Counting Down

I can't believe I've written over 75,500 words on my novel already. Five more chapters remain, which equates to 12,500 words to go. When it's finished it will likely be around 88,00 words - 33 chapters and roughly 330 pages. Ten more days of active writing should have me typing 'The End." Can't wait.....

Busy Week

It's another week of deadlines for me. I'll be finding myself often at the keyboard this week as I work on writing a homeschool article which is due on Tuesday. I have a writing lesson due on Sunday. On Saturday I need to post a book blog review and write it! :) Then there is the continual goal of writing 1200 words on my novel each day.

When I discussed my shoulder issues with my physical therapist this morning, she suggested I simply stop writing, and that would help to solve my problems. I realized this is something I'm unable to do. Writing has become a vital part of me and who I am. It's a calling I've put off through the years, but has now taken a hold of me and there's no going back! :) What a joy to walk in the area God has gifted me.

Less Than Three Weeks

I admit I'm a mix of excitement, fear, trepidation and joy to realize that if all goes according to plan, I should have a completed manuscript for my Christian historical romance within three weeks. I've learned a lot in the process, and I'm sure I have a whole lot more lessons to discover along the pathway to publication.

For now, I'm thankful for the journey and path God has placed me on a year ago. I find such joy in using the gift God has given me.

Plugging Along

I had high hopes for the week with a goal of 7200 words. Many changes of plans have occurred along the way. Our schedule has been busy with physical therapy three times a week, as well as other appointments thrown in from time to time. The week started out crazy with having my eyes dilated and not being able to see clearly the rest of the day - definitely not able to read a computer screen to work on my novel.

Then a wrinkle occurred while writing my novel - knowing where I want to head, but not sure which path to take. It meant stepping back from the writing process to look more into my research and consulting my buddies through 19th Century Writers for help with specifics for historical writing and time period questions. I'm satisfied with the decision I made, but it will require some minor tweaking of dates within my manuscript to keep consistent with actual history. I'm a stickler for keeping things as accurate as possible. I decided to cut myself some slack, and even allow myself to change the birth date of my main character.

Even though I've only written about 200 words this week, I do feel satisfied with the progress I've made, even though most has been minor details that only I would notice. I feel encouraged as I have the next two days to pound out words on my keyboard. I also managed to complete my writing assignment which is due tomorrow. Whew! Now I can concentrate on what matters most to me - getting my novel completed.

Update From the Week

As I've mentioned before, I'm back into working on writing my historical fiction novel. My goal for this week was 4000 words. I surpassed it by writing 4175. I'm pleased with how things are progressing.

The next four weeks will be more intense with having weekly goals of 7200 words - 1200 words, six days a week. Then the last two days - February 7 and 8 writing 2300 to complete my novel. I think the day I write/type my last words of my story will be a mixture of joy and sadness.

I'm enjoying the process and this journey God has me on of fulfilling the call He has placed on my life to write for Him.

Commitment

My family teases me about being a wordsmith. Let's just say I have a way with words.... the written word, not the spoken word that is. When I speak, I have a hard time coming up with what I want to say, how best to string my words together. I seem to do best with pen and paper or typing on my keyboard. Sometimes when I write, things flow freely, but not always.

One thing I have learned in the process of writing my novel, is to keep on persevering and sticking to the commitment God has called me to do. At times it is easy to write, and at others its hard work. Today was one of those arduous days when the words didn't flow with ease, but instead with perseverance. I met the goal I had set for myself, only because I forced myself to keep going.

I'm blessed to have a group of individuals who daily pray for me and my writing. I have one friend in particular who recognizes when I need encouragement, or when I need someone to get me kick started. I'm thankful for those who commited to support me in this endeavor. May I be faithful to what God has called me to do.

Getting Back in the Groove

It's hard to believe we are in 2011 already. I have in mind, my goals for this year, but have yet to put pen to paper and actually record them. I spent the weekend rereading the almost 200 pages of my novel I've already started, making corrections, and noting things to change or add. I have written over 51,000 words and am looking to write about 34-35,000 more. My goal is to be completed by February 8th. It feels good to get back in the groove again after taking December off to enjoy the holiday. I'm looking forward to seeing God work.