In today’s Journal
* I felt a little disjointed
* Today
* Of Interest
* The Numbers
I felt a little disjointed yesterday, a little out of sorts. I was fatigued, felt less than interested in the novel I’m writing, etc. I wanted only to go sit on my recliner and watch reruns of old Twilight Zone episodes. (The writing in most of those is excellent, though the dialogue often leaves a lot to be desired.)
So that’s what I did. I barely got my 3000 words yesterday, and as soon as I did, I retired to the house. But the whole time I was wondering in the back of my mind what in the world was wrong with me.
Then it dawned on me, and I laughed with relief. I realized I was going through a minor life roll that I hadn’t recognized.
My wife left yesterday for her annual few days sisters celebration trip. That not only left a gap in my life (an essence that was usually there suddenly wasn’t) but it also disrupted some small parts of my routine.
For example, I have to feed the chihuahua each morning and put him to bed in his kennel each evening (something my wife does when she’s here). And many other little things like that.
These are not a big problems in and of themselves, and even combined they don’t pose a large problem. It’s just a disruption of the norm, so something I have to adjust to for a few days.
It just means I have to stay up a little later in the evening than I’m used to and let the pup out a little earlier in the morning, etc. And I have to make more efficient use of my breaks as I’m writing during the day. (There needs to be a ‘purpose’ for each break now.)
The big problem was recognizing it for what it is. Once I recognized that, it was a relief. (grin)
Sometimes life rolls come to us blatantly with a move from one city to another or the sudden illness or passing of a loved one. But other times they’re more subliminal and more difficult to recognize, just little changes that tweak or disrupt the norm.
If you find yourself wondering what’s going on with your own mind or your own routine, take a few minutes to check in with yourself and figure it out. Then you can get back to what you need to be doing.
You know, like writing. (grin) Even with a later start, I expect today to be a good day.
Today I expected a good day, and it was. Better than I expected. Today I missed my daily word-count goal, but I finished The Storm (formerly The Three-Year Turn). This is my third novel since December. Woohoo! The challenge is on track.
Tomorrow I’ll write the short story that’s due this week. Then I’ll start the next novel. No idea what it will be.
The Storm will be published in two separate editions. I think I mentioned before, one edition will contain two extra chapters (around 2800 extra words) and will be titled The Storm [Blue Edition]. Because those two chapters, frankly, are a tad warm. (grin) Though maybe not by today’s standards.
If anyone would like to jump aboard as a first reader, email me at harveystanbrough@gmail.com. (You can first-read either edition.)
Talk with you again soon.
Of Interest
See “Think Small to Make Big Scenes Work” at https://killzoneblog.com/2020/02/think-small-to-make-big-scenes-work.html. Some excellent pointers on POV characters and focusing down to details to bring out the big picture.
See “Copyright Small Claims Act Needs Our Help” at https://prowriterswriting.com/copyright-small-claims-act.
See “What’s the Real Motive?” at https://mystorydoctor.com/whats-the-real-motive-2/.
See “Audiobook Publishing and Distribution: Getting Started Guide for Authors” at https://www.janefriedman.com/audiobook-publishing/ if your interested.
The Numbers
Fiction words today…………………… 2772
Nonfiction words today…………… 630 (Journal)
Writing of The Storm (formerly The Three-Year Turn) (novel)
Day 11… 3442 words. Total words to date…… 36545
Day 12… 2278 words. Total words to date…… 38823
Day 13… 1677 words. Total words to date…… 40500
Day 14… 3030 words. Total words to date…… 43530
Day 15… 5247 words. Total words to date…… 48777
Day 16… 3057 words. Total words to date…… 51834
Day 17… 2772 words. Total words to date…… 54606 (done)
Total fiction words for the month……… 67461
Total fiction words for the year………… 133055
Total nonfiction words for the month… 21530
Total nonfiction words for the year…… 52790
Total words for the year (fiction and this blog)…… 185795
Calendar Year 2020 Novels to Date…………………… 3
Calendar Year 2020 Novellas to Date……………… X
Calendar Year 2020 Short Stories to Date… 5
Novels (since Oct 19, 2014)…………………………………… 48
Novellas (since Nov 1, 2015)………………………………… 8
Short stories (since Apr 15, 2014)………………… 201
Short story collections……………………………………………… 31