Writing Goal for the Day?

[SydneyBlake]

Well first time posting in the AH for a reason other than busting the balls of a certain someone.

Although I have been published, it has been mainly articles on coping with grief, self esteem issues, and surviving life after rape and domestic abuse. I'm also crossing my fingers on a book I recently submitted to Hayhouse.

Lately, however, I have decided to give erotica a shot. I wrote a 5,500 word story about a power couple who wants to involve another woman, but are worried about their reputation, diseases, all the things no one ever seems to worry about in group sex stories.

The woman meets a 19 year old college student who is in tears because her scholarship fell through and she is going to have to leave school and go back home to her dead end hick town. I'm sure you can figure the rest out from there.

I ran it by the other half who said it needs fleshing out, especially the sex scenes-there are two- so hope to do that tonight and tomorrow. If all goes right and I can find an editor maybe I can have it up to post in the feedback section soon.

Good luck with your story, KitKat, and don't get too distracted from the ball-busting. We all need you in there.

Neither here nor there -- Watching Priest. The movie really, really sucks, but Karl Urban sizzles in his black cowboy hat and duster. That sheriff is kinda cute, too.

 

[Kojote]

5K to 10k words written in one sitting? I would never, ever get the time to do that. If that were my limitation, I wouldn't bother trying to write at all. It just wouldn't get done.

It is certainly interesting how different writers work so differently.

It is!
It's outright amazing.
I envy everybody who can keep all the tracks together over days and weeks and get it done on such a large timeframe.
My best stories were born on one day. 10k to 20k is doable for me when the flow is right. But it will take the whole day (up to 20 hours of writing sometimes).

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

Goals:

• Fix the damage I did to my Halloween story. Sigh.
• Make progress on a never-ending chapter
• Leave the TV off so I can avoid ham-handed, commercialized, patriotic chest-thumping, or otherwise tasteless 9/11 commemorations (and no, I don't think they're all tasteless... but it's just my luck I'd find one that leaves me fuming).
• Clean the house. No matter how much I clean before leaving for a week or two, it's a filthy mess when I get back. How is this possible? Is there a trick to returning to a spotless house that I've somehow missed in life?

It is!
10k to 20k is doable for me when the flow is right. But it will take the whole day (up to 20 hours of writing sometimes).

My version:
1K to 2K is doable for me when the flow is right (and when I have the time... hahaha!)

 

[PennLady]

TV is off; listening to Saga. I really do not want to see all the stuff today.

But the hub took the kids and I have in fact been writing! Not sure how much will be kept, deleted, or changed, but still -- it's nice!

 

[Kojote]

Goals:
My version:
1K to 2K is doable for me when the flow is right (and when I have the time... hahaha!)

Is it just the time? Or does the flow end somehow after writing a while?
Once in the flow and without any disturbances (people discussing on the street outside are below that threshold, mate asking any questions not answerable through grunts is above...) I could go on almost indefinitely.
Barring the need to sleep, that is. That stupid fucker starts to raise its nasty head after about 36 hours of continuous writing and messes up everything I try to say to the point of incomprehensibility…

But then again… I almost never get close to two days without disruption. So other potential disturbances are prior to fend off…

 

[litfan10]

Hey guys. Haven't been around much and miss the place! Damn school year and the need for regular paychecks!!!!!!!
Okay tonight I plan to write and send off my column and two magazine articles that I've finished all the prep work for already.
Hope everybody else is doing fine and staying safe!

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

Is it just the time? Or does the flow end somehow after writing a while?

Time is a big problem, but it isn't the only one.

I have the horrible habit (which I'm trying to break!) of constantly reviewing and editing what I've written, often from the beginning of the document.

But it's also guilt, I think. Writing is a hobby that doesn't earn any money, doesn't make me more fit/attractive, doesn't save us money (like gardening, cooking, etc. do), and doesn't provide any benefits for my husband or kid. After an hour or so, I have to get up and do something else; I'm not a "taker" by nature, and just can't handle so much unproductive time.

 

[sr71plt]

Not much time left of my day after all of the 9/11 ceremonies and the women's finals at the U.S. tennis open, but I'll try to get some editing done on someone else's erotica e-book.

 

[litfan10]

well I did my column and one article and both sent off and even heard back from one of the publishers...Man I love the Internet. I find it amusing that the ease and time of sending my work in is drastically better now but I still get paid in the same slow time span as the pre-Internet days - who woulda thunk it!
Sadly, I have a full day of classes and then a night college class so I don't expect much writing getting done tomorrow. Good luck to everyone else with their writing!

 

[Kojote]

I have the horrible habit (which I'm trying to break!) of constantly reviewing and editing what I've written, often from the beginning of the document.

I heard from people doing that and can really imagine how it may break the flow in the long run.

But it's also guilt, I think. Writing is a hobby that doesn't earn any money, doesn't make me more fit/attractive, doesn't save us money (like gardening, cooking, etc. do), and doesn't provide any benefits for my husband or kid. After an hour or so, I have to get up and do something else; I'm not a "taker" by nature, and just can't handle so much unproductive time.

And I pretty much understand that. But on the other hand I cannot support the thought.
Sparetime to pursue a hobby isn't wasted time. It's recreation in a way.
And there are far worse hobbys around. At least you do something creative. And there are results other people may enjoy.
Plus it's a brain workout and makes you more intelligent on the long run...

You shouldn't feel guilty to to something you enjoy every once in a while. Maybe not for a whole day, but seriously more than an hour or two a week.
You are no slave worker, you know?!

 

[ILmonamour]

It feels so good to be home! Such a long week, but I managed to fanagle the flight time and write. I penned out half of the 'summons' story, mapped and wrote the skeleton (sans the naughty scenes) for the followup football story. I plan on working out tonight and getting into a routine of an hour of writing per day minimum.

We'll see, its a new RHOB and Most Eligible Dallas tonight so writing might be a late one!

Hope everyone is having a gorgeous start to the day!

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

@Kojote, thanks for the kind words.

We'll see, its a new RHOB and Most Eligible Dallas tonight so writing might be a late one!

I admit it: I'm baffled by RHOB and Most Eligible Dallas. What can I say; I'm not very hip. What are you talking about?

Hope everyone is having a gorgeous start to the day!

Yup! Woke up at four and did a good chunk of work, went for a run while the kid napped, and baked some bread. Hopefully she'll stay asleep a little longer so I can do more work, and then have time to write tonight. *crosses fingers*

 

[mynameisben]

I put the finishing touches on an erotic short story last night.

Is anyone interested in giving it a proofread/edit before I submit it? It's about 1200 words.

 

[ILmonamour]

I admit it: I'm baffled by RHOB and Most Eligible Dallas. What can I say; I'm not very hip. What are you talking about?

Yup! Woke up at four and did a good chunk of work, went for a run while the kid napped, and baked some bread. Hopefully she'll stay asleep a little longer so I can do more work, and then have time to write tonight. *crosses fingers*

It took me the longest to know too! RHOB= Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the Most Eligible Dallas is just another Bravo horrible trainwreck of a reality series that I succumb to. Its embarrassing, but fun.

Congrats on getting some writing in, 4am has your number for sure! What type of bread?
Do you ever get the 'friendship' bread starts from people? Why this crossed my mind, I couldn't tell you. Homemade loaves sound so tempting right about now.

 

[PennLady]

I am so out of the reality show loop... I recognize most of the show titles but otherwise... I'm glad others watch so I don't have to.

Hope to get some writing done tonight. I suppose the hub and I might finish watching Dune (the SciFi miniseries) and eventually move on to Children of Dune, which I think is still in the shrink wrap.

Also been crocheting more animation characters -- this time, loaves of bread.

LfT -- you should check this out.

 

[SydneyBlake]

I have the horrible habit (which I'm trying to break!) of constantly reviewing and editing what I've written, often from the beginning of the document.

But it's also guilt, I think. Writing is a hobby that doesn't earn any money, doesn't make me more fit/attractive, doesn't save us money (like gardening, cooking, etc. do), and doesn't provide any benefits for my husband or kid.

I also have the habit of reading and re-reading and re-reading. By the time I'm done with a chapter, I'm so sick of reading it that after I submit it, I don't look at it again for a long time.

But I don't think you should feel guilty. There are lots of hobbies out there that are nothing but a drain on the wallet. (Deer hunting comes to mind.) Even you, LFT, deserve a hobby! As for the benefits -- who do you think reaps the benefits after I've written a hot love scene? Also, when I keep getting pulled away from writing, I get cranky.

I heard from people doing that and can really imagine how it may break the flow in the long run.

Sparetime to pursue a hobby isn't wasted time. You shouldn't feel guilty to to something you enjoy every once in a while.

Actually, going back some to read what you last wrote is helpful for knowing what should come next. Even necessary. But one can overdo it.

I am so out of the reality show loop... I recognize most of the show titles but otherwise... I'm glad others watch so I don't have to.

I am so with you on this.

Tonight, I got some more editing done. Not as much as I would have liked, but I was at a good stopping place, and the muse has been screaming her bloody head off. Chapter 12 should post in the next day or two; at this rate, Chapter 13 won't be far behind.

Confession: I really don't mind re-heating old coffee and drinking it. Is that gross or what?

Happy writing.

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

It took me the longest to know too! RHOB= Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the Most Eligible Dallas is just another Bravo horrible trainwreck of a reality series that I succumb to. Its embarrassing, but fun.

I would say I've never watched a reality TV show, but... I remember watching some RHOAtlanta after the kidlet was born. I'd get up in the middle of the night and feed her, and then be unable to fall asleep. RHOA was always on, as was Jersey Shore on MTV. I'd flip back and forth until I couldn't take the train wrecks anymore, and then I'd watch QVC. Honestly, better 3am TV would make getting up with a kid about ten times better.

And how was your trip? You were with your mom, right?

What type of bread?
Do you ever get the 'friendship' bread starts from people? Why this crossed my mind, I couldn't tell you. Homemade loaves sound so tempting right about now.

Plain ol' whole wheat loaf, though I have to say, it's damn good. Never received a starter. Apparently, I don't have the right friends.

We're having Christmas here for both sides of the family eek, so I think it's time to start experimenting with Holiday breads.

Challah French toast: it's what's for brunch this Sunday.

Also been crocheting more animation characters -- this time, loaves of bread.

LfT -- you should check this out.

*snortle, which was painful, seeing as I have a French clay mask drying on my face right now*

"Kogepan... was jealous of her soft, strawberry-scented, pink-coloured breadiness...."

Breadiness. Right.
See what happens when you link to anime characters from a porn board?

Oh, and no burnt bread here.

By the time I'm done with a chapter, I'm so sick of reading it that after I submit it, I don't look at it again for a long time.

Yes. And then when you do look at it, you can't help but want to fuss with words here and there.

I once assigned a journal article of mine to a class I was teaching. Big mistake. Took me three fucking hours to get through the thing the night before class. I had to keep putting it down and getting more beer to get through it.

But I don't think you should feel guilty. There are lots of hobbies out there that are nothing but a drain on the wallet. (Deer hunting comes to mind.)

Mmm.... venison stew, venison meatloaf, venison chili, venison meatloaf... what were we talking about? Were you offering to shoot a wild boar for me, too?

Confession: I really don't mind re-heating old coffee and drinking it. Is that gross or what?

In my opinion, it's only gross if the milk has begun to congeal on the top.

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

I put the finishing touches on an erotic short story last night.

Is anyone interested in giving it a proofread/edit before I submit it? It's about 1200 words.

If you don't have anyone yet, what category? Did you mean erotic couplings? I can take a look, if you'd like, though I probably won't be as hardcore as a true copyeditor.

 

[SydneyBlake]

I once assigned a journal article of mine to a class I was teaching. Big mistake. Took me three fucking hours to get through the thing the night before class. I had to keep putting it down and getting more beer to get through it. .

LOL. Hopefully, your students fared better.

Mmm.... venison stew, venison meatloaf, venison chili, venison meatloaf... what were we talking about? Were you offering to shoot a wild boar for me, too?.

LOL! Annie Oakley, at your service! Seriously, add in all the expenses, and that's some expensive backstrap. But yes, very tasty!

In my opinion, it's only gross if the milk has begun to congeal on the top.

Only the coffee is old. The milk's still good! LOL! (You're hardcore!)

 

[mynameisben]

If you don't have anyone yet, what category? Did you mean erotic couplings? I can take a look, if you'd like, though I probably won't be as hardcore as a true copyeditor.

Nope. No one has yet offered to look my story over. It's category should fall under "Erotic Humor and Satire." It's about a video sex chat session that goes horribly wrong.

If you're still interested in giving my story a proofread and/or edit, please let me know in a PM and I'll e-mail it to you. Any comments are welcome, general or specific.

Thanks for considering.

 

[annanova]

Confession: I really don't mind re-heating old coffee and drinking it. Is that gross or what?

You mean... not everyone does this? How old is old?

LFT, you bake bread year-round? Do you have a machine, or do you do it the old-fashioned way? I love baking, but summer here gets too humid for me and the idea of turning on the oven makes me ill.

Oh yeah, writing. I have a lunch scene to finish and that'll be it for today. I'll be spending a lot of time this week getting ready for Saturday's cast party. Y'all are gonna love this - since the show covers 25 years from the '50s into the mid-'70s, I'm putting together a menu from the era. Meatballs in bbq sauce, mac-n-cheese, some sort of casserole that I haven't decided on yet, and lots of jello!

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

LOL! Annie Oakley, at your service! Seriously, add in all the expenses, and that's some expensive backstrap. But yes, very tasty!

Well, down here in hick-ville, we can sit on our back porch and bow hunt. Mr. Tat doesn't, but our friends do, which is how we score our venison.

But in general, you are right. Mr. Tat's family goes up the UP of Michigan for "hunting" trips, but really, it's just an excuse to eat crap, drink a lot, get away from wives, play cards, and sit in a woods for a couple hours a day. Boar hunting seems to be the same, from what I gather.

not everyone does this?

My mom won't. The moment her coffee cools below scalding, she dumps it out and gets a new cup. Won't even pour hot coffee into a mug with warm coffee. Ridiculous and maddening.

LFT, you bake bread year-round? Do you have a machine, or do you do it the old-fashioned way? I love baking, but summer here gets too humid for me and the idea of turning on the oven makes me ill.

It's a new hobby for me, but yes, I've baked all summer. I live in the south so we have A/C, and the kitchen never really gets below 85 regardless of whether I cook or not (old house + crawl space = bad HVAC system, and the kitchen is at the end), so it doesn't really matter. No bread machine, but I have a stand mixer. Lots of short rises and then a long overnight rise, but only a little bit of kneading by hand.


As for writing... I finished some beta reading that'd been sitting on my computer for a while, so perhaps I'll finish my damn chapter today. And if not today, then tomorrow.

 

[PennLady]

You mean... not everyone does this? How old is old?

Family stories abound about my mom's mom, who used to drink the dregs of the coffee, no matter how old. My mom likes hers very hot, but will reheat it if it cools. My hub will drink it at about any temp. I... drink tea.

LFT, you bake bread year-round? Do you have a machine, or do you do it the old-fashioned way? I love baking, but summer here gets too humid for me and the idea of turning on the oven makes me ill.

I have a bread machine that I really like (and a pasta maker, if that still works), but I find I quickly outpace ourselves on the amount of bread. Plus, we tend to buy the light bread for ourselves. But it is fun and I keep thinking I should make other stuff.

Oh yeah, writing. I have a lunch scene to finish and that'll be it for today. I'll be spending a lot of time this week getting ready for Saturday's cast party. Y'all are gonna love this - since the show covers 25 years from the '50s into the mid-'70s, I'm putting together a menu from the era. Meatballs in bbq sauce, mac-n-cheese, some sort of casserole that I haven't decided on yet, and lots of jello!

Still on the lunch scene, eh? Hope they have fun. Your party sounds neat -- I recently picked up a jello cookbook that had some ... interesting ideas in it.

Writing... a few lines last night. More time spent designing a pattern for the one of the bread characters. It's off, but hey, it's a rough draft. Too big in the middle...

 

[SydneyBlake]

I have a busy work day planned, and I just learned that I have a choir concert to go to tonight. Hmmm not sure when I'll get to the computer, but I will find a way. It will hurt if I don't!

P.S.--Got fresh coffee going!

 

[Kojote]

But I don't think you should feel guilty. There are lots of hobbies out there that are nothing but a drain on the wallet. (Deer hunting comes to mind.) Even you, LFT, deserve a hobby! As for the benefits -- who do you think reaps the benefits after I've written a hot love scene? Also, when I keep getting pulled away from writing, I get cranky.

There's an added benefit for people with kids: Writing broadens and deepens the understanding of grammar even more than reading. So writers can all the better help their kids with homework...

Confession: I really don't mind re-heating old coffee and drinking it. Is that gross or what?

Uh... It is...!
There are only about two things worse than that: Cold coffee and instant coffee...