It’s hard to get back to writing after five weeks when I didn’t do a thing. This week has been a bit like pushing through sand. I thought Lorie O’Clare’s writer tip about keeping a journal of words written each day, promo undertaken and that sort of thing was a great idea. Seeing my progress written down in black and white seems to make me more efficient. On the days where I goof around and don’t get much done, it’s all there for me to see. I don’t like seeing the lack of progress, and it works like a swift kick in the ass.
Normally I try to write 2000 words per day. That’s a good pace for me, but I haven’t done anywhere near that this week. Next week will be better.
What methods do you use to cope with procrastination and wasted time? How do you keep on track with the things you have to do?
Contest – How Many Books?
For all those who entered my contest, I read 30 books while I was on holiday. The two closest people guessed 29. I put the two names in a hat, and Mr. Munro picked one name for me.
And the winner is: Carol L
Congratulations. I’ve emailed you about your book voucher prize.
I read the following books:
1. Cougar by Beverley Rae – paranormal
2. Heart & Soul by Evangeline Anderson – m/m
3. Shifter’s Captive by Bonnie Dee – paranormal
4. Songbird by Maya Banks – contemporary
5. Duty & Devotion by Tere Michaels – m/m
6. An Improper Holiday by KA Mitchell – m/m
7. Scandal by Carolyn Jewel – historical
8. The Elegant Corpse by AM Riley – m/m
9. Driven To The Limit by Alice Gaines – paranormal
10. Out of the Blue by Josh Lanyon – m/m
11. Biker Babe in Black by Debra Kayn – contemporary
12. No Souvenirs by KA Mitchell – m/m
13. Redemption by Remmy Duchene – m/m
14. Hunter by SL Partington – sci-fi
15. Immortality is the Suck by AM Riley – m/m
16. Cat’s Cradle by Bianca D’Arc – paranormal
17. In Hot Pursuit by Kate McMurray – m/m
18. Rogue’s Diamond by Sahara Kelly – historical
19. Wither by Yolanda Sfetsos – sci-fi
20. High Country by Michael Barnette – m/m
21. Nate by Beth Williamson – historical
22. Dead, Undead or Somewhere In Between by JA Saare – paranormal
23. Mountain’s Captive by Michelle Pillow – contemporary
24. Law of Averages by Wylie Kinson – contemporary
25. Lifting the Veil by RG Alexander – paranormal
26. Threat of Darkness by Lauren Dane – paranormal
27. Written in the Ruby by Raven Wilde – paranormal
28. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James – contemporary
29. Hard & Fast by Erin McCarthy – contemporary
30. Trial By Fire by Jo Davis – contemporary
When I was in Honolulu, I visited Barnes & Noble and spent the $50 of book vouchers I’ve had for a while. I also spent $50 of my own. I think hubby was pleased when I consented to leave the store. My daypack weighed a ton on the journey home. I held my breath when we checked in, but luckily none of the airline staff picked on me and wanted to weigh my cabin baggage. I have some great reading in my future. Once I get back into the writing groove, I’ll use my new purchases as rewards for a good day’s work.
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May 14th, 2010 at 4:36 am · Link
There are several stories you’ve read that are on my TBR. Quite an impressive list!
2000 words per day is a great number. In fact, I think I’ll aim for something around that when I get home (daughter’s field trip is today).
May 14th, 2010 at 5:03 am · Link
Welcome back!
2000 words is awesome. My average is 1200, but I try not to beat myself up if I can’t reach it. Sometimes there are other things that take precedence. I’ve learned to compartmentalize things so they don’t fall into neglect.
Without a schedule, I could easily ignore my tasks.
May 14th, 2010 at 6:04 am · Link
You’re an inspiration!
May 14th, 2010 at 7:28 am · Link
Congrats to Carol, the winner. And wow to Shelley for reading so many books while still enjoying your vacation!
May 14th, 2010 at 1:24 pm · Link
Congrats Carol!
Shelley, it sounds like you have some great books to read soon.
I don’t write novels but when I need to write an article and I’m wasting time I usually set aside time to make sure I’m not going to be interrupted and start doing the research and then sit and write until the rough draft of the article is done. Then I can take a break and come back later to finish it.
May 17th, 2010 at 6:13 am · Link
Congrats Carol!!! I think I was way off. But I can’t remember what number i picked. Shelly must of had more fun playing than reading this trip. LOL But 29 is a huge amount of books!!
May 17th, 2010 at 1:08 pm · Link
Christine – yes it’s true. I didn’t read as much as I’d envisaged simply because there was so much to do on the ship.