I’m off to a slightly better start this week, now that my last vacation of the year is behind me. Don’t expect any major progress at this point–I’ve only been back three days, after all–but at least I’ve managed to get some work done.
Here’s where I’m at right now:
1. Research
Although I feel a lot better about having one book to finish as oppose to having six, that one book is still taking a lot more time than I’d like. It’s fascinating but bleak, and I can only read in short 1-2 chapter spurts, which is slowing my process a bit. I am still aiming to be finished before this weekend is up though, if only so I can take a temporary break from researching and turn my attention to other things.
2. Continue brainstorming for my mystery
Once again, I’m hesitant to share too much in case I’ve completely misjudged my own progress (again). Let’s just say that progress is being made on my revision plan, and I’m very happy with that progress. If everything goes according to plan, this manuscript will become my number one priority once I’ve cleared a few other things off my plate.
3. Finish critiquing a friend’s MS
I have made some progress on this, and I’m hoping to make a lot more before the week is out. There’s always this stage when I start a new manuscript where I’m still learning the characters and places, still struggling to find my footing in the world of the story, and not one hundred percent sure whether the things jumping out at me actually need to be edited. I feel confident in saying that I’ve cleared that hurdle with this particular manuscript, and I know the editing/critique process will go a lot faster and smoother from here on out.
4. Potentially write or start writing another short story
Because the bulk of my energy is currently being directed to projects already in progress, starting a new project is pretty close to the bottom of my priority list. Let’s see how I feel once I’ve managed to finish a few other things.
If you’re doing National Novel Writing Month, drop me a line and let me know what you’re writing. And if you’re not, tell me what you’ll be doing–or not doing–instead.