Confessions

I have a confession to make. When I wrote my last book…I used an outline.

Wait, don’t make me turn in my pantser badge! Which sounds like it means something way more inappropriate than I’m intending!

See, four books ago, I only wrote by getting ideas and typing them out (known in the vernacular as “by the seat of one’s pants”). I certainly saw the benefits of outlining. In fact, I got in the habit of typing them up after I finished with the book, if only to be able to look at the story from a wider perspective. For the most part, I nodded along when others spoke of the joys of outlining, for some reason feeling proud of myself for not using one. Yeah, it’s kind of weird.

Then COLLAPSE came along, and I blame it for this abundance of outlining. My idea for the story was that it took place over a year—each chapter is a different day along the timeline. In order to execute it without tripping over continuity, I needed to (shudder) outline what happened, on what day, and make sure things were happening at an appropriate pace. It’s not my fault. I needed the outline.

My next book was REMEMBER, and I told myself I wanted to outline it because I didn’t have a clear idea for the ending and besides, it would be easier to get it out of the way ahead of time (seriously, that’s what I told myself). Same thing for MALICE, my current WIP. I just want to know the ending.

Am I an outliner now? No, but that’s only because I don’t like to label myself (it restricts my ability to completely change my mind about something in the middle of doing it). I’ve just…realized that people were right. It does help to have it all out there. Not like it completely solves all writing problems. I still throw in new ideas as they come to me, and some of the ideas that I wrote in because they were in the outline didn’t pan out the way I want them to and will probably be cut when I’m finished with draft 1. So while I like having an idea of what I’m supposed to be writing, sometimes it kind of gets in the way, too. There are goods and bads to outlining…and I’ll probably be doing it for my next book.

Seriously, it hooks you.

Any thoughts about outlining? Have you ever radically changed your mind about something?

March Goals

Ugh, February. It really is the Monday of the months. The newness of the year that comes with January is stale, plus the weather is, at best, frigidly cold, and at worst a slush-filled blanket that you have to get out of the driveway before the temperature drops and it freezes over until mid-March. So in summation, February, I hate you.

I already know I didn’t do a good job on my goals this month, because of that list I made staring me in the face every day. Ugh. Again.

February Goals

1. Finish outline, read aloud, and notes for REMEMBER. This is going to be a big one…

Nope, didn’t do this. I opened up REMEMBER and found out it was way more unfinished than I thought it was. The outline is done except for the places it’s STILL unfinished, and I obviously wasn’t able to get to the rest since there’s no point in starting if the rough draft isn’t complete.

2. Send out 10 queries for COLLAPSE (AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!) and revise query as needed.

This I did, netting me two rejections already. I’ve worked on my query a bit, gotten it to the point where I actually think it’s good. I just have to wait and see, which I totally hate.

3. Work on Apocalypse Blog.

Uh, kind of? I posted another apocalypse thing last Saturday, which means it was technically in March, although I wrote it in February. I didn’t start up the actual blog yet, because I’m still not sure it could stand alone as its own blog. I might keep this as a feature here.

Not a very good job. Querying was even more stressful than I anticipated (and I anticipated stress!), so I kept working on my shiny new project rather than REMEMBER like I was supposed to. Anyway, now for March.

March Goals

1. Send out 10 more queries for COLLAPSE (still AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!).

2. Write two more Apocalypse posts for (I hope) your entertainment.

3. Actually finish REMEMBER. And maybe, if I do, write the book that’s been rolling around in my head the past couple of weeks!

Okay. I think this is doable. What are you up to this March? Do you other A-to-Z-ers have your posts ready yet?

February Goals

Ugh, it’s February already? Well, at least none of us have to worry about our resolutions anymore.

January Goals

1. Write a query, one sentence pitch, plot summary, and synopsis for COLLAPSE. (Just thinking about it sets my anxiety levels spiking!)

Check, check, check, and check. The synopsis could use a bit more work, but I have the rest in order. And super thanks to Dianne for reading my query for me. Your opinion was invaluable : ).

2. Work on some of my ongoing projects (pretty much everything except REMEMBER).

I spent most of the month going over COLLAPSE, and seeing as it’s a different project, I think this is a win.

3. Find a way to post my goals and progress on my blog.

I did post my goals, but I haven’t found a good way to post my progress. Of course, it’s hard to gauge them anyway. Trying to write a query isn’t like meeting a word count goal. I did however post my goals on a sticky note on my desk top, so it’s always there for me to look at. I’d say this one is a “mostly”.

Surprisingly good. I guess because it was January, I have a lot of “New Year” energy. Anyway, for this month…

February Goals

1. Finish outline, read aloud, and notes for REMEMBER. This is going to be a big one…

2. Send out 10 queries for COLLAPSE (AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!) and revise query as needed.

3. Work on Apocalypse Blog.

And as a fourth goal, try not to freak out about querying. It’s going to be tough.

What are your goals for this month? Any big plans for February?

…Done?

Could it be? COLLAPSE has been outlined, edited for repetition/unnecessary words, read aloud and read by beta readers. I have got two different versions of a query, a synopsis, and I’ve edited them all twice. This is as good as it’s going to get. I think.

I always get nervous when I finish a book, because I know there is nothing left to do but query, and that makes me want to curl into a ball and rock back and forth murmuring nonsense. I believe in my book. I think it’s good. But as to whether it’s good enough…

Let’s just say self-confidence isn’t my strong suit.

I’ve submitted other books and, sadly, all have been rejected. But I felt equally as proud of them and believed in each one just as much as the last. I’d like to say this one is better because I worked a lot harder on editing, but…well, it’s that self-confidence thing again. What do I do if no one likes it? Do I write something else or keep editing? Is it my writing style or my story or my characters or the query or my everything?

Yes, I work myself up into a nice little panic. It never stops me from trying, though.

I better go edit my query again.

Do any of you have any good query stories and/or advice for querying? Want to beta read a query for me? What about you self-pub people? Any thoughts on going the Indie route?

January Goals

Man…my vacation is over. Now I have to get back to doing stuff. This sucks. All right, let’s check in on my goals.

1. Finish the rough draft of my previously mentioned paranormal apocalyptic story.

            Not completely, but it’s very close, with a few scenes still needing to be written in various places. Since there’s maybe six thousand words left, I’d call this a win.

2. Think about ways to make my blog more fun for my readers. I’m not good when it comes to things like this, so it will take some work.

            Nope, total fail. I’m terrible at thinking up fun things for my blog! Or, if I’m being honest, in general. Do not come to me for party ideas, is what I’m saying.

3. Screw it, it’s December, I’m taking the last week off. Yes, this is totally a goal. Even though I just took a week off in November. Ah, screw it.

            Heh, well, this was definitely completed.

Not bad. I did the major writing I wanted to and now my YA Paranormal/Apocalyptic has a beginning, middle and end. REMEMBER is going to take a rest this month while I go back to COLLAPSE.

January Goals

1. Write a query, one sentence pitch, plot summary, and synopsis for COLLAPSE. (Just thinking about it sets my anxiety levels spiking!)

2. Work on some of my ongoing projects (pretty much everything except REMEMBER).

3. Find a way to post my goals and progress on my blog.

So that’s what I’m up to this month. What about you guys? What do you do to make sure you’re on track?

Happy New Year! Hugs!

Resolutions 2014

I think this year, when I forget to write 2014 instead of 2013, it’s going to be because I’m still in denial about it.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Anyway, what should I accomplish this year?

1. Get my newest book, REMEMBER, to the point where it can be beta read.

            It’s still pretty rough right now (the first draft still isn’t done), so it will take a lot of work to get it there.

2. Start working on a (gulp) query for COLLAPSE.

            I have a few rough copies, but I doubt any would entice readers. Ooh, this is the most terrifying goal.

3. Try to find some way to post my progress on my goals, both yearly and monthly.

            I’d like to see how I’m doing and whether I need to work harder.

4. Read more dystopian/apocalyptic/paranormal YA.

            For, you know, research. This is probably going to be an easy goal.

5. Think of ways to make my blog posts more interesting.

            And implement them. That last “Informal Poll” thing was a huge bust. I have some other ideas in mind, but who knows if they’ll be successful.

6. Try to start a movement to simplify the English language.

            Seriously, is the letter C really necessary? And don’t say we need it for the “ch” sound. We can use Q for that and not for “kw”, which is weird anyway. Every other use of C can be replaced with K or S. I’m also not a fan of using G for the “juh” sound, but one thing at a time.

7. Get over my doubts about selling an apocalyptic story in a glutted YA market and just DO IT.

            I feel like this one is self-explanatory.

Well, it’s 2014. What are your goals?

July Goals

I fear this month wasn’t as successful as May…

June Goals

1. Finish collecting and giving critiques. This should be easy. I love beta reading.

Still in the middle of this, although there isn’t much I can do to get critiques done faster. I forget sometimes that most people don’t read 10K a day.

2. Start posting more at the Spamfiles. I think having more posts will attract more readers. Could it be that other people don’t find spam as amusing as I do?

Got this one done. I’m still disappointed that I don’t have more followers, though.

3. Add 20K more words to my rewrite. Usually first draft writing is easy for me, but I’ve been feeling a little bit of the writer’s block lately. I hope I can do it.

Kind of a failure. Because it’s a rewrite, there are still some things from the old version that I can use, so I’ve been working on that. But I could have done more if I hadn’t gotten distracted by a shiny new project. Darn your shininess!

Not as successful maybe, but not bad. I should’ve done more with number 3. On the other hand, I got a bunch of stuff done that wasn’t on my list, like aforementioned new project (something like twenty K there, so pretty good), and switching over to the new blog. I’d give my final grade as a B. An actual B, too, not a scaled B. Not bad.

Okay, now for July (I can’t believe the year is half over already!)

July Goals

1. Finish going over suggestions from previous readers for COLLAPSE. Maybe try to find more critique partners. I’ve got some good feedback, but I don’t know if four is enough (especially when I don’t have them all back yet).

2. Be more present in social media. Mostly I want to leave more comments, respond to every one I receive, and return the favor.

3. Add 20K more to New Project and finish combining the new and the old versions.

I wonder if it’s too ambitious or not ambitious enough.

Anyway, what are your plans for July, for writing or otherwise? Anyone doing anything fun?

April Goals

All right, let’s see how I did…

Goal 1: Check for sight, smell, sound, touch and taste on every page of COLLAPSE. This means I’m highlighting and checking every descriptive phrase to make sure it’s A) good and B) correct. Basically, more microediting. I’m thinking this will take a while.

            Yep! Did not take half as long as I thought it would, so I was able to get through this and partway through a completely different editing pass.

Goal 2: Tweet every new entry on the Spamfiles. Update my Twitter profile to include it (the profile’s long overdue for an updating anyway…).

            I think I may have missed tweeting once or twice, which is kind of shameful since there’s only like eight tweets a month. So I guess this one is a “mostly”.

Goal 3: If I have time, more word hunting in GLITCH. I have nothing pithy and amusing to add to that.

            I guess this would be a failure because I had the time, but worked on other things instead. At least I wasn’t screwing around all of the time. Most of the time. Some times. I did something, okay?

Not bad. Not a full success but I was kind of feeling burnt out this month. It’s getting to the time of year when I usually start on a new project, but since I want to focus on old ones this year, I’m getting a bit antsy. Anyway, what will I do this month?

April Goals

Goal 1: Get COLLAPSE out to some beta readers!!! I get so nervous about sharing my work, so this is going to be a hard one. There are still some word issues, and maybe some with pacing and the like, but I feel like I procrastinate too long on things like this. Anyway, getting feedback will help me figure out what needs to be done.

Goal 2: Start following more blogs on Tumblr. I think I’ll keep this as a weekend project so it won’t interfere with my writing.

Goal 3: Work on notes (and maybe some sort of, shudder, outline) for my new project, which is actually a rewrite of an old project. This should satisfy my urge to do something new. I’ve got some good ideas brewing. It will be nice to sink my teeth into writing again.

And that’s my major goals for April. What are you guys up to this month?

March Goals

I actually heard that writing down your goals doesn’t help you get things done. In fact, it makes it worse because writing it down makes it feel like you’ve completed the task even if you haven’t. I don’t know why. Because the way the human mind works makes absolutely no sense at all.

But that’s not going to stop me! If I post goals, I get to get out of thinking up a new blog idea one day a month feel guilty and humiliated if I don’t complete them and for me, there is no greater motivation than not making a fool out of myself. So! Here we go.

February Goals

Goal 1: Get rid of certain phrasing styles I overuse in COLLAPSE, as well as too many questions, and sentences beginning with “before” or “after”. Update the outline.

            Done! This actually took longer than I expected (making it the reverse of last month) so I spent almost the full month on it. I really micro-edited—the MS is now down a full four thousand words. That’s okay, though. It’s still got 93K left.

Goal 2: Work on promoting the Spamfiles. I’m not very good at self-promotion, the annoying fault of being so shy. Expect me to start mentioning it on Twitter a lot.

            Done, although not Done! I’ve been tweeting more about it and I even did a guest post at Liz’s, but I’m still pretty bad at self-promotion so…well, it’s really on ongoing process.

Goal 3: Fix the awkward phrasing in GLITCH. Continue word hunt. Trust me, this will take a while.

            The first part is mostly done (I’m sure there are some rogue sentences that need fixing). I was only able to focus on the Word Hunt for a few days, though.

And now for this month:

Goal 1: Check for sight, smell, sound, touch and taste on every page of COLLAPSE. This means I’m highlighting and checking every descriptive phrase to make sure it’s A) good and B) correct. Basically, more microediting. I’m thinking this will take a while.

Goal 2: Tweet every new entry on the Spamfiles. Update my Twitter profile to include it (the profile’s long overdue for an updating anyway…).

Goal 3: If I have time, more word hunting in GLITCH. I have nothing pithy and amusing to add to that.

February Goals

First, let’s see how I did on last month’s goals:

Goal 1: Work on new Tumblr account.

            BAM!

Goal 2: I have over two hundred notes on COLLAPSE that I want to work on (word usage, phrasing, continuity, and feasibility mostly). I want to finish them all by the end of the month.

            BAM!

Goal 3: Finish editorial pass on GLITCH, with emphasis on word usage.

            BAM!

So, yeah, I’m pleased with myself. To be honest, the notes were WAY easier than I thought they would be. I guess when you have vague notes like “Work on this” it’s easy to ignore them. Next time I make notes on a book, I’ll be sure to be more specific because it’s really annoying when I have no idea what past-me was talking about. Seriously, that girl is a pain in my ass.

Anyway, for this month’s goals:

Goal 1: Get rid of certain phrasing styles I overuse in COLLAPSE, as well as too many questions, and sentences beginning with “before” or “after”. Update the outline.

Goal 2: Work on promoting the Spamfiles. I’m not very good at self-promotion, the annoying fault of being so shy. Expect me to start mentioning it on Twitter a lot.

Goal 3: Fix the awkward phrasing in GLITCH. Continue word hunt. Trust me, this will take a while.

Basically the same triad as last month. It’s also in the order I want to focus them on, although Goal 2 is more of an ongoing objective rather than a specific task.

Do you guys have any goals for the month, writing or otherwise? How did you do in January?

Man, I told myself I would stop adding questions to the ends of my posts in an attempt to garner comments. Oh well. It’s not like it’s a goal ; ). Yay semantics!

January Goals

See? I said I was going to do it and here it is.

I think it’ll help me get more done if I have someone to be accountable to—namely, all of you. The potential embarrassment of not having completed my self-imposed goals will surely drive me towards completing them. Or towards a complete mental breakdown. Same difference, really.

Anyway, here’s what I want to get done this month:

Goal 1: Work on new Tumblr account.

Goal 2: I have over two hundred notes on COLLAPSE that I want to work on (word usage, phrasing, continuity, and feasibility mostly). I want to finish them all by the end of the month.

Goal 3: Finish editorial pass on GLITCH, with emphasis on word usage.

I’m not entirely sure how long it will take me to complete each of said goals, but this is the order I plan to go in. Goal 1 is actually almost taken care of (yay). You’ll see the results soon enough.

So what do you guys think of the whole posted-goal system? Do any of you do it? If yes, does it work? If no, why not?

Resolutions 2013

Wow, it’s 2013 already. I feel like I didn’t get nearly enough done writing-wise last year, although I’m not sure if I didn’t try hard enough or had too much on my plate. Probably it was both. Maybe I can be a bit more realistic this year.

1. Get COLLAPSE to the point where it’s ready for beta reading.

            I certainly think I’ll be able to do this. I have a system for how I go about edits and I don’t have any trouble getting to the point where it needs outside opinions.

2. Find more beta readers.

            As I mentioned in my Reflections post, I haven’t had much luck with finding a long term crit partner/beta reader : (. I’d certainly like to find some new ones, not only for COLLAPSE when it’s ready but for GLITCH (I won’t give up on it!).

3. Rewrite A SAFE PLACE IN HELL.

            This won’t be just a revision, but a full on rewrite. I started on this book back before I got involved in social media and I honestly think it lacks a lot of the finesse I picked up from suggestions by my fabulous blogging buddies. However! I will not do this until both GLITCH and COLLAPSE are at the point where nothing more can be done. If I fail this resolution, it better be because I’ve finished the above two.

4. Start posting my writing goals.

            I think this will help keep me honest. On the first Tuesday of the month, I’m going to post what I want to accomplish and how far I’ve come (basically these resolutions/reflections posts on a monthly basis). Also, I’m going to keep the list posted on my sidebar with progress reports. The guilt should definitely keep me going.

5. Start up a Tumblr.

            You heard that right! More details later.

6. Start my own utopian society.

            Well, I’m starting a bunch of other things.

7. Never give up on my books!

            Namely, the above three that I mentioned. I will edit them, I will send them out to beta readers, I will hunt down and capture said beta readers, etc. It might seem redundant to have this here, but I need the extra reminder.

Okay, that’s it! I hope I get these done. Anyone have any resolutions they want to share?