THE WEEKEND PROGRESS REPORT 2005

[katiemac]

Hey Barb,

I was MIA the whole weekend, not just from WPR.

I don't have anything much to report, though. Since I finished the first draft last week, I want to play out that whole "set it aside" before you edit. I wanted at least a week, so we'll see what happens if I can dive into it some point this week. I'm actually looking forward to edits, though.

I was brushing my teeth Wednesday night and got a story idea, so I plopped down and wrote about 200 words as a reminder. I don't think I want to start something new, but this may have potential as a short story. I want to try to work on something like that while I edit the novel so I could have something to ship out for possible publishing credits.

Ah, we'll see. Another week, another chance!

[ritinrider]

Oh Barb, please don't take the wpr away. I know, I've been mia for two weeks. But sometimes I don't get online, sometimes I just forget to report in, and sometimes,*gasp* believe it or not, I don't write so I hide. Last week not a whole lot of writing, bits and pieces here and there and creative bio's for three of the judges of the OWFI writing contest.

Arrived home yesterday afternoon from the contest all pumped and ready to write. Well, after I made a path through the house. Thing is I think E is going on a back burner for awhile. Submitted 1st 2 chapters of a romance and got some positive feedback on it. So, I think I'll work on it and aim to finish it (well, the rough draftt anyway) by July. Heck, I've already got the first 2 chapters finished, and notes for several others.

Nita

[Birol]

I can't really speak for Barb, but I'd be surprised if she stops WPR. What we have to remember is, as wonderful and supportive as she is, Barb is a writer, too. It means she's prone to the same paranoia as the rest of us. She imagines things and see things that may not really be there and projects her fears into the silence. When we all go quiet at the same time, it must be a bit like an empty nest syndrome; she wonders if we've all outgrown her and if we still need her.

Barb, you can't turn WPR into a guest room or a den just yet. We do still need you and are going to be boomeranging back to WPR for a long time to come.

[triceretops]

I for one, love this thread! All you have to do is go backstream and look at my numbers climbing. That's what's it's meant to me. I'm out of job, my back is against the wall, my existence is spartan, but I have an incredible support staff who allow me room and board for free as long as I'm pounding keys. I HAVE NO CHOICE!I promise to be happy, Barb. And I am, really. You foster a drive in me. I'm officially getting rid of the Bewares and Shemp thread cause they're ruinouos to my habits. I'm nota feared to go full-tilt.

Btw, I've never known which day is check-in day. Some help? Sunday?

I think we should also advertise or cast our net on another few threads to draw in some more participants. We have a regular crew here, but where in the heck is the rest of the inkers?

Current update: 51,000 words (up another grand)

tri

[Liam Jackson]

It's just that time of the year, Barb. Spring is here and people are out and about more this month. If I recall, there was a slow spot this same time last year.
Don't pull the plug, kiddo. Too many folks really derive benefit from this thread.

[Yeshanu]

I took off all the pillows I was going to use to protect me from Barb's taser. They were suffocating me, and I went to bed last night exhausted and with a headache. (Well, it was that and the fact that I'd run out of my thyroid medication and was a bit tired...)

I was all fired up last week about my new non-fiction book ideas, and I did manage to start research on a couple of them, but then got bogged down, and that discouraged me. Still, I have other projects, so I was wondering why I didn't get more done when I read Ally's report...

I was having a difficult time doing anything this week. Monday's are always gone on me, so I couldn't write. I had to make an audition CD on wendnesday, so I was practicing for that on tuesday. Thursday I had practice for they youth service at my church, friday I was dead, sunday I had the youth service, and two orchestra practices. So that left saturday.

Can you say, "Mom, I need a ride?"

Not only that, I had to find the recording equipment for that CD she did on Wednesday. Ninety-five bucks for a day's rental, and then I was able to get in touch with my dad -- he has two thousand dollars worth of recording equipment sitting in his bedroom! Arrrgh!

Anyhow, on top of that, because Ally isn't my only child, I had to taxi my son into Toronto on Monday and pick up his stuff, since he is finished school now for the year. The end result is that my son managed to write a whole chapter on his novel (he didn't have much else to do this week) but I got zilch done as far as word count...

But I'm content to be tasered in the hope that next week will be a little better... Oh, well.

Oh, thought you'd like to know that I picked up most of my assignments on Monday as well, and my lowest mark was a 78. That 25 page monstrosity that I wrote in six hours flat garnered an 80. So taser away, Barb! I probably won't feel it much anyhow, as I'm still awestruck that I'm finally finished school.

And ((((((Barb)))))), hope you're feeling better. Yes, we need this thread. Don't give up on us just yet.

((((Lori)))), hope your end-of-year crunch ends successfully. I feel for ya!

[batyler65]

Just a note, folks... I won't ever abandon this thread as long as people need and want it. :) I think it is great that we all get together and show support. (read as: nag, for my part).

Tri: Reporting day(s) are generally Friday, Saturday and Sunday (hence the Weekend part of WPR). I have no problem with folks who report on other days of the week, so feel free to do what works for you. Most of my playtime (read as time to respond to reports) falls on the weekend. The rest of the week, I'm supposed to be engaged in money making activities (or so the banks tell me). As a mod, I do check in every day (numerous times) but rarely have time to post much.



Be well, everyone! Get those butts in the chairs and keep writing! (You knew I was gonna say that, right?)

hugs to all,
Barb

[Unique]

I for one, love this thread! All you have to do is go backstream and look at my numbers climbing. That's what's it's meant to me. I'm out of job, my back is against the wall, my existence is spartan, I HAVE NO CHOICE!

I promise to be happy, Barb.
Btw, I've never known which day is check-in day. Some help? Sunday?

I think we should also advertise or cast our net on another few threads to draw in some more participants. We have a regular crew here, but where in the heck is the rest of the inkers?

Current update: 51,000 words (up another grand)

tri

OK, we have some things in common. (See quote) But what is this forum FOR? I'm in the Humor section. K - got that. We make each other laugh? We write funny stuff? Inspire each other not to be depressed? (see above)
Is this for novels only? Or writing goals in general? Clue me in - I'm game.

[Birol]

The forum is for humor, like the horror forum is for horror, but you don't have to be a humor writer or working on a novel or anything specific to participate in this thread, otherwise known as the Weekend Progress Report. You just have to have goals and be prepared to submit yourself to the whip-wielding, taser-carrying redhead who runs this place.

The way it works is this: Barb posts a call for progress reports on Friday. The rest of us panic and start scrambling to come up with something that is both believable and will meet with her approval to post as a report before Sunday night/Monday morning. On Monday, Barb reviews what we have accomplished or failed to accomplish. If we've spun a good tale of writing efforts, or at least made her guffaw with our antics, we get a gold star. If not, it's the whip and taser.

The whip and taser hurt.

[Unique]

So the deal is:

First I post my goals.:Trophy:

Then Barb beats me for not doing anything to acheive those goals.:whip:

Have I got that right?:idea:

And if I use this forum correctly, I'll end up like this::thankyou: and not like::horse:

OK, I'm in. Let me find that goal sheet - I know it's around here someplace.
(and yes, I do like those little Smiley things; why do you ask?)

Oh, one more thing: Do I send the goals to Barb, or the whole forum? I haven't seen ya'll's goals - and I sure in the heck ain't posting mine if I can't see yours.

[katiemac]

Unique,

Our goals were probably listed within the first couple posts we started on this thread. Barb will probably know yours better than we will, but they're there nonetheless. Throughout the posts, we can alter our goals and change them as we see fit if something isn't working out or something much better is coming along.

[Birol]

Heck, Katie, I think Barb knows my goals better than I do. :flag:

And yep, Unique, sounds like you got it all figured out. Welcome to WPR. :Clap: :Hammer:


Currently, my main, primary goal is to finish TBWN, my novel-in-progress, by the end of the summer.

[triceretops]

I agree that Barb probably knows our motivations and projects better than we do. I had a non-fiction book crisis about half way back for all the world to see, but realized excuses wern't going to cut, so I jumped on a novel which took off like a firestorm. Glad I did.

Tri

[Kida Adelyne]

:hi:Welcome:hi:

You don't even have to have a large goal. And even if you do you can sidetrack (not to much though) as long as your writing.

We all started this year by posting some goals. (I think) And some of them are changed (mine certainly have:tongue) but the main goal of everyone is to write, regardless.

Hope you have fun here!


-Ally

[Melina]

Oh, Barb-

Sorry I've been AWOL. I haven't done much writing the past two weeks, and was trying to stay under the radar. Evidently, I wasn't the only one...

Good news, though. Got a new job, so it looks like I'll be getting out of Zombieland in 2 weeks. Yahoo! I won't be commuting, it's a promotion and a pay-raise, better benefits and retirement, and I'll have better hours. Doesn't get much better than that. I'm so stoked!

So, I'm ready to take the tazer. Yes, I'll still love you. Don't give up on me, huh? I still need you.

Melina

[maestrowork]

Should we move the WPR to a more common forum? Do people think this is only limited to humor writers, and what about those who don't visit the "Humor" forum at all? Or is everyone happy with WPR? (I know Barb is going to freak out if suddenly 203 people showed up)

[batyler65]

*poking Ray*

*poking him again, because once was not enough*

I'm NOT, NOT, NOT moving. (There. Was that enough of a freak-out for you, Ray?) ;)

There's never been anything stopping people from starting their own version of WPR in goals and accomplishments.


Barb

[maestrowork]

I'm starting one.

;)

*poking Barb back*

[batyler65]

Ray, you have my blessings. May you gather many around you and lead them to publication.

:)

[maestrowork]

Heck no. I love you taser too much.

:crazy: :Wha:

(note the twitching eye)

[MacAllister]

eh--I think there is already something similar in Goals and Accomplishments--and I ain't moving, either. :D

I think it's Barb's leggy, redheaded charisma that keeps us all coming back for more punishment.

[Birol]

There's other places to post one's goals and accomplishments? But... but... I just finished sorting through all the boxes from the last move, except for the one's I put away to go through later. *whine*

[Liam Jackson]

Bring on the 200+ new folk. When the taser runs out of batteries, we fire up the Tucker Telephone!

http://www.state.ar.us/doc/images/gal28_sm.jpg

[batyler65]

AAAAAAAACKKKKKKKKKKK!

Liam, are you trying to kill me? 200+ NEW people??

[maestrowork]

I just invited as many as possible to come to WPR from Goals and Accomplishments, as well as novel, short story, SYW, and non-paying market as well.

Brace yourself!

[Unique]

Much easier for me to fly in under the radar....

[ChunkyC]

200 new people? Damn, I'd better start labelling the stuff in the fridge that belongs to me ... never mind, it's all gone. So who ate my low-fat calorie-reduced rice wafers? (and if you believe I actually eat low-fat calorie-reduced rice wafers, I got some PA contracts here for ya) http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

PS - Hi Unique. Welcome to the last bastion of insanity on the Internet. Okay, not the last, but probably the most fun. Around here, it's good to be nuts.

[maestrowork]

I just invited as many as possible to come to WPR from Goals and Accomplishments, as well as novel, short story, SYW, and non-paying market as well.

Brace yourself!

Kidding. Made you look....

[triceretops]

Dang it, Ray. And I was going to take credit for the original idea of mass mailings.

Tri

[Birol]

Guys, gentlemen, do you really think causing Barb to freak out on Thursday is such a good idea? Do you really think causing Barb to freak out is such a good idea, period? It's not like it's a surefire plan to get her to go easy on us.

[Unique]

It's not like it's a surefire plan to get her to go easy on us.

Nah, we don't want that. I'm waiting for the test drive she plans for Liam's trucker phone. Beat me, whip me, make me feel......beaten and whipped. What else?

Goals to be posted tomorrow. Promise.

[Liam Jackson]

Unique, nice of you to join us. Welcome to the asylum. And that's "Tucker telephone" (an old prison torture device). If you think a taser is nasty, that little jewel will knock the socks right off your feet. Barb also has other instruments of persuasion in her tortu...emmm, basement. Let us hope she has neither the occasion nor inclination to bring them out. We are blessed to have such a caring Task Mistress.

*ouch*Thank you, ma'am. May I have another? *ouch* Thank you, ma'am. May I have another? *ouch*Thank you....

[maestrowork]

Somehow, I'm picturing Liam in studded leather, and Barb in a Dominatrix outfit, in a dungeon...

Not a very pretty sight.

:gone:

I think I need a date...

[batyler65]

Friday, May 6, 2005



Welcome Weekenders!

An extra special welcome to our latest vict-- er...

WELCOME UNIQUE!

[and may I point out how everyone was good and didn't mention the whole "Hotel California" thing?]

As everyone knows, it is time to get in line and 'fess up for the week.

This week has been a strange one around the homefront. The 19yo has strep, the 12yo has no school today. I still have some lingering numbness from the oral surgery last week (btw, my surgeon tells me that in another 5 days or so I will be completely NORMAL! Who knew that all it took to make me normal was cutting out a couple of pesky teeth? I am very excited at the prospect. But please, have no fear, I'm sure I'll still be fascinated with the whip and the taser.) Mother's Day is Sunday and I have some things to tend to on that front. *whew!*

I'm trying to get back in the swing of things with the regular writing gig while developing a plan of action for the latest writing gig (reading material for educational software). I did get my humor column out to my editor yesterday, so one thing I can check off the list. I guess my biggest news is that somewhere in the midst of all this I realized that I only have nine more chapters to write to finish Between (My YA fantasy). And since each chapter is already in synopsis form, I estimate about 7k words left to go. WOOHOO! If I am diligent, I could be done with the first draft as early as Tuesday.

Today, I have some greeting card biz to take care of, and a humor piece I want to rough out and then... THEN the next four days (barring mother's day activities) are earmarked for finishing up this book.

Now let's hear from the peanut gallery.

Unique: Tell me what you want to accomplish. What are your writing goals?

Liam: Oooh, thanks for the new toy. It'll look perfect over there next to the iron maiden. How's SINS coming? You hit that 50k mark yet?

Tri: Thanks for all the support and positive feedback. I'm glad that your novel is trucking along. Did you make good progress this week?

Katiemac: Already have some new ideas stewing? Great! I'm so proud of you for getting to The End amid what has to be the most hectic time of the school year! Go, Girl!

Lori: TBWN? hmm??

Mac: Weird?? Hmm? [didn't you have a deadline?]

CC: You are too DARN QUIET. Get it in gear, Mister. Don't make me come looking for you.

Ruth: I'm glad you are back. *salutes* Congrats on all your recent accomplishments! Now get back in the swing of things and get those books started/completed.

Ally: Are you dizzy yet? All that running around in circles is not good for your equilibrium. You should try sitting still occasionally. I hear putting words on paper helps.

Ray: I'm not talking to you. I'm just going to zap you for the fun of it. ZZZzzzt!

Tasha: Have things settled down any? Have you at least been aiming for 100 words to call your very own each day?

Betty: Um, you seem to be among the missing again, Ms. Betty. School is almost out for the year. (Gosh, it doesn't seem possible, does it?) You are gonna need a new excuse soon.


Natalia: 40k yet? Hmm? You were awfully close last week. I can't wait to hear how you did this week.

Lorrie: Sorry that last week was so rough. You can come in here and whine all you want (as long as you don't mind the taser). Sometimes life kicks us in the keester and that's all there is to it. So, tell me, how was this week? Better?

Lisa: Where are you? I know you are out there somewhere.

Jen: Same question as above. I know RL has a way of taking you out of circulation. Please tell me that you are still writing.

Cate: Ok. Let me get this straight. You are super productive and you STILL don't report in? I'm going to have to have a chat with your writing partner.

Nita: You are still out there writing, right? Lie to me. It makes me feel better. Did you finish up those article ideas and get them submitted? I need an update here.

Frank: yooooooooo-hooooooooo, Frank? You still out there?

Melina: Congratulations on the new job and the ticket out of zombieville! That means you are going to have more progress to report, right? Right?

Kit: How goes the goals this week? Did you break that 1,000 word mark? Let me know how those projects are coming along.

Did I miss anybody?

Stand up and be counted!

Barb

[Liam Jackson]

Not quite to 50K but I can see it from here. :)

[Unique]

Unique, nice of you to join us. Welcome to the asylum. And that's "Tucker telephone" (an old prison torture device). If you think a taser is nasty, that little jewel will knock the socks right off your feet. Barb also has other instruments of persuasion in her tortu...emmm, basement. Let us hope she has neither the occasion nor inclination to bring them out. We are blessed to have such a caring Task Mistress.

*ouch*Thank you, ma'am. May I have another? *ouch* Thank you, ma'am. May I have another? *ouch*Thank you....

RE: Your 'tucker phone' - I thought it looked like one of those things you...uh, well, you know, Ok, Ok, I'll just say it. Go fishing with. Drop the wires in the water and BAM !! Instant fish. Scoop 'em up and go home. (what!?who me?!)

Since I'm here - my goals are: One query and one contest entry per month.

Sounds easy, right? OK. Since February....I've done 2 entries and one query.
Pretty pathetic, isn't it? It's not writer's block. It's ....dare I say it? Self-sabotage. Yes, it's going to be a hot time in the ol' asylum 'round here. Yep, I'm in the right place.

Uh, Barb? We don't have to contribute to paying your power bill do we? I sense an increase in kW hours comin' on.

[Liam Jackson]

The old crank telephones were modified for "fishing" just like the one in the picture above was modified for behavior modification therapy. That phone is now in the Arkansas Department of Corrections museum, along with Old Sparky, the last electric chair used there. We're still hoping Barb doesn't find uses for that piece of equipment. :)

[Kida Adelyne]

Somehow, I'm picturing Liam in studded leather, and Barb in a Dominatrix outfit, in a dungeon...

Not a very pretty sight.

:gone:

I think I need a date...

:roll:Man, Ray! You nearly made me spit milk on my keyboard.:roll:

I'll report in a bit. I'm on a roll and wan't to see how much more I can get dome.

[triceretops]

Hit 55K last night. I'll check in again Sunday.

Tri:Jump:

[katiemac]

Uh, Barb? We don't have to contribute to paying your power bill do we? I sense an increase in kW hours comin' on.

Hmm.. there's a new incentive. The taser seems to be losing its steam... I think it's time Barb starting digging into our pockets.

We can get it all back once we sell.

Uh... Barb? Why are you taking all of the records? Barb? BARB!

...maybe not such a good idea.

I'll try to check in tomorrow.

[batyler65]

Electric Bills

I have decided, in the interest of not causing more area blackouts to buy a generator dedicated solely to the taser.

TRI: 55K WOOOO-HOOOO! Excellent! I'll be looking for Sunday's report.


Now I'm off to eBay to see what new things I can find for the dung-- er... basement. Think I saw Old Sparky there once. But somebody outbid me.

[ChunkyC]

CC: You are too DARN QUIET. Get it in gear, Mister. Don't make me come looking for you.
Sorry, I was busy shaving my nether regions 'coz I hate the smell of burnt hair. I never know where you'll attach the wires next. However, if I chip in to keep the generator going, will you zap Ray instead of me every time I have nothing to report?

Real excuse: my final beta reader is oh so nearly ready to hand over her notes on HOME. I'm expecting to get them this weekend.

HINT HINT

No pressure. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/pi_bigsmile.gif

Okay, okay. I know I could be working on something else, but I just went through fiscal year end at the day job, plus the old owners handed the business over to the new owners and there's all sorts of issues to be dealt with and....

ZZZZZZZZT!
http://bestsmileys.com/zapped/4.gif
YEOUCH!!!

Ye gods, that felt like twice as many volts as last time! Maybe shaving wasn't such a good idea. (Damn wires make better contact on bare skin, dagnabit, shoulda thought of that.)

[Liam Jackson]

http://www.state.ar.us/doc/images/gal26_sm.jpg
This "old sparky"?

[ritinrider]

you guys and gals all make me laugh. I'll be back in awhile to report. Yes, ma'am Barb ma'am I have been writing. I have.


nita

[Kida Adelyne]

Hullo, back to report.

This week was very productive. Especially during math class.:Ssh: I wrote at least 10 pages long hand.

I wrote the ending to Lost ID. Now I have to go back and write finish the second last chapter, and the middle of the last one.:tongue

I finally gave into the fact that Heartbeat is a screenplay, not a novel as I was trying to force it to be, so I got out some books from the library on writing screenplays. I wrote about three pages of it as a screenplay.

Finally, I picked up the binder with Picat's Rebellion (my Nanowrimo novel) in it, and have been going over it a bit. I think I'm finally ready to face it, edit it, and add 20k to it in the process!:eek:
It is a very scary prospect, but figuring that I had no Idea how to first write it, and I got that done, I can figure out how to edit it.

I will probably not report in next week, or I will be late. I'm going to be in three different cities next weekend (not all at once, but pretty darn close to it) so I'll be very exausted.

-Ally

[Kitahoshi]

OI! Why do they hate students in the second semester? I had to write a 2 000 word essay I procrastinated doing in one night plus our school was doing this musical performance-y thingy. Ask Ally- she'll tell you. I ended up ditching clean up so I could finish my essay and spent the entire walk home wondering if someone was going to jump me from the shadows and then wondering if I could write a story on that. That is assuming I wasn't killed of course. But meh. I have my world religions seminar next week on Taoism and I'm hating mother's day right now. It should be illegal to have two moms expect to get gifts when you only get a $5/week allowance! In all rights I should be too busy to be here. In fact, I should have been making my mom a card but instead I was writing to get rid of my frustration about the week. :Headbang:

I saw my muse Gina the spider last night and also on Thursday. she always comes around when I get my great ideas and now her name is Gina. She's been bugging me to write with her presence and I always do after I see her. Thus my word count is pretty good this week.

Goal: 1 000 words a week on anything I choose to write at that time.
This week: 2 000 words accomplished in a climactic chapter of Alice. I figure it only needs one or two more chapters. It's pretty short but I need to rewrite the first chapter when I'm done and then make my poor Ally edit the thing and tell me what she thinks. :tongue

Craziest thing this week: Woo! Singing in the middle of a mall! ... then seeing that gym teacher you know instinctively hates you and passed you so they'd never have to see you again. :gone:

[TashaGoddard]

Words written this week = 1000 words (well just under)
WIP total = 7000 words (well just under)

That was today. Nothing at all the rest of the week, however, I am feeling more inspired now that I've got back into it. When I do sit down to write (touch wood) I can spew it out quite easily; it's just getting a BIC habit going so that I actually sit down to write more often. This was my first day of trying the new BIC plan, and it worked. Hopefully, I can keep it up *g*. It's fairly simple really and, boy, do I wish I'd done it before. It involves writing at least one scene or for at least one hour, as soon as I switch the computer on in the morning. Before opening Outlook to check mail. Before opening IE to check the news and forums. Before opening SeaMagic to check LJ. Computer on; straight to the Thriller.doc file; no diversions. I then give myself permission to briefly check email, boards et al before getting down to work, but my main Internet time will be pushed to the evening. If I can afford to spend 2 hours every morning reading blogs and news and so forums, I can afford to write for at least 1 hour!

I'm also feeling more like I know where the WIP is going after giving my police officer another case to get her teeth into, while the main one bubbles away without her knowledge. I think she was feeling a little left out, and perhaps somewhat scared about being sidelined in favour of one of the other characters. She's happier now and showing her personality a little more.

[So, not a huge amount, but I'm happy that I'm going to be back into full-on writing mode again and will be able to do so without letting the pressure of 'real' work get in the way.]

[Melina]

Well, only a little writing done this week. Probably about 1000 words. But-I have done a ton of research on my latest idea, and I found a friend to collaborate with on future projects. She's willing to be my expert in all things psychological, so I'm looking forward to lots of fun writing and research in the coming weeks.

Ready for the taser now.

Melina

[Cate]

Ok. I think this might be the most productive week I have ever had.
Here goes:
7 finished submissions sent out to various markets.
3 queries sent out.
Tons of market research.
Lots of requests for writer's guidelines.
Scanned and sent out copies of 3 articles I have had published this month to all the people who contributed quotes.
Started work on 4 different article ideas.
Took photos to file away for potential articles.

And still managed to get my student's progress reports done for school.
Whew.

I think having my writing partner here is very motivational!

[maestrowork]

Since Barb is not talking to me, and she's going to zap me anyway:

This week I wrote 122,025 words, saved a baby from a burning truck, revived the Ms. America pageant, averted a nuclear holocaust in North Korea, and clipped my toe nails, which was no small feat and arguably the single most charitable act in the universe....

[MacAllister]

ugh--I've hit a brick wall. Just zap me, and get it over with... *cowers*

[Birol]

I'm sorry, Mac. I think I'm on the other side of that brick wall you slammed into. I evenbuilt it.

I have done some things:

Copied all the scenes related to my most problematic character from TBWN into a new document.
Done research for TBWN related to fighter planes.
Had a couple of epiphanies about TBWN, such as there is a secondary character who does not have to appear until a second book, if there is one, and that some of the actions of one of the primary characters can also wait until Book II (again, if there ever is such an animal)
Contacted a blast from the past who apparently still had me on his list of writers from two or three years ago. It's a role playing universe in need of short stories and he sent out a notice indicating the universe had changed. He wrote back.
Contacted a potential market about a regular gig. Never heard back.
But, given all the time I've found myself with this week, it is a mere pittance. Here, Barb, I'll even stand barefoot in this puddle of water while you zap me.

[ritinrider]

Uh since it looks like the rest of my day will be taken up with THE QUILT, and I won't get any writing done may as well bite the bullet and post my exc..us progress.

No, Barb, the article ideas are still sitting in the notebook. I've looked at 'em does that count? No, humm?

Spent several hours, okay minutes, looking for the entry that didn't win. Got such great feedback from the judge, who also is a selling writer in that category, that I thought I'd work on that instead of E for awhile. Found all my notes from that story, but not the actual mss I printed out. Rather than continue to look for it, and in this mess it could be anywhere, I figured I'd go back to work on E.

Even knew where my index cards were this time, that's a plus for me. I did write on it, but only about 1,000 words. Hope to have a much better report for you next time.

Lori get out of that puddle. Silly girl, you didn't write THAT much.

Mac, you still have time. Go write something, quick. Even if it's about that darn brickwall Lori built right in your way.

*back to the sewing machine*
Nita

[triceretops]

Mac must of hit that wall I hashed myself on a while back. Use a jackhammer on that one.

Haven't started yet, but I'm up another 2,500 since Friday night. That way I'll get a jump on next week's tally.

Put a package together for Indiana University Press, who've emailed twice wanting to see the dino script. What a shock, they wanting to do follow-up queries on ME! Thought it was supposed to work the other way.

Tri:snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:

[Liam Jackson]

Mac- Kill a character. You'll feel better, I promise.

[Natalia]

Hiya gang...here is my week in review...

I wish, dead Barb, I could say I am at 40K but words on that WIP are trickling out...I am at a mere 39K...maybe next week... on other, happier news:

-I finished all my grading, submitted grades...all done with Spring Semester.
-I finished, turned in and got an A in my 2 projects for my Ph.D.
-I sent in three subs.
-Severed is DONE!!!! Thanks to wordy's help in editing, it is ready to submit.
-I started my new job last Monday and I am loving it.

That's me...over and out for the week...and wishing everyone a wonderful writing week.

[katiemac]

I've had a couple of revelations, but nothing terribly exciting written down. Both smoking threads -- the one I started in research, and the second one in novels -- have really spurred some new ideas regarding the my main, who is a smoker. The more I read through those threads, the more ideas and scenes seem to pop up. This is good. Actually writing them down proves to be bad.

I'm facing a bit of a conundrum. I'm not sure if I just want to start editing this thing straight away and write in the new scenes as I go along, or write the new scenes first. I don't think I'll be able to go through the whole novel again until I figure this out, because new scenes might also require new characters.

New characters is something I've been thinking on. Essentially there's two protags. Two antags. Two supports, and one very important, yet very dead, character who never makes an appearance in the book. I'm trying to figure if six (seven) people is enough to make everything work out. There are always other people around, of course, but I've never incorported them before. Incorportaing them would probably make the story more realistic.

*sigh* Lots to think about. Last week of classes coming up, then finals the week after. We'll see how much I can accomplish with that time.

I'm sort of fearing this editing process is going to require me to print out all my pages so I can make physical notes and adjustments, but that won't be possible until I'm home for the summer -- putting off the project for another two weeks.

*EDIT*: I just pulled out my WIP and wrote a quick scene. Turns out, according to this new piece of work, my main male protag is, well, a son of a b*tch.

Interesting turn of events.

[gogoshire]

Good luck with the end of the semester, Katiemac! I'm dealing with the same thing now (but I'm on the other end of the chalkboard), and I'm finding it really difficult to get as much writing done as normal.

Keep with it!

[batyler65]

Liam

Woo-hoo, Liam! I'm sure that 50k mark is practically a memory already. Keep it going!

Next stop, 60k!

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

[batyler65]

Unique


Since I'm here - my goals are: One query and one contest entry per month.

Sounds easy, right? OK. Since February....I've done 2 entries and one query.
Pretty pathetic, isn't it? It's not writer's block. It's ....dare I say it? Self-sabotage. Yes, it's going to be a hot time in the ol' asylum 'round here. Yep, I'm in the right place.


These sound like doable goals to me. Well work on the self-sabotage part. For the record, though, it's all part of being a writer. Self-sabotage, self-doubt... we are all in the same boat. How do you sabotage yourself? Maybe we can advise on how to stop. ;)

Glad to have you with us.

Barb

[batyler65]

Sorry, I was busy shaving my nether regions 'coz I hate the smell of burnt hair. I never know where you'll attach the wires next. However, if I chip in to keep the generator going, will you zap Ray instead of me every time I have nothing to report?

Um... I might be persuaded to zap Ray on general principle this week. ;) He has been naughty. My question is, do you intend to shave HIM first?

I'm hearing a lot of excuses there, CC. This is SO not like you. I know things have been up in the air and I'm sure they will settle down soon. But you got to saddle up and get back into the writing chair sometime. You know the drill. Ten minutes a day. Start building a new character. Start describing a new setting. Start SOMETHING for Pete's sake. ;)

ZZZZZzzzzztt!

No star for you.

[batyler65]

http://www.state.ar.us/doc/images/gal26_sm.jpg
This "old sparky"?



That very one, Liam. But I think the cap was newer.

[batyler65]

ALLY


This week was very productive. Especially during math class.:Ssh: I wrote at least 10 pages long hand.

I wrote the ending to Lost ID. Now I have to go back and write finish the second last chapter, and the middle of the last one.:tongue

I finally gave into the fact that Heartbeat is a screenplay, not a novel as I was trying to force it to be, so I got out some books from the library on writing screenplays. I wrote about three pages of it as a screenplay.

Finally, I picked up the binder with Picat's Rebellion (my Nanowrimo novel) in it, and have been going over it a bit. I think I'm finally ready to face it, edit it, and add 20k to it in the process!:eek:
It is a very scary prospect, but figuring that I had no Idea how to first write it, and I got that done, I can figure out how to edit it.

I will probably not report in next week, or I will be late. I'm going to be in three different cities next weekend (not all at once, but pretty darn close to it) so I'll be very exausted.

-Ally

WOW! You are a multitasker this week. No taser for you!

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
Don't let yourself get scared off of Picat's Rebellion. think of the next step as a new learning experience. That's really the only way to do it. Learn as you go. We will all be here cheering you on.

Sounds like you are on track to finish THREE projects this year! That is very exciting. Keep up the good work.

Oh, and we'll miss you if you don't make it next week. But I understand.

Barb

[batyler65]

KIT


I saw my muse Gina the spider last night and also on Thursday. she always comes around when I get my great ideas and now her name is Gina. She's been bugging me to write with her presence and I always do after I see her. Thus my word count is pretty good this week.

Goal: 1 000 words a week on anything I choose to write at that time.
This week: 2 000 words accomplished in a climactic chapter of Alice.

WOO-HOO, DOUBLE your goal this week! EXCELLENT!

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
Sounds to me as if you thrive under pressure. Sorry about the whole Mother's Day thing, though. Bummer. I'm glad your muse is showing and prodding you to write. Now I'm just waiting to throw a smiley party for when you finish Alice.

Happy Writing!
Barb

[batyler65]

TASHA

Words written this week = 1000 words (well just under)
WIP total = 7000 words (well just under)

That was today. Nothing at all the rest of the week, however, I am feeling more inspired now that I've got back into it. When I do sit down to write (touch wood) I can spew it out quite easily; it's just getting a BIC habit going so that I actually sit down to write more often. This was my first day of trying the new BIC plan, and it worked. Hopefully, I can keep it up *g*. It's fairly simple really and, boy, do I wish I'd done it before. It involves writing at least one scene or for at least one hour, as soon as I switch the computer on in the morning. Before opening Outlook to check mail. Before opening IE to check the news and forums. Before opening SeaMagic to check LJ. Computer on; straight to the Thriller.doc file; no diversions. I then give myself permission to briefly check email, boards et al before getting down to work, but my main Internet time will be pushed to the evening. If I can afford to spend 2 hours every morning reading blogs and news and so forums, I can afford to write for at least 1 hour!

I'm also feeling more like I know where the WIP is going after giving my police officer another case to get her teeth into, while the main one bubbles away without her knowledge. I think she was feeling a little left out, and perhaps somewhat scared about being sidelined in favour of one of the other characters. She's happier now and showing her personality a little more.

[So, not a huge amount, but I'm happy that I'm going to be back into full-on writing mode again and will be able to do so without letting the pressure of 'real' work get in the way.]

I find that using the internet/IM as a dangling carrot helps me to stay motivated. And let's face it, there are some days when staring off into space seems darned fascinating. It really is GOOD to have a schedule and stick to it. Best of luck, and stick with it!

1k is still 1k. It may look small, but everything gets written the same way: One word at a time. You just have to make sure you keep adding SOME words and eventually you will come to THE END.

Keep the faith. I'm looking for more output next week.

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

Barb

[batyler65]

MELINA



Well, only a little writing done this week. Probably about 1000 words. But-I have done a ton of research on my latest idea, and I found a friend to collaborate with on future projects. She's willing to be my expert in all things psychological, so I'm looking forward to lots of fun writing and research in the coming weeks.


I don't make a habit of zapping people who are making progress and 1k IS progress. Research is work and time consuming at that, which means it sucks away your writing time too. Just remember, research can become TOO fun and then it turns into procrastination (at least that's how it works for me.)

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

Here's to more output for next week!

Barb

[batyler65]

CATE

Ok. I think this might be the most productive week I have ever had.
Here goes:
7 finished submissions sent out to various markets.
3 queries sent out.
Tons of market research.
Lots of requests for writer's guidelines.
Scanned and sent out copies of 3 articles I have had published this month to all the people who contributed quotes.
Started work on 4 different article ideas.
Took photos to file away for potential articles.

And still managed to get my student's progress reports done for school.
Whew.

I think having my writing partner here is very motivational!

I don't know what kind of pepper upper pills you are taking, but I want one!
Wow! I do not know how you make time to cram all this stuff in with your other job. I write fulltime and I'm STILL not that productive. Whatever you are doing, keep it up!

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

Barb

[batyler65]

RAY

ZZZZZzzzztt!!
Bad, Ray. No cookie.


Since Barb is not talking to me, and she's going to zap me anyway:

This week I wrote 122,025 words, saved a baby from a burning truck, revived the Ms. America pageant, averted a nuclear holocaust in North Korea, and clipped my toe nails, which was no small feat and arguably the single most charitable act in the universe....

ZZZZzzzztt!!
Ask CC.

I know you probably worked on something, but 122,035 words? What was that, your posts on AW? You are such a naughty boy. Naughty, naughty.

I've decided to talk to you again. How else can I nag you about CTN? Hmm? Get in the chair and get it done!

[batyler65]

MAC

ugh--I've hit a brick wall. Just zap me, and get it over with... *cowers*

Your wish, my command.

ZZZZzzzztt!!

Stop dawdling and push those characters around some. Write a couple of pages of pure trash, but write something. It's not going to happen without your input, you know. You HAVE to show up. Besides, your self-imposed deadline went whooshing past already. Didn't you hear it? I think I heard the sonic boom all the way over here. ;)

[batyler65]

LORI



I'm sorry, Mac. I think I'm on the other side of that brick wall you slammed into. I evenbuilt it.

I have done some things:

Copied all the scenes related to my most problematic character from TBWN into a new document.
Done research for TBWN related to fighter planes.
Had a couple of epiphanies about TBWN, such as there is a secondary character who does not have to appear until a second book, if there is one, and that some of the actions of one of the primary characters can also wait until Book II (again, if there ever is such an animal)
Contacted a blast from the past who apparently still had me on his list of writers from two or three years ago. It's a role playing universe in need of short stories and he sent out a notice indicating the universe had changed. He wrote back.
Contacted a potential market about a regular gig. Never heard back.
But, given all the time I've found myself with this week, it is a mere pittance. Here, Barb, I'll even stand barefoot in this puddle of water while you zap me.

Dry your feet before you catch your death!

ZZZZzzzztt!!

You can still have a cookie, though.

You just finished up school and I know that things are a bit out of whack. You've just got to get settled again. Take steps to getting the BIC and the words on the screen. Once you start, it WILL get easier. Promise. ;)

[batyler65]

NITA



Uh since it looks like the rest of my day will be taken up with THE QUILT, and I won't get any writing done may as well bite the bullet and post my exc..us progress.

No, Barb, the article ideas are still sitting in the notebook. I've looked at 'em does that count? No, humm?

Spent several hours, okay minutes, looking for the entry that didn't win. Got such great feedback from the judge, who also is a selling writer in that category, that I thought I'd work on that instead of E for awhile. Found all my notes from that story, but not the actual mss I printed out. Rather than continue to look for it, and in this mess it could be anywhere, I figured I'd go back to work on E.

Even knew where my index cards were this time, that's a plus for me. I did write on it, but only about 1,000 words. Hope to have a much better report for you next time.


1K is 1K. And it is forward progress. Keep track of those index cards! They will make the coming week much simpler.

I wish you luck with finding that contest entry. Keep looking, but don't make a hobby of it. E is waiting for you to finish it. ;)

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

[batyler65]

TRI



Mac must of hit that wall I hashed myself on a while back. Use a jackhammer on that one.

Haven't started yet, but I'm up another 2,500 since Friday night. That way I'll get a jump on next week's tally.

Put a package together for Indiana University Press, who've emailed twice wanting to see the dino script. What a shock, they wanting to do follow-up queries on ME! Thought it was supposed to work the other way.



WOO-HOO! I will be keeping my fingers crossed on the Dino! This time for sure!

Another 2,500 words! You go! You are going to reach the end in this one in record time!

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

[batyler65]

NATALIA

Hiya gang...here is my week in review...

I wish, dead Barb, I could say I am at 40K but words on that WIP are trickling out...I am at a mere 39K...maybe next week... on other, happier news:

-I finished all my grading, submitted grades...all done with Spring Semester.
-I finished, turned in and got an A in my 2 projects for my Ph.D.
-I sent in three subs.
-Severed is DONE!!!! Thanks to wordy's help in editing, it is ready to submit.
-I started my new job last Monday and I am loving it.



Wow! That's a pretty full week, there. I am kind of concerned about the "dead Barb" in the message, though. Hmm. Is this a prediction of taser overload in the next weeks? ;)

You definitely score high on the star charts this week. WOO-HOO for all the subs and another for completing Severed! Here's wishing you many sales!

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
P.S. Glad the new job is going well!

[batyler65]

KATIEMAC




I'm facing a bit of a conundrum. I'm not sure if I just want to start editing this thing straight away and write in the new scenes as I go along, or write the new scenes first. I don't think I'll be able to go through the whole novel again until I figure this out, because new scenes might also require new characters.

New characters is something I've been thinking on. Essentially there's two protags. Two antags. Two supports, and one very important, yet very dead, character who never makes an appearance in the book. I'm trying to figure if six (seven) people is enough to make everything work out. There are always other people around, of course, but I've never incorported them before. Incorportaing them would probably make the story more realistic.

*sigh* Lots to think about. Last week of classes coming up, then finals the week after. We'll see how much I can accomplish with that time.

I'm sort of fearing this editing process is going to require me to print out all my pages so I can make physical notes and adjustments, but that won't be possible until I'm home for the summer -- putting off the project for another two weeks.

*EDIT*: I just pulled out my WIP and wrote a quick scene. Turns out, according to this new piece of work, my main male protag is, well, a son of a b*tch.

Interesting turn of events.

Lots of things going on with you at the moment. I'd suggest doing a sketchy outline for the new scenes to see how they fit before you write them. A single sentence telling the purpose of the scene may be enough to help you incorporate it (and decide if it is a necessary scene). My own works tend to have thin populations, too. It is something I'm working on as I go. Just don't add characters to be adding characters. They have to have a purpose in the story. It can be small, but it has to be there.

Don't fear the editing process. It is where everything gets fixed. :) And I prefer editing in hard copy. I find it much better if I can toss the pages around when I get frustrated. Plus, you will see things on paper you'd never catch on the screen. When I started rewriting, Mac was kind enough to point me toward Holly Lisle's web site where she lists her process for a one-pass revision (mine is still taking three ;)). It might bear looking into before you get started. http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/Workshops/one-pass-revision.html


Sorry about the Protag being a S.O.B. But, all people are flawed in some way. This could mean he is developing DEPTH. Let it ride for now.

Keep the faith.
Barb

[batyler65]

WELCOME GOGOSHIRE!

Come play! We don't bite...er... well most of us don't. And you can ignore the strains of Hotel California playing in the background. I assure you, it is just coincidince...
Barb

Good luck with the end of the semester, Katiemac! I'm dealing with the same thing now (but I'm on the other end of the chalkboard), and I'm finding it really difficult to get as much writing done as normal.

Keep with it!

[Birol]

Ah, poor Gogoshire. Stopped by to offer a little encouragement and got sucked in by the vortex. You might as well sit and stay awhile now.

Oh, what's that smell? And why are so many people whimpering?

Well, since your name seems to have found it's way onto Barb's list, I suppose I should warn you: Avoid the lanky redhead with the taser.


Welcome to WPR

[triceretops]

Just thought I'd slip under the wire here, pushing the envelope for 59,000.That push was for our Mistress of the Dark, Mastress of the tazer. Signing out on a Sunday night.

Tri

[maestrowork]

OK, BARB, the real deal is I wrote my 600-word column, did just above 1000 words on CTN, and sent TPB to proof this week (finally). Happy now!? :)

I didn't feel good since Friday. I went lie down and overnapped and missed my crit group. I was kind of a mess today.

Thanks for talking to me again. I miss your sexy voice.

[totally suck-up mode]

[gogoshire]

I don't purport to understand what's happening in here, but my oh my! Tasers? I'm intrigued.

Something Barb said in an earlier post about word count here plus Birol's comment on the vortex: I wrote over 1600 words on this Absolute Write Water Cooler board yesterday, and god knows how many else everywhere else I visited, plus I think I sent a zillion emails. Maybe slightly less than a zillion, but close.

I surely didn't apply so many to anything I'm working on.

Not complaining; just observing. I hope that once I find my footing here, I'll find this wonderful place to be more of an inspiration than vortex! I want to stay productive. Right now, though, boy! Lots of nooks and crannies to discover. Can this place be habit forming in a non-healthy way? The tasers do sound dangerous. . . .

-Maureen

[Natalia]

:scared: Oh noooo!!!! It was DEAR Barb...DEAR DEAR DEAR... I have implied death to the one that bears the taser!!!!

:Headbang: How many times have I said...you shall not post too late or too early cause your spelling and editing sucks at those times? But noooo I keep doing it... like right now? There is no stopping me!

Sorry Barb...good to know you have a pulse and you spared me the zap!

lol xoxox

[Birol]

Can this place be habit forming in a non-healthy way?

Yes.

[Kida Adelyne]

I hope that once I find my footing here, I'll find this wonderful place to be more of an inspiration than vortex!
-Maureen

Every wonder what is at the other end of the vortex? This is it. And yes, it is a wonderful place to find inpiration and motivation- if torture is your thing. The last few posts of Ray (maestro) should give you and Idea.:tongue

[ChunkyC]

I did write my column (495 words), as I do every week, oh Mistress of the Tazer.

Also, while out on my walk today, I wrote a sentence for the next revision of FATL. It's 26 words long. I hope to find it some friends soon.

[MacAllister]

and your beta reader just wants to make one more quick pass, to make sure she didn't miss anything, CC...:D

[Yeshanu]

btw, my surgeon tells me that in another 5 days or so I will be completely NORMAL! Who knew that all it took to make me normal was cutting out a couple of pesky teeth? I am very excited at the prospect. But please, have no fear, I'm sure I'll still be fascinated with the whip and the taser.
LMAO, Barb! May that horrible prediction never come to pass...

My report:

Ouch! Ow! Oooh!

No, Barb has not whipped or zapped me, and I don't think I'm in for it this week. I wrote about 1700 words on ATTS (yay!), so I'm home free, there. No. DS decided that the hill in back of my house should be a rock garden, and then while driving Ally to one of her many musical engagements, I saw a sign saying "free rocks," so I've been lugging rocks all week (with DS's help, of course.) So I hurt. Now I know why I want to be a writer, and not a gardener...

Anyhow, as Ally has pointed out, she'll be in three different cities this weekend, and guess who gets to drive her? But I will have some free time this weekend to write, since I've taken Sunday off and don't have to do a sermon (woo hoo!). I'm hoping to get a better handle on one of my non-fic projects, as well as continuing the progress on ATTS.

[ChunkyC]

I'm hoping Barb didn't see the ad for stun-guns that I just saw at the top of the thread....

:gone:

[batyler65]

DS decided that the hill in back of my house should be a rock garden, and then while driving Ally to one of her many musical engagements, I saw a sign saying "free rocks," so I've been lugging rocks all week (with DS's help, of course.) So I hurt. Now I know why I want to be a writer, and not a gardener...


Um... Ruth? Do you have to plant those rocks very deep? How long does it take them to bloom? ;)

Make the most of whatever free time you can get. Fortunately for me, my youngest plays percussion for a group that doesn't run in circles. We had our last concert last night. (stringed instruments are much quieter, I hear.)

I want to hear progress from you, do you hear me? It has been such a LONG time. (Yeah, I know, school... but that is over now.)

hugs,
Barb

[Kida Adelyne]

Hullo. I know it's only wednesday, but since I won't be here for the next four days, I'll report. (I could do so on monday, but I won't get anything else writen this weekend. All my free time will be spent writing my essay, or doing questions about "the scottish play")

I didn't write anything...

BUT...

Please don't taser me.:scared: I've had a very stressfull week.:cry: School, End of year performances, issues with people, ect. Every time I tried to write, I ended up complaining to the piece of paper.:Soapbox: I did think about my writing:idea:, but I couldn't get anything down, no matter how hard I stared at my paper. :Huh:

If I do miraculously get somthing writen by monday, I will report again. If not... well then I didn't write anything else.:Shrug:


Okie. *Hugs*

-Ally

[Birol]

:Hug2: It's okay, Ally. Barb was gentle with me my last week of classes this semester. She seems to understand that whole final project/procrastination thing.

Have some caffeine now :Coffee: to help get you through the rest of the week and get some sleep :sleepy: once it's all over.


Now, once you wake up, I'm sure we'll all be back on you to pound out some words again. :Hammer:

[maestrowork]

Um... I have finals this week.

;)

[Birol]

Um, Ray, you didn't apply, weren't accepted, and didn't enroll in school this semester. Best get to work; the weekend will be here before you know it. :)

[maestrowork]

:wag:

[batyler65]

Hey, Gang!

It's that time again. Time to dig out from whatever you are doing and post your progress.

This week, I met my newsletter deadline, subbed two stories for the new software program I'm writing for and sent out a couple of batches of greeting cards. That makes my five subs for the week. Woo-hoo!

Still not finished with the YA book. It just doesn't seem to want to get done for some reason. (Could it be that I've been too swamped to really look at it? hmm. Maybe.) So this coming week, I am taking a dose of my own advice. 30 minutes EVERY morning before I work on something else I have to write SOMETHING in this book. Today, when I'm done here, my entire day is already earmarked for it. We will see how it goes. Hopefully by Monday I will have a nice word count to report.

My sleep schedule is completely WONKED. I don't know how or why it happens, but I take spells where I only sleep for short stretches at a time and am tired ALL the time. This week has been one of those spells. I went to bed at midnight, read for a bit, went to sleep around 1 am and got back up at 4:25. I'm going to sneak off for a little nap and then be a good little writer and hack out some words.

Tell me, how was your writing week? Things going according to plan? Things off-kilter? It's your turn. I'm all ears.

Barb

[Natalia]

I passed the 40K mark on my MS :banana: :banana: :banana:
I am actually at 42K woohoo!!!
I also sent "Severed" out to five major Lit Mags (fingers crossed)
I also sent other subs out - my new thing is...for every rejection I get, I will sub that same piece twice... :) watch out!
Goals: I am picking out the next short story and article to work on from all the stuff I started and I will work on those until they are done and sub them.

Yaay good week!!!

Sending good vibes out to everyone :)

[Elonna]

<slinks in pretending she hasn't been MIA for several months>

I have written 3,500 new words for Ch 2 and completed two revisions of Ch 1 for WIP.

<quickly slinks back out before Barb can catch her>

[MacAllister]

Hah! Liam Jackson, you big lug!

Liam went and started a similar and complimentary (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12396) thread to WPR in MY OWN HOME FORUM!!!! Now I have not just one, but TWO places to be held accountable...

So, okay. Here goes:

I've done about 2K words on the novel-in-progress, this week. Also finished the crits on a novel I was beta-reading for a pal--that took up more time than I thought it would, but I learned a LOT about overall construction, in taking the poor guy's book apart.

My big goal is to start producing more short stuff, and get it into print with respectable rags, before I start shopping the novel around (hopefully late this summer) To that end, I started the Monday Prompt (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10499) thread. I still haven't actually WRITTEN any stories, to those prompts. Going to try to churn at least one out, this weekend.

Also, I finished the last touches on the bathroom remodel. Next week, the KITCHEN!!!

Next?
__________________

[Admitted_Patient]

Hi, I'm Summer, a new member to the gang. I've tried to write novels, but I always lose interest halfway through the book. I'm only 20, so I don't expect me to be writing fabulous novels at 21, but still. I'm trying to now write not a novel, but not a short story. Right in the middle. If anyone has ever read the Anonymous but famous book: Go ask Alice....that was a phenomenal book. I read it twice in 2 days!! Ah, great book. I'm not looking copy the book or the images, but something in that genre. Another book that motivated me to write was a book called: Smack. Ahh! I read that in the bathtub! Great book! I want to write something along the lines of Drugs and maybe some teenagers, however...and this is a longshot request but....

is anyone willing to help me write this book? I'll give character names that I want in this book and the people that want that character...can ...actually play and do things that will be in the book. Maybe some will be interested and some won't. I am looking for people with knowledge or a wide imagination. If someone or anyone can back to be on this, that would be great. I'll start a thread and that will be the book. Males and Females wanted. I'll layout the book idea and am interested in taking some ideas from those that are interested. Thanks.

[katiemac]

Hi, Summer! I'm glad you've decided to join us at WPR. You're more than welcome to stay.

With regards to your book, you might not get a lot of answers on this thread. Try posting on the Writing Partner (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=23)s board as its own topic, and hopefully you'll find someone who matches your personality to work with.

Good luck!

(Barb -- I'll try to check in on Sunday. However, finals kick off tomorrow morning.... I might not be in my best shape.)

[ChunkyC]

My excitement level has risen by a factor of ten. No, I didn't find my long lost slinky, but my beta-reader has finished putting HOME under the microscope. (do you think there's anyone here who doesn't know you're my beta-buddy, Mac?) http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteKiss.gif

I motored through the prologue and first chapter over lunch. I have to whip this puppy into shape by the end of June when I attend that sci fi/fantasy conference in Calgary.

I am PUMPED!

[MacAllister]

That's okay, Charlie--I have you on MY beta-reader list, for when my crit group gets sick of the novel, and I need a sucker--I mean...someone...who hasn't seen it yet...:D

[maestrowork]

Not so fast, Mac. We haven't even seen Heart yet! Hand it in! Then we can tell you when we get sick of it! ;) Right now, it's like "Where is it? Where is it? Where is it?"


This week:

Did 800 words on CTN. OK, it's a slow week but I was under the weather, and I had a (modeling) job today... been traveling and stuff.

Column, about 700 words.

Nothing else, really. Been thinking about CTN a lot... I'm ready to really dig into it next week.

Oh yeah, got a new gig but it hasn't started yet. I think it'll be a lot of fun doing that.

[MacAllister]

Oh! I wrote a new blog entry, too!


I've been a GOOD little camper, this week. I want a cookie!

[TashaGoddard]

First of all, well done Natalia! 40,000K - wonderful!

My no-Internet-first-thing worked well at the start of the week. Well, kind of. Not in an actual writing way, but in a world-building/character-buliding kind of way, which in theory (it's my theory and I will stand by it) will help the actual writing. Yes, I know it's not actual BIC, so I probably need to be tazed (tazered?).

Unfortunately, though, life (or more to the point, work) got in the way again towards the middle of the week. A horrible bunch of deadlines at the moment (about 7 projects to get finished by next week) meant that, although I was still succeeding in not doing Internet stuff first thing, I had to instead use that time (and pretty much all the rest of my time) to work. Two nights of not getting to bed until 3am in order to finish stuff meant I had to ignore the 'Novels' folder and concentrate entirely on the 'Business' folder. Meh.

And then... the dog decided that he was going to stop waking me up at 6am and instead wake me up at 8am (probably related to my not getting to sleep until 3am and his getting let out in the early hours of the morning). Which meant that since then I've just had to get straight to work on getting up. (Except this morning, where I'm afraid I cheated. But it's the weekend. I'm allowed to cheat at the weekend.)

Now I have to go finish proofreading one book and then get started on another one, which I need to finish tomorrow, so that I can then spend Monday and Tuesday developing the 1st cut of a CD-ROM and Wednesday and Thursday proofreading another book and Friday, Saturday and Sunday on another CD-ROM. And at some point I also have to squeeze in some little bits for other jobs and the VAT return. To top it all, I've just checked the study calendar for my two post-grad courses and I have two assignments due on 11 June, which I'm going to have to fit in at some point.

Someone wake me up in July, please.

[triceretops]

Aha! Last Sunday was 59,000 words. Now six days later I'm standing at 71,000, which is not all that fast, but it's certainly a record-breaker for me. I'm at it right now, and I'm still thrilled that the ink won't stop flying. I feel like doing a marathon and ending this thing in 12 days, but it might not happen. I was also editing the damn thing as I went. Blame it on the novel's board who brought up that pesky "was" word.

Every time I go to the Novel's board I find intricate plot scenarios--condemned words, passive voice, and all manner of bad habits that I get really over-sensitive about. Thus I bust my writing tempo and throw up my hands, not wanting to return to the script. Not going there again--until major rewrite. I could have pulled 75,000 words easily had I not stumbled into that quagmire!

Does somebody want to list for me ANY alternatives for the word "was?" Please?

Tri

[Unique]

Does somebody want to list for me ANY alternatives for the word "was?" Please?

Tri



'IS' is 'was' with the 'wa':cry: turned off. (Don't mind me - I'm just along for the ride.)

Am I to understand Friday is the day to report in for Barb's, ahem, 'Behavior Modification Therapy'? In that case, the only writing I did this week was to add to and transcribe journal articles to help organize my thoughts during my first meeting with a neurologist. BUT, and this is a biggie for me, I came out of the appt. with a prescription that actually works!! :snoopy: Happy dance for me! I am actually relatively 'pain-free' for the first time in over 15 years! Major accomplishment!! Now, for a dose of Barb's 'Behavior Modification Therapy' and I might actually be able to string two coherent sentences together.....perhaps not, but I stand ready for your taser wielding pleasure, madam....

[MacAllister]

Does somebody want to list for me ANY alternatives for the word "was?" Please? Tri--"was" is a perfectly fine and useful little word. The big thing is not to use it in ever sentence. :) But it's going to depend on the usage: You can say, "She was getting cold" or else, "Her teeth chattered and she wrapped her arms about herself, trying to stay warm"

But I wouldn't even worry about it too much, on this first draft. :) Just get the story down first, with a minimum of obsessing.

[maestrowork]

Resistance is/was futile.

[Natalia]

Thanks Tasha :)

And here is sending you energy vibes to finish all your work xoxox

[ChunkyC]

Congrats to everyone who's cranking out the words this week! Lotsa milestones being reached.

That's okay, Charlie--I have you on MY beta-reader list, for when my crit group gets sick of the novel, and I need a sucker--I mean...someone...who hasn't seen it yet...:D
You so have a deal, Mac!

I can't wait to finish up HOME and start subbing it, so I can get going on the sequel: HOME AND AWAY.

[batyler65]

WOO-HOO! WAY TO WRITE!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/Emotepartyguy.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/Emotepartyguy.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/Emotepartyguy.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/Emotepartyguy.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/Emotepartyguy.gif

[batyler65]

WOW!! EXCELLENT PROGRESS!!


http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gif

[TashaGoddard]

And here is sending you energy vibes to finish all your work xoxox
Thank you! I think I'm overdosing on caffeine already - perhaps I'll get some healthy smoothies from the shop tomorrow, instead.

I'm standing at 71,000,
Woo! Well done and keep it up! [When you're done, can you send some of that writing energy my way, please?

[Liam Jackson]

Alright, CC. Yer gonna make me beg. PLEASE send me your WIP.
:))

[ChunkyC]

On the way -- and thanks!

[ritinrider]

Whoo-hoo everyone is making such good progress on their wips (or school), and then there's me. I did write this week, one day for most of a day. Was "working" at an office that required very little attention from me, mostly someone to unlock and lock up, and a warm body there inbetween time. Don't have any idea how much I wrote, or how much is usable, I was writing long-hand in a notebook since the computer was for "official use only", and my regular boss has me so paranoid I chose not to use it. Even for something as mundane as word processing.

Also, and this is a biggie for me, the quilt is finished. Well, my part is, it's currently at the quilter's to be quilted and bound. Normally, I'd bind it myself, but I'm running out of time. Besides, this way I can write and not worry about the quilt.

Unique, glad to hear you're no longer in pain. That has to make you feel even better.

Nita

[maestrowork]

On the way -- and thanks!

Same here. I want it!

;)

[Birol]

Feeling much better about myself this week. I have accomplished:

TBWN: Deleted 16.5K. Wrote 3300 words. The writing has all taken place since Friday. Really, I've deleted and written a bit more than this, but I'm in that editing/rewriting phase so it is difficult to keep precise counts. I should be approximately 20% of the way done with the rewrite by the end of the week. The writing group is doing a wonderful job of keeping me moving forward. I owe them more than I can ever repay.
Marketing: I've researched possible market leads. I haven't pursued any yet as the one's that originally piqued my interest have turned out to be no-paying/low-paying when I looked into them further. I have a couple more I will double-check later tonight, too.
Other: Started a resume someone asked me to write. Waiting for some additional information from them before I finish it.

Mac, I looked for you a cookie, but it wouldn't let me paste the image of the one's I found. They were the wrong file extensions.

CC, if you're looking for people to read your work.... :D But if you think you have enough extra set of eyes already, that's okay, too. You can just pencil me onto your list for future beta-reads.

[Kitahoshi]

Yeah, I've got 1 000 words this week- that's half a chapter for Alice. The problem is that it needs to be rewritten because it centers around the main character's health problems and half way through I realized that it didn't meet up correctly with her prior symptoms throughout the story. *sigh* No time to rewrite though since I am covered in assignments. I don't even have to get dressed anymore. *covered entirely in assignments* Oh and also- today marks 15 days as a vegetarian! That's just over a week and I... I crave peanuts... *walks off to eat peanuts*

Mission: 1 000 words/week.
Mission Accomplished.

[Cate]

Ok--another decent week--I am loaded and ready man--spring has sprung!

3 Queries
1 article-accepted and paid
Got a CD reviewing gig--it pays too!
Went to a trade show--covered it--shot it (pics) and am working on writing it up for a mag right now--took time out so Barb is happy and I don't get "what for"
Did tons of market research and have a couple of queries half done.
Sent out one piece of fiction--eek.

That is it.

[batyler65]

Hullo. I know it's only wednesday, but since I won't be here for the next four days, I'll report. (I could do so on monday, but I won't get anything else writen this weekend. All my free time will be spent writing my essay, or doing questions about "the scottish play")

I didn't write anything...


Um... Ally? Sounds like you need to take a breather. I know it is the end of the school year, and I know from past experience that once you get done running around in circles, you will jump right back into your WIP.

You are excused THIS WEEK. Keep trying to add to your journal if nothing else. And complaining on paper is still writing. Even if it isn't in the WIP.

Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

You had so much good news to report this week! *crosses fingers* Here's to a quick sale for Severed.

Now that you've got those subs out, let us know what is next in the hopper. We'll be cheering you on!

I bet we'll be hearing that you crossed the 50k mark any time now. Keep it up!

Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
It is SO good to see your smiling face. And to know that those rumors about you running off to the jungle to be the queen goddess for that tribe of pygmies were entirely fabricated. (Well, that's what BUD said.)

Be careful not to fall into the revision trap. Some writers can revise as they go with nary a problem. Others fall into a pattern of "I know that chapter four would be perfect if only I could get the first three chapters just right.". Then they spend the rest of the year working on chapters 1-3 until they are sick of the story and give up. (um... that would be me, in case you are wondering.)

Keep us posted on the progress. WELCOME BACK!

Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

*poke* Is it done yet? Hmm? Is it? Huh?

Still sounds like you are spending way more time on other projects. And now you have to report progress twice. I hope LJ gives you just as much grief. (In other words, you're in BIG trouble now! Bwaahahahahaaaaa!)

I'm not going to complain though. You ARE making progress. And you blogged. But a cookie? I don't know about a cookie.

FINISH. THE. BOOK.
(Note the tone. This is not a request.)

[batyler65]

WELCOME TO THE NUTHOUSE!! And your username makes you a perfect fit!

I agree with the advice to post in "writing partners" if you are really looking for someone to coauthor a book.

In the meantime, if you have other writing goals you want to share, this group is great at moral support and cheerleading. Come let us know how your "not a novel, not a short story" is going and we will help keep you motivated.

Best,
Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
Keep the enthusiasm, Dude! I love to hear it. (BTW: I think Bud has your slinky. You probably won't want it back. er... sorry about that.)

Keep on whipping that puppy... er... um... you know what I mean. Let us know how the final draft is going. (yeah, that's what I meant, really!)

Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
tsk-tsk!
Ray, I'm not sure you are working up to your potential. Tell me, when do you WANT CTN to be finished? Have you given yourself a deadline? I think you might want to give that a try. Yes, thinking about the WIP is necessary. It sounds like you are ready to rcok and roll again, and that's a great side benefit. Now, get the BIC and crank out the story. ;)

Congrats on the new GIG! WOOHOO! I hope it is a great one!

B

[batyler65]

((((Tasha))))

Take a deep breath (after reading all that, I'M hyperventilating from stress!)
Next, go take a nap. I can understand the deadline crunch. I hope you aren't feeling too overwhelmed. Just be sure to give yourself a break or two during the day. Eat well. And try to take a little walk, get outside, or at least out of the house for a little bit each day.

This crunch will pass. They always do. Until it does, you'll just have to monkey around with the schedule and work on the WIP when you can. After all, there are only so many hours in any given day. And it sounds like all of yours are working doubletime already.

Hope this week is better.

Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:
CONGRATS AGAIN on being so productive!

Now, a bit of advice. Don't worry too much about passive voice in the first draft. Like Mac said, "was" is a perfectly good verb. If it is in every sentence, THEN it becomes a problem. Rewrite is the place to catch the passive voice. Right now, it is time to keep driving the story forward. They are living things, stories. If you perform too much surgery on the young ones, they die. ;) If you simply MUST have an alternative, type the word "VERB" where you want to use "was" but feel like there is a better verb choice out there. Don't break stride, don't overthink it. When you reach THE END, do a search for "VERB" and make your replacements then.

Keep the momentum!

Barb

[batyler65]

First of all, CONGRATS on finding medicine that works!

Now, you will have to work doubletime to make up for the writing missed this week.

What are you going to start on first? Query? Contest? It's a brand new week. Crank out some words. Get some ideas on paper. MAKE A START!

ZZZZzzztt!!! (Just a little motivational zap, you understand)

I want to hear great things next weekend!
Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun:
Congrats on finishing the quilt! woo-hoo! One LESS diversion.

Nita, dear, writing for most of a single day when you have so many things going on is still progress. Some of us (and I won't mention any names here) are at this FULL TIME and still don't manage a single whole day of writing.

Slow progress is still progress. It really is. Steady progress is even better. Give yourself a weekly word goal to shoot for. Make it reasonable. Then make it a priority. You will get there. Promise.

Barb

[batyler65]

WOOHOO! Sounds like you are back on track. 3300 words is nothing to zap at, so here are your stars::Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

Sorry about the markets that didn't pan out. I hate it when that happens. Sometimes the worst part of writing is trying to find a home for those words that you've labored over. It is also the part that I hate spending time on. Ugh.

Keep moving forward!

Barb

[batyler65]

Mission: 1 000 words/week.
Mission Accomplished.

GOOD FOR YOU! Even with all your assignments you are still meeting your goal. That is excellent!! (ALLY-- See? It CAN be done ;))

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

I don't have any medical expertise to speak of. Have you checked out the experts thread elsewhere on the board? I'll have to go find the REAL name of the thing and edit this post to add it. Be right back. ;) Aha! it's called
Story Research: Experts and Interviewees Wanted (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=66). Maybe you can post your questions there?


Keep up the good work!
Barb

[batyler65]

:Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun: :Sun:

WOW! You are still on a major roll! I just have one question: do you EVER sleep?

Congrats on the CD reviewing gig! Music or software?

I'm so happy for you, Cate! You have made so much progress thisyear! (and it isn't even half over!)

You call this week decent? I can't wait to see what an EXCELLENT week looks like!

Barb

[batyler65]

GOGOSHIRE??? Helloooooooo! ECHO...Echo...echo...

Did you forget about us already?

Barb

[Kida Adelyne]

Hullo!

*oh look an echo*

Hello...hello...hello...

Oh wait! That's just in my head. That's what happens when your brain dissapears, you get echo's in there. *laughs histerically*

I am really out of it right now. Sick, overworked, ect. But I promised I would report If I wrote anything, so here I am.

I wrote 2 poems. I find this really funny 'cus I have written a total of one poem that I liked in my life. And here I wrote two in one weekend. *shrug*
I also came up with a really neat idea. Not for a novel, but for a website. It would involve a lot of writing, so I could count it as progress.

Ok. I have now fully exerted my brain, so I am going to go take an orange bath and drink bubble juice.

...oh wait. *runs away like a loon*

-Ally

[Yeshanu]

I should explain Ally's post. She's a little disjointed right now.

On Thursday, as you all know, I had my convocation.

This guy http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0422484/ was the chancellor who held my hands and conferred my degrees. And he said he was proud of me, so I'm feeling so high at the moment that I won't even feel the zap of the taser. And since I didn't write at all this week...

Anyhow, my convocation was in Toronto, at 4 p.m. We met my parents for lunch, so I had to get the whole family out of the house for 9:30 a.m. or so. (We live about an hour and a half west of Toronto.) Ally and her brother were supposed to be on a bus for Windsor at noon, and instead were in Toronto, it fell to me to drive them to Windsor after convocation. We arrived at the University of Windsor at 10:56 p.m. Then I drove back to my home, and arrived at my own little bed at 3 a.m. on Friday.

I don't know what made me think that I would write anything this weekend...

Anyhow, Sunday was a bit of a reverse trip, as I attended the concert in Windsor, picked up the two musicians, drove like mad to make it in time for a 7 p.m. concert in Cambridge (Ontario), and then drove home.

Which kind of explains why Ally reported during school hours. For some reason, she seems to be a little tired...

Anyhow, I don't have any more big things on the horizon this week. I promise to get back to work, O Mistress of the Taser, and to churn out a respectable word count by this weekend.

[batyler65]

(((ALLY)))

Hope the bubble juice is good. Not sure about the orange bath though. That may stain and then you'll wander around with skin like an oompah-loompah.

Two poems count as something. :)

Rest. It's a BRAND NEW WEEK!

[batyler65]

RUTH
RE: Convocation
WOW!!! How exciting for you! :)

I'm glad you survived the weekend. They really need to devise cloning technology for Moms who have to endure marathon weekends like that.

Now, like i told Ally, brand new week. Time to write!

Barb

[ChunkyC]

With Mac's help, we have uncovered and fixed a significant --

she said something like POTENTIALLY FATAL http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonfaint.gif

-- problem with the book.

This is what beta readers are for, kids. Go get yourself one or three right away, they're worth their weight in publishing contracts.

(Ray and Lori, I'll get to my laptop later today and zip it off to you, with my undying thanks. That should fill all the beta slots I can use.)

[Cate]

Thanks Barb! CD reviewing---should be fun!
I am feeling good, and yes, I need 8 hours to function, so I have to pack it all in somewhere--I am always working!

Things will slow when the hubby has a break in his schedule. When he is a workaholic so am I!

[batyler65]

Hiya!

It's another Friday and that means it is time to report in for the week. I'm not quite ready to make my report yet... I still have something to finish up and then I will be back. Lack of power screwed me up last night as some big ugly storms hit our area. Right now my house is like a horror movie: Don't go in the basement! I'm still afraid to see how much water is down there. It rained so hard and so much that my side yard flooded and water ran under the door and straight down, you guessed it, into the basement. Whee! I suspect there is quite a bit of sogginess going on.

So, while I dry out over here, you guys get on with the progress reports. I'm betting quite a few people have big announcements to make this week. :)

Barb

[ChunkyC]

Reporting in, Commander Barb!

Up to Chapter 5 in this revision of HOME. Tightening stuff, adding stuff, all around improving the story thanks to insightful feedback from you-know-who. Somebody's name is going to be in boldface in the acknowledgements!

Will be seeing and reviewing Revenge of the Sith this weekend.

[triceretops]

Chunky, that's excellent advice about the better reader. I just picked one up myself. But could you tell me step by step how to send material. My novel is one long file and I use Microsoft word. How do I copy a paste a simple chapter and send it via an email letter? C. you have a great Beta Buddy--good for both of you!

Hi, Barb. Oh, that wetness is not good. Hope there wasn't any cardboard boxes down there. BTW, I'll check in Sunday.

Tri

[batyler65]

As promised I am back!!

Okay, that thing I had to finish up? It was my MG book! As of 11:32am the first draft of "Between" is finished, finished, finished!!! Whee! It came in at 37,337 words.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gifhttp://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gif

PARTY TIME!!!

In other news, I managed to sub out two batches of humorous material this week, too (greeting cards and concepts). Plus, I sorted out a slight misunderstanding with one of my steady gigs. These are all good things, but none of them feels as good as typing those two little words: THE END

I now have a neglected house to tend (VERY NEGLECTED). Even the water in the basement isn't getting me down today!

Go CC! Keep on trucking!

Tri: all you have to do to break you MS up is select a section of text. (either highlight it using the mouse, or hold down the shift key and use the arrow keys) Once you have highlighted the text, <ctrl> + the letter "c" will copy the selection to a clipboard.

Next, open a new blank document (you don't have to close the one you are working on). In the new blank document, press <ctrl> "V" to paste the selected text in the new file. Save the new document with a catchy name like "Excerpt Chapter X" or whatever. Then you can attach your new file to e-mail.


Barb

[maestrowork]

{sounds of people scattering}

[batyler65]

Ray, you are such a smart aleck. LOL

For those of you wondering about Ray's comment... my second contribution for the weekend (Above Ray's) accidentally posted before I finished writing it. All it said was: I'M BACK!

Ray couldn't resist being cute. It's sort of second nature to him. GO WRITE SOMETHING, RAY!

[maestrowork]

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, BARB. Can we read it now? Huh? Huh?

(I still have more words on CTN than you on Between! Hee Hee, Har Har, Hee Hee, Har... cough cough... sorry, hairball)

[batyler65]

But mine is done, Ray ;)

neener, neener, neener.

[maestrowork]

Don't you have a HOUSE TO CLEAN?

[ChunkyC]

Barberina! Congrats!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteClap.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteHail.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilehooray.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteCake.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteJump.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteTrophy.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/Emotepartyguy.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteCheers.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteTheWave.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emotePartySmiley.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteCheer.gif

Y'know, we sure gots a lot of party smilies.

Tri: What Barb said. Open your book and then a new blank document. I click at the beginning of the chapter, then use the scroll bar to move down, since if you use the PAGE DOWN key, the cursor won't stay at the beginning of the chapter or section you want to copy. Once you get to the end of the chapter or section, hold down the SHIFT key and click there. That should hilight the section. Then use CTRL-C to copy, or go to your EDIT menu and copy. Zip over to the blank document and CTRL-V or again, use the EDIT menu to paste. Save the chapter as a separate document and away you go.

I copy-and-paste smaller sections right into the body of the e-mail itself sometimes, saves having to attach a file. You could certainly do so with an entire chapter if you wanted. Then the beta could click REPLY, add their comments and e-mail it right back.

[Birol]

THE END!!!!!!!!!

WAY TO GO, BARB!!!!!!!!

[triceretops]

Thanks Barb and Chuck. Now, I've got that chapter saveed as a new file with the title word war1 Now that's a seperate document. I'm having trouble getting that into an email. The attachment box confuses me. So how do I go from chapter document to email the easiests way? I'm so sorry, but this is really new to me.

Tri

[batyler65]

TRI:
Don't apologize. We all had to learn these things once.

What e-mail program are you using? Each one is a little different.

[triceretops]

Hi, Barb,

I'm on MSN, I think. Anyway, I think I got it. I copied that seperate file to an email and sent it. I did not know that after highlighting text, you had to right click for COPY--then I went to "new letter" and "pasted" that which I copied. It worked. Thanks--now I know to make each chapter a new file and repeat the process.

Barb--congrats on your script! You finished it, eh! N...i...c...e.

Tri

[ChunkyC]

Sounds like you already found the attachment button or menu option within your e-mail program. If so, it should open up a window that looks the same as the one you get when you go to open a file in your word processor. Now you just have to navigate to wherever you saved that new file (war1), click on it and then click OK or OPEN or ATTACH or NEXT or whatever the button is in that window that seems to make the most sense. Just don't click FORMAT C:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

Just kidding about that last part. :tongue I have yet to see an e-mail program with that option available in the attachment window.

Once you do that, the file is attached to the e-mail message and when you click SEND, the file will hitch a ride.

ADDENDUM -- just saw your response above. Looks like you're off to the races. Good on ya!

[Kida Adelyne]

Way To Go Barb!!!!!!!!!!
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/fsc/party.gifhttp://www.tiglath.org/yahoo/smiles/big36.gif

[Natalia]

:banana: :banana::banana:


Way to go Barb!!!! Woohoo!!!

As far as me...

Wrote a new poem called "First Date," which needs editing
Am working on two short stories: "Refurbishment" and "The Exorcism"
Posted my work to be critiqued
Sent out two subs
I was off my MS this week. I need to look at it with new eyes...
That's me in a nutshell (oh, no! I'm in a nutshell...can't get out) oops, sorry lol got carried away.

[maestrowork]

CONGRATS, BARB!!!!
:PartySmil :PartySmil :PartySmil :TheWave: :Cheer: :banana: :banana: :banana:





(shhh... maybe she won't notice we're not reporting...)

[Kida Adelyne]

Ummmmm...

Just taser me and get it over with. I rewrote half a chapter...

On the thing I'm supposed to be finishing *cringe*

I was sick alot, but I was also not sick sometimes, so that's not much of an excuse. I tried to get somthing writen this weekend, but judging by my current state (giddy from watching Revenge of the Sith) I won't write a word.

Ok, almighty Barb. I am at your mercy:Hail:


-Ally

[maestrowork]

Finished the column (~600 words). Hopping along with CTN (~1200 words). Wrote a few poems (posted them on "Poetry"). Started on the local paper's tech blog.

[MacAllister]

PARTY FOR BARB!!!

PAR-TaY!!! PAR-TaY!!! PAR-TaY!!!

:snoopy: :PartySmil :Cheer: :Cheers: :TheWave: :partyguy: :hooray: :hooray:

[TashaGoddard]

Woo hoo! Congratulations, Barb!

:hooray: :Jump: :Clap: :Trophy: :snoopy: :TheWave: :Cheer: :PartySmil

[Do you think she'll notice if I don't mention anything about myself? Perhaps she'll be too excited to get the taser out? Perhaps she won't mind because I got ill after too much work? Perhaps I'll do better next century?]

[Elonna]

Congrats Barb, you are my inspiration (sucking up really, really a lot).

Been packing mostly this week, so did not write much:

one basic revision of chapter two of WIP
only about 500 words on Chapter 3

(but I've packed about 30 boxes, does that count for anything?)

[ritinrider]

PARTY FOR BARB!!!

PAR-TaY!!! PAR-TaY!!! PAR-TaY!!!

:snoopy: :PartySmil :Cheer: :Cheers: :TheWave: :partyguy: :hooray: :hooray:


:hooray: :Jump: :Clap: :Trophy: :snoopy: :TheWave: :Cheer: :PartySmil Congratulations, Barb!
Parties are such fun, especially when I can paste the smilies other people have already added. Just in case you mis-understood me, way to go Barb. Ye-ha!

Uh, Tasha, I'm thinking we keep partying long enough she'll be too doped up from smilies, and high on success (from typing "the end") she'll forget where she put that thing.. Course it would help if people like Ally wouldn't remind her. Elonna, I've moved before, packing 30 boxes counts for a lot. Too bad my opinion doesn't count for as much.

Party on.

[triceretops]

Okay, hit a milestone here and pushed my limit again. This one's for you Barb: Last week (6 days ago) I stood at 71,000. Without writing today or including it in this sum, I'm now 87,000, for a week's total of 16,000 words (another record).

The output is still mediocre to me--it's the tightness and quality of the writing that I'm proud of--been furiously editing as I go--tying strings, fore-shadowing, leaving good chapter hooks, so on. This is the frantic action-packed part of the novel winding down and coming to resolution--explosive scenes, conflict, narrow escapes etc. This book might go longer than I thought--maybe 20,000 more--don't know.

Not to be gushy or anthing, but this thread is responsible for my motivation, much more so than any other thread or topic. I figure if I can compete with myself, I enjoy kicking my own butt. But to fall in love with a story and KNOW that it clicks, is the big secret. Living it, fightin' it, lovin' it, dreamin' it, day after day is what drives and pushes it. Also, feeling that I have to report to a higher authority for my output insenses some type of wierd self-dicipline. I feel like some damn company man trying to impress his boss.

Of course, there's a gorgeous redhead running around with a taser some where in this joint, waiting, lurking, ready to pounce. Bring it on, mamma!

Tri

[ritinrider]

Whoo-hoo another par-tay. Way to go Tri. Congrats on adding another 10,000 plus! In one week even. Ya-hoo.
:snoopy: :PartySmil :Cheer: :Cheers: :TheWave: :partyguy: :hooray: :hooray:

[Unique]

Barb - CONGrATULATIONS!
TRI - U2!

Ya'll make me feel small.....

But, on a more optimistic note - finished the article outline - time for research & fill in the blanks
wrote X number of poems in the poetry forum
(I know they don't really count, but they made me feel better)
So - onward and upward.....
I'm ready for the next >ZAP< ma'am. It appears to be working........

[Birol]

Wrote just over 2800 words in TBWN.
Deleted another 540 words in TBWN.
Actively researching planes and flying for TBWN.
Called the blast-from-the-past RPG person. Received and reviewed tons of info on their updated universe. Must come up with a story idea for them by tomorrow.

[MacAllister]

I managed nearly 3K words on Weird. Deleted nearly a third of them. Had a strategy session with the crit group and I'm planning to reach "the end" of the first draft this week. It ain't gonna be pretty, but it's gonna be done.

Then I can go back and agonize over random passages, a page at a time.


Lori-...you know it makes me all weak-kneed when you go all corporate-bullet points, like that...

[Birol]

:D

[Kitahoshi]

Yeah... well I wrote the chorus for one new song and wrote the grandaddy of all To Do lists and started checking things off. In fact, I actually need to write the waiting list for the To Do list next. Did I mention Ally and I have been swamped with work this week? *hides behind Ally* :flag:

Yay for finishing! Don't hurt me! *does amusing little dance to please the almighty Barb*

[ritinrider]

Oops, went to the parties, forgot to drop off my report. Umm, reworked and polished my inspirational thing, sent it in to Writers's Digest contest (dreaming big here). Reworked and polished my query - thank you Lori. Sent query off - again thanks to Lori. Received rejection from said query - not Lori's fault. Worked on two articles for our writing newsletter. Researched more markets for query. Requested guidelines and sample copies for 10 pubs (okay 4 of them are with the same publisher). Downloaded guidelines, editorial calendars and samples of another 3 - I can work on those three this week while waiting for replies from the others.

Oh, went to Oklahoma Book Festival, got some great research tips and some facts for E, it's starting to flow better, in my head anyway. Was having trouble cause I kept thinking, "why would she do that? or how come they were there in the first place? or why not do this?" Now, I know why, or I can change it if need be.

Nita

[batyler65]

Thanks for all of the congrats, everyone! Woo-hoo!

I did notice that lots of people showed up to party, but not as many made reports. See, I'm not so far gone on punch that I didn't notice.

Where's my whip?

Barb

[batyler65]

CC: How's HOME coming along? Did you get to work on it over the weekend?

:) :) :)

[batyler65]

That's me in a nutshell (oh, no! I'm in a nutshell...can't get out) oops, sorry lol got carried away.


NATALIA
Get out of that nutshell and get back to work!!

3 New works in progress and 2 subs. Even without working on the MS you still accomplished a lot! sometimes it DOES help to take a step back and look at a project from a new angle. Just try not to let it sit too long. Self-doubt loves a lull. ;)


:) :) :) :)

[batyler65]

Ummmmm...

Just taser me and get it over with. I rewrote half a chapter...

On the thing I'm supposed to be finishing *cringe*



ALLY

ZZZZzzzztt!!

shame, shame, shame.

*gives Ally THE LOOK*

Stop rewriting and just finish the thing! You can fix it later.

:whip: :whip: :whip: :whip:

[batyler65]

RAY

Woo-hoo smiley faces for you! ;) What's the word count on CTN now? Is it time for another smiley party for you?

How did the blogging go? Want to post a link so we can all go and admire your work?


:) :) :) :)

[batyler65]

[Do you think she'll notice if I don't mention anything about myself? Perhaps she'll be too excited to get the taser out? Perhaps she won't mind because I got ill after too much work? Perhaps I'll do better next century?]

TASHA
YES, SHE NOTICED.


I hope that you are feeling better. I'm NOT waiting until next century, BTW. You have a week to show improvement. ONE WEEK. Maybe it is time to get the journal out and scribble at odd intervals?

I'm expecting something (ANYTHING) in next week's report.

:whip: :whip: :whip: :whip:

[batyler65]

Congrats Barb, you are my inspiration (sucking up really, really a lot).

Been packing mostly this week, so did not write much:

one basic revision of chapter two of WIP
only about 500 words on Chapter 3

(but I've packed about 30 boxes, does that count for anything?)

ELONNA
Packing IS a big job and will buy you some sympathy, especially since you wrote SOMETHING. Once things settle down for you I expect you will be ready to rip along. Right? RIGHT?

500 words is still forward progress. Try for 1,000 this week. They don't have to be perfect, you know. That's what rewrites are for. ;)

:) :)

[batyler65]

TRI:


WOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOO!!
Excellent progress, my man! Now if I could just figure out how to generate so much in such a small amount of time.

:hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray: :hooray:

You deserve your own smiley party. They way you are going, you'll have that first draft done in two weeks! Whoa! We will all be waiting for the next blow-out party. (Did you notice that folks around here like a party?)

Keep it going!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[batyler65]

UNIQUE

There is no big or small here. Just different people in different stages of their writing careers. We all started at the same point, so none of that smallness stuff here.

You deserve a pat on the back this week for getting the outline done! By this time next week, you'll have it all fleshed out!

Who said poems don't count? Well, I guess if you are using them to avoid your goals they shouldn't count, but writing IS writing. It is all practice.

No zaps for you this week. Have some smiley faces instead.

:) :) :) :)

[batyler65]

LORI

Excellent! So is TBWN on track? Still shooting for a June deadline?

*looks nervous* You aren't actually FLYING anything, are you?

And let us know how that RPG gig turns out.

:) :) :) :)

[batyler65]

MAC

Woo-hoo! I'll be anxiously awaiting the next report.

Yes, definitely save the agonizing until later. It's all fixable. I'm going to be doing my own set of agonizing before the week is out.

Sounds like you are almost there. Keep pushing!

:) :) :) :)

[batyler65]

KIT

Dances are cute, but not writing. Stop whirling like a top, you'll get dizzy and bump your head.

Maybe you should add WRITING to your to-do list? Find ten minutes a day. You can do it. Ten tiny minutes. Write two sentences, or a paragraph, or whatever you can accomplish in ten minutes. The time will not magically show up and say. "USE ME". You have to make it happen.

:whip: :whip: :whip: :whip:

[batyler65]

NITA
Congrats on the contest entry! *crosses fingers and toes* Hope you do well!

Good deal on the query (even if it was a no-go.) You got it out there (and added to the Rejection collection!) :) It sounds like you are well on the way to getting it back into circulation. Go for it!

I'm glad E is starting to flow better. Sometimes having those little facts at hand is all it takes to really get things moving. SO... have you given yourself a deadline for finishing the first draft yet?

:) :) :) :)

[Yeshanu]

My head is as empty as blue summer sky.
Except for a limerick I didn't even try
To write even one word --
Yes, I know that's absurd.
And I don't have a good reason why.



ARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHH!

Make it stop! Please, make it stop...

[ChunkyC]

CC: How's HOME coming along? Did you get to work on it over the weekend?

:) :) :)
Yup! Up to Chapter Ten in the rewrite, which is turning out to be not so much of a rewrite, but more of a tweak and twiddle and polish. Found a glaring but simple error: forgot to insert an epigraph at the beginning of Chapter 9. It was all written and waiting to go, but http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteSmack.gif I forgot to put it in the MS.

Gettin' excited! I should have this pass done about the time the other new betas report in, then one more quick run-through with their notes in hand and I should be ready to corner someone at Westercon and pitch the darn thing!

Speaking of pitches, I gotta get those in shape too, but one thing at a time....

[batyler65]

RUTH

Bad Ruth, Bad!!

(and I don't just mean the limerick)

ZZZZZzzzzztt!!!

[batyler65]

Yay, CC!!!!!

Keep trucking!

[ritinrider]

Barb thanks for the good thoughts. You can uncross your fingers and toes though, I'm really skeptical of my chances with the contest - it's Writers Digest for pete's sake. Mostly I did it to give you another rejection for your pile, and to have something out (ok, more the second reason, but the first one's good too).

Yes, I do have a deadline for the roughest rough draft of E. My goal is to have it finished by the time school starts back up ( the first week of August or so). A bit optimistic since I currently have less than 10000 words, but I think now I've let it simmer long enough and I have most of the technical stuff sorta figured out, and I know where to go for any questions I come up with. So that's the idea. Finish the rough, rough draft by August, clean it up so that it at least flows and makes sense by Sep. and have it ready for my first reader by October. Sounds like a lot, but hey, if I can make a quilt in two months I can do this. Just spend the time I was sewing on writing.

Yeah, it sounds good in theory. We'll see how well it plays in rl.

Nita

[McCann]

I am Ray McCann. Birol made me log onto this site. She also forced me (at gunpoint I'm sure - but it's hard to see the gun through IM) to log onto the report.
So here is my first report in the Weekend Progress Report. It is currently Thursday, but we leave tomorrow to go visit friends. (Yes, I have some. And they are cheaper when you pay by the day instead of the hour...)

My progress so far this week.
#1) I found out the game Farcry does not work well on my laptop.
#2) I hit something on the road and blew both tires on the right side of my car.
#3) I wrote about 2 paragraphs on my "19 monkeys is not enough" story.
#4) I failed to get enrolled at KU edwards (so far. I may be ablt to later today - when the tires are fixed)

:D
----------------------------------------------------------------
Death - it's not just for breakfast anymore!

[maestrowork]

Hi Ray! I'll be Ray Doodoo and you will be Ray DoDo, how's that?

That Lori... don't you love a strong woman?

[batyler65]

WELCOME to WPR, RAY!

Thanks for the chuckle, too. ;)

Now, about those goals... They bring some questions to mind. What do you want to do this quarter? How many monkeys ARE enough? If a chicken and a half could lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many days would it take a three-legged grasshopper to kick all the seeds out of a dill pickle? Tell me, tellmetellmetellme...


Safe journey,
Barb

[maestrowork]

If a chicken and a half could lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many days would it take a three-legged grasshopper to kick all the seeds out of a dill pickle? Tell me, tellmetellmetellme...


2.

Prove me wrong.

[Liam Jackson]

Burden of proof is always on the dude with the answer, Ray. Best just to remain quietly off the radar until Barb's meds kick in. :Thumbs:

[batyler65]

Meds?
wedon'tneednostinkinmeds!


http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif
Um... now youse done it. Don't go gettin' Barb all riled up. Youse know how she gets and then I's got to live with her.

Bud


P.S. She might not need no meds, but puddin', now puddin' she could use. Jes' pass it on over to me an I'll makes sure she gets it, okay? I'll put it right on in the wadin' pool...er...I mean the fridgerator.

[ritinrider]

Barb, or Barb, I have pudding.

Uh, I know it's early, but we're leaving in the morning, probably around 6 and I won't have time to check in before we leave. Are you ready for this, I wrote, (where is that drumroll smilie?) 1133 words on E. Not quite my goal, but I'm getting there. Also, sent off for some sample magazines and guidelines.

Everybody have a great memorial day weekend. I know I will.

See ya Tuesday.

Nita

[batyler65]

:Wha:
Um... yeah. Barb has done gone and gived herself the weekend off. That means youse guys gets to talk to me this week.

Fer youse guys what don't know me, the name's Bud. I'm watcha might call amused... er... no... I means to say, I'm A muse. Barb's muse. I takes care of the tuff parts of Barb's job (the puddin' wrasslin', all things monster truck, and greetin' the nekkid public... or wuz that greetin' the public nekkid?)

Fer youse wimmin what don't know me, come sits on my lap. *wink-wink*


Now thats we knows who we is, I'm gonna ask you that all impotent question.

Who brung the beer? And is it cold?

Oh, right. The report. Barb left a note. I's will read it to youse now.

Dear Weekenders: Am currently being held hostage by Bud. Send help n--

Er... Um... oops! Wrong note. I's sure that what she meant to say was get your tails in gear and get Bud satellite tv so's he can watch the puddin' wrasslin channel. Oh, and I thinks there would be somethin' in there 'bout tellin' what you done this week. Barb made me work! And she didn't brung me no beer, neither. Together, we knocked out a couple of those not fiction things for some old software program, and we had to do a educational thingy. Now she's makin' me redo this book that I already done once. What's up with that? Oh, and gets this. She thinks we's gonna do one of them gift type books next. we'll see 'bout that.

*studies taser*

Oh, and I found this thing. Anybody know what it does?

Never mind. I's sure I'll figger it out.

Bud

[maestrowork]

Call 911.

[ChunkyC]

I think Bud just tazered himself....
http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/fatguy1.JPG

[Unique]

C, is this the year of living dangerously?

[ChunkyC]

Good ol' Bud makes an appearance every so often to show us that he still looks good in a thong. Usually whenever the beer and/or puddin' runs low. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Liam Jackson]

At least he isn't offering to "buy yer wimmin" yet, Charlie. Maybe we oughta drag him down to CLETUS before he gets outta hand.

[Betty W01]

*sneaking in and looking around nervously*

Psst! Hey, y'all, is Barb around? I've been AWOL for a looooooooooooong time. I've been writing, really I have, and getting rejections AND sales, too, just too busy to check in. School will be out soon - praise God and little green fishes - and I can come back then. Tell Barb I'm sorry I missed her.


OK, I'm not really sorry. So, lie to her.

*sneaking out the way I came in*

[batyler65]

At least he isn't offering to "buy yer wimmin" yet, Charlie.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

Is there wimmins fer sale?

[ChunkyC]

Now Bud, you can't go spending your Teamster Union dues on wimmins. Look what happened to Hoffa.

Anyway, up to Chapter 19 in the rewrite of HOME. We be a cruisin' now! Looks like I'll get through it in another week or so, barring any major surprises Mac may have planted in the ms further on.

[Natalia]

:flag:I deserve a zap.
I have done no writing. Work has been very hectic. And maybe a few rejections got me down. I am getting ready to do some writing now. But I know a zap is coming my way....

[Unique]

bud, if you see barb, will you tell her:

a) I did one brief interview (on topic in progress)
b) received good research leads from the interviewee
c) started 'filling in the blanks' of the outline
d) I actually feel good about what I've accomplished
and
e) She can zap me if she wants to; I kinda like it.

[Liam Jackson]

She can zap me if she wants to; I kinda like it.
:Jaw:

[Liam Jackson]

(((((BETTY!!!))))
Just not the same when you're not around.
:Hug2:

[maestrowork]

Hey Bud, tell Barb (once she gets out of the asylum) that I wrote only about 200 words on CTN. But I did write a short story, posted it in Idol: JFF (and took it down again): total 1234 words per MS Word. Did the column. Blogged. And wrote a few entries for the newspaper blog...

Edit: I forgot. My inner poet called. So I've been writing some poetry, on and off. Posted a few in "Writing Poetry." Go over and take a lot before my inner poet dies of shame.

[MacAllister]

I'm not done yet. I've written about 5K words this week. I'm still not done. I've been working on this thing for years. I'll be working on it when I die. It's never going to be finished.

I think I should write the next one, concurrently, so I have something to send around, in a few months.

[Kida Adelyne]

e) She can zap me if she wants to; I kinda like it.

...Ray got to you, didn't he?

[Unique]

Well, Kida, I've heard that electroshock therapy is good for crazy people. Since I'm a bona fide crazy person, I thought it might do me some good. What I'm really waiting for is a jolt from that 'phone' Liam loaned Barb a few weeks ago.

You say Ray has a thing for electricity? Well, hush my mouth...who would have thought....darn, now you've gotten my mind wandering again. *sigh* Just when I thought I had it under control. I guess I'd better get two 'calls' from that phone.....

[Cate]

Ok, I haven't checked in for a little, but I have a good reason--I have been setting up for a photography sale that I didn't know I was going to have! My hubby and I shot a belly dance show (restrain yourself from the rough comments that I would expect please!) and the pics turned out so good that the owner offered us a showing / selling opportunity at her studio.
Why not?!
It is coming up fast so I have been pretty busy . . .
Writing-wise:
Worked on a travel piece/pictures which has been accepted in an online mag.
Queried and got a go-ahead on a nice-sized piece for a mag.
Finished and turned in my "celebrity travel tips" article--cross your fingers for me - I really really would like to get this one!
Thats about it for now . . .
I'll be here next week too--honest!

[Kida Adelyne]

Unique- LOL


Report- I wrote about 500 words on Lost ID. Me and Kit made a pact together- we will both finish or respective Novella's by the end of this week (we made it on tuesday) then we shall go have ice cream. Now I'm waiting for her to report as well (I think you scared her Bud)
I also did more tweaking on a short I've writen. I'm really proud of it, so I'm gonna get my mother creature to read through it and help me fix it further. Then I may just send it out *fingers crossed*

-Ally

[Kitahoshi]

*wearing blind fold and holding cane* Hey Y'all! I am now blind due to Bud's great expo. Anyway, I wrote 1 000 words this week on Alice which is actually just a half of a chapter so I'm finishing that tonight. *runs as she is chased by Ally* *trips over random gothic cathedral* o_O Now how did that get there? Has Mac been playing with the wiring of the world again? :popcorn:

[MacAllister]

errr....What exactly are you saying, Kit?! You think I'd be so careless as to leave miscellaneous gothic cathedrals just lying around like that?

[katiemac]

Okay! I know I was MIA for the last two weeks, but I think I've finally pulled my act together.

Finals over, packing done, and I've been back home for the past week. It's nice. So nice I find myself not doing anything... writing included. Put that taser down, Barb, I'm not finished reporting yet.

I didn't start writing again until Saturday, and between now and then I've gotten 3,000 words down. I'm starting to feel really good about all this. I seeming to be back to my speed (1500 a day) like I was last break, assuming this lasts.

Anyway, within those 3,000 words I've worked out some new scenes which were desperately needed, and I even seem to have found a legitimate working title. Male protag is still a SOB as I left him two weeks ago, but... eh, what're you gonna do?

[Cate]

Katie is on fiyyyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
Go girl!

[TashaGoddard]

It's still the weekend here and I was waiting to hopefully have a bit more to report, but as usual work has taken over. Those pesky deadlines!

I managed 1500 words this week (well, actually, 1473, but 1500 sounds so much better!). I'm not counting them towards the overall WIP count because, even though they are all about the WIP, they're not really part of the WIP. (That makes sense to me, though probably not to anyone else.)

Can I cheat and include blog writing in number of words written? If so, I can add another 1500. It is writing after all. And I'm actively trying to make it more like writing than just babbling about stuff; in the sense of thinking about the words I am using and the voice and so on, rather than just allowing the stream of consciousness to take over.

[triceretops]

Okay, no records this week, but last week was at 87,000 and right now I'm at 96,000 for a gain of 9,000. There's no end in sight since this is the big fight scene. Got unarmed citizens in a city of 9 million fighting a war with ruthless futuristic cops. Sometimes I think the scope of this is on the measure of Ben Hur. So many elements to bring to resolution has slowed me down a tad.

Slorts, snag nets, screechers, Landcrunchers, Snarzlers, ortholetic shoes, Saltz guns, batons, tasers, troop vans, Interceptors---------------Gak! I'm going Batty, I tell ya!

Tri

[MacAllister]

Slorts, snag nets, screechers, Landcrunchers, Snarzlers, ortholetic shoes, Saltz guns, batons, tasers, troop vans, Interceptors---------------Gak! I'm going Batty, I tell ya! Heh--but it sounds like you're having so much FUN, while you go, Tri!

[batyler65]

NITA
You gots 1133 words from jes' one letter E? I's gonna be in trouble when Barb comes back. she left me with a whole alphabet, and I jes' got soup.

Hmm. I don't got no shiny stars...

I know! You gets puddin'!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif Bud

[batyler65]

BETTY

Ooh, me loverly! I wondered where's you got yerself to. Waits a minnit. Jes' put that skillet down. what did I ever do to youse? Well, besides that? *wink-wink*

Sales and rejections... Barb would prolly want speficics... er... details. Whyn't you come over an' whisper them in my ear? I gots puddin'.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

Charlie my man! Cruisin' is right up my alley. Can we picks up wimmin? I'll brings the beer.

and don't worry none about money. Barb says I c'n always dance for money. She says peoples will pay to see me stop.

Puddin' fer you!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

NATALIA

Um... er... I hates to say it, but I can't figger out this zap thing. Could ya jes' do some more writin' so's I don't have to try? Or youse can jes sit on my lap. There's puddin'. <bg>

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

UNIQUE

I's will tell her anythin' youse like. Wanna make up somethin' good? Or should I?

*fiddles with taser* *mutters*

I's still can't figger this thing out. *fiddles harder* I'd really like to help ya out with that zap thing, but I jes can't m--yeouch!!! ZZzzztt! *crackling sounds*

Mimble-mimble. *whispers* Puddin'?

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

MAESTRO

Ray, my old buddy! Nice ta see ya! I'll tell Barb all about your work. good stuff.

I hears you gots a house o' Love AND a hot tub? Lucky stiff. And I means that in the nices' way. I lost my thong in a hot t-- Got any spare nekkid wimmins?

Puddin' fer you!
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

MAC

Nows dontcha go cryin' in yer beer. Youse wouldn't want to ruin perfeckly good beer like that. Makes it all salty and stuff.

Barb said I could zaps you if you wasn't done, but since I can't get the zapper to work without makin' the garage door go up, I's jes gonna pretend. You won't tell, right?

No puddin' fer you. *sniff*
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

CATE

So's youse did some writin' this week? ho-hum. What I's wants to know about is them Belly Dancers! Woo-woo! Did other parts dance too? And you took pictures! Whoa. I am comin' to your house right now. Jes' leave the door open, I'll let myself in. Wanna take pictures of my dancin' belly?
What're you lookin' at me like that fer? My belly can so dance.

Puddin' fer you! (an' extra if you'se let me sees those pictures.)

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

ALLY

Barb says I gots to be on my bes' behavior 'round you and Kit. And she said something about Katie Mac, too, but I's don't remember too good.

Ice cream? Oh, Boy! Do youse know what you c'n do with...er... um... never mind. I's not allowed to say that. Hope you gets your novellas done in time.

I don't got no ice cream. But youse can have puddin'.

*grins*
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

KIT

Sorry to have blinded you with my greatness. I jes can't help it. I is what I is.

You'se gotta watch where you steps in here. Gothic Cathedrals, belly dancers, lots of one-letter words made up of "E". we needs to hire a maid. 'specially one of them in the short little unif-- er... um... never mind. I's not allowed to say that in front of you.

Puddin' fer your hard work! I's allowed to say THAT. hmmph.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

KATIEMAC

Ooh! Youse got an act to pull together? C'n I see it? I jes got this new camera... er... um... never mind. *idon'tgetstohavenofunever*

Barb will be happy with yer report. I'd be happy to be a part of yer act... never mind. I ain't allowed to say that neither.

Who's bein' a SOB? Let me at the big crybaby! I'll...er... I'll... get him a tissue? Oh. THAT SOB. Well, he don't gets no puddin'.

Puddin' fer you!
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

TASHA

It's always the weekend around here! Sounds like you needs to relax. How 'bouts youse an me sneak over to Maestro's hot tub? We can take some puddin' and... er... um... WAIT A FRIKKIN minnit! Put down that pen. No I do not wants homemade tattoos. WAIT!!

Did I mention puddin'? Youse can write 'bout me in yer blog. No! STOP! ACK! That tickles!

*running*

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[batyler65]

TRI
Sounds like youse is good at findin' words. Lots of them. I seems to have lost some. Could ya sends some my way? (we don't have to tell barb 'bout this you unnerstand? It'll be our little secret.)

I went batty once. it was a halloween party and there was this little vampire there and she... er... um... never mind. Kit, Ally, or Katie Mac might be readin' and I's don't wanna git in no more trouble.

Puddin' fer you!
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteWha.gif

[katiemac]

Barb, no worries. I can certainly handle Bud, and probably not the way he wants. See-- I've taken one of Spook's machete's on loan.

*evil grin*

[MacAllister]

...Bud, as a soprano...





eww.

[Elonna]

Sorry for late update, but went out of town late last week...

I only wrote another 500 words or so on WIP before I left town, but while I was gone, I hand-wrote (with pen and paper even, gosh was it hard) out some chapter sketches. Maybe another 500 words or so. Some of that ran past Friday though.

[maestrowork]

...Bud, as a soprano...





eww.

Bud in my hot tub....





ewwwwww.

(on second thought, he might come in handy to fend off all those handsome bastids trying to get in...)

[batyler65]

Friday, June 3, 2005

Hello, and welcome back!

It's another Friday morning. How is everybody?

I have had an awesome week. Not necessarily productive, but awesome! I finished the clean-up edits on the latest novel; it is now in the hands of my crit group waiting to be dismembered. I revised a nonfic piece for the software project, did some cursory research for new topics in the software project and... not much else. Oh, I did start a humor prompts thread for folks to use as inspiration. If you are so inclined, take a peek and tell me what you think. Other than that, I've been battling Bud for control of the creative process since I have a column due today that still isn't written. *sigh* I have been distracted.

I found out this week that my humor column has won an award for the second year running from the Society of Professional Journalists. They don't tell you what place you took until the awards dinner on the 9th, so I'll know more next weekend. My editor seems pleased, though. This is a big deal because humor rarely wins in column writing (the category is just too broad) and now I have managed it two years in a row. I may develop an ego. ;)

In non-writing news, we have been hunting for a new house on and off for the past couple of years and it looks like we have found one! As soon as we square away the financial details (Read as: beg the banks for money until they can't stand to listen to us whine for ONE MORE SECOND, and give in) we are going to make an offer. I'm hoping they crack... er... I mean give us the news today. Am already deciding what colors to paint the walls and how to arrange the furniture in my honest to goodness office with a DOOR.

That's it for me this week. What do your projects look like? Who gets the next smiley party? Why are you all looking at me like that?

Sound off!!

Barb

[triceretops]

Well, Barb, youz got the humor down pat so it doesn't surprise me about any awards you ripof....win! Naw, you're definitely pushing the productivity envelope--good example. Now if I can just catch you! Hope you get your house. Your own office, eh? Well, there goes that envelope again.

I'll serve you on Sunday. But for now...


:Trophy: :Trophy: :Trophy: for showing us how its done! CONGRADULATIONS

Triceratops

[VOTE_BOT]

.

[McCann]

If a chicken and a half could lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many days would it take a three-legged grasshopper to kick all the seeds out of a dill pickle? Tell me, tellmetellmetellme...



The Butler did it.




anywho....
my progress since my last update: NONE!
THAT'S RIGHT! NONE!
WHY AM I SHOUTING?

I was busy over the weekend... then I've been cleaning the house... yeah... that's it! (I have been, but not THAT much).

I hearby declare I will work on some writing tomorrow.

Oh.. and 94 monkeys are enough... but just barely.


Ray II
AKA Rayee Coyotee, Super Genius.......

[Kitahoshi]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! It's done! Thank God it's finally done! Uhm... where should I start?

Yay for Barb! Please hide me from Bud, my eyes are burning. :scared:

And guess who gets the smiley party this week? Why that would be me! Because, I, the all powerful high school student Kita have finished it! You see, I was up until four in the morning on Sunday night after I posted last week. I was doing chores and eventually wrote more on Alice. What I wrote after that update actually counts towards this week due to the fact I was falling asleep in class all week in my body's vain attempt to be alive.

It is now 12:20AM and I am running around like a crazy creature because...
-I have written 4 016 words this week (that's 4X my goal, ladies and gentleman!)
-I finished Alice with 7 chapters and the cutest ending.
-I finished revising Alice so I just need to print it off and it's in Ally's hands to edit before I take a look at it again and do more revising.
-I get ice cream according to the pact I made with Ally. Let's just hope she's followed the agreement or else I'll have to tazer her myself. :box:

So in summary: BOW TO MY SLEEP DEPRIVED CHEESE! ... no, the sleep deprivation isn't getting to me yet... what makes you think that?

[Elonna]

Well, I added only about 400 words to my count for a total of about 1400 words for the past 2 weeks combined. Hopefully will get a bit more done this week.

[batyler65]

WOO-HOO!!!! WAY TO GO!



NANA DANCE!!!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[triceretops]

Well, I haven't finished my Sunday stint, but I'll list a meager 6,000 words for this week--from 96,000 to 102,000. Battle sequences are pretty much over aside from a major confrontation between a rebellious city populace and the city cops, Western National Guard, Continental Security Agency (who are the F.B.I., C.I.A. and the National Security agency combined). I think I'll have the Supreme Continental President and the Military square off against these corrupt internal agencies, and finally declare a peaceful resolution. Damn, I hate politics but it had to come into the factor somewhere, I guess.

Just noticed something today. What in the heck is going on with my MS Word count engine when it tells me I have 30 more pages in my document than I do?
No wonder my count is so high! I'm sitting at 340 pages, and at 22 lines per page. So doing the old fashion 250 or (in my case about 220 per page) I think I'm more like at 82,000 words--about 20,000 off! In this case, I love the descrepency cause now, I'm not afraid of an overun. I can't believe I didn't catch this. It's only when someone mentioned that 400 pages roughly equals 100,000 words that I became suspicious. Oh, well.

Good on you, Kita! That's marvelous ouput considering how much other major stuff you have going on.

Triceratops

[Liam Jackson]

Kit, that's excellent. Kudos.

Tri, is THE END in sight, yet?

[Kida Adelyne]

GO KITA!!!!!!!!!!

:banana::banana::banana:







(You didn't see me... I'm almost done, I swear...)