Tag: Writing

Normal Weekend Errands

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

Bills to pay, errands to run, and writing tasks to get done.  This is what I should be doing.  Yesterday I wandered off to Nasco for some craft shopping.  I picked up one thing for a project I want to try and canvasses so I can do some painting.

Today is going to be all about business – writing and personal.  I have spreadsheets to update, marketing to do, and bills to pay.  It doesn’t help that I’ve got a headache – again.  I think it is from the change in weather but it could be anything.

I’m sitting here knocking out one task after another and thinking I should be doing more.  I know I can’t but still.  I read through a proof this morning.  Format looks good.  I just have to approve it but since it is available for preorder electronically, it has to wait until next weekend.

Ken is off cutting up a tree for my sister.  We hope to get it out of her yard today.  It came partially down in a storm last weekend and she had people take it the rest of the way down.

Since it’s pay week, I have to make a grocery list, clip coupons.  Once Ken does the grocery shopping, I’ll have to do some food prep.  My list of other things to get done is long as well.

Hopefully the headache will ease off so I can get lots of things done while Ken is off cutting up wood.  It’s easier to do some of the tasks while he isn’t around.  He’s already been up and gotten laundry started.

Last night I watched Sense and Sensibility (the long version) and Emma (with Kate Beckensal).  The Emma was a version I’ve not seen before.  It was well done.  The S&S is one of my favorites but I found myself saying oh this is the spot in the other version where Emma Thompson does this or whatever.  It amuses me.  The ironic thing is even though I just watched this version – which I like very much – I now want to go watch the over version.  I spent a couple nights watching Pride and Prejudice and wouldn’t mind watching it again – the one with Colin firth which is six hours long.

I might have to do Shakespeare next though because Vicki and I were talking about Much Ado About Nothing.  I’ll have to see how things go.  If the writing is flowing, I’ll be too busy.

It’s All Her Fault!

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

In my head last night, I had a little argument with myself.  I was working Wayfarer 11 and writing a scene.  I had to pee but I didn’t want to interrupt the flow of writing.  In my head, I’m saying, I have to pee.  I have to write.  I have to pee. I have to write.

Needless to say, I did eventually make it to the bathroom.  When I realized I was having this inner debate (it was distracting from my writing) I made myself stop writing for the necessary break.  This is how involved I get with my writing.

I spent the commute home talking to my eldest daughter, we discussed at length where I was with 11.  I reiterated it was her fault I started the next Wayfarer novel as we were talking about different plot issues and scenes.  It made my brain think about it and I woke up with these ideas, which led to me writing 3000 words.

By the time I was done last night, I had nearly 12000 words and am LOVING the start of this book.  I don’t always say that and usually by the time I’m done, I don’t like the book.  I was able to tie up several loose ends from previous plots.  While those plots were finished, they weren’t tied up nicely.  This way all the answers are out there and it made for an exciting start to this book.

The thing is I woke up this morning with more in my head so I’ll be working again tonight with writing (hopefully).  Even though I didn’t get to bed until midnight, I actually slept really well until  my 5:00 am alarm.  This is an improvement from the night before.  Five solid hours of sleep is better than eight hours of broken up sleep.

Writing Tasks

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

Wayfarer 8 will be Wayfarer Freedom.  I’m nearly ready for production.  I have a group of short stories ready for production but I don’t have a name for the book.  I also have to think about a cover and name.  These stories have gone to my test readers.

I have a second set of short stories which I have to edit, then I will decide whether they will be individual short stories or if I will do them as a book.  Wayfarer 9 has gone through a number of edits.  I need to come up with a name.  I have several in mind but I’m not in love with any of them.  I also need to work on the cover.

I’m apparently in edit mode right now because I keep working through all of these different manuscripts.  I’ve got a number of projects going and I hope I can get some of them cleared up in the next couple of weeks.

Hopefully in the next month, I’ll be able to get the four projects (two Wayfarer novels and two short story groupings) completed and through production.  I’ve also got a number of marketing things I’m working on for getting people interested in my crochet patterns.

I have to keep reminding myself it’s one step at a time.  I can only do one thing and keep moving forward.  It’s a matter of working hard, keeping focused, and keeping at it daily.

Ode to Cheetos

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

There are just times you have to have something.  It doesn’t matter how good or bad for you it is.  You MUST have it.  I’ve been craving Cheetos.  Ken was a sweetie and got me some on Monday.

I don’t know what they put in them but I’ve eaten a full bag of Cheetos since Monday and still I want more.  I have a bag at work which I’ve been nibbling on.  It’s a little harder at work as there is the orange finger issue.  
Last night I had no Cheetos.  I was a little disappointed but I worked through one of my obsessions.  I got the first round of edits done on Wayfarer 8.  It took me until about 10.  Next step is a hard copy edit.  This one is about 20,000 words more than what I aim for but as I was editing last night I looked for scenes to cut.  I thought – I could take out this one or that one but the flow of the story was good and there weren’t any superfluous scenes.  As I was editing, I looked for shorter ways of saying the same thing and did manage to reduce the word count slightly but not by even a couple thousand words.  
The decision has to be made then of whether I will just have this one be longer or if I will try to cut the scenes?  I’m going to do the hard copy edit and see how I feel about it.  I wrap up a number of ongoing story lines which is why I think it is longer.  
The question becomes now do I start the edits on Wayfarer 9 which the rough draft is already done or do I wait until 8 goes into production?  The searches I do take me a couple of days and the first read through usually takes a day sometimes two.  
I’m still working on Wayfarer 10 and Defenders 3.  Part of my problem with writing Defenders 3 is because I’m so wrapped up in the Wayfarer series.  
I need to go back and do a clean up edit on the published Defenders novels.  I think once I’m immersed in the story again the last book will flow better. In the meanwhile I keep writing a scene here and there.  
Fortunately, I’ve wiped all the orange Cheetos residue from all of my devices and I’m getting over my craving (maybe) and will go back to trying to eat healthy.  

Balancing Act

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

My searches in Wayfarer 8 are done.  Now I have to do a read through before I print for an edit.  I’ve also gotten about 15,000 words into Wayfarer 10.

My middle daughter sent me a blog from one of her favorite authors about how to handle being stuck in a story.  It was interesting and gave me some ideas for the Defenders series.  I’m hoping it will help me move forward with the story.  It’s ironic, I started this story in 2010 and couldn’t get it down on paper fast enough.  I saw the whole story at the time.  I still do.  My problem is getting from the point I’m at to the next step.  Once I figure out how I move forward, the scenes all but write themselves.  I think I’m just getting hung up on the transitions.

Last night Ken went to bed very early so I watched a Midsomer Murder episode and worked on another ruffle scarf.  I wasn’t quite done with it when the episode was done but I finished and moved on to writing.

Work has been busy.  I’ve gotten a lot done in this week.  It certainly makes the days go faster.  It also feels good to get stuff accomplished.  I love crossing things off my to do list.

Tonight will probably be more of the same.  Saturday I’m going to Madison with my sister to do a painting thing.  I’ll see how it turns out.  I’m not great at painting but I enjoy it so much I keep working at it.

I’m going to a place I’ve never been.  I’m concerned about being comfortable and able to get around in there.  There’s always this what if they aren’t handicap friendly or my scooter will cause more problems or…. the list goes on.  I’m taking it on faith I’ll be able to get in and be comfortable.  I’ll see how it goes.

In My Head

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

My mind has been scattered over a variety of projects and I want to work on all of them at once.  The problem with this is I can’t focus on anything.

The solution – at least this time – is for me to do a little of several things.  Last night I wrote for a while but after a conversation with one of my daughters, I put away the writing and watched an episode of Midsomer Murders.

Tonight I came home, spent time with Ken, watched another episode of Midsomer Murders and crocheted a ruffle scarf.  In an hour and half I watched the show and finished a scarf.  When I’m done with this blog, I’ll be switching over to writing on a novel.

I’m not getting the hours and hours of writing in but I am getting some crocheting, writing, and relaxing done all in one short night.  I’ve got this crazy list scrolling in my head.  I’ve got ideas for painting, crocheting, writing, and I want to work on all of them.  Of course I’m one person and can’t do six things at once so I have to pick.

As I’m finishing things, that to do list in my head ticks these things off and for a little while at least it quiets my crazy need to DO something.

At the same time, I’m in my head.  I can see scenes I want to get written; see projects I want to crochet, see pictures I want to paint, and so on.  The more in my head I get, the less I accomplish so I’m jumping out of my own mind (yeah even I’m scared to be in my head sometimes) and just doing what feels best.  Tonight it was a ruffle scarf while I watched a tv show before I work on my novel.  Who knows where my crazy brain will take me tomorrow.  See why my head scares me?

Back at Work

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

I didn’t dread coming back to work.  For the most part, I enjoy my job.  Yesterday was WORK though.  I had a ton of emails and it seemed like the ones interspersed with the junk mail I got took a lot of time to work through and address.  I eventually got caught up but still a tiring day.

When I left work I was still in a fairly good mood but by the time I was driving my energy had fallen away.  By the time I got home, I was wiped out.  Sitting at my desk all day, my pain level was up.

I am back at work.  It means I’m back to picking and choosing what gets done in the evening.  I’ve been watching Midsomer Murders (no that isn’t misspelled).  Tonight I’m going to attempt to crochet while I watch.  My arm was bugging me again.  I worked on a scarf for my daughter out of the Paton Metallic yarn.  This yarn is very slippery so the tension when you crochet has to be fairly taut, I think this is what causes my arm to hurt when I use this yarn.  I have a small project I want to finish with this yarn and then it is going to be put away.

This week I’m going to settle back into routine and work.  My sleep has been sporadic at best so I’m taking some down time.  However, this weekend I’m hoping to publish several short stories and update two of my novels.  Once these writing tasks are done, I’ll be looking at the third Defenders novel again.  I’ve been reading what I have and hope to start writing on it again next week.  I may have to give up and decide it will be a four books but I am still hopeful I can finish it in three.

Wayfarer 10 is starting to nudge at me.  At the same time Wayfarer 8 is in need of editing.  All of these tasks mean I’ll be busy for a while on writing.  At some point, I need to work on crocheting.  The next big project is the skirt for my friend.  I’m going to pull it out and redo the waistband.  I have two separate ideas and I have to see what my friend would prefer.

After the skirt, I have an afghan for my niece, which she just told me the pattern she likes so I’m going to make it my next project.  Plus I have all my holiday gifts to get started.  It’s already July.  I better get busy.

Balance Out My Week of Writing

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

As is normal for me, I couldn’t jump back into writing having just finished one novel.  I spent my day doing admin and marketing things yesterday.  I combined, updated, and entered information into a spreadsheet.  I worked on a crochet pattern, which is turning out lovely.  My hope when I’m done is to produce the pattern for sale.

Last night I watched Midsomer Murders while I crocheted and putzed.  It was relaxing and let my mind rest from all the chaos in it.  Today, Ken and I have to run some errands and are going to the movies.  Last time we tried to go to the movies, we bought a car so I’m hoping that won’t happen.

When we get back, I’ll see how I feel about writing and pick between crocheting and writing.  This week is quickly coming to a close and I’ve got to return to my normal routine on Monday.  It will be good to go back to work and have the routine but I’ve enjoyed my writing insanity.

In the hour or so before I leave, I’m hoping to get some more marketing done.  I’m trying to get more people to review my books.  My oldest daughter gave me a nudge on one thing I should do which I will.  Aside from her suggestion, I’m sending out my work to different reviewers in the hopes of getting some hits.

Monday with my return to my day job means I’m back to juggling what I want to get done each evening with going to bed at a reasonable time.  At the same time I’ve got test readers asking me for sequels.  I swear I need an assistant but sadly I cannot afford one.  I guess that makes me my own assistant.  Lots to do and so little time to get it all done – as is normal.

Cross Off My Todo List Items

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

It’s done!  Wayfarer 9 is complete in the rough draft stage.  I sat at my computer yesterday, forgot to eat, worked on it for hours, ignored my phone and most other distractions and got 33,000 words done.  After 22 hours being up I sent off the rough draft to my test readers who can now stop nagging me.

When I sent it, I was in the “I’m done with this project and I don’t like it” stage.  My daughter always gives me grief over this because generally I’m okay with how things turned out, it’s just I don’t have enough distance to be objective.

I slept from 6:30 this morning until 9:00 which was a little disappointing as I would have liked a little more sleep.  I dozed until after 11:00 so I’m getting a slow start to the day.

I’ve gotten a bunch of admin work done.  I got my sales spreadsheet updated.  At some point, I’m going to shower and eat – maybe before Ken gets home.  Today I want to work on updating four through seven of the Wayfarer series so I can take this task off my todo list.

Since I’m working on such little sleep, I’ll probably nap at some point.  You never know.  I may get some inspiration and work on Defenders 3 as that is the next project I want to tackle.  I may just lounge about reading what I have done before I tackle the next stages of the novel.

I’m giving myself today and tomorrow to work on it.  Saturday I’m hoping to talk Ken into a movie (or two) and Sunday I have mom coming over for a bit.  I don’t know if I can finish Defenders in one day but I’m going to see how it goes and hope Wayfarer 10 stays out of my head until I’m done.

I also want to tackle the edits for 8, production on short stories, and a crochet pattern I’m midway through.  The list never ends.

Back on Track

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

While I was driving to Indiana yesterday, my daughter called to say her power came back on.  I was only about a third of the way there so I turned around and came home.  We took the generator back and got her money back.

I’m happy she got her power restored and I was able to come home.  I wasn’t feeling great so I took last night off and watched a couple of movies.  This morning I’m working at my desk to get things done.  I have a few business type things to deal with for both writing and personal.  After these tasks get handled, I am going back to writing on Wayfarer 9.  I have a pile and a list so I’m hoping to get through quite a bit today and get back on track.

I’m waiting on feedback from my test readers on some short stories.  Hopefully I will hear from them soon.  Once I do, I’ll be going ahead with publication in all likeliness.  I know it is the holiday weekend this next weekend but in all likelihood, I’m going to spend it working.

Hopefully today I’ll get back on track for writing projects and tasks.  I’ve already chatted with all three of my daughters – one on the phone, one by text, and one in email.  I’ve sorted out paperwork.  Next is to make some calls and then back to writing.  I know if I were away on a retreat, some of this might not be happening but I’d just have to deal with it when I got back.  Frankly, it’s probably better I am here and have everything at my fingertips so I can get it done and off my plate.

It’s going to be a productive day even if I did sleep in and get a late start.