For me, I don't think a writer should measure progress by word count alone. Word count matters, but if you're a self publisher like I am, there are other chores that must be dealt with.
I managed about 2000 words on my novel today. I kind of glazed over the Strength card from the tarot deck. I like the symbolism, but don't feel like the lesson here is central to my story. It's there if you look hard, but beyond the yak talking about it, I left it short. Next round will bring in the Hermit.
I worked through my critiques and made a few changes based upon their advice.
I also finally finished the book I was reading. It was a great story, I just took too long reading it. I left the guy a nice review too. Not for nothing, but it takes time to leave a review. I won't snub someone, because I need reviews too. I understand their importance.
I have another book I'm reading, but they're short stories and break into easier reading segments. I want to be finished with it by January though, because I promised a friend a beta read.
I wrote two of four guest posts I promised a different friend. They don't take a lot of time, but I need an idea. I need two in fact before I can write the last posts. I'm supposed to deliver them by the end of the month, and while that sounds like a long time in blogland, I need the ideas behind them.
I did a bit of development on a future Lisa Burton Radio post too. I have a couple of weeks to get it all sorted out, but I'd like to get the first round finished by the weekend.
Short fiction got cheated this weekend. I usually rely upon short form to fill in the gaps, but my family did that for me. We saw the new Star Wars movie too. I enjoyed it, but it was kind of mediocre to my mind.
I'm not off again until Saturday. We'll have grandkids over and it will stay busy for a few days. I'm off until January 3rd though, so I have to make it pay. Before then I can work on Lisa's radio show, and might get to those guest blog posts.
How was your weekend? Did anyone else feel the same way about Star Wars? Tell me about your promotional projects. Tell me about your own word metrics.
Won’t be seeing Star Wars until next week. The wife has off the same time as the youngling. A lot of present days and family. He’s getting some big Lego projects that will keep us occupied. Good to hear you figured out something for Strength. Sounds like a fun challenge you’ve given yourself.
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I think the Hermit may have more to offer Yak Guy. He needs to become a thinker. Let me know what you think of the movie.
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Hermits have a long tradition of giving out sage wisdom. Are hermits still a thing today?
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Probably somewhere. There are reclusive types in America, but I’m sure there are still the religious versions somewhere too.
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I think most of the reclusive Americans are called indie authors. 😛 We do give out knowledge in some ways.
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Good comparison. I meant those who moved into the backwoods and are a bit off color. There are urban recluses too, and the indie author crowd fits that description pretty well.
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Guessing there’s a bunch of people living ‘off the grid’. At least that’s what I’m thinking of in regards to hermits. That might not be right since those can be families too.
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Seems like the word has various interpretations. Holy monk to one, the unibomber to another.
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An interesting range there. Most are probably in the middle. I think. Never met a hermit before, which shouldn’t be too surprising.
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Maybe I’ll become a hermit when I reach retirement. Doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of competition in that field. Got to be easier than Amazon income.
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True. Live off the land and enjoy your time with animal friend. Wait, I might be thinking Disney Princess.
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Disney Princess might pay better.
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Comes with a nice dowry.
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You may recall I didn’t see the film, but my family did. All I can say is that they didn’t come home all excited and chatty like they did last time. When I asked if it was good, they said yeah.
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Exactly. I’m glad I saw it, and we’ll probably buy it because it’s a set. Not my favorite one though.
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Ditto, I’m sure.
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I completely disobedient when it comes to word counts. I like to see my targets being met when I write, but I write in a manic fury until I’m finished. Then go months without much of a word. Pro’ly that bipolar thing. I have an interview (actually about ten) complete with questions, if you have some free blog space in January. I was prepping an email for you , but heck, four glasses of wine and I’ll just spill it right here. You don’t have to say yes or no. I’m sure I’ll get those emails off tomorrow. Just be warned. Other than getting my audio book accomplished and a few guest posts here and there. My promos have been on hold. ENT denied me. I didn’t have enough reviews (verified purchase reviews) when I submitted. I’m sort of at a stand still till January.
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
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Thanks for sharing.
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I envy your productivity so much, as it puts mine to shame. Mind you, I am organising all the festivities for the Christmas break, and not feeling well either. The writing brain keeps on working though, so leaving cryptic notes everywhere!
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There is so much that goes into self publishing. All of it requires time. I really need to raise my word count though.
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2017 will be the year I finally get to grips with so many things… I can’t wait to get started!
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Great attitude. Hope you accomplish even more than you planned.
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Thanks Craig, I do hope so!
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Reblogged this on apboustead.
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I am currently working on the My GRL revisions from the editor. I still manage a 1000 words a day, but like you don’t feel the individual numbers are meaningful. At the end of the day, it is the whole work that is important. The daily goal is a matter of discipline and that’s about it.
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I wish I could have a daily goal, but right now that goal is the regular paycheck.
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Well, until that million seller comes up your goal seems like the right one. 🙂
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Come on million seller, my robot needs a new pair of shoes.
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Ha ha ha. You’ll get there someday.
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We had a nice weekend. Busy, but nice. Got a lot of shopping done and celebrated our anniversary. Haven’t seen the Star Wars movie, but we did see Don’t Breathe. That was good, too.
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Don’t Breathe looks good, may have to check it out. Happy Anniversary.
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Thanks.
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Both my sons saw Star Wars and loved it – said the ending was fantastic – but told them no spoilers for me, I still plan to see it.
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I’m glad I saw it, but I’m still waiting for them to exceed The Empire Strikes Back. It’s been a long wait.
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That’s still my youngest son’s fav also.
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Your youngest son has good taste. From a writer’s perspective I can see why. That’s the part of the story where it all hits the fan. I may use that example in a future post over at Story Empire.
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I’m afraid I’ve gone into holiday hibernation mode. I’ve not got any plans aside from a semi-duty visit to Mum’s on Xmas Eve, then I’m going to shut the doors and stuff myself (and Toby the pooch) stupid with nice seasonal goodies and pig out on soppy holiday movies until Friday 30th when my extended family descend on my little spot of heaven for pre-New Year festivities (cunningly executed so I don’t have to drive anywhere and can hit the vino with hostessly exuberance…. 😛
Writing? Well I’ll be just about visible on the blogs I expect but only in a sociable way and not doing much really – all I seem capable of online is playing with my interactive Advent calendar which comes with a neat game of smash the tree baubles and Solitaire, which I haven’t played for years!
No theatre movies for me this year – it’s no fun going on your own – I guess I’ll get caught with shenenigans in a galaxy far, far away on DVD or Sky. Whenever – I’m immune to spoilers! 😛
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I’m on vacation from the 24th through the 2nd, and it’s going to be awesome. I hope to do a bunch of writing, but there will be some seasonal distractions at my house too. Your New Years plan sounds cunning. When the night ends at least you’re already home.
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My resolution for 2016 was to completely finish Trials of the Eighth Order. I just did that, yesterday, in a marathon final-polish and printing of the manuscript. Four hundred forty-four pages, whew!
I also decided mid-year to self-publish my short story collection for middle grades. I’m 90% done with that. E-books are available but still need the proper template from the cover artists so I can print trade paper.
I even beat my Goodreads challenge of reading 25 books in the year. All in all, I’m feeling pretty good about goals.
At present, it appears all my resolutions for 2017 are likely to do with publicity.
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Wonderful accomplishments. Hope 2017 is even better.
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You too.
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I was so disappointed in the last Star Wars movie that I’m not planning to see this latest one. I’ll change my mind if a friend or family member tells me it’s spectacular, but that hasn’t happened yet.
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I’m glad I saw it, but if you wait for the DVD it might be just as well.
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You keep yourself busy and my impression is that you’re very organized as well. I can be such a scatter-brain at times. You have great goals. I hope you accomplish them all with plenty of time to enjoy the holidays with your family. 😀 xx
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Thanks. My focus is to remove something from my list. I’ll work on it until I finish, or my brain gives out. Then I move to the next thing. It seems to work, but novels take time.
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You’ve accomplished so much, Craig! I don’t worry about word count, either – if the words are there, they’ll come. Setting myself a target is about the surest way to shut down, at least for me, anyway.
And I’m going to see the new Star Wars on Boxing Day – I’ve seen all the others in the cinema, so I won’t be missing this one!
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I can feel an accelleration in word count coming. It has to do with the point in the story for me. I saw all the films on the big screen too, wouldn’t want to do it any other way. PS: sent you an email.
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Yes, some days the story just wants to get out, other times it waits. And thanks for your email, I need to sort myself out 😉
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I haven’t seen the new Stars Wars film yet, but even the previews don’t have me all that excited. I want to see it, but I just don’t have the same feeling about it that I’ve had with the others. I envy you that nice long stretch off after Christmas. You are definitely keeping yourself busy!
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I hope to chip away at the small things, but really move ahead on the big one. We’ll see how it goes.
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First things first: I’ve not seen the latest SW film but I will. I enjoyed the last one a hell of a lot more than ep1-3, and yes, Empire is best. I’m not even sure that’s opinion anymore.
I do not currently have a word count as I’m busy getting ready to self-pub my first collection. I’m finding juggling my job, writing, family, marketing etc a real challenge atm. Now Christmas. I’m hoping Santa gets me a Kindle so at least the reading will get done!
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It is a challenge, and you have to promote after it publishes or will just set there. I use an iPad to write, so I also use the Kindle app to read with.
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