on it), and then within the space of a day, I decided to pick-up my MG, 'Lucy Baxter & The Evil Emporium', again!!! I did this about a month ago - edited the manuscript, decided I hated it. I've given the manuscript a name change - The Drawing of Dolls - and I've started work on it hoping to turn it into a novella or maybe a short YA novel. Oh, and I've promised myself I will work on both (because I'm sure it's a delaying tactic to save the hard slog of writing a proper first draft).
So, here's where my WIP's stand - the estimated end figure is of course estimated:
The Horrifiques (YA) 1st Draft
1045 / 45,000 (2%)The Drawing of Dolls
878 / 30,000 (3%)
Anyone else up for the WIP Wednesday challenge?
Lately I’ve reserved Sundays to highlight blog posts that I’ve noticed during the week. But today, I’m just going to mention one. Because honestly, I can’t think of any others after turning my brain to mush watching hours of American Idol while folding umpteen loads of laundry. Did you know that you could actually watch so many episodes in a row that you could make yourself a little sick to your stomach? Neither did I.
Anyway, today Robin Brande really came through for me as she recounted her feeling of being overwhelmed by the mundane (like cleaning) because of time spent blogging. It’s a great conversation in the comments, and I hope other bloggers will stop by and share our little addiction. (Hi. I’m Pam. I’ve been blogging for a year now, and I may have a problem. Hi, Pam!)
But this was the second time Robin made me Think this week (twice in one week!). Lately, she’s been using Friday to ask readers how they took care of themselves during the week. Her way of being nice to herself reminded me of a post I did a long time ago, so I thought I would repost it. Enjoy, Robin and others:
Sometimes you just know that it isn’t working out. Sure, there was an initial attraction, but then... nothing. You’re just bored. Little irritations become big issues. “Who uses the word paradigm anyway?” You fight to stay invested. It may get better. It may be worth all the struggles in the end. But maybe you’re just not in that place now, for something light or something serious or something different. You know you need to make room in your life for something new, but it feels so wrong.
It’s okay to say, “It’s not you, it’s me,” when you’re dumping a book.
You can dump a decent book if it just doesn’t fit you, doesn’t engage you, doesn’t interest you, doesn’t make you want to keep reading. There are too many fish in the sea — or books on the shelves, as it were — to waste time on the wrong one. Even if it’s just the wrong book for you, for now.
I was not always this harsh, this cold. I would read the worst book to the very end, but I would be resentful. I wasn’t enjoying myself, or worse, wasn’t reading at all, stifled with guilt over the book I was avoiding. I had to change. I still find it difficult to let go, but it is getting easier.
Not too long ago I helped a friend get out of a bad book relationship. With a young child, she has limited time to read and was strugging with a book of short stories. We talked about it, and I told her it was time to move on. She took my advice and later confessed what a pleasure it was to finally remove the bookmark from the pages. The relief is like seeing your favorite contestant in the bottom two of
American Idol and then she’s sent back to the bench and she’s safe for another week. Or something like that.
You know... I think I might be. It'd remind me that in spite of this being the official Summer of Laziness, I am actually working on a novel, and ought to keep writing...something every week, at least.
I like it. I'll do it!
Love the new Lucy Baxter title, too. As usual. I'd totally buy a bottle of your Titling Serum, you know.
YAY! I love to know where everyone is in their projects and it's a good way to keep on top of things.
Titling Serum? Maybe that's my way to get rich.
I'm with Katey - Miss Cate's Titling Serum would fly off the shelves. I'd definitely order a crate's worth to daub on my pulse points.
I also was thinking about my WIP in the other day. hahaha - that's about as far as I got. But I suppose a subtle yearning is better than none at all, right?
I've spent most of the month yearning subtely. ;)
See, more serum requests! It's time!
And now I just have to go up the scattered pieces of my WIP, since it refuses to be written in order... you've given me a fun project for today :D
If I joined in, I would be shamed out the door.
The Drawing of Dolls sounds creepy!
Love this WIP (Work In Progress Wednesday) very clever.
:)
My WIP is a short story called "Swallowing Stars" that I'm about 1000 words into.
After, its time to get started on something for Way of the Wizard. Yep. That's right. Gonna take a crack at old John Joseph.
Nice start! I actually did quite a bit of writing today (although not as much as you). Maybe it's something to do with Wednesdays.
I can do without Devo being put into my head every Wednesday, but good going, I guess . . .
(:>)
Aaron, I very much doubt that.
Natalie, I'm hoping it is.
Kim, it is, and unfortunately, it wasn't my idea. ;)
Love the title Jeremy, I think it should be published alongside my story, 'The Shelf Life of Stars'. There you go, a 'star' anthology. :)
KC, I never thought I'd say this - Wednesdays rock.
Brendon, I haven't a clue what Devo is... :)
All of my current WIP are in the editing stage, I am getting nowhere with wordcounts. :( Maybe after I get done with the mg book I have up next I can start something new.
I think editing counts. If I'm editing then it's my WIP. :) Or maybe I cheat.
I think I'll take a stab at this next Wednesday. The only WIP I have at the moment is a short story in need of editing. But still, it's something.
I like your blog, I'll add you to my links.
Every WIP counts. :)