tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post2473172996291931101..comments2023-10-28T05:33:15.060-05:00Comments on The Writing Playground: The Road I TravelMarilyn Puetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073134550080890157noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-9621055237277015472010-01-18T20:29:38.273-06:002010-01-18T20:29:38.273-06:00Well, I don't have facebook but I'll try t...Well, I don't have facebook but I'll try to remember to stop back here on Mondays and check your progress. I can certainly identify, I've even given up writing for a while but I wasn't happy then either. I'm happier now than I've ever been since I am writing daily. I saw you said something about a time limit. I would suggest if your brain starts wandering (mine is bad about that) to set a timer for 10 minutes and write as hard as you can. Take a quick break (I lift weights for a couple of minutes) then go again. Helps if you have a short attention span like me.Diana Laynenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-40918801605699938182010-01-18T19:57:52.189-06:002010-01-18T19:57:52.189-06:00I now know that I can't post to the blog from ...I now know that I can't post to the blog from my iPhone. Sigh.<br /><br />It was brilliant and heartfelt and honest and I'm too lazy to retype it now.Problem Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01456049865200737618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-89190402678863875692010-01-18T17:41:10.133-06:002010-01-18T17:41:10.133-06:00Thank you so much, Naimi and Leaann, for your kind...Thank you so much, Naimi and Leaann, for your kind words! Many days I feel like jello instead of steel, but I'm exercising that backbone, just the same. :)<br /><br />I'm so glad to see so many of you joining this challenge! Whether you do it silently or in front of a group, I think it can never be bad for writers to recommit themselves to their craft at the beginning of each year. Thank you for encouraging and inspiring me!<br /><br />AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-46702745061460904652010-01-18T17:33:20.787-06:002010-01-18T17:33:20.787-06:00Good luck, Crystal! My own goal includes 2 hours o...Good luck, Crystal! My own goal includes 2 hours of writing M-F. This is a big step for me, because I've never put a time limit on it. In truth, I could do it, but I haven't made myself before now. Now is the time to make that priority commitment!<br /><br />AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-89604152674530640832010-01-18T17:32:06.846-06:002010-01-18T17:32:06.846-06:00Thanks, Kathy!!! Besides the Playfriends, Kathy ha...Thanks, Kathy!!! Besides the Playfriends, Kathy has been one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I'm indebted to her optimism, because my own has run so low in the past year. Love ya girl!<br /><br />AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-19078533128018148612010-01-18T17:30:42.349-06:002010-01-18T17:30:42.349-06:00Sherry, Accountability partners can be great, as l...Sherry, Accountability partners can be great, as long as the accountability isn't all one-sided. :) You both have to be striving and holding each other accountable for your goals, that way all the work doesn't fall to one person. That person will just get burnt out. Not good! <br /><br />The great thing about accountability partners is it is easier than being a critique partner. Keeping up with each other's progress is much less time consuming and in some ways much more important. Now, my accountability partners do occassionally critique for each other, but we don't have to and it isn't on a regular basis. Trust me, it is a great relationship to have!<br /><br />AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-51311283093816799502010-01-18T16:15:20.316-06:002010-01-18T16:15:20.316-06:00I think a lot of times when we find ourselves avoi...I think a lot of times when we find ourselves avoiding doing something, whether it's a diet or writing or anything else, we don't realize that it is fear of failure holding us back. Sometimes it seems easier to not try than to try and possibly fail. You've kept trying, otherwise you'd still be in the drought and not looking for a way out. Good work!<br /><br />You've been through a lot, Angel. But you're also one of the toughest cookies to break I have ever seen. You'll get there, and we'll be right alongside you cheering all the way.<br /><br />Heck, I even braved Facebook to join that challenge. That's truly scary! :)LeaannSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-2202138972364334112010-01-18T15:19:03.677-06:002010-01-18T15:19:03.677-06:00Danniele, I so understand where you were and where...Danniele, I so understand where you were and where you are. Writing is one of the most important and rewarding things in my life and it's also one of the hardest. I have to thank you for being so open with us about what you experienced in 2009. Sometimes it's hard for us to admit that this just isn't easy and the desire to pursue it sometimes falters in the face of insecurities and doubts. It's human. But it's also our reaction afterward that determines what we're made of. And you are made of tough stuff!<br /><br />I'll join you in the challenge starting today. I'm going to keep a daily log for the next 30 days of my word count and keep up with you on Facebook! I think it's an awesome challenge! Good for you and you've inspired me!Naima Simonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12269175037270984886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-56241436164737872882010-01-18T15:14:15.780-06:002010-01-18T15:14:15.780-06:00Go Danniele! It's all about the habit.
My ...Go Danniele! It's all about the habit. <br /><br />My problem is I binge on writing and then do nothing for a chunk of time. I'm trying to bully myself out of the lags between projects so a commitment to EVERY SINGLE DAY sounds like just the thing. I'm in.Vivi Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00502615009474830083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-49683050801364182032010-01-18T14:55:59.308-06:002010-01-18T14:55:59.308-06:00I've been lurking for a bit and am enjoying th...I've been lurking for a bit and am enjoying the blog :)<br /><br />My goal for 2010 is to write at least three hours every day, monday through friday. Good luck with yours!Crystal Poseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09939745305440912406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-26448971317334296172010-01-18T13:38:44.592-06:002010-01-18T13:38:44.592-06:00You've chosen the trail. You've mapped ou...You've chosen the trail. You've mapped out a course and a time table. When your muscles (brain muscles) tire, climb another few feet even though it hurts. You may hit the wall, but muscle memory will kick in to carry you through the rain, sleet and snow (writing, revisions/editing, and submitting). <br /><br />Hike that trail out of the valley, Angel. I guarantee the view will be spectacular when you reach the summit!<br /><br />Count me in on this journey too!Katherine Bonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14701961380138616355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-22906515388327699542010-01-18T13:16:14.394-06:002010-01-18T13:16:14.394-06:00I'm glad you've found a way to push forwar...I'm glad you've found a way to push forward. I'm still looking, although I'm feeling more optimistic this week.Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13518751514879244662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-31192735730048534422010-01-18T12:02:21.983-06:002010-01-18T12:02:21.983-06:00I love the idea of having an accountability partne...I love the idea of having an accountability partner for my writing. I haven't thought of it that way, but that's what keeps me in line with my exercise regimen. If you don't show up, you have people calling you to find out why!<br /><br />I think the challenge is a wonderful idea to kick-start the writing process. Count me in!Sherry Werthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411488573654323096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-78739434889154956392010-01-18T11:53:05.387-06:002010-01-18T11:53:05.387-06:00You go, Angel! I was just reading last night that...You go, Angel! I was just reading last night that once a person commits to something fully, change happens. And you've done that. Yay, you!<br /><br />My major goal this year is to become more flexible, both physically and mentally. I'm edging back into yoga for #1, and keeping an open mind for #2.Vicki Lewis Thompsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-13953322551454402082010-01-18T10:04:47.297-06:002010-01-18T10:04:47.297-06:00Thanks for the advice, Paula! While I haven't ...Thanks for the advice, Paula! While I haven't gone completely new in my direction for approaching a book, I'm trying to remember to change it up if I get stuck. If the alphie isn't working, picking up a pen and paper to get me started. Instead of pushing ahead to get through a stubborn scene, stopping to ask myself why it isn't working and going back to revise (normally I wait until the end of the book to do any revisions). That sort of thing. <br /><br />It is helping. Still frustrating, but I'm making forward progress. :)<br /><br />AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-83052608938742759192010-01-18T10:02:14.978-06:002010-01-18T10:02:14.978-06:00You'll get there, PM! You are too good a write...You'll get there, PM! You are too good a writer not to. Once you get settled into this new life, you're muse with start speaking loud and clear. She just needs to be treated gently at the moment. :)<br /><br />AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-77062334173341978832010-01-18T10:01:02.484-06:002010-01-18T10:01:02.484-06:00We'll do it together, M.V. and Christine!!! I ...We'll do it together, M.V. and Christine!!! I feel very positive about this (even though I chose to start on a day when I have 4 kids at home with me) :)<br /><br />Linda, Healthier eating is also one of my goals this year. Actually, I'm terming it as "taking control of my own health". I've started a food journal and researching homeopathic treatments for my health issues. I've gone the medicine route for 6 years with no progress, so I'm going to try something new for 6 months. I can always go back on the meds if I have to.Angelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-43070874154899848472010-01-18T09:43:53.917-06:002010-01-18T09:43:53.917-06:00I think half of productivity as a writer is gettin...I think half of productivity as a writer is getting in the habit of writing every day. Pages produces more pages.<br /><br />When I was having problems trying to find my muse a few years back, I decided to change up the way I write. I became more of a plotter, trying to flesh out the basics of my book before I jumped into the story, thinking it might help me keep moving forward even when I wasn't really in the zone. I might be writing pure dreck, but at least it was dreck on the page that I could edit later.<br /><br />I'm not saying everyone should choose that particular solution, mind you. Maybe you do that already and what you really need to do is throw away the synopsis and just write off the top of your head and see where it takes you. The main thing is changing what you're doing now, if it's not getting words on the page.<br /><br />Good luck, Danniele!Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06618247976093599287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-41214320456729317452010-01-18T09:03:58.024-06:002010-01-18T09:03:58.024-06:00My muse has been silent for so long I'm consid...My muse has been silent for so long I'm considering having her tested for hearing loss. I've screamed at her, talked to her sweetly, tried to bribe her. She's not budging. So I put in my New Year's goals that I wanted to read more. Maybe she'll get tired of hearing about other people's stories and decide to tell her own.Playground Monitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07444337591281145863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-1798345270573900412010-01-18T08:57:19.281-06:002010-01-18T08:57:19.281-06:00Danniele, I will join you on this journey. I am st...Danniele, I will join you on this journey. I am struggling with my WIP because I want to bring it to a ST length. And now that DH is undergoing his surgery, it will be tempting and easy to put the writing last on the list. <br /><br />I need this journey, too.<br /><br />Good luck and hugs!Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05383099148014297450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-65940822270630912382010-01-18T07:51:44.396-06:002010-01-18T07:51:44.396-06:00There are so many things that work to drag you awa...There are so many things that work to drag you away from writing -- other commitments, health issues (which really do mess with the brain's ability to create), self-doubt -- just to name a few. Making writing a habit is a very good solution to the problem. In many ways it's easier *not* to write than it is to write. <br /><br />I'm trying to concentrate on healthy eating. Like looking for grass fed beef and organic everything and leaving off the processed food. It's a challenge, but I AM eating better.Linda Winstead Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09870355400804918712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-30853802562619851632010-01-18T07:26:45.614-06:002010-01-18T07:26:45.614-06:00Considering I've been very silent recently--
I...Considering I've been very silent recently--<br />I feel your pain.<br /><br />My goals..they are to break through my own inadaquecies (and spelling difficulties) and go to the next level.<br /><br />Amazing how those valley's fight to keep us there--but it takes committment, friends, and a whole lot faith to move forward.<br /><br />You are going to do this!! :-)M.V.Freemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11680136284255619758noreply@blogger.com