Don't look at that countdown widget on the left hand side. It's scary! It looks like something you have to diffuse before the time runs out.
50ks challengers, you are nearly there! Whether that means you are nearly at the 50k mark or at the end of June with words written that you did not have at the beginning, the challenge is almost complete.
But if you are lagging behind or just running ahead, there are still three days to go! Including two weekend days. This is a godsend for those of us with the 9 to 5 day job, maybe not such a godsend for those who have to entertain the kids.
So let's recap on who has crossed the line already:
Felicity
Rhian
Sandie
Natalie
Diane
Helen
Suz
Shona
And Nicki just made it to the 50ks mark. Way to go Nicki!
We're here at the 50k mark, yelling and cheering and stamping our feet, encouraging the rest to join us! C'mon girls - a few final sprints and you'll be over that line.
This has been an amazing month for a lot of writers as they discover what it takes: the plotting, the planning, the pantsing, the sprinting. How it's okay to let the inner critic go and just write, and that sometimes your characters just don't feel like playing.
Sometimes its not just the characters who make the writing difficult and who present you with obstacles in the way. Suddenly friends are popping around - you haven't seen them for months, but suddenly there they are, husbands are yacking in your ear more than usual (and more than necessary), kids are getting sick - and even you are getting sick, teachers tell you that you don't know how to write, your boss tells you that your writing is a little saucy (LOL) and your teenager chucks a wobbly.
There's a reason that this happens: at the beginning of the month, we made a commitment to this crazy challenge. Not only did we make a commitment to write 50ks in 30 days, we made a commitment to ourselves as writers, we made a commitment to our muse and we made a commitment to each other. So then up popped the obstacles to test our commitment. And yet, we kept writing! Despite the pressure, despite the tantrums, despite the ridicule, we kept writing! And even if we don't individually make it to the 50ks, we are all winners because of that! (Including the writers who have faced up to the possibility of not making it to the finish line!)
We used to have cross countries at our school, because my school was on a farm and it would be a 5 kilometre run. I always finished the course. Usually the whole school had packed up and gone home by the time me and my mates crossed the finish line, but I still did the whole distance. (walking!). Maybe one of the things you learned during this challenge is that you'd rather walk than run. And that is a perfectly fine thing to know about your writing methods. It's got to be what works for you.
So even if you make your 50ks mid June, end of June, end of July or by Christmas, you've made it! You've tested your writing mettle, you've risen to the challenge, you've showed up at the keyboard every day, you are a winner and more importantly, you are a writer. And in great company.'
And I hope that this fine company of writers is going to continue past June into July for editing or writing, and beyond...
Leave a comment and tell us how you're doing...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Hump Day Madness, So How Ya Going?
Can you believe it? The last week of the challenge is here already. Six days, that’s all we have left. Where has the month gone? It only seems like yesterday that we were starting.
Anyway how has your week been going? Are you happy with the way your story or stories are progressing? We have a couple more cross that 50k line this week. Great going Natalie and Diane, plus we have a few that are very close, I’m sure we will be hearing the ding of cyber glasses being raised later this week. How good is RC? I mean 70k+ this month so far, that woman must have bionic fingers, and very talkative characters. I have to say you all have done so well with the challenge, I am so proud of each and every one of you.
Congratulations to Bec Sampson on being a finalist in the Valerie Parv Awards, great going Bec and best of luck with the next round. Paula said her book signing went well, which was great to hear.
Don’t forget we are going to run an editing challenge next month. So anyone how as a MS or two that needs editing hope you’ll join the fun. Also anyone who may not quite make the 50k mark but would like to continue please stay with us, we will be more than happy to continue to cheer you on, so don’t feel that if it’s the end of the month you are going to be sent off to continue on your own. I've added a 'I'm A Winner' logo on the side panel, so anyone who would like to copy and paste it to their blogs pleses do.
I know you are all waiting to see who this week’s Pin-up Girl is, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. This week as my final Pin-up Girl for the challenge this year goes to Ms Rachael Blair. If not for RACH taking the idea suggested to her and putting the call out to us all we wouldn’t be here. We would still be just writing at our usual pace and making little progress. So ladies charge your glasses, and applaud the lovely Rachael. Rach I hope you are so proud of what you have managed to help us achieve this month. Not only have you brought a bunch of women together who love to write. But for many you have given them the chance to realize what potential they have and what they are capable of achieving. We also now have new friendships that have grown over the month. I for one thank you. So my dear Ms Blair, take a bow. Don’t forget to go over and say “Hi” to Rach and thank her for organizing this challenge.
Hugs
Sandie
Anyway how has your week been going? Are you happy with the way your story or stories are progressing? We have a couple more cross that 50k line this week. Great going Natalie and Diane, plus we have a few that are very close, I’m sure we will be hearing the ding of cyber glasses being raised later this week. How good is RC? I mean 70k+ this month so far, that woman must have bionic fingers, and very talkative characters. I have to say you all have done so well with the challenge, I am so proud of each and every one of you.
Congratulations to Bec Sampson on being a finalist in the Valerie Parv Awards, great going Bec and best of luck with the next round. Paula said her book signing went well, which was great to hear.
Don’t forget we are going to run an editing challenge next month. So anyone how as a MS or two that needs editing hope you’ll join the fun. Also anyone who may not quite make the 50k mark but would like to continue please stay with us, we will be more than happy to continue to cheer you on, so don’t feel that if it’s the end of the month you are going to be sent off to continue on your own. I've added a 'I'm A Winner' logo on the side panel, so anyone who would like to copy and paste it to their blogs pleses do.
I know you are all waiting to see who this week’s Pin-up Girl is, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. This week as my final Pin-up Girl for the challenge this year goes to Ms Rachael Blair. If not for RACH taking the idea suggested to her and putting the call out to us all we wouldn’t be here. We would still be just writing at our usual pace and making little progress. So ladies charge your glasses, and applaud the lovely Rachael. Rach I hope you are so proud of what you have managed to help us achieve this month. Not only have you brought a bunch of women together who love to write. But for many you have given them the chance to realize what potential they have and what they are capable of achieving. We also now have new friendships that have grown over the month. I for one thank you. So my dear Ms Blair, take a bow. Don’t forget to go over and say “Hi” to Rach and thank her for organizing this challenge.
Hugs
Sandie
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday Meter Maid.
I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!
I'd like to say I've been busy writing and forgot to get this post up, but...... I was sleeping. sigh
I guess all the writing I've been doing in the last two weeks has finally taken its toll. I'm exhausted! I've managed over 70,000 words in the past two weeks so you'd think I'd be jumping for joy, doing the happy dance, showing off my cheer leading skills wouldn't you? Nope, not happening. I'm sooooo shitty with myself. Why? I hear you ask, well, even with all those words, other than the rewrite I did for the editor, nothing, I repeat, NOTHING is finished! Nope not one stinkin' story has made it to the end. Now I know you're all sitting back going What!? Am I mad?! The answer to that is yes, both kinds of mad. Mad cross and mad insane. Yes I'm happy I've got all those words and each of the stories I've been working on is closer to The End but I want The End!
I'm a pantser (I'm probably worse) and I've tried for years to plot, bought all the books on how to write and nothing I've ever read or heard has helped me to curb my wondering ways. In saying that though, I do have 12 finished ms. Most will NEVER see the light of day. (they're my teething books) What I'm trying to get across, and for a writer I'm not doing a very good job here, but what I'm getting at is that each of us has a different way of writing. Some want to only write in daylight where they can see everything around them (plotters), some want to write at night with only their headlights to light the way (pantsers), some are in between both of those, and some, like me, prefer to fumble around in the dark. Which way is your way? Do you know? I can't do the daylight writing, the muse doesn't like the light, he's rather shy and refuses to come out and play if the lights are on. (Which is a damn shame because I'm sure my muse is one hot hunk!)
The point to this little post is for you all to understand that no matter what your word count meter reads you're writing, you're learning and you're moving forward. I've noticed some of you have discovered that you can't write by the seat of your pants, others have discover they can not only write lots but they're enjoying it. Others have discovered that life has a very bad habit of getting in the way. Each of us has taken steps toward our goal, publication. We've learned what we can and can't do, what we like and don't like about the writing process and best of all we've learned we have some AMAZING friends here in our cyber world.
As we near the end of this month I want you all to take a close look at what you've discovered. Don't worry about your word count, don't even think about how someone else wrote more than you, I want you to sit back and think about the WAY you write. Think about the things you've discovered about YOUR writing PROCESS. Think about the people you've met who've supported you and who you've supported in return. I know for me the best bit about this month isn't my word count. It's about great friends and discovery. Discovery of all the different ways there are to write, and like each of our stories every one of us is different.
I can't wait to see how the rest of the month goes. But don't think it's all gonna be over on June 30. No, there are rumors of editing month and I know the emails will continue to bounce back and forth between new friends. For now, bums down and fingers on the keys, we've still got time to write!
RC
I'd like to say I've been busy writing and forgot to get this post up, but...... I was sleeping. sigh
I guess all the writing I've been doing in the last two weeks has finally taken its toll. I'm exhausted! I've managed over 70,000 words in the past two weeks so you'd think I'd be jumping for joy, doing the happy dance, showing off my cheer leading skills wouldn't you? Nope, not happening. I'm sooooo shitty with myself. Why? I hear you ask, well, even with all those words, other than the rewrite I did for the editor, nothing, I repeat, NOTHING is finished! Nope not one stinkin' story has made it to the end. Now I know you're all sitting back going What!? Am I mad?! The answer to that is yes, both kinds of mad. Mad cross and mad insane. Yes I'm happy I've got all those words and each of the stories I've been working on is closer to The End but I want The End!
I'm a pantser (I'm probably worse) and I've tried for years to plot, bought all the books on how to write and nothing I've ever read or heard has helped me to curb my wondering ways. In saying that though, I do have 12 finished ms. Most will NEVER see the light of day. (they're my teething books) What I'm trying to get across, and for a writer I'm not doing a very good job here, but what I'm getting at is that each of us has a different way of writing. Some want to only write in daylight where they can see everything around them (plotters), some want to write at night with only their headlights to light the way (pantsers), some are in between both of those, and some, like me, prefer to fumble around in the dark. Which way is your way? Do you know? I can't do the daylight writing, the muse doesn't like the light, he's rather shy and refuses to come out and play if the lights are on. (Which is a damn shame because I'm sure my muse is one hot hunk!)
The point to this little post is for you all to understand that no matter what your word count meter reads you're writing, you're learning and you're moving forward. I've noticed some of you have discovered that you can't write by the seat of your pants, others have discover they can not only write lots but they're enjoying it. Others have discovered that life has a very bad habit of getting in the way. Each of us has taken steps toward our goal, publication. We've learned what we can and can't do, what we like and don't like about the writing process and best of all we've learned we have some AMAZING friends here in our cyber world.
As we near the end of this month I want you all to take a close look at what you've discovered. Don't worry about your word count, don't even think about how someone else wrote more than you, I want you to sit back and think about the WAY you write. Think about the things you've discovered about YOUR writing PROCESS. Think about the people you've met who've supported you and who you've supported in return. I know for me the best bit about this month isn't my word count. It's about great friends and discovery. Discovery of all the different ways there are to write, and like each of our stories every one of us is different.
I can't wait to see how the rest of the month goes. But don't think it's all gonna be over on June 30. No, there are rumors of editing month and I know the emails will continue to bounce back and forth between new friends. For now, bums down and fingers on the keys, we've still got time to write!
RC
Friday, June 20, 2008
It's A Frantic Friday Check In
Well here we are at the end of another week and what a week it has been. We’ve had sick kids, sick and injured challenges, boy it’s been tough. But we have continued on, battled through the rough spots and continued to work towards our goals. What can I say other than ‘FANTASTIC’ ladies, take a bow. With three having hit the 50k mark earlier this week, we have a few that are nearing that mark each day. This is great to see, to read each day how they have reached yet another rung on that ladder. BUT! I know I have said this before; still I’m going to say it again. This challenge should be about doing the best you can for yourself, it’s about getting you writing whether that is 50ks or 1k it doesn’t matter as long as at the end of the month you are happy with what you have achieved.
Now let’s talk about good news of a different kind. We have ladies on the loop
who have achieved great results in contests this week. Natalie placed second in one of eHarlequin challenges; Nicki B is in the finals in the NZ ‘Great Beginnings’ contest. As well as Cathryn and Karen are finalists in the NZ ‘Meet the Editor’. So bring out the marching band.
Now let’s talk about good news of a different kind. We have ladies on the loop
who have achieved great results in contests this week. Natalie placed second in one of eHarlequin challenges; Nicki B is in the finals in the NZ ‘Great Beginnings’ contest. As well as Cathryn and Karen are finalists in the NZ ‘Meet the Editor’. So bring out the marching band. 
WOOHOO ladies and all the best wishes for the next round. Now I’d tell you all to cross your fingers for them, but you need those to type with so cross your legs instead. If your hubby complains tell him it’s for a good cause. What else has happened this week???? Oh yeah the wonderful Diane Curran had had her story she wrote during NaNo ‘Beyond Happy Ever After’ accepted for publication with Wet Ink magazine. Double WOOHOO.
Also this week Paula Roe has her book in the ‘Diamonds Down Under’ series out, called ‘Boardrooms & A Billionaire Heir’ this is the fifth book in the six part series, so keep an eye out for it ladies.
Okay I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone if I have please accept my most humble apology. So now it’s to work. Yes it is now time to add your total’s so I can update your word meters. As always you have until 8pm (Sydney time) Sunday to post your total. Don’t forget I need to know your complete total for the challenge. Happy writing everyone and I’ll catch up with you over the weekend.
Hugs
Sandie
Okay I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone if I have please accept my most humble apology. So now it’s to work. Yes it is now time to add your total’s so I can update your word meters. As always you have until 8pm (Sydney time) Sunday to post your total. Don’t forget I need to know your complete total for the challenge. Happy writing everyone and I’ll catch up with you over the weekend.
Hugs
Sandie
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Happy Hump Day!! So How Ya Goin'?
Hi Ladies,
Welcome to hump day, yes we are at the middle of the week yet again. Where the hell has the week gone? Okay ladies how are you going this week? We have three who have reached the 50k mark. How fantastic are Felicity and RC? Felicity 590ks in what 14 days? Very impressive Way to go Felicity!! As for RC, 42,000+ words over 2 days, that woman is amazing. More than likely sore but AMAZING!!!
For me I may have reached the 50ks but I still have a long way to go yet. I still have at least one more MS to finish this month, and yes I started another one. I know like I need another WIP.
Okay enough about that, this blog is about you, the ones still pounding the keys board. You wonderful ladies working at your word count everyday. To you ladies take a bow because you are still here. Still striving for that goal you have set yourself. You ladies are showing us some great numbers for first time challengers and I for one think you are just fantastic.
Something else I’d like to add this week, and that what do we count in our word count? For me and only because I had set my goal to finish two to three of my current WIP’s it is about the novel. But if you are working on getting a novel out there and are planning, plotting and doing outlines as well as writing your novel, then count the words you have put into getting your novel out there. By that I mean everything you have written in relation to your novel. I know this is not the way NaNo is run but I think this month is all about getting you writing. Planning and plotting are all of the process for some of you, so add your words. You may be surprised at just how many words you have written this month. Anyway the challenge is ‘50ks In 30 Days’, it doesn’t say it all has to be in the novel. Hehehe.
My next item is to announce this week’s PIN-UP Girls. Now it was hard this week, we had challengers reaching their goals early and I think Felicity and RC are truly amazing. So I’m giving special mention to both Felicity and RC. YAYAYA ladies, take a bow.
But think this week we saw what this challenge is really all about and that is determination so this week my PIN-UP GIRL is Amanda Reynolds-Smith. Amanda didn’t let the fact that she lost most of her word count defeat her. She got back in the seat and kept going and by the end of the week had her word count back up there. Now if you want inspiration that is inspiration. Don’t forget to drop by and say “Hi” to our Amanda. Amanda you should be very proud of yourself, you didn't let a big setback beat you, so for me to you 'AWESOME WORK'
Welcome to hump day, yes we are at the middle of the week yet again. Where the hell has the week gone? Okay ladies how are you going this week? We have three who have reached the 50k mark. How fantastic are Felicity and RC? Felicity 590ks in what 14 days? Very impressive Way to go Felicity!! As for RC, 42,000+ words over 2 days, that woman is amazing. More than likely sore but AMAZING!!!
For me I may have reached the 50ks but I still have a long way to go yet. I still have at least one more MS to finish this month, and yes I started another one. I know like I need another WIP.
Okay enough about that, this blog is about you, the ones still pounding the keys board. You wonderful ladies working at your word count everyday. To you ladies take a bow because you are still here. Still striving for that goal you have set yourself. You ladies are showing us some great numbers for first time challengers and I for one think you are just fantastic.
Something else I’d like to add this week, and that what do we count in our word count? For me and only because I had set my goal to finish two to three of my current WIP’s it is about the novel. But if you are working on getting a novel out there and are planning, plotting and doing outlines as well as writing your novel, then count the words you have put into getting your novel out there. By that I mean everything you have written in relation to your novel. I know this is not the way NaNo is run but I think this month is all about getting you writing. Planning and plotting are all of the process for some of you, so add your words. You may be surprised at just how many words you have written this month. Anyway the challenge is ‘50ks In 30 Days’, it doesn’t say it all has to be in the novel. Hehehe.
My next item is to announce this week’s PIN-UP Girls. Now it was hard this week, we had challengers reaching their goals early and I think Felicity and RC are truly amazing. So I’m giving special mention to both Felicity and RC. YAYAYA ladies, take a bow.
But think this week we saw what this challenge is really all about and that is determination so this week my PIN-UP GIRL is Amanda Reynolds-Smith. Amanda didn’t let the fact that she lost most of her word count defeat her. She got back in the seat and kept going and by the end of the week had her word count back up there. Now if you want inspiration that is inspiration. Don’t forget to drop by and say “Hi” to our Amanda. Amanda you should be very proud of yourself, you didn't let a big setback beat you, so for me to you 'AWESOME WORK'
I'm on word count meter updates this weekend, so don't forget to have your totals in by 8pm Sydney time Sunday night. I'll update the meters after I get my final dose of McDreamy & McSteamy for the year. So you will have some leeway. Don't forget we need your toal for the whole challenge.
Enjoy the rest of your week ladies, happy writing and may the word fairy bring you the words you need.
Hugs
Sandie.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
50ks in 17 days or less
Cyber champagne all around!
Maybe I need to make some alterations to the Winners certificate for the 3 fabulous marathon writers who have already reached the 50,000 word mark.
A gold medal for the fabulous Felicity, endurance writer, who ran through the ribbon at the end of the track on Saturday.
A silver medal for the resourceful Rhian, who made the most of being on a romantic holiday with hubby with no internet access to drink cocktails and write, write, write. Producing 20ks two days running, you have to wonder exactly what was in those cocktails.
A bronze medal for Sprinting Sandie who surpassed 50ks today and will undoubtedly write a lot more words by the end of the month.
Way to go girls - at least we don't need a road map to complete the course - we can just follow your blazing trail.
So I have reposted one version of the winners' certificates and the picture of the badge.
Sending out another plea to place badge orders now so you can show off your participation in 50ks in 30 days at the RWA conference, or wherever else you want to flash your badge. Don't forget you don't have to make it to the 50ks to wear the badge with pride.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday meter maid.
I'm back! It's Monday and meter maid time!
Have you seen those meters? Are they hot or what? There's even two with 100%!!!! Happy dancing for me and Felicity! (Actually, I think I'll stop that, it's not a pretty sight.)
Guess what I learned while I was away? No, it wasn't that I still love Hubby after 20 years of marriage! It was that I can write. Seriously write! Like over 20,000 words a day! With no distractions I can just pump them words out. Now I know why Elaine likes to disappear for a few days on her own, talk about being productive.
Anyway, none of my stories are finished. LOL But I sure did put a dent in some of them. I didn't however do the re-write. sigh. I'll do that this week. Promise. Well, now I've crossed the finish line I can afford to be a little less wordy.
OMG!!!!
The stupid computer just ate my post!!!!! Thank God the thing autosaves. Okay, we're cool again now.
So where was I...... right, the re-write. I'm planning to do that today. (and tomorrow if I don't finish) It shouldn't be too hard right? Right?? I understand what the editor is asking but I'm just not 100% I want to do it with this story. I'll do it and see what it looks like then make the decision.
I hope everyone is enjoying the challenge. Judging by the meters I'd say the answer to that is a yes. There are soooo many different amounts over there, some large, some not, but there all there. All those words are on the page and most of us have admitted to writing more in the last two weeks than in the last.... well, for some, quite a while. Keep up the great job and remember, any number of words is a good number.
RC
Have you seen those meters? Are they hot or what? There's even two with 100%!!!! Happy dancing for me and Felicity! (Actually, I think I'll stop that, it's not a pretty sight.)
Guess what I learned while I was away? No, it wasn't that I still love Hubby after 20 years of marriage! It was that I can write. Seriously write! Like over 20,000 words a day! With no distractions I can just pump them words out. Now I know why Elaine likes to disappear for a few days on her own, talk about being productive.
Anyway, none of my stories are finished. LOL But I sure did put a dent in some of them. I didn't however do the re-write. sigh. I'll do that this week. Promise. Well, now I've crossed the finish line I can afford to be a little less wordy.
OMG!!!!
The stupid computer just ate my post!!!!! Thank God the thing autosaves. Okay, we're cool again now.
So where was I...... right, the re-write. I'm planning to do that today. (and tomorrow if I don't finish) It shouldn't be too hard right? Right?? I understand what the editor is asking but I'm just not 100% I want to do it with this story. I'll do it and see what it looks like then make the decision.
I hope everyone is enjoying the challenge. Judging by the meters I'd say the answer to that is a yes. There are soooo many different amounts over there, some large, some not, but there all there. All those words are on the page and most of us have admitted to writing more in the last two weeks than in the last.... well, for some, quite a while. Keep up the great job and remember, any number of words is a good number.
RC
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