Tag Archives: writing process

#MondayBlogs – Time Management and Other Failures

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Last night I made a post around 9:30 in the evening. Ideally, I should have set that up last night and scheduled the post, and then it’d be done and I wouldn’t have to worry about it. You would think on a Sunday I could make one damn post!

Saturday night I had the misfortune of getting a migraine. I get them a lot, though lately they’ve been rarer. I was not lucky Saturday night. It hit me while I was at a friend’s party and it lasted into the morning. It really ruined my schedule, which really stresses me out. In a perfect world, we were supposed to come home from the party, I could make my post and schedule it for the morning, and then I could get a good night’s sleep so in the morning I could wake up early and go through all the things on my Sunday to-do list into the evening. It would have been great! I had everything planned…

*sigh*

Unfortunately, my anxiety and migraines don’t care about my plans. My social life, my career, the dogs, and all those pesky last minute favors I do for others don’t care about my writing schedule. The weeks begin to melt away and once again my drafts go untouched. It’s been daunting trying to find time to write.

I read a ton of articles and blogs telling me I’d just be successful if I’d set aside DAILY  writing time. How cool would that be? If only my days were that consistent. Maybe I do four to five days a week? Maybe I do three? Maybe I wake up super early (not the time of the day really enjoy writing fyi) and write 300 words! Maybe I write at the same time of the day as Famous Writer A! Then I’d be successful.

I work two jobs. I take care of two needy dogs and a frazzled husband (he’s a social worker, ’nuff said). I take care of myself sometimes, you know – exercise, eating, hygiene. Occasionally I write. (I don’t even want to go into my drawing and art muscles – poor things.)

Perhaps this article is a tad bit cynical. Maybe I’m just whining. And I’m sure people have tons of advice. The challenge to find writing time is working with my own crazy schedule. How do I schedule a moment of peace within a tornado of chaos? Maybe I scale back some of my busy social and work things! Maybe… Well maybe I just learn to say no to others so I can say yes to myself.

I’d be happy to hear anyone else’s woes on how they have no writing time. I’d like to know if you solved your problem and if you found some balance in your own chaos. I can’t figure out myself yet. I can’t just write whenever I have the time! I need structure, and so far that’s been the one thing that’s been holding me back.

Cheers,

© HK Rowe

NaNoWriMo – Checking in!

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I’m sorry!

NaNoWriMo is consuming me! And life just gets in the way.

I’m caught up with my word count though. I’d like to thank the following brain food that is contributing to my productivity:

  • salt water taffy
  • chocolate
  • wine
  • coffee
  • the bands/artists on my writing playlist: Dead Sara, Amanda Palmer, Pizzacato Five, The Doors, Sara Barielles, and Lana Del Rey
  • my husband for understanding
  • my notepad filled with an outline, notes, sketches and character bios
  • my dogs for waiting by my feet, so supportive!

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Until next time.

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HK Rowe

NaNoWriMo Progress & Writing Process Meme

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I don’t know how you guys can keep up with your blogging during NaNoWriMo. Pretty much any available free time I have is devoted to my book this month, and though I’m slightly behind on my Word Count, I’m just entranced by my book this time around. It’s such a contrast from last year. I don’t know what was going on with that novel last year, or maybe I was just insanely busy, but I have been more enthusiastic about delving into Autumn Fire and working it out.

The big factor was changing up my lead female character. She’s more dynamic, more interesting, and I’ve been able to get in her head a lot better than some of my female characters. I’ve paid closer attention to her, her strengths and her weaknesses, and just her personality as it unfolds.

My male protagonist is a little more wooden, but it’s for word count right now so maybe I can finesse him during the next draft. Until then, it’s about the words!

I’m going to try to keep up with the blog at least on Mondays. I’m going to try Fridays too, but no promises!

I hope everyone is doing well with their word counts.

*

Finally, I found a Writing Process meme that I quite enjoyed. I know several writers talk about their writing processes here, and honestly, it’s not my thing. I have a hard enough time talking about my book. I don’t know why that is. I just find it more practical to concentrate on the book instead of talking about it to people for guidance. I’d like to think every writer has their own processes that fits them, and mine is not going to be helpful to anyone else.

So here goes:

1. What am I working on at the moment?

For NaNoWriMo, I’m working on a romance story called Autumn Fire. It’s a May-December relationship between an older man and a younger woman. I’m currently editing another romance story called Killer Orange. I also have several unfinished works, a fantasy novella that I haven’t looked at in over a year. I’m also working on a 7-book series to hopefully be released next year. The first book is complete, just needs some finesse.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I’m not really into the defined sense of a genre. I like my novels to have several genres: romance, fantasy, paranormal, action, etc. I guess that’s where I differ. I am heavily influenced form Jane Austen and VC Andrews in my writing. I like relationships building from the Austen influence, and I like the dark and disturbing themes and conflict of the VC Andrews novels. My first book, Unbridled, was heavily influenced by my love of VC Andrews, especially Flowers in the Attic.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I want to share stories, and writing is my escape. I’ve always enjoyed sharing stories and writing about the scenes in my head. If people like my stories, even if it’s a handful, I feel like the writing is worth it. Not only to myself but for others’ enjoyment.

4. How does my writing process work?

I work six days a week, so most of my writing happens at night. I usually write after dinner and up until midnight sometimes in my little studio on my trusty Windows PC. If I want to write in bed, I have my Macbook. I’m a night owl so my creativity really soars in the evening. Although I get inspired and ideas during the day, I always have my notebook handy to write down what I think of. I also keep a dream journal near my bed so if I get inspired by dreams or whatever, I write them down so I don’t lose them in that lucid state. I back everything up on my Google Drive, which is the best system. I’ve transferred so many stories there that I’ve been afraid of losing.

I’m not going to tag anyone but feel free to steal this meme if you so desire.

Cheers,

HK Rowe