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Winter Writing Festival: Check-In #4
 Posted by Kim Law Feb 8 2012, 12:01 am in Winter Writing Festival One…breathe…two…breathe…three…breathe… *sigh* Who’s like me and has hit that sagging middle part of the Winter Writing Festival? If only a few crunches would right our world real quick, huh? Because that’s right, just like our stories, we can also suffer from a sagging middle during the festival. And I’m not talking about our wasitlines! I’m talking about that gung-ho, all-fired, let’s shoot out of the gate at full-speed excitement for the festival and all that we can accomplish in fifty days thrill. Yes, even that can sometimes begin to drag about this time. Drag. Droop. Crumble. Collapse. After all, we are at week four of seven. Right smack dab in the middle. But never fear, fellow festival participants! I’m here to help show you that nothing is yet lost. It’s only the middle of the festival, for crying out loud!!! Do you know how many days we have left to catch up? How much time there is to still get all our points in? (And to those of you who already have all your points–and MORE–I heartily salute you! To the rest of you, we have our work cut out for us!!)
Come on over and sprint, with me or any of the other wonderful sprint hostesses, and we’ll get you back on track, or keep you there if you’re already chugging along just perfectly! And before you know it, we’ll all be crossing that finish line with flying colors!!! So now…for the good stuff… Anyone who checks in today (and don’t forget that you must check in at the Ruby blog if you’re ready this on the WWF site), you will be entered in a random drawing to win one of five books by Ruby sisters:
For those who report in and say I MET MY WEEKLY GOAL (in all caps), you’re additionally eligible for the drawing for any of the following four excellent prizes:
Now who’s with me? Are we all going to spend the next three weeks kicking butt, or what??? Share:
              
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I MET MY WEEKLY GOAL — barely this week (just 7), but I still have a 4-point from kicking some butt last week.
This week involved lots of BICHOK time, most of which I spent rewriting Chapter 9 about 500 times … but it was still writing, and that’s what matters.
Hope everyone else is on track.
Fabulous, Arlene!!!
That definitely counts as good progress!
And she had to cut a scene – ouch! You’re doing great, Arlene, and I’m sure your finished product will show all your hard work.
Yeah, I’m still smarting from that cut. I think I’ll survive, though.
You can count all the words on the cutting room floor. You still wrote them.
You did great this week! Chapter 9 rocks!!!!!!!
I’m lagging. I know what happens next in the story, but the words just won’t come. Might need to take a break – a short one, that is, because I’m loving the story.
Don’t take a break! Remember Nora Robert’s words – you can’t edit a blank page. If you know what happens next, plow ahead – you can always change it later. YOU CAN DO IT!
Eve, have you been joining the sprints? They really are the best way to get the words to flow. There’s just something magical about being online with a group and saying, “Okay, let’s write for 20 minutes and then report back.”
If you haven’t been in one yet, jump to the rsswwf.com site, and look in the bright blue box in the upper left. You can enter the chat room during the scheduled times just by clicking on the link near the top of the blue box. If you want more info on how the chats work, click on the link at the bottom (or actually slightly below the bottom) of the blue box.
I truly can’t recommend the sprints enough!
I’ll second Elisa’s suggestion, Eve. Sprints give you twenty minutes of writing and ten minutes of comeraderie. In those ten minutes, you can throw your problem on the table and brainstorm, gripe, or just just get your mind off the work for a short time–which is often all it takes to get the juices flowing. The schedule is on the WWF site, and I know I’m doing a 2-4 EST today if you want to check it out.
Thank you for the comments and suggestions, everyone.
I read somewhere that, in order to move the story forward when you’re stuck, write down only the dialogues and flesh out the descriptions later. It works! Not to mention that dialogues help me get to know the characters better.
Eve,
I’m going to second everyone’s suggestion that you join a sprint.
Other things to do — 1) in the scene where you’ve stalled, try changing the point of view. Or, if you’re writing in 3rd person try writing 1st person instead. (or visa versa) Do something out of the ordinary.
2) Sometimes if you get stalled it’s because you haven’t really defined the story goal of the character. So you might stop and take a moment to create a Goal and Conflict Chart or something like that. It’s amazing how doing a character check can get you restarted.
3) Do some brainstorming. Think about your heroine’s goal, set a timer for 20 minutes and then write down as many things as you can think of that will make it more difficult for her to achieve that goal. Write everything down, even the silly stuff. You’ll be amazed at how many ideas you’ll come up with.
I MADE MY GOAL — still pushing through edits, but making great progress. Will have this fully edited by the end of the WWF and ready for submission.
That’s so fabulous, Emma Leigh!!
Your new baby will have lots of Ruby Godmothers!
Congrats Emma Leigh! Edits are the best part–so close to sending out. Best of luck.
CONGRATS!!!!! Great job!
Yay, Emma Leigh! That’s wonderful!
Woo hoo! I love hearing about people getting ready to submit something.
I MET MY WEEKLY GOAL. And posted on the right day… I should give myself an extra point. LOL
Yeah, my world is working against me right now. I’m heading out of town this weekend, my dog is probably dying, and my husband is applying for a promotion. Did I tell you I also finished my taxes…
So writing has been my solace. And bless the Rubies for running the winter festival to push me out of my comfort zone.
Kudos, Lynn–and hugs on all the rough stuff!
Yes, writing is a wonderful solace….and I’m also glad we’re pushing you a bit! Write on!
Hugs on your pup, Lynn. That’s rough, but the Rubies have learned publishers and deadlines don’t wait for life. You need to push through, and that can be tough. Here, at least, you aren’t pushing through alone. Having a support system can make all the difference.
Hope it all gets better soon!
Oh, Lynn, sorry to hear about your dog. I have two who I consider my assistants and I don’t know how I’d power through if I lost them.
I haven’t even begun to think about taxes (ugh). Good for you for juggling so many balls and managing to keep them all in the air. =0)
Taxes. Ugh. You should have major bonus points for finishing those. I’ve got to set aside a whole day next week for that.
Hugs on your doggie. Sorry to hear he/she’s not doing so well. But I’m proud of you for finding time to write amidst all of the life stuff.
Lynn, Holy Snikeys. You finished your taxes. I’m totally an April 15th girl…Sigh…Keep going, lovely lady. HUgs to you.
Yay for turning writing into your solace! And I am so, so sorry about the crappy stuff going on. May it get better v soon.
Big hugs on your dog, Lynn! Been there myself a time or two. And yes, writing does bring comfort during difficult times (at least for me).
Oh, honey, I’m sorry to hear about the dog.
And I know exactly how you feel about travel and the day job. I’ve been struggling to meet my WWF goals because of my day job. So don’t stress over that. Sometimes real live gets in the way.
Aww, Lynn. So sorry to hear about your dog.
Be sure to write your pup into your next story. It will bring back memories of the happier times by sharing with your readers.
~BIG Hugs~
Patti
I’ve hit my wall in terms of strep throat–new for me, I never get sick like this. So I gave myself credit for laying in bed and watching North and South (Richard Armitage should always count for serious inspiration) and I did read some of a new research book that just came in the mail. I count on meeting my actual goals next week!
My sister is constantly after me to watch North and South….from what she tells me, it’s definitely points-worthy inspiration!!
I hope the strep clears quickly and you’ll be back at the keyboard!
You will Swoon. Seriously. It’s brilliant acting on everyone’s part, but oh my goodness, the angst, the romance…sigh.
Yes — much swooning will follow!! It’s so, so good and so angsty!
Even listening to a bootleg copy of the soundtrack can make my knees weak.
Elisa, You must watch this film!
Trying to write through fever’s brain-fog probably isn’t a good idea, and illness lingers when we don’t take care of ourselfves, so you did the right thing. Rest, Chicken Soup, and North & South sounds like a perfect prescription to me. You’ll be up and about, ready to kick some WIP butt very soon.
Just finished a sprint, which makes me feel better about going to take a big nap.
Feel better soon!
Thanks! just finished another sprint with Gwyn and company.
Sprinting and napping…it’s been my dream day. All I lacked were chocolates and a feather boa. Sadly, I think I need to drag myself to work tomorrow. 
Didn’t make it this week–but I’m still hanging in there! I wrote three days this week (the target was four), and I can make that up, so I’m still hoping to finish with a complete set of points…
And I wrote three times this past week. Yay!
Writing three times during a busy work week is great news, Elise!! And you’ll definitely catch up on the points!
Go, you!!!
If it makes you feel better, I only have 18 points so far. That means I’m like 11 points behind. No matter how diligent I am (even with a deadline) I’m not going end up with a full set of points this year. *sigh*
So pat yourself on the back for what you HAVE done.
I MADE MY GOAL!!!
So happy to have made my weekly goal even if my word count was only 2478 (goal is 1778). I did send out 4 queries and 1 pitch though so wish me luck!
Good luck everyone on meeting your goals! Can’t wait to see how you did!
Hurray on making your goal…and GOOD LUCK on the queries!!!
Yay, Jennifer. Congrats on the word count and good luck with those queries!
Fingers crossed on your queries/submissions!!!
Ha! For the first time since the festival began, I MET MY GOAL this week. I actually exceeded it by earning 8 points. Of course having a February 28 book deadline is kind of a big (and unfair) inducement to keep my butt in the chair and my hand on the keyboard.
So my hat’s off to everyone who made their goal without a professional writing deadline looming. You guys have true discipline and you also rock!
Woo-hoo, Hope!!! I knew you’d make your goal this week!!!
Yay, Hope!
Yay, Hope!
I MADE MY WEEKLY GOAL! My pneumonia did run me off track a bit, so even though I made my goal, I’m not as far enough along as I planned. And I’ve got 4 submissions for my critique group to read this week – aargh. Thanks for the inspiring post. I’ll see you at the sprints!
You’re amazing, Christi–fighting through that pneumonia and making your goal! Remember to rest…and, yes, see you in the sprints!!!
As I told Gillian, take care of you first. Illnesses linger if we push too hard, and that’s not good for you or your WIP. The points can be made up, but only if the writer is healthy. Chicken soup and rest are prescribed. Time mulling where you go next and jotting notes can count toward your goals, too (and if those ideas are the type that have you wondering what planet you were on, you don’t have to delete them from the actual work!)
Christi, I hope you’re feeling better!
Well, another week where I MADE MY GOAL, but I still feel like progress is slow. However, progress is progress so I’m still chugging. Now, let’s just pray the Gorilla Glue holds the whatsit in my computer together. Had no machine yesterday. Thought I’d have to call Laurie to email Kim I couldn’t host my sprints. That would be horrible!
Yes, any progress is progress! Same here. Moving forward, but snail’s pace. And hugs on the computer problems! Mine started beeping at me last night! Like a countdown to a bomb going off. I did some diagnostic stuff and defragged and unplugged and replugged (I’d been working off the battery part of the day and hoping I just hadn’t plugged it in good). Seems ok this morning but I’ll be a zealot about backing up now! As a matter of fact, think I’m gonna run out and buy yet another flash drive.
I hear you, Gwnylyn. Made my goal too, but it doesn’t feel like it. Something’s wrong with the story, so even though I’m producing words, I feel like I’m going to have to cut a lot. Think I’ll take a day or two “off” of writing to restructure and analyze what I’ve got already. Baby steps…
I hear you on the computer problems. I think the solar flare we had a few weeks ago has made most of the technology in my office go a little pie-eyed. I seem to be dealing with a constant stream of annoying computer issues. Just enough to pull me out of the writing.
How many points are we supposed to have? 22? I haven’t been posting mine, days are too long, I forget, but I am making my goals!
Hi, Diana – I’m not sure I’m the best person to answer, but I think we should have 29 points today, if we’ve met all our goals. (1 point per day x 28 days + 1 point for signing up?)
Someone correct me please if I’m wrong!
That’s right. This is Day 29 of the Festival, so by the end of the day (not necessarily when you checked in) you should have 29 points. Or thereabouts. Remember, we’ve still got three weeks to go, and you can catch up. Or revise goals to make them more realistic, if you over-estimated at the start. The point is NOT TO GIVE UP!!!
Oh, and if you want to see how many points you’re supposed to have, check the Brag Blog on the rsswwf.com site daily. The title of the post always tells what number day it is.
I MET MY WEEKLY GOAL! It was rough finding the time this week…took a few 2am stints to get it done, but I did it! Next week is gonna be even harder since I’ll be in Vegas for a convention (photography, not writing) most of the week, but I’m hoping I’ll still find the time to get something done.
Thanks to everyone for being so inspiring!
Wow, Colleen! 2 AM sprints? That’s dedication!! Congrats!
Haha, well, they’re not official sprints–just forcing myself to write/edit even when it’s late. I’m a night owl anyway. =0)
I MET MY GOAL. Got my edits in to my editor on time (as well as some quickie follow-up edits). Haven’t produced a lot of new words on the other WIP, but that’ll come this week, I hope. Today will be all about restructuring the story, analyzing what I have and what I still need to finish this bad boy.
Good luck to everyone this week…getting close to the home stretch! And congratulations to all who made their goals. To those, struggling, I feel your pain, too.
Yay! Congratulations!
Yay, Anne Marie, on getting those edits done! I just sent some off last night and it felt great!!
I MADE MY GOAL again!! The push is on! I’m finally seeing that light at the end of the tunnel….hope it isn’t a train coming at me! *L*
LOL Lisa. Let’s hope it isn’t a train! Congrats on making your goal again!
Congratulations Lisa!
Haha, well, they’re not official sprints–just forcing myself to write/edit even when it’s late. I’m a night owl anyway. =0)
Oops, this was supposed to be in reply to Anne Marie’s reply to me. Sorry!
I MADE MY GOALS. Thanks in large part to the sprints, I am getting words down on the page and class assignments completed. By next week, my first (hopefully fearless) partial WILL be out the door. (That’s my goal)
Good luck to everyone this week.
Terrific, Kelley! Good luck on getting that partial out. How exciting!
Kelley!
Good for you. I’ve got my fingers crossed on those partials.
Kelley, that’s an awesome goal! I’m so excited for you. Definitely keep us posted. Sending tons of good vibes your way.
Woo Hoo on the partial – You go girl!
I MADE MY GOAL!
Yet, thanks to some creative juggling, interesting conversations, and nightmarish revising, I think I want to bang my head into a wall and ask myself what was I thinking!
Revising a short story into a longer novel and changing it for submission sounds easy, except when it’s just not doing what you want it to, however, Many thanks to Patti and Vivi, and all the Ladies who keep pushing me! I do appreciate all the hard work they do, which helps keep me on track.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming, while I get back in gear, or I’m not going to make the 2/22 deadline for the contest, and that would just… well it would suck wouldn’t it?
~Tiana~
You’ll make that deadline Tiana. We all belive in you!!!
And congrats on another good week!
You will do it. I know you will. And I feel your pain when it comes to revisions. I’m in my own version of revision hell. Someone should have told me that 90% of writing a novel is revisions. *sigh*
I agree there Hope, someone should have said writing a book was like raising children, You have them (write the story) then everyone tells you how to raise them (you get told what revisions to make and where) You finally let them go (hopefully publish them) and then you deal with everyone judging how you parented them (everyone has opinions that they just have to share, the good, the bad, and the should’a kept it to themselves)
Alas, they didn’t, and I fell in love with the written word, and the dream that I could get paid to tell stories, ah Dreams, we have to make them come true.
~Tiana~
I MADE MY GOALS. I’m still not done with this draft, but I got my points. I was really hoping to have this draft done by Feb. 1st and I am so stinking close. The last chapters have been really tough for me. Last week was hard in terms of my paid work, so I just got the bare minimum each day, but I did get it done.
I loved the pep talk, Kim! And I love the sprints!
Yay, Annabeth! Being that close to the end is great!
Love seeing you in the sprints, Annabeth!
Can feel your excitement for getting done with that draft. It builds as you get closer to the end, doesn’t it? But even though it might take a few extra days, imagine how much better it’ll be for those few days
Congrats on hitting this week’s goals. And see you in the sprints!
Yay, Annabeth!
I MADE MY GOALS! Sent my revisions off last night and am biting my nails hoping they go through!
I’m anxious to get started on a new story.
Oh yay!!! Good luck, Tina. Hopefully it’s exactly what they want!
Wow! Look at so many people making their goals. Congratulations.
And to those who didn’t, hang in there. This is about fun–not pressure.
Absolutely, Beth! All nudging is meant to be gentle and friendly
I MET MY WEEKLY GOAL
Yay Krista!!
Good luck in the drawing tonight!
I MADE MY GOAL for the week!
Hi Delia! And yay for making your goal! Good luck with the drawing tonight!
Congrats to everyone who met their goals this week!!!!! Woohoo!
Congrats to You, Darynda on the awesome NYT news!!!! I can’t jump for joy enough!!
~Tiana~
Yee Haw!!!WTG Darynda on your NYT news!!!
Adding my CONGRATS to Tiana’s.
So glad we got to celebrate with you in last night’s sprint!
~Hugs~
Patti
Thank you guys SO much!!! Sprints were a blast last night. You guys are so on your way! Woot!
I MADE MY GOAL. The pages on this first draft are pouring off my fingertips. This is the first time I’ve tried to write a mystery, and it feels so good. (Can you hear me singing that to “Reunited”?) I’m glad so many other people have had good weeks, too.
I think you have found your genre, Kate!!!!! How awesome!
I MADE MY GOAL. Had a bumper week, but still revise, revise, revise. I also began Margie Lawson’s ECE workshop and have not one, but THREE editing partners! Off to record my points then I’ll catch up on the news here in the next couple of days.
Good luck in the coming week!
I’m ‘sagging in the middle’ as far a my revisions – but I’m ahead with my Friday blog post and did two charcter exercises for a ‘blog hop’ Festival, so I’ve actually done quite a lot of writing so I’m about on target with my points but seriously need to get some more sprints in.
Sagging middles have been on my brain this week. For two reasons–yours (revisions) and, sigh, weight loss. I’d never thought about this before–but my two biggest projects at the moment both deal with streamlining sagging middles.
Checking in-not sure where I’m at on the points thing-must look, but I find it amazing that with all the things we all have going on in our lives, we stop by here to connect. Love that. Says plenty. Congrats to the goal getters and hugs to the laggers(me). Look around–you’re not alone. And that’s a beautiful thing. Hugs to all this week!
To be right on target, you should have 29 points by the end of the day today.
And, yes, the checking in is a wonderful thing!
I MADE MY GOAL! Wrote every day this week. Up every morning, rushing to get to the keyboard. Starting to feel like I’m stuck in the movie “Groundhog Day”, but I am making great strides on polishing up my full request. Thanks to the wonderful ladies sprinting with me, I’ve kept up the pace even though dh shared his cold with me. Love the company and conversation between sprints. Have met some really lovely writers. Thank you ladies!!!!
Woo-hoo, Jennifer! You continue to be a ball of fire!
You rock Jennifer! Go! Go! Go!
I MADE MY GOAL!!!
Yup, that’s four weeks in a row.
Go Me!!
I almost forgot to post and just slipped away from the sprints to sneak in here.
For any of you who haven’t yet made the sprints, you’re missing out Big Time! There’s an electricity that zings everyone there and jazzes us into writing/editing/revising so much more than would get done alone. Hope to see more of you there! You’re missing out on the fun times with the Sparking Rubies!
~Hugs~
Patti
Yay, Patti!!!!!
And yup, yup, yup on the sprints!!! They are wonderful!
I love Sprinting with you Patti! You are awesome!
That works both ways! Love sprinting with you too!
~Hugs~
Patti
I MADE MY GOAL!!!
Or, anyway, I earned 8 points this week.
I’m still not up to the total of 29 points, but I’ll get there before long. The sprints have set fire under my feet.
Yay! You are back on track! Go! Go!
I MET MY GOALS! Been a tough week. All the new’s years resolutions are kicking my hind end this week for some reason. So difficult to sit down and write anything. Hope for a resurgence later in the week.
Congrats to all who met their goals and YOU CAN DO IT! to those who may be a little behind. Check out the sprints if you haven’t already. They keep me productive…and entertained.
Thanks Sprint buddies!
Hurray, Melanie!!! It’s been great sprinting with you!
Here’s to many sprints more!
I MADE MY GOAL!!!
But almost didn’t update my status OR check in this week. Swamped with the kids and life.
Swamped or not, YOU MADE YOUR GOAL!!!
Awesome, Heidi!
Hey all, I’ll draw and post winners tomorrow, but it’ll likely be after work. It’s coming, though. I promise!
OK, I finally have winners. I’ll be contacting each of you personally soon…
For the check in swag, the winners are:
Emma Leigh Reed
Kelley Bowen
Eileen Emerson
Lyn
Patti MacDonald
For the I MADE MY GOAL sway, the winners are:
Christi Barth
Colleen Katana
Tiana
Melanie M
Yay! Congratulations to all!!! I’ll be contacting you shortly!