Weekly Summer Writing Goals. Wanna Play???

It's back... Summer Goals. If any of you would like to join in with me to keep each other motivated, inspired, and on-track, please join in in the comments section.

What are Summer Goals? Exactly what it sounds like. Every week you will set your writer's goal for the week. Maybe it's a word count. Maybe a revision. Maybe you need to cut words, etc. Whatever your goal, just state it and then tell us if you were able to accomplish last week's goal, why or why not.

My turn...
Novel Title: OWE
Novel Draft: 1.6
Date: 7-13 -09

What I Accomplished Last Week:
Well, I posted my goals late (via email to fellow Summer Goals Writers) so I knew it was a lot to tackle in a short amount of time and so I am not surprised to admit that I did not reach my goal. I see now though, that my goal will remain my goal probably for many weeks, most likely the rest of July. I did read chapter 12 and saw it was laden with problems and so I began rewriting. I know, I know. I wasn't supposed to do that but it's better now and I feel better about that chapter. I noticed chapter 13 was far too long and so I divided it up into chapter 13 and my now chapter 14. I also really like my new chapter 13. This is where I stopped working due to a very busy and full weekend.

Downside:
Didn’t reach my goal. BLECH! It was really hard to flex my writing muscles after many months away from my novel. It was slow going at first to get in touch with my writing-self. I felt very low and overwhelmed like I will never, never, ever complete this novel. *whine* When life takes you away from your desired goal and you come back to it after months away, the task feels HUGE and unobtainable. I do feel better now and I know if I just keep at it, I will eventually, sooner or later (hopefully sooner) finish my novel. But it is so hard to get back on track after a long hiatus. It truly is like exercising. (Speaking of… yeah, I should begin doing that again too!) *Sigh*

Upside:
Once I did get in touch with the writer-part of myself, it felt very good. And even though I shouldn't have been writing new pages (according to last week's goal), it was good to be writing anyway. I feel chapters 12 and 13 are exciting and move the story forward. It felt so good to write again.

Goal for this week:

• Re-familiarize myself with my outline; add, delete, change accordingly
• Continue to re-familiarize myself with my story by reading current pages from chapter 14 on
• Edit as little as possible (if possible)
• Try to keep chapters to 5 - 6 pages each. Divide chapters where necessary

Children's Book Glossary

Whether a newbie at children's book writing and learning basic terminology or someone more experienced, it always pays to have a handy reference for the many terms in the field we encounter. Have you ever found yourself wondering ... what is back matter? What's the big deal about Bologna? (and no, it doesn't have a first name.) And exactly how is a graphic novel defined?

Wonder no more! Simply refer to Harold Underdown's all-encompassing glossary of publishing terms and jargon from his book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books." In addition, Underdown's web site, The Purple Crayon, will provide a wealth of information on writing and publishing in this field. There are sections which not only define the different genres, but have entire articles on them, as well as ongoing updates of which editors and agents are moving where, plus a just-revised section on the state of children's publishing in the current economy.

Lots to read and learn ...

Jeanne

NJ SCBWI Events - 2009/2010

I've posted information about our events for the 2009/2010 season. Remember that most of our events sell out, so register early. If you have any questions, give me a holler.
http://www.newjerseyscbwi.com/allevents.shtml
Laurie