This month I joined the Savvy Authors’ Boot Camp with the goal of getting a push on two stories. One manuscript was partially done, and the other was nothing but a twinkle in my eye. Today I hit 57K words, all written since 1 April, and I’m so close to the end of the twinkly eye manuscript I can taste it. I’m thrilled with my progress, especially since I had little idea where my story might go.
I’m not a plotter, but if I think about my story whenever I’m not at my laptop, I usually come up with something for the following scenes and don’t spend time scratching my head, wondering what to write.
I’ve taken part in several writing sprints, which seem to really work for me. I’m thinking I need to make sprints a regular part of my writing routine since a timed sprint brings out the competitor in me. My hands fly across the keyboard. Heck, I become a writing machine. It’s a beautiful thing! 
If anyone is interested in joining me in writing sprints, please shout out. I’m open to sprints on Twitter, at the Savvy Authors’ Water cooler or via this new Facebook Group that has just been set up for like-minded writers who enjoy sprints.
Whenever I have a chance, I’ll head to a coffee shop to write. This works well because I can’t move. Puppy can’t distract me by trying to squeeze onto my chair for a cuddle. She can’t throw her toy at me as an enticement to play. When I’m at home she does both these things. She’s got it down to a fine art. Her imploring brown eyes get me every time!
On the holiday front, I’m getting very excited about our European cruise. Even though it’s five months away, we’re currently planning what we will see at each port. I’m really looking forward to revisiting Italy. Florence, Pisa, Rome, Lucca and Venice are all on the itinerary. This time we’re going to get to Pompeii as well, a place I’ve always wanted to visit. I predict more than one photo of David will find its way to my blog on my return.
Meantime, it’s back to writing for me. Boot Camp continues for another seven days, and I’m determined to finish one manuscript and add at least 10K to the other one. Wish me luck!
What are you up to this week? Are you looking forward to anything coming a bit later in the year?
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:09 am · Link
You are kicking butt in Boot Camp. Congrats on such great progress. I’d love to be in your shoes planning a European cruise. Sounds lke a blast.
April 24th, 2012 at 12:58 am · Link
Brinda,
Hubby and I are counting the days!
April 23rd, 2012 at 5:09 am · Link
Finishing galley edits for one book. Finishing second book to submit, and writing a rough draft of a third book. Also, I’m outlining another book. After that, I can’t wait to read, Michael Ouffut’s and Brinda Berry’s new books!
April 24th, 2012 at 12:58 am · Link
You sound busy, Ciara!
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:19 am · Link
Wow look at you go…Congrats…This week I’m working on the last chapter of my current book and hope to start edits.
April 24th, 2012 at 1:02 am · Link
I’m certainly happy with my progress. I haven’t had much time for reading or anything else though.
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:21 am · Link
Ref: vacation
Wish I could fit into one of your bags. LOL
Ref: sprints
I tried it once with some friends of mine, but it’s hard to concentrate when I know I have other chores on my plate. When I’m working on the homestead, they want to write. And vice versa.
April 24th, 2012 at 1:05 am · Link
Maria, when do you usually do your writing? If you write late evening I can definitely sprint with you – if you’re interested. The time difference makes it mid morning for me.
April 23rd, 2012 at 10:56 am · Link
Good going, sounds like you are having a good time with this too.
I don’t know where you get the energy to go on these vacations. I’d need a vacation after my vacation..lol
April 24th, 2012 at 1:07 am · Link
Hubby and I love to travel and explore new places. It’s definitely a holiday for us.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:43 pm · Link
Good luck sweetie, I’m glad you found something that works, I might try something similar with essay writing, but at least my word counts aren’t nearly as big as yours.
Hugs
Hollie