Posted by Anne Marie Becker Jan 25 2012, 12:01 am in perseverance, Winter Writing Festival
Winter Writing Festival WEEK TWO Check-in
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the second checkpoint in the writing marathon that is the Winter Writing Festival.
I have the privilege of hosting the second-week check-in. And it is indeed a privilege. I’ve *met* some awesome new friends and hung out with some *old* ones in the Chat Room. Whether you’re producing new words or editing old ones, come join us for some writing sprints. The link to the chat room, as well as the times, are listed at www.rsswwf.com. The energy there has encouraged me to produce some major wordage this past week.
It’s also a privilege because I love to see how many writers are hanging tough out there. Those who met their goals in Week One, I applaud you. Good job.
But Week Two… well, the marathon gets tougher as we hit the middle. Did those who didn’t meet their goals in the first week give up? Or did they persevere and say “well, it’s a new week, I can do it this time.” I’d love to hear how you’re hanging in there, or, if you’re not starting off so well, how we can help you plan to get back on track.
Third, it’s a privilege to host today because I get to hand out some fantastic prizes. Here is the list of offerings for Week Two:
Anyone who checks in today can win:
- Kismet’s Kiss or The Source of Magic (eBooks), PLUS the novella Swords and Scimitars (eBook, due out Feb 2012), Cate Rowan
Swords and Scimitars is a novella about the immortal founders of verdant Teganne and desert Kad, two rival realms divided by magic—and bound by blood, mistrust, and love. The chronicle continues in the award-winning fantasy romance novels The Source of Magic and Kismet’s Kiss.
- 1 signed set of all three hardcovers in Darynda Jones FIRST GRAVE series: First Grave on the Right, Second Grave on the Left, and Third Grave Dead Ahead (out Feb 2012) by Darynda Jones
Those who met their weekly goals (earned at least seven points this past week) are ALSO eligible to win:
Diane Kelly writes romantic mysteries featuring feisty heroines, quirky sidekicks, and sexy leading men, with humor that leaves readers laughing out loud. Diane’s manuscript for Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart award. Her manuscripts have received more than two dozen RWA chapter awards as well. Diane’s fiction, tax, and humor pieces have appeared in True Love Magazine, Writer’s Digest Yearbook, Romance Writers Report, Byline Magazine, and various other publications.
Bev Pettersen is the author of award-winning romantic suspense novels, including: Jockeys and Jewels, Color My Horse and Fillies and Females. When Bev broke her leg galloping at the track, a friend brought a Dick Francis novel to the hospital and she was hooked. Horses had always been a integral part of her life, from Pony Club as a child and later within the dynamic world of horse racing so the combination of books and horses was irresistible.
- A 2012 Writer’s Diary / illustrated weekly planner
- $10 Starbucks card and pretty mug (with Godiva Dark Chocolate French Vanilla Truffles!) (Donated by the fabulous Ruby Sis Danniele Worsham, a.k.a., Dani Wade)
And here’s the really good news… if you didn’t make your goal this week, there’s always next week! Happy writing, everyone. I hope I’ll see you in the chat room sometime. Good luck to us all as we embark on Week Three – we can do it!
Please check-in in the comment trail of the regular Ruby site (if you’re on the Festival site, scroll back up to the top of the page and click the blue title line “Winter Writing Festival WEEK TWO CHECK-IN” to jump to the right place) and let us know how you’re doing – whether the result is good, bad, or ugly. And if you’d like to be eligible for the awesome swag and prizes, make sure you start your post with “I MADE MY GOAL.”
::Jumping up and down:: I MADE MY GOAL!!!!
Actually I made several of my goals each day, but that’s besides the point! I’ve been having a blast, and want to thank you ladies, each and every one, for a wonderful experience.
I have accomplished more in the past two weeks, not just in writing, but revising, and polishing thanks to you wonderful Rubies, and all of my new friends here, than I have in months, despite the subtle prodding of a few writing friends, okay not so subtle, and I can’t possibly thank her enough for pushing me in your direction!
Thanks to Y’all, I am even contemplating entering a contest. Yes, putting my writing out there to be judged. Scariest thing on the planet to me, and something I’m not sure I’d have felt brave enough to do, without all the warm encouragement I have received here from All of you!
Thank you!
~Tiana~
You can do it Tiana! I have loved Sprinting with you. Do it! Enter the contest! I am a total contest junkie now, but it was scary sending it off the first time. If you are thinking of an RWA contest, you can ask around for which ones are known for the best feedback. Those are the ones I tend to seek out. And by and large, even when you don’t final,the feedback is helpful or at least, food for thought.
It’s been wonderful sprinting with you Annabeth, you definitely help keep me moving forward when you are there.
I’ve contemplated contests before, but I’ve always shied away from them. The thought of showing my writing to someone I trusted was one thing, but Perfect Strangers, that was a whole new ball game, and one I wasn’t ready to play.
I’m just so excited and although I’m still a little scared by the process, at least I’m moving into a new stage, that stage where I start accepting criticism for my work, from someone outside my trusted circle.
I believe entering contests is a natural progression in this business. Having the courage to move forward and do this is a huge step. Be proud. Let us know when you do.
Thank you Rita, all the wonderful encouragement I have found here from you wonderful ladies is helping me so much to pursue this with a determination I wasn’t sure I had.
Good for you, Tiana. Growth is a scary thing, but as you enter a contest and get good feedback, it won’t be so daunting. And you’ll be growing as a writer. That has to be good, right?
Kate,
Growth is always a good thing. Feedback, whether positive or negative can still be beneficial if you put it into perspective. After all everything is just a matter of perspective, I see the glass half full, someone else see’s it half empty, yet another says, hey there’s still something in it. Like that glass, Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and how they see the story I’m trying to tell. I’ve had some really harsh criticism, and I’ve had some marshmallow fluff criticism, The point is to use them both to your advantage, right?
My mom says to me, “It’s great, where’s the rest?” She also says to stop leaving her hanging, which tells me two things, She’s my mother and feels obligated to tell me it’s great, but also that as a reader (she gave me my first romance novel,) I left her hanging wanting more, therefore it’s not all bad.
On the other hand, Many years ago, an English teacher once told me that I was never going to amount to anything, and the my writing was worse than his daughter’s (she was in kindergarten at the time.) That told me a few things too, the first, never ask a teacher that you already know can’t stand you for an opinion on a writing project for a creative writing scholarship, and that no one, can ever shatter my dreams, unless I let them. If anything he’s only made me more determined. In his defense, I’ll accept that I avoided his class like the plague, but that was because he thought that horror novels were the only thing to assign for book reports. ~Grins~
That’s so fabulous, Tiana!!!
Yes, enter that contest!!! It’s a big and important step to growing in your craft!
Thanks Elisa!
So glad to hear you’re meeting your goals – feels good, right?
I’d encourage you to enter a contest or two. I’ve learned so much from the feedback.
It always feels good to meet your goals Anne Marie!
Tiana,
Yes, it is scary to put your writing out there but if you feel ready, you should definitely enter a contest! Feedback can make such a difference-it did for me. Good luck! Kelley
It’s still scary even as I am revising the first chapters of this story for the contest.
Tiana, it was scary as He!!. But the contest feedback I received was actually what pushed me forward to learn more and make my writing better. I’ve had fun sprinting with you. Congrats on making your goals!
It’s been great sprinting with you too Melanie! All of you ladies have been so helpful in pushing me to write better, and take steps in the right direction for my writing.
Tiana, huge congrats on making your goals!!! That’s awesome. And I love sprinting with you too. The sprints are awesome!
As for contests, they have their +/-, depends on what you are looking for. As you know by now I enter them but I’m picky about them as I only enter to get in front of specific editors. Since this will be your first, you might want more feedback so check out the scoresheets to see if it’ll give you the info you’re looking for. If you have any questions I’m available. You can catch me in the sprint room or contact me via my website. Good luck with your entry!!!!!!
I MADE MY GOAL. I’m at 16K new words written. I’m pretty sure that’s a 2 week record for me, even doing NaNo pre-kids. I’m closing in on the last 1/4 of my book and so damn giddy. I love the Ruby Sprints, even the ones I do where I’m entertaining the kids at the same time. Words on the page are words on the page even when they dribble out.
What I love about the RSSWF is that it encourages you to have multiple ways to earn your points. If anyone is thinking of retooling his or her goals or looking ahead to next year, that has been the most motivating thing for me, and something I wish I could apply more easily to other areas of my life. “Oh, I missed the Ruby Sprint Time, I can just make up my point doing a #1k1hr later or . . .” I’m going to work on extending this mentality to life beyond writing–I have spent most of my life trapped in all or nothing land, and I think my life would be happier if I could just do similar “Oh I ate pie for lunch, oh well, I’ll just make up my healthy eating point by doing X” instead of “Well I already ate the darn pie . . .”
Congrats to all who are getting words on paper or words edited or words plotted–even if you are not getting your points, you are still making progress. Even 10 words is 10 words you didn’t have before.
Hurray, Annabeth!!!
I love that this could be a life-changer in other aspects of your life as well! YES!!
LOL, Annabeth on the pie. I love the flexibility of knowing if I don’t meet all my daily goals, I’ve met X, Y, & Z, and that’s pretty darn good. Especially with small kids running around. Little imps.
I enjoyed sprinting with you! And congrats on the 16K – amazing!!
LOL I never thought of the Ruby Winter Festival and eating pie as two sides of the same coin. I’ll have to try to put my writing determination toward my dieting goals. Thanks for the idea, and congrats on the 16K words. You’re burning up that keyboard.
I am loving the sprints and the renewed energy that participating in them has directed to my current project. I must tell you that a girlfriend lured me into this festival, and after Nano, I wasn’t too keen on it going in, but the amazing thing is that, just writing down 6 achievable goals has made me more focused and determined to go for it each day. I finished editing one project so no more points for that one. Yay! Writing on another so getting in as many sprints as possible. And, one of my goals was to do promos every day, so that is a great thing to scratch off my list. Thanks so much for creating this very positive writing experience and for all the positive strokes. *many hugs*
~J
Thanks, J.D.! Did you see Autumn Jordon’s post on this blog yesterday? It’s all about breaking things down into bite-size pieces. Anything’s do-able if you think of it as a series of small, manageable tasks!
Hi, J.D.! I’ve enjoyed “meeting” you on the sprints. Sounds like you’re rocking’ the new year with all those goals!
I did it again, MEET MY GOAL!!! This RSSWF it is helping me by pushing past the voice in the head that say’s ‘you don’t have to write today, you can make it up tomorrow’, which is what happened last night. But I wrote. I hope to do a sprint soon. Many thanks for this Festival!
Hi, Emily! Thanks for checking in, and glad you’re meeting your goals… and hope you check out a writing sprint soon. I’ve found them immensely helpful, even if I just use the 20 minutes to finish clearing out my inbox or edit a page. Something about having that time crunch helps increase my productivity.
Yes, I totally agree! Getting past those voices is key!
Oh, yes! That’s a treacherous voice indeed!
I MADE MY GOAL!! Revisions are going great and I’m getting them done at great speed thanks to my competitive nature and this WWF.
Woohoo, Emma!!
Emma, I’m working on revisions right now, too, and I’m finding this contest really helpful. Glad you’re having good luck with yours.
Made my goal! I love the sprints, and can’t recommend dropping by that room enough; it’s lovely knowing someone else is writing at the same time you are. And I was surprised this week by the fact that people are often in the sprint/chat room before and after the posted times, just working away! So even if there isn’t an “official” sprint listed, if you are in the mood for some writing company, you should drop by. I’ve met some very friendly, funny, encouraging ladies.
I hope everyone continues to have a productive week!
Fabulous, Gillian!!
Remember to write I MADE MY GOAL in all caps. (Makes it easier for Anne Marie to find you when she’s awarding prizes!)
Ooops! I MADE MY GOAL! (it’s all those times my kids told me to never use caps on the web, because it meant I was ‘yelling’)
We’re celebrating! Yelling is okay!
Shout it to the world! LOL I love that people are feeling comfortable just “dropping by” the chat room – sounds like a party.
I, sadly, did not make my goal for this week–though I knew it would be that way. It’s finals week, and English teachers don’t have lives this time of year: it’s all grading, all the time.
Got up at 4 a.m. this morning to finish a stack I need to return before the 8 a.m. exam today (in which 30 students will be busily writing new things for me to grade, sigh). Must get back to it.
I’ll play catch-up this weekend, and after grades are due next Tuesday, I’ll be in that Chat Room sprinting like a fiend!!!!
Bless you, Elisa! I feel for you. We don’t have progress reports due until March here. Sending you a very strong virtual cup of English tea!
Sounds like you’re meeting your goals to me, Elisa! This week, writing has been shoved aside because of sick toddler, so my new goal is making it through each day.
Soon, hope to get back to sprints and such.
Hope your baby feels better, Anne Marie!
Elisa and Anne Marie, I find it amazing you find time to write at all. And then to write brilliantly. You are strong, flexible women.
Thanks, Kate. Flexibility is definitely important! As is training my brain to work within small increments of time.
Elisa–hang in there. I didn’t do so hot either. Tough–too many things. Bit of a struggle. But we’ll do better, right? A new day and all!
Absolutely!! The Festival builds in plenty of time for recovery!
I MADE MY GOAL! Some days the words flowed like molasses uphill in January….but my butt stayed in that chair!!
Yay, Lisa. I had no idea you were involved in this year.
LOL, Lisa – hang in there! Thanks for checking in.
Butt In Chair: that’s the true secret!!
My status is the same as last week. I’m working like a demon, but still not getting to write that one NEW page each day. Are we allowed to change our goals?
Laurie, I’m going to say YES.
After all, flexibility is part of WWF. As long as you’re meeting some writing goals that are important to you… productivity is the name of the game.
Change away, Laurie. You’re making progress, and that forward momentum is what counts.
Absolutely.
I keep saying it, but the Festival’s unofficial motto is “Make It Work for YOU!!”
If your original goals don’t fit right, change them and move forward.
That’s the second unofficial motto: “Forward progress!!”
Popping in and using a smart phone to post this week. I am the complete deadbeat. No writing at all this week. I did a critique for a friend and im plowing through my Marlene contest entries but not one hour of BICHOK this week. I’ve been traveling for the day job. But I get back home tomorrow and I have revisions on my desk and a tight deadline looming so watch me catch up! For others of you who had a bad week – you are not alone.
Hi, Hope! Sounds like you’re gearing up for some major points soon. Good luck!
I MADE MY GOAL!!!!!
So happy to report I reached my goal again this week! My story is moving right along after seven restarts! I typed over 5000 words this week and my goal was 254 a day so I’m doing a happy dance!
Thanks for doing this ladies and good luck to all! I hope you meet your goals too!
Holy moly – 5000?! Excellent!
I MADE MY GOAL!!! Several times over. Between the days I hosted sprints (none of which remained within the scheduled time frames, btw. The gals sprinting were like the Energizer Bunny!), the hours the story grabbed me by the throat, and working with Laurie, I’ve been a very busy girl.
Thanks to all the gals who showed up to sprint with me. You really helped spur me along. It’s amazing what happens in the sprints.
Oh, how I love the sprints! I’m so productive with a group of writers spurring me on. Congrats on meeting your goals!!
Yay, Gwyn. And having read your piece on your blog, I’m excited you’re making progress because I want to read more.
Thanks, Kate. I’m pushing to be finished by March, but no promises.
I MADE MY GOAL! The sprints definitely help with that.
A few more chapters closer to the end of this draft!
YES!!!
I MADE MY GOAL!!! S excited about this. More than the daily writing (which is adding up, lemme tell you) these last two weeks have really helped me create a writing schedule and get into the groove. I’m really happy with the words on the page, too, but getting a schedule has been even better for me. Thanks, Rubies!!!
I get so excited when I hear people are developing a schedule. I think that is so helpful in developing a habit, and the words come quicker when your brain gets used to producing regularly.
Glad you’re getting a regular writing schedule. I know I can’t stay “in” my story if I don’t write every day or nearly every day. Once a couple of days go by, it takes a couple more to get back into that groove. So be sure to keep up with your writing after the festival.
Hurray!!
I haven’t made a single goal his week ha. Not finished any homework or gotten any writing done b/c I’ve been sick. I’m beginning to think there are powers beyond me trying to prevent me from writing. But they wont. As soon as I catch up on work, I’m catching up on my writing
That’s the spirit, Tia! So sorry to hear you’re sick. I hope you come back to the festival with renewed energy.
Tia, I’m so sorry you’ve been sick, but don’t let a bump in the road throw you off the road! I’ve been where you are, and know what’s going through your head, so I’m going to share a little of my experience with you in the hope you can avoid my mistakes.
I started writing AGES ago. But, like you, things happened that seemed to say, “This is not what you should be doing.” I listened. Oh, I still wrote (it’s in my DNA, I think), but it was newsletters, stuff for various publications, etc. Not what I wanted at all. Still, it provided a bit of an outlet, but my characters would nag me, popping up at the most inappropriate times. I ruthlessly shut them up.
Long story short, the kids got older, I tried again (darned voices!), but again set it aside. For nine years this time. Then God put Laurie in my path. And I’ve been writing ever since—and still dealing with bumps, roadblocks, and even seemingly insurmountable walls. I’ve stopped using them as an excuse, however. I’ve excepted that there will be times my writing must take a back burner, but so be it. I regret the years I lost, but looking behind never got anyone ahead, so it’s onward and upward for me.
You’re young. There is lots to learn on your road yet. Don’t close your eyes to any part of yourself. If writing can’t be your top priority for the moment, don’t beat yourself up, just get what needs doing first out of the way, then get back in the chair.
The bottom line: Be true to yourself. No regrets.
OY! Some role model I am. I’ve ACCEPTED there will be times . . .
Thanks for the encouraging words Gwynlyn!!
Aww Tia!Hurry up and get well. We’ve missed you in the sprints!
~Hugs~
Patti
Tia,
Ewww. Sorry you been sick I know how it feels. The last month that been visited by two separate kinds of flu, a cold, and bruised ribs, and a few other things that I don’t even want to mention. Not fun. It happens. Don’t gauge yourself against what others are doing. Do your best. That’s all that counts. Relax. You are so determined it will happen for you. The stars, the moon, the planets, and the Ruby Mojo will line up perfectly for you. You’ll see.
I have to tell you I read some of the stuff that I wrote while I was suffering from sick brain and oh my golly, some of it is so bad it made me laugh.
Made my goals and then some. I can not believe how much I am getting done! Sprinting with all of you is a wonderful, joyful inspiration! Oh, My, what am I doing to do when it ends….please consider keeping the chat room open year round… Thank you again, for everything. Virginia
I was wondering the same thing, Virginia (re: chat rooms). Would be nice, huh? Or maybe a kids-are-back-in-school-let’s-get-in-gear Fall Festival. Personally, I would find that so helpful.
Virginia, I’d love to see the chat room open year-round also.
Virginia, will you email me with your web site? I’ve looked and looked, but unless you’re in Ohio (which I know you aren’t), I’ve had no luck. Thanks!
http://www.authorvsnelson.com
Sorry Gwyn (hugs)
Hi everyone! I’ve been a regular lurker, but decided to come out of hiding. I love this website! I started out with you guys, but didn’t get a chance to check in last week because I’ve been sideswiped with mono. Despite that, I have made my goal this week – so yeah! I MADE MY GOAL. I think the trick for me was to make my goal small enough that I don’t get overwhelmed, but big enough that when I put it all together it will make a dent.
Best wishes for a great week all around.
Tasha
Wow, Tasha – mono AND you still made your goal?! That’s fantastic. I remember being so tired when I had mono. Be sure to take care of yourself.
And you’re so right about setting manageable goals. One of the biggest mistakes in goal-setting is setting the bar too high and getting discouraged…then nothing gets done.
Another key is flexibility. Knowing you’re sick and not going to get as much done, and adjusting your schedule to accommodate that, is important to success. (Avoids that discouragement I mentioned above.
)
SO glad you checked-in and introduced yourself.
Let me echo Anne Marie: you made your goal WITH MONO???
You’re a total rock star!
Imagine what you can do when your health is back!
Making my goals, but wish I had time to sprint!
Hooray, Heidi! I’ve seen some people drop into the chat room for a half hour at a time… jump in whenever you can, even if it’s just for a quick 20-minute sprint.
Sprints are there for support as much as anything
Forgot to hit reply; encourange words below.
Anne Marie is right, Heidi. I promise, no goons standing at the chat room doors to discourage late comers (which I was. Twice. And I was the hostess!)or prevent you from leaving early. If you can’t stay for the whole swim, just jump in and get wet. The water’s fine.
I MADE MY GOAL THIS WEEK!
Thank you, danke, grazie, gracias, merci and hallelujah!
By the end of today, I should have revisions on one of my partials completed which was one of my long-term goals for the festival. I couldn’t be happier.
Next week I plan to make more sprints-the camaraderie there is pretty fantabulous. Good week, everyone! And thank you again, Rubies.
Yay, Kelley! You already met a long-term goal – fabulous! Keep up the great work.
I MADE MY GOAL!!
Still revising, revising, revising.
Awesome, Cia!!
I MADE MY GOAL!!! – and then some. I’ve been in a complete panic, because I just signed a 3 book/1 novella deal with Carina Press last week. Suddenly I have contracted deadlines. Sprinting with you ladies and telling myself I MUST meet my goals every day is squashing the panic, and helping me feel confident that I can maybe even finish early. This festival couldn’t have come at a better time. Can we do a summer writing festival too?
Yay, Christi! CONGRATULATIONS, too! We’ll be Carina Press sisters!
Having deadlines where we’re accountable to others are actually very helpful, in my experience. I get so much more done…
Congrats and welcome to Carina.
Congratulations on your contract, Christi!
Congrats, Christi!!!!
Congratulations, Christi!
I MADE MY GOAL!!!
This past week has been amazing on the writing front on so many levels. I almost finished a rough draft of a Christmas story via the sprints and the encouragement of the wonderful ladies in the sprints. I’ve made some wonderful new friendships there that I hope will extend beyond the festival.
Although with the end in sight, I had to set aside my draft when I rec’d a full request. *G* The sprints are really helping me push through cleaning up this ms for submission.
Thanks to all of the Rubies for volunteering your time to run such a great festival!!!!
Now I must duck back into my writing cave until the next morning sprint. *G*
Oops… my reply to you is below. You’re doing awesome!
A full request. Yay. Best of luck with that and for making your goal.
Woohoo, Jennifer! Congrats on that full request!
Hurray, Jennifer!!! Your amazing sprinting prowess will serve you very well! Good luck with the full!!!!
I can’t say this loud enough… Congrats Jennifier!!!
Thanks everyone!!! Knowing someone actually wants to read my story has given me an added pep to start writing in the morning. *G* The winter fest couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s great!!!
A request for a FULL!!!! AWESOME! That’s a good reason to shove your other goals aside… as long as you get back to them. LOL
I MADE MY GOAL! Reading all your comments has convinced me I need to join a sprint this week and meet some of you fab gals! This writing festival is keeping me on track and focused on my goal of finishing the fifth (yes, you read that correctly) draft of my current WIP by the end of the festival. I’ve been working on the darn thing for 2-1/2 years and feel like the end may finally be in sight. (Do I get an extra point for perseverance?)
Regards,
Monique
Perserverance is everything in this business! You get a gold star, Monique. And yes, join the sprints sometime. They really help boost productivity for some people.
Good luck finishing that WIP – sounds like you’ll have something to celebrate soon!
I second that gold star!
Congratulations to everyone who made their goal! Way to go!!
I didn’t make mine this week, but I am on track. I’m still writing and that’s the most important thing.
*I’m still writing and that’s the most important thing.*
You said it Sista!
Amen to that! Thanks for checking in.
I’m even further behind than I was at the last check-in, for an assortment of reasons that sound more like excuses every time I tell them to myself…
But I’m still hoping/planning to catch up! I THINK I can, I THINK I can…
You can do it, Sally! (I’m feeling similarly… started off poorly, got going really strong, then life “stuff” smacked me down this week, but I will prevail – and so will you!)
We KNOW you can!!!
I did not hit my goal, but did make progress
I hit the halfway point on my novella and it’s all downhill from there!
I really appreciate the chat room and sprints–totally helps me focus and, as I found with running, it’s more fun to do as a group!
Hi, MK! Progress is good, and I’m sure you’ll see more of it in Week Three.
I MADE MY GOAL!!! Thanks to the wonderful Rubies and fellow Sprint-junkies, I even had fun while writing my you-know-what off. The camaraderie is energizing, making it hard to stop. I highly encourage everyone to try at least one sprint during the festival.
For anyone still debating the impact the sprints can have on your writing, here’s my story:
At last week’s check-in, I had no idea I was going to start the third story in my YA paranormal trilogy. My teen weregirl had other ideas and was obnoxiously vocal about it… I couldn’t help but listen. Thursday night I gave in to her demands and, as of last night, I’d written 13,860 words. Most of those have been written during the sprints!
I had so much fun last year that I dragged several writer friends along with me this year. And, despite their occasional whining, they’re all making great strides. While I’d like to take credit for that, I know better. The truth is the Rubies and their festival get the real credit! I can’t thank them enough!!!
~Hugs to one and all!~
Patti
Hi, Patti – it’s been fun sprinting with you! Congratulations on the massive word count – holy moly, that weregirl wanted to be heard! Of course, teenagers can be that way. LOL Sounds like you’re having fun, too, which is fabulous.
Wow, Patti that’s an awesome count for this week, I didn’t realize you had past the 10k mark already. As one duly dragged writer, I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to the Rubies, After all without you pushing me, and their encouraging words I wouldn’t be where I am Today. Which is getting off the computer, and hiding under the bed until the tornado warning goes away!
I can edit by hand, and still meet today’s goal. I can’t survive a fried laptop!
~Tiana~
Oh, no – be safe!
Wait! What tornado warning?
::heading off ASAP to check local weather warnings::
Holy colonna!!! 13,680 words!! That’s definite a streak of true inspiration.
I MADE MY GOAL! Had a great time hanging out with Tuesday’s 10 AM sprinters! Thanks Rubies!
Hooray, Krista!!
Congrats, Krista!
Also, I’ve been trying to contact you: you’re the winner of the critique by Tamara Hogan from the Week One Check-In!!
I used the email address you signed in with when you left your comment.
I MADE MY GOAL — barely. Took time off this weekend to go to my chapter meeting (which I totally counted as doing something to further my writing career) … and to get engaged. The Boyfriend and I went ring shopping on Sunday. And on Monday, we went down to Phoenix to watch WWE Monday Night Raw (he got me hooked). But I earned a point before we headed out.
Now, it’s back to revising, revising, revising.
Arlene, engaged! How wonderful!!! Cyber hugs.
WHAT?!?!?! Congratulations, Arlene!!
And on the goal, too! (And, of course, attending the chapter meeting.) Sounds like you had a busy weekend.
In the middle of all the kudos and back-slapping, here’s a little something to push the celebration over the top! Congratulations, Arlene!
Wow, Arlene, Starcatcher sister, congrats on the engagement. And making your goal with all that excitement.
Congratulations, Arlene! I had to read that “engaged” sentence twice to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. Go you!
Thanks, everyone! I had to drop the ring off to have it resized this morning, so it doesn’t quite seem real.
ARLENE!! How lovely!!
Best wishes and much happiness to you both!
(And congrats on making your writing goal!)
CONGRATS to everyone who has met their goals!!!! Woot! I’m not even close. That’s all I have to say. LOL
Thanks for reporting in, Darynda… it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one not meeting my goal. LOL
I MADE MY GOAL!
Unfortunately, that’s about the only good thing I can say about today. It sucked from start to finish…and it’s my birthday.
But I made my goal for the week and tomorrow’s another day.
Oh no, Kat! Sorry to hear your birthday is sucking… so I’ll wish you a very merry un-birthday tomorrow. But “yay” on meeting your goal.
I’m sorry your birthday wasn’t happy, Kat. But it’s possible you just got this year’s bad stuff out of the way early. From here on in, it’s all downhill. The day may not be the best, but the year’s going to be amazing! Happy Up-coming Year!
*it’s possible you just got this year’s bad stuff out of the way early*
LOVE that attitude, Gwyn! And I hope it’s true.
Happy Birthday! I am sorry it was bad. Maybe declare a day later this week or next as your “rescheduled” birthday?
Hope tomorrow is a better day!
Hey Kat, It’s my birthday too. Sorry today sucked, BUT I’ve never believed in a one day Birthday Celebration. I’ve been known to celebrate for a week. I hope tomorrow shines for you.
I’m with you, Cia – take the whole week! I try to spread out my birthday celebration as long as possible! LOL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Cia!
Hugs, Kat!!
I like Gwynlyn’s attitude on this, too.
It’s gotta climb from here!
I MADE MY GOAL!!! And I am ALMOST done with my first manuscript! I’m so excited, I can taste it. =0) I haven’t had a chance to join many sprints this week, but I’m hoping to do a couple in the next few days.
Congrats to all who’ve made their goals. Hope to see some of you soon at a sprint. =)
Yay on making your goal. Finishing that first manuscript is the most wonderful feeling. I hope you finish during the festival so we can all applaud you.
Thanks Kate–I hope I finish during the festival, too. I’ll be sure to keep you posted. ;0)
That is a MAJOR milestone, Colleen! Hope you check in each week and let us know when it’s done!!
Thanks, Anne Marie!! (And btw, such a cute headshot pic you have!!)
Thanks!!
I Made My Goal. Just barely this week, but I did it. And the progress feels sooo good.
Yay, Kate! Enjoy the great feeling!!
Yay, congrats Kate! Meeting a goal just barely is still meeting a goal! Maybe I’ll see you in a sprint sometime soon…
I didn’t hit my goal this week. Revisions came in, and I needed to figure out how to tackle one of the major points. But I’m back on track now and am hoping to do a goal-meeting victory dance next week.
I love reading about everyone’s progress. Very inspiring, y’all!
Hey, having revisions come in and unsnarling a knot in them sounds like a total victory to me! Congrats, Tina!
Good luck with the revisions, Tina – you can make that your new goal for the WWF.
Yay! I MADE MY GOAL THIS WEEK. Last week was a struggle and I didn’t accomplish my personal writing goals, but this week I’ve managed to catch up and get back on track. And it feels so good. Thanks for providing the motivation. I so wanted to report today that I had made it!
Awesome, Kate!!
You’re my role model for this coming week!
Fantastic!! Thanks for checking in, and I hope the momentum continues into Week Three.
Yay, Kate. I think it feels even sweeter when the earlier week was a struggle. Congrats!
Hi everyone -
checking in. Not done too well this week – but I’ve been in Wales for a few days, celebrating my sister’s Birthday and didn’t have chance to check my emails, let alone anything else – but today I managed to revise a whole chapter, despite being out most of the day, so I’m getting back on track.
I missed the sprints while I was away, and hope to get a few more of those under my belt now I’m back too, I find them such wonderful motivation and a great way of making up points if I’m behind – three sprints equals one point!
Lyn, you had an excellent reason for being behind. Wale and a sister’s birthday, yippee! And that’s the best thing about the sprints, we can catch up. Good luck!
Thanks for checking in, Lyn! Sounds like you’ve had some valuable family time and traveling experience–all of which feeds the writer’s soul. I look forward to seeing how you do in Week Three.
I MADE MY GOAL!
Yay, Ellie! Congrats!
Hooray!!
Unfortunately did NOT make my goal this week, but am planning to get back on track going forward. Wish me luck!
Good luck, Kelsey. It’s a new week!
LUCK! But more important, I wish you a continued good attitude… I like how you’re thinking next week will be better already. That’s a great way to start!
Absolutely! It will be done! (And you’re not alone!)
I MADE MY GOALS!!! 9 points for the week! And then almost forgot it was Wednesday :/ Sheesh. The sprints have been fantastic and like so many others, I’ve gotten more work done than I anticipated. NaNo wiped me out and like J.D. wasn’t going to participate but I’m glad I succumbed to the nudge by my friend PattiAnnM and participated.
Thanks for all the support from my fellow sprinters. you gals ROCK!!
Melanie!! You made it in time.
The sprints have been wonderful, and I’m glad I’ve met new people like you. Congrats on meeting and exceeding your goals. (I hear that PattiAnn has quite a strong nudge. LOL)
I didn’t make my goal for the week but I’m back on track. I finally fixed my passive voice problem in my manuscript thanks to the helpful suggestions I got during one of the sprints. Thank goodness for the sprints! They’re keeping me honest and on track
Hi, Delia! Fixing passive voice is SO important, so I’d say you had a very successful week. Your manuscript will likely be so much stronger! See you at the sprints…
Wooohooooo! Way to go, delia!!!!
I MADE MY GOAL.
Until today. Between my dog escaping, extra work, guitar lessons, piano lessons, Parent Club meeting and my husbands flight being delayed it’s not looking good. Kids are fed, homework done, I’m going to take a bath and maybe just maybe I can think when I get out. At least I’ll get my point on Saturday when I attend my local RWA chapter meeting. Tommorrow’s not looking good either.
Thank goodness for those days when I hit double or even triple points.
I hear you, Kristina. Some days are just so tough. My toddler was home sick, and then of course the rest of the family comes home with no thought at all to my personal writing schedule. LOL Boy, a bath sounds nice.
Hope you recharge and get back into it soon. In fact, I can’t resist challenging you to write 100 words. Or 10 minutes. Hmmm… Maybe I’ll challenge myself to do the same tonight… I see the chat room is open now. Think I’ll pop in for a bit. 
Almost forgot to check in. Haven’t even stopped to add up points but …I’m supposed to check in for something, right? must get back to work, 3:30 am comes early for the morning sprints tomorrow!
Hee hee! That’s what the update bar in your profile on the rsswwf.com site is for!!
Hi, Diana! Thanks for checking in. Good luck on the early AM sprinting!
Thank you all for checking in today! I am amazed by you all, and the life obstacles you’re overcoming to get your goals met. (And if you haven’t met your goals, I see the determination and optimism to make Week 3 a great one.) I hope you all are looking forward to a fabulously productive Week Three! (See you in the chat room sometime.)
I’ll email the winners of the SWAG tomorrow – good luck to all! (And thank you to the Rubies who donated.)
And I should add that I’ll be taking names for the prize drawing until midnight West Coast time… to be fair to all time zones.
I Made My Goal Today!!
Between my two WIP’s I’ve managed over 9000 words this week alone! If I can do this all the time–wow!
Just tonight I did 2,032 between 7:12pm and 11:30pm with a two hour break to spend with family. Not too shabby!
Hugs!
Hope I am not late. My clock says 11:55 but the posting says 12:58 am?
No, you’re not too late, Loni! Glad you could check in. I won’t be drawing for prizes until the morning, since I’m pretty much on West Coast time.
And wowzers, you’re doing great with the word count!! Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the encouragement! Anne Marie!
Fabulous word counts, Loni!!!
I’m trying Elisa! Just setting in on my goals.
I MADE MY GOAL! Amazing to me that I have anything the way I was dragged kicking and screaming into this event. So glad I joined it. Thanks for the encouragement.
So glad you joined us! Hope Week Three is just as successful (or more so).
I MADE MY GOAL and it hasn’t been easy. My day job has had more hours than I want and that puts me behind on my writing time. OUCH! My day job is survival, but writing is truly living.
* My day job is survival, but writing is truly living *
LOVE THAT!!
Thanks for checking in, and for sticking it out even when things weren’t easy. Hope Week 3 is easier on you.
I made my goal. But I’m the worlds worst check-er-in-er ( my newest word…)
One night I wrote until past bedtime just to make sure I made goal.
Lynn
You’re awesome, Lynn! Staying up past bedtime… ugh, that’s hard. At least for me, LOL. Thanks for checking in!
Coming in VERY late to say I MADE MY GOAL! Whew! Had to double up because I was out of pocket yeserday, but I did it.
Congrats to all who are making spectacular progress!
Yay, Liz!! It’s never too late.
Checking in (late, as usual), but VERY happy to report that I met my goals last week. That’s 7 points for me and some good writing done
So glad to hear that, Elise – always good when the writing is flowing.