Well that didn't work - but I'm still here

I knew - even as I was starting to post that Wednesdays were not going to play nice for long.... the middle of the week is always packed with writer and non-writer activities.

So I'm going to keep trying - probably to include updates over the weekends when there is a little more down time... does anyone even have down time anymore and if so - HOW!??

Now where were we?

WRITERLY Things:

• I'm playing with STATIC - need to find a bit of time to work some edits on that this week. I know I have changes to make in the beginning, but I want to get through before I go back.. I'm sort of obsessive like that
• Also working with an awesome CP, which is keeping me on track. Thank you!!! <3
• There are two conferences I am looking at attending this year (at least two) - one looks very doable with the timeline and schedule - I'm just waiting for a bit more information about the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Conference. The other (Philadelphia Writers Conference), which I have wanted to go to for EVER is right over graduation weekend and I want to be there. I'm still trying to figure if there is a way I can be in two places at once.

PUBLISHINGLY Things:

• Etched in Lies is officially out there and I still can't quite believe it... does this ever feel real? (Yes, I already shared this.... some things don't change) - A few reviews have come in - I'm honored that some have taken the time to tell everyone what they thought... have you read it yet?
• Getting closer to announcing some book signings and maybe a reading in a few places.
• And I'm reading Goodreads for some questions - hit me with it!

READERLY Things:

• I'm sad to say that I'm still working on the book I started before Christmas... STILL. I love it, but haven't had one of those days where I can just sit and read ad nauseaum (like THAT will ever happen) - I hope to finish it soon. I already filled my kindle with lots of books I can't wait to read.
• Hoping to get a bit more reading done now that I'm getting back on the treadmill to read... multitasking is my specialty - okay - so reading while I walk on the treadmill is my multitasking superpower - wish I had another.

OTHERLY Things:

• I'm still PiYOing and can feel results happening - more flexibility and strength - now I just have to get the diet into alignment (coughs - looks around...)
• I'm neck deep teaching Shakespeare as I always am in January and I love it...
• And trying to find time for everything else I want and/or need to do - like the laundry... so I have to call it for this week with promises of more again in the near future.

Until then....

Where were were 11/11/15

So before I begin this week in review, I wanted to do a follow up on Sunday's Crock Pot - it turned out well. I did end up adding extra garlic and a few other spices because I was afraid it would taste a bit bland, and the end result was very good. Naturally, my daughter was disappointed in it's lack of Disney appearance (told you she would expect to see the mouse himself...) I did try to appease her by serving it in her beloved Minnie bowl, which I think saved me this time. Next time I make it, she will be expecting the stew in the mouse... and now, for our regularly scheduled program:

WRITERLY Things:

• NaNoWriMo 2015 is still happening, but this novel is behaving differently then the others - but if I think about it, each year was some how different.
• Two years ago DEMANDED to be written grabbing huge hours of my time where I just pounded keys and the words flowed
• Last year, the characters wouldn't shut up and while I anticipated 60K, they weren't done until closer to 82K - and I'll be the first to admit that the ending is sub-par and major revisions will be needed when I return to that story.
• This year, however, wants to be written, but it isn't in a great hurry, which sort of bothers me. The characters are there, but they aren't demanding my time like the others, and the story is happy to give me small chunks each night, which honestly works better as a form, but because I'm used to the crazy write until I can't see approach, this calmer approach feels awkward. BUt I tell my students that they have to let the story speak, and listen to what it wants to do - and I like to follow my own example, so I am cranking less then 2K a night - some days I'll have a little rush and hit over 4K, but that's about it. I am ahead of the curve having broken 20K last night, but I was hoping to be further along in the story - 
• I know what's happening - the plot is there - but its just taking it's time.
• Another learning experience - which may make this first draft more user friendly for edits. Where as the others sort of threw themselves at me, this one is being a little more meticulous with pace and content...something to ponder as I move forward.

PUBLISHINGLY Things:

• One month from today ETCHED will be on the shelves - GAH! That's crazy! Are you ready? I'm not!
• The Goodreads giveaway ended last night, and I was so honored to see 879 people signed up for my giveaway. 
• The business card debacle has been fixed, and I am working at slowly disbursing them in society... 

READERLY Things:

• I am still working on the same books as last week, as I expected given that NaNo takes up so much of my time this month... 

OTHERLY Things:

• Tomorrow I leave for the PASC State Conference with a great group of student leaders - some of whom have not gone before and others who this will be their last trip to the state conference before graduation, so this past week has been busy planning and preparing not only for the trip, but also to take care of everything that needs to happen in my absence...

And for now, I think that's all. I still have to pack, and clean, and NaNo before the night is up... and maybe get a workout in... and then there sleep..... ha!

I wasn't ready....are you?

   This, about sums up my current state of being....

but that is a good thing! (I swear!)

So after months of read, revising, editing, rounds of emails with my super fabulous critique partner, a few trusted friend readers, I was feel just pretty good about posting materials for this year's Writeoncon.

 And why shouldn't I? I've worked diligently over the last few months to polish my MS and make it agent ready....

And then I hit the forums, and all I can think is:

NOW why the Hell didn't I see that??

Yup. I had a totally head slap moment. Actually, I've had a few of them in the past few hours. *pops open the Advil and takes a few more from all the head slapping fun* And you know what? I am so glad!!

I am not channeling one of those athletes who wanted and were expected to get gold and are "happy" with silver.



I am channeling all those writers who sent things out thinking they were READY only to get no bites. I am channeling all those writers who a week after sending out queries spotted that one mistake (yes, I've done that too). I am channeling all those who thought they were ready but took a step back and waited just a little longer....

Did I want to wait? Does any one want to wait? No! I was ready and willing to send out last week...but I didn't, and it had nothing to do with the state of my manuscript. I didn't think I had my agents in a row yet. I thought everything else was as closed to prepped as an agent-less query could be.

But now? I'll gladly take that step back, and force myself to breathe just a little slower and look even more closely at what I'm sending.

It sort of hurts. I really REALLY thought I was there... but I know I'm not. My query may be there, but based on comments, maybe my manuscript deserves another round of edits and tightening...and don't I deserve it to myself AND my story to make it as polished as possible?

Yes. So I'm turning that "D'oh!" into a learning experience that reminds me there is a positive in patience....even if I have trouble seeing it. :)

Happy Writing!