Exciting Things on the Way

I'm heading back to Camp NaNoWriMo in July, but I'm still not sure what I will work on. A lot of people I know who participate in one or both camps use it for editing. I thought about that since the first book of the trilogy really needs to be edited so it can move into the next phase. But I just don't know how to keep myself accountable word count-wise with that. Book three of the trilogy still needs to be written, so that's an option too.

The third option I have for July's project is getting my 1940s-era detective serial written. I have finally found a place where I can submit it, and if it is accepted, I'll be able to make at least a small profit from it. Well, as long as I have a few subscribers. I still have a few days to make my final decision, so while I contemplate on that, you can go and buy my Kindle Worlds novella Melody of Love. And don't forget to add it to your Goodreads bookshelf too!

Jumping Into May

Well, National Poetry Month was fun, wasn't it? I was hoping for a little more participation from others, but I think that next year's celebration will be even better.

All of my other projects are still chugging along. I have a new boost of energy since I won an ebook cover design from a Novel Publicity contest last month. The cover looks great and I'll be revealing it when it comes closer to the time of release (tentatively December, but who knows). Since the cover is set in stone, I can reveal the title to you. It will be:  In Another Life. You can start guessing what it is about. ;)

I'll also be spending a good chunk of this month figuring out what marketing strategies I want to use for the release of the book. Doesn't sound like much fun, but if it gets me more sales, I'm all for it.

The serial is still in progress as well, though I've had to move a few of those deadlines back a bit. I want it right, which means I'm spending more time researching than writing. While fun, it's to the point where it may be hindering progress.

It's spring. It's warm. So I'm going to go spend some time outside, soaking up inspiration. I hope you have a chance to do that today too.

Another Slow Start

Gloomy weather always makes for a slow start on Mondays. With artificial light, I feel like I'm only working at 75% capacity. That's why I'm glad I was able to get so much stuff done over the weekend when the sun was peeking out from the clouds. I managed to get my poetry fellowship application turned in, taxes files and a lot of articles written. Since I was so productive, I did free up a little extra writing time. I don't know which of the three projects I will be working on (serial, poetry or novel) but I do know that I need to choose before I sit down to write, otherwise I'll stare at my list of files for twenty minutes before deciding on which one I will tackle.

I also have to slice off a few minutes of the writing time to get some more things together for National Poetry Month. I'm trying to think of a few new things to post and participate in. Scheduling is everything, isn't it? Even an extra hour tacked onto the week would be really great right now. I'm sure we could all use one.

Let's Hope That Doesn't Happen Again

Last week I all of my work was derailed by my first migraine. It took about 36 hours for the headache part of it just to go away, then the eye pain lasted a little longer, making me want to avoid sitting in front of the computer screen for any serious length of time. But all is better now, and I really hope that more migraines are not in my future because besides the pain, I really can't afford to be in a dark room, in bed with my eyes closed for that length of time.

So, this week I'm doubling my efforts to actually get everything done. There are tons of articles I need to complete, more work on a serial idea I'm playing around with and of course there's poetry. I'm halfway through my fellowship application, but I don't know if I'm doing it right. The only real requirement is 250 word introduction to my work. However, I have no idea what that means. Do I need to address specific poems included in the application, or am I supposed to be more general? This is why I hate applying for things. I always second-guess myself.

Although, through all this I may need to hide my Kindle. I just found The Sims app and I know that will drain me dry of time I could have put to better use. 

Input and Output

I just finished sending off another poetry submission. At this rate, I should start getting a ton of accept/reject letters by springtime. It's also really good to get the finished poetry wrapped up in submission limbo so that I can concentrate on those that need some revision. I'm still sticking to writing a poem a day so far, so I have plenty to revise.

However, the more work I put out into the world, the more ideas that seem to come flooding in. I was recently reading more about Amazon's serials and I'm still intrigued. I really want to write a serial, but Amazon's program is a little too small and much too exclusive (major publishers only) at the moment. I guess I'll have plenty of time to work on my idea and let Amazon catch up. Don't worry -- I have tons of other things to work on anyway. Hopefully something with a bigger payoff than bragging rights.