Thursday, June 19, 2014

Writing Update

I’ve been neglecting my blogs lately. Seems like I have a mile long to-do list, but can never get anything finished. I do have a couple upcoming interview/blog tour posts, which will be fun. I also have a character spotlight scheduled for my Ilyon Chronicles behind the scenes blog tomorrow.

Something very exciting happened on Saturday. Resistance finally made it to the number 1 spot on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Christian Fantasy! Needless to say I was pretty stoked.

RestanceHotNewReleases1

Then, last week, I was lamenting over how long it’s taking me to write book 4 of Ilyon Chronicles and how I wished I could write faster in general. This isn’t the first time I’ve felt this way. This time, however, I decided that instead of just complaining, I would actually try to do something about it. I’ve always balked at the thought of setting word count goals. I’d rather just sit and write when I want to and not worry about such things. Well, in a perfect world, sure, but with the amount of book related work I have to do besides actually writing, it’s time to become more disciplined. So, starting this week, I decided I would set a goal of writing 1,500 words a day, 6 days a week. (It might end up to be 5 days a week some weeks. I’m not super strict about the weekends.). That adds up to 9,000+ words a week. At that rate, I could finish a book in 2-4 months. I like the thought of that. So far I’ve hit my goal every day this week, even doubling it on Monday. I’m sure some days will be torture, but I’m pretty determined.

I couldn’t hope to do this if I were writing longhand like I have for the past couple of years. The good thing is, I’m finally learning to write on the computer again thanks to my Microsoft Surface. I couldn’t do it without that thing. Since I only have the essentials on it, there’s not nearly as much I can get distracted with as on my desktop computer, so I’m able to focus a lot better on writing. It’s been kind of sad to say goodbye to my blue pencils, notebook paper, and binders, but in exchange I get a pretty blue keyboard with my Surface. ;) Anything to be able to write faster.

With this new writing schedule, I’m hoping to finish book 4 within the next 6-8 weeks. I’m iffy about it, but I might surprise myself. I will feel SO good having only two more books left to write in the series. It will also let off a little pressure and allow me time to edit The King’s Scrolls. It’s so hard to choose between writing and editing. I know I have to write to stay ahead of the earlier books being published, but I also have to edit if I’m to stay on schedule for publishing TKS. It can get frustrating, but I’m sure it will come together. It always does.

And, of course, there’s marketing. I’m SO behind on my marketing efforts for Resistance. Seriously, where is one supposed to find the time for all this? So if I’m scarce on my blogs, it’s because I’m buried beneath writing goals, editing deadlines, and miserable attempts at marketing. Oh, and did I mention my reading list, reviews needing to be written, and beta reading? That’s the life of an author for ya. I seriously envy other writers who seem to have it all together and get things done in a timely fashion. Half the time I feel like I’m spinning in circles. But would I trade what I’m doing for something else? Not a chance.

6 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the #1!!! You deserve it!! I'm really looking forward to reading Resistance! :)

    *rubs temples* Whew, and I thought my schedule was a headache. I know I have a lot planned, writing-wise, for my summer, and that includes trying to get my first novel out for publication. But you said it -- the life of an author. But would we trade it? Nope. Not for all the world.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And I hope your plans for publication go well! It's always so exciting. :D Especially when it's your first.

      Delete
  2. I'm SOOO happy that Resistance got #1!!!! It is seriously my favorite book!

    Wow...you have a tight schedule. How often do you get writer's block?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! To receive comments like yours makes all the craziness worth it. ;)

      Writer's block is one of my biggest foes. I've had it so bad I've hardly written anything for months at a time. It's usually sparked by my health, so if I'm not feeling well, I don't write very well. I had it bad all this last winter. But with my new writing goals, I'm hoping to avoid it for a long while at least.

      Delete
    2. Writing block gets me too! Just so you know, I nominated you for the Liebster Award on my blog! Its like the Sunflower Blogger Award, just with a different name. :) Happy writing! I look forward to reading all of your books!!!

      Delete
    3. Thanks! I'll see if I can do the award. My blog schedule is pretty full for the next while. :)

      Delete