Monday, December 14, 2009

The last week

Just a reminder to you all-- this is the last week to enter the "Have you read Alvor?" contest.

And, as if anyone needed a reminder, it's the last week of school before Christmas break. At least where I live. The last week of early mornings. The last week of quiet afternoons to write. The last week of a regularly scheduled life.

It's good and bad. Good because I love lazy mornings where kids don't have to rush off to school. I love watching them build snowmen and snow forts and play together like life was made specifically for that. Good because Christmas is so close and it's so much fun.

And, the down side is smaller. I'll be honest. I'm going to miss having a couple quiet hours a day to write. I know. I'm selfish, but I love quiet afternoons where it's just me and my laptop. I'm going to have to lock myself somewhere and write anyway. Yeah, I'm that addicted to it. I should joing writers anonomous or something. It's just that I've got this story I started a couple weeks ago and I'm totally in love right now. I don't want to miss the momentum.

Don't worry, I haven't lost track of priority #1- my family. Fortunately I get lots of opportunities to spend quality time with them- one of the major perks of being a stay-at-home mom.

And for those of you who like updates on the writing side-- here you go. For the year 2009 I met nearly all of my writers group goals. When my group decided to make goals, I was nervous. I had never committed to anyone any amount of writing or goals. I barely nail myself down to what I want when it comes to writing. But, for what it's worth I.....

*Had Alvor come out as a published book and worked hard to market it by doing signings.
*Put together a school visit and had opportunities to get out there and present.
*Worked on my unfinished novel. Uhm, it's still unfinished though.
*Sent stuff out to agents. Total waste of time. I'm going to have to start over with this one when I get my new book written.
*Started writing a completely unrelated book. This last one I didn't even know for sure what the book would be until a couple weeks ago. In fact, when we had our last meeting, I had to admit that this goal wasn't met. I still need to finish it, but at least I'm off to a good start.

So, what about 2010?

I know. It's kind of early for new year's resolutions, but....

*Find a publisher for Book 2 of Alvor.
*Finish writing the book I started this month.
*Send it out to agents.
*Eat lots and lots of dark chocolate until I find one.
*Finish the unfinished book that I started last year if it's the last thing I do.
*Go to writers conferences and have a total blast.

Good goals. I think I can even do them. Especially the eating dark chocolate one. I've got that covered. I guess that means I'm going to have to keep exercising in 2010 so I don't turn into the goodyear blimp while I'm at it, but you don't get to hear about my other new year's resolutions...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I want to know about this new writing project. If you can't say online, email me! (If you want. No pressure.)
I think that's AWESOME that your writing group sets goals. I think I may have to steal that idea and see what my group thinks of it.

Merry Christmas, Laura!

numberonedashnerfan said...

Fun.....My Christmas (winter) break is kinda lame I have school on the 23 and the elem kids have half day on the 24 and we go back Jan. 4 I think we got cheated somehow.....good luck on those goals....

Artemis Grey said...

Well firstly, congrats on all of your 2009 successes! Don't worry about the unfinished novel. It'll get finished when it's ready to be finished. And don't worry about the agents (like I know what I'm talking about, agent-less writer that I am) you'll get one when you need one! I'll be standing in line for the second book of Alvor.

Good luck on your 2010 goals. Check out the Sirens writers conferences. Last year was their inaugural year, but they're holding another in 2010. It's a warm, friendly atmosphere and great fun. Sirensconference.org not to panhandle but they're an awesome group.

Incidentally, I'm with you on the dark chocolate while waiting for an agent... I've already upped my exercise routine...

Laura said...

Wow- school until Christmas eve. I guess we are very lucky here in Boise.

Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate your help in the journey.

Synergy Girl said...

Well, all I have to say is that my favorite goal is the dark chocolate, and you don't have to worry about the blimp thing because you are T-I-N-Y!!!!!