Current work in progress

I feel like I’m not getting to my current work in progress as much as I would like. Partly due to the amount of study I took on this term, and there may have been a little procrastinating in there too. I try, but sometimes it just looks too scary to face.

In an attempt to get back on track I did a little cursory reviewing of the work so far. I have completed the comprehensive edit on the first third of the book, so there is still some way to go. But I wasn’t going to let it beat me.

I sat down with the remaining part of my story and worked through chapter by chapter, making notes as to whether it required writing (as there are some gaps), some writing and editing or just the comprehensive edit. This only took me a half hour or so, and produced a clear list of exactly what is required to get this draft finished.

Because I have had a little rest from the story I will need to revisit some aspects to ensure the continuity of the story. Once I had the plan in place I then spent some time writing the first rough draft of the next chapter, which was one of those gaps. I was also able to try it out on my writing group (very useful) and then start on the editing process.

I am hoping that I can work through one to two chapters a week, depending on the level of work required. I have my mornings back and this term I am only studying one subject, so I hope to use some evening time as well. If I can continue to work at the same steady pace I should be finished early next year. Then I can give it a little rest, while I go back to planning my trilogy book 1. Then read and review again. I am hoping that with this comprehensive edit the next one will not be so demanding.

All going to plan it should be ready to send out into the world somewhere between July and September 2013. (fingers and toes crossed).

Happy Scribbling.

On the right path

Someone recently said to me, “You bring this on yourself.”

Do I?

“You don’t have to do so much.”

Don’t I?

I was actually talking about my university commitments at the time and the fact that I was watching far less T.V. because I was studying or writing. I didn’t think I was complaining about the amount of writing I do but perhaps it sounded that way.

We were discussing all those shows that I no longer watched, and didn’t really miss. And the reason I didn’t miss them was that I was enjoying what I was doing.

So I have been flat out; and this study period has been quite challenging at times. But the important point is that I have enjoyed every moment.

I am learning so much and writing better (I think). It comes back to the reason I am doing this.

For me.

Because I want to write. Because I love to write. Because I need to write like I need to breathe. I can’t live without it. If I could give up my day job tomorrow and write all day, I would jump at the chance.

That is not going to happen soon, unless I win a large amount of money. But the study helps me along the path towards that dream. Towards that goal.

Sometimes I get a bit tired and sometimes it gets a bit hard but the benefits far outweigh the pain. It is important to remember why we do what we do. Sometimes I need a little reminder but I know what I want and I know what I need to put in to get there. And if I enjoy the process – isn’t that the point?

Happy Scribbling