Just Doing

The last month or so I've been adrift in my writing, completely listless. I jumped from project to project in my head while getting very little done. I plotted a new book, sure, but that isn't the book I can write right this moment.

I've been in a slump and have been reading a lot to try and pull myself out of the depths. Which is an ironic term for reasons I can't (yet) share. Reading has been helping though, catching up on books that have been sitting in my TBR pile for way too long. But it wasn't until yesterday during a dinner conversation with The Best Boyfriend Fiance That Ever Lived when I realized it was time to push aside the angst. Stop thinking (that's me, always in my head) and simply start doing.

That's what I'm up to today. I'm done being unfocused and trying to think my way out of the tangled little maze that holds up residence in my brain. Today, I'm a doer. I'm setting a goal of exercising five days a week (just finished my third workout of the week), and writing everyday (even if I can only squeeze in an hour, something on the page is so much better than letting it slide by).

It's not going to be easy, but I'm up for the challenge. Are you? If you're interested in joining me (in exercising, writing, reading, crafting, knitting, whatever floats your boat that you would love to find time to do more of) I can set up weekly or monthly posts here where we can all update our stats and show each other support. You set your own goals and timeline. Just leave a comment on this post if you're interested in participating. If we get enough people to join, I can set aside one day of the week where we all share.

The In Between Projects Shuffle

Personally, I'm in a good place. I'm engaged and have never been happier. Professionally, I'm in an okay place.

It's great. Things are going so well. Only...I have the tendency to let my imagination wander. Even when I'm working on a book (not under deadline) I'm thinking about another. Right now I have too many options swimming around in my mind to truly focus on one thing. Of course all of that will change when my editorial letter comes, but right now, complete and total focus is evading me.

Having six projects in your head all at one time is one of those blessing/curse deals. Sure, I have several projects to pick from. The problem is, a few of them want to take the forefront when it isn't their turn. My mind is switching back and forth between notes for revisions on book two, options for book three, possible revisions for two past projects that I desperately want to revise and submit, one shiny new idea, and one slightly older idea that I was beyond passionate about a year ago that I never got the chance to finish.

With so many ideas bouncing around up there, how am I expected to focus on just one thing? Admittedly, I am about the least organized person you've ever met, do you think cleaning up my act, so-to-speak, will help with this dilemma? Writers: how do you do it? Readers: how do you choose what to read next when I know you have a huge TBR stack beside you? People with steady jobs: how do you not let the little things distract you? How do you keep from bouncing around all over the place like a Pomeranian on crack?

Seriously guys. Help!

Pinterest, Instagram, And A Huge Surprise Or Two

Recently, I've let myself be swayed to the dark side. That's right, not only am I on twitter, facebook, and running this blog (which I swear I'm trying to update once a week), I also now have a pinterest and an instagram account.

I'm a very visual person, so to be able to post pictures, share them, and browse the huge databases for writing inspiration is really helping. I even have a writing inspiration board. Plus, a board for each of my books (though some are still secret). *wink wink*

Surprise number two is more of a personal one to me. If you're following me on twitter or facebook, then you probably already know what I'm about to say, if not, here it goes...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

That's right!

I'm engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for the excessive exclamation points! I'm am so far beyond excited that it's like I've boarded a rocket ship and gone around the world. Twice.

That means The Best Boyfriend In The World is now The Best Fiancé In The World!






Thanks for sharing in my good news!

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Funny things happen when you take a chance and color outside the lines. You can find a lucky penny on the street, meet someone new, try a new food you may never have had before--and love it.

Saturday I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a chance. Saturdays are usually work and rest days, but when the bf showed up with tickets to a concert, I decided to give it a chance. Not only did I have a great time, but it helped with work, too. Standing there among so many other people listening to great music and relaxing, I got to thinking. And thinking and thinking. And in the middle of all this thinking, I solved a pretty prominent plot issue I'd been having. This solution just kind of came to me, and is a huge step up in action and tension in my latest WIP. It's really a game changer in almost every way, and it never would have happened had I not decided spur of the moment to go to a concert.


Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places or people. Of course putting your head down and working is super important, especially if you write, but sometimes, if you're stuck, you just have to break away from the norm and step away from your desk. It doesn't have to be anything as extreme as skydiving or staging your own role play of the zombie apocalypse (although that does sound pretty awesome). Sometimes just looking outside the window or stepping outside for a short walk will do the trick to unblock you. For me it wasn't that easy. No, I had to let go completely--not something I'm used to.

So, the next time your stuck on a paper for school or report for work, on an outline, or a novel, pull yourself away and try something new. You never know what could happen.

Here is where I'd love to hear from you. What helps inspire you? What things have helped you step outside your comfort zone?

An Update

So, I've been revising. Reading. Trying to find two seconds to remember what a life feels like. Not that I'm complaining. Definitely not complaining. Honestly, I love being busy. If I don't have something to do, I'm listless, lost.

As Normal Human Being Me, I've been to the movies (The Dark Knight Returns) and took a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was a long drive (2 hours each way), but well worth it since it's been years since I've been there.

It was beautiful, relaxing, and so much fun. Plus I got some great pictures. I saw fish, eels, and tidepools, oh my. :)

Plus, the weather wasn't so bad either.

All in all, things have been good. I'm blessed and busy, excited and nervous, and doing a good job of holding it all together.

Here in San Francisco, we've been waiting for our real summer, which comes in September. Until then we're lucky if we hit seventy degrees. Most days are foggy, too, but today the sun is around. Indian summer, please come soon.

And now that you've listened to me ramble, I want to know what all of you been up to. Summer is almost over. Sad, I know, but true. Did you do anything special? Go out of town? Or read under your favorite tree? This is my favorite part about blogging. I want to hear from you. :)

My (scary) Admission

I've been pretty busy these last few weeks working on a WIP and spending several hours a day at the hospital with my uncle. While thinking about my writing and editing and my WIP, it occurred to me that most of the time, I have no idea what I'm doing.


Okay, now some of you may be laughing, and others may be freaking out.


"What do you mean you don't know what you're doing?!"


To clarify, I've been writing seriously for several years. I've read various books on craft, writing, editing, etc. I've taken writing/editing classes. I've read more books than I care to count, in and out of my genre. I've done just about everything most established writers, publishers, and agents recommend you do if you want to succeed in this business.


All of that reading, learning, and researching has helped me develop my style, voice, plotting, and blah blah blah.


The point I'm really trying to get to here is you can read every "The Craft of Writing" book out there, take every class you can afford, and read blogs until your eyes blur. But unless you try, unless you practice, you really aren't doing yourself any favors.


Information comes and goes. Trends spike then wither. Unless you are pushing yourself, confident in your writing or not, you will not get anywhere in this industry.


Back to me knowing nothing. It's true. I write what I would want to read. I make my characters ones I can relate to. I give them flaws because it's interesting. Before I decided to try my hand at writing, I was a reader first. And the reader in me loves tension and emotion and screwed up characters. Instead of writing the way someone with a PhD tells me to, I take my own path and see where it leads.

That's right, just winging it.

I had no idea how to edit when I printed out my first completed manuscript. And let me tell you, it was a disaster.


Now I have guidelines--I read the draft over from beginning to end, making only major notes, instead of bothering with minor grammer issues--but my process almost always changes with every single book.


When I start a new project, again I have no idea what I'm doing. And to tell the truth. I kinda like it that way.


Care to share a detail of your writing/editing/plotting process? I'd love to add a new tidbit to my next project.

Under Construction

I've been working with my webmaster (also my crit partner and fantastic friend) Lesley. She has skills like no other, seriously. You have to see her etsy store.

I drool over her bookish charm bracelets! Her "Across The Universe (by Beth Revis)" charm bracelet shown here.

 
Anyway, she'll be working on this site for the next few days. I cannot wait to see what super creative stuff she comes up with. So stay tuned. Everything should be completed before the end of next week. *dances* Thanks for hanging in there with me. Come back soon and let me know what you think of the finished product.