Thinking about 2014

Ever since I was a "winner" on NaNoWriMo for 2013, I have been editing and adding to the 55,000 plus words I wrote in November.

Editing isn't always fun, but I do enjoy it when I find a section of the writing that needs a little propping up. It is so easy for me to get lost in the "story" that I don't add all the other surrounding aspects of a particular section. So editing for me is when I take a paragraph and expand it into several more, maybe even several pages.

I seem to hear the conversations first. After that, I look around and check out the place where this is taking place. There is so much to see, and I want the reader to see it all, too. Other writers say they do a lot of description first, then go back to include the conversations, or dialogues.

Another area where writers differ is in their approach. Some are strictly "seat of the pants" writers and just let the story go where it will. Others have a long detailed outline of where they want the story to go. I suppose I'm a combination of those. I have a written outline that is sparse and general. Within that, I let the story tell the story it wants to tell and I go along for the ride.

No matter which kind of writer you are, please set aside a time each day to write. This is something I need to remember, too. I find it is too easy to get caught up in all the requirements of my "real" job and not take time to do what nourishes my soul.

Welcome to this new year of 2014 and give yourself the pleasure of writing for the next 365 days.
CLMcK

Is This Your Year?

This blog is about writing, so naturally you would think I’m talking about “your year” as the one when you will sit down on your chair and start writing, or complete a manuscript you have started.

Yes, I am talking about writing, not only for you but for myself as well. We all probably could spend more time seated firmly on our chairs in front of a keyboard or a piece of paper with a pen.

There are other projects, however, that I imagine you can think about that you want to do and have been putting off for one reason or another.

I’m not one to make New Year’s Resolutions, but there is usually something on my mind that I want to accomplish, complete or even begin. Actually starting whatever it is we’ve thought about is the tough part, isn’t it?

We hear a lot about “baby steps,” and I’m going to talk about that, too. Sit down with a notebook and list everything that is connected to your project, whether it’s a book or a garden.

Write down all the steps involved, and then decide on one that would be a start. It doesn’t have to be a major step. It could be as simple as buying a packet of seeds or buying a notebook to keep with you at all times.

I want to write on this blog more often, so my first step was to actually put it on my calendar at regular intervals, rather than leave it to chance. I invite you to share your first steps here in your comments.

TIP: Find someone you trust and tell that person what your first step is, and together set a date for it to be done. Being accountable to one other person is important to make this work.

CLMcK