Today is the very first check-in for Round 1 of ROW80 and I’m happy to report that I am right on schedule. Admittedly, its only been two days but hey, I’ll take it.
So far, I’ve walked my half mile twice this week and it feels great getting that exercise. My puppy, Jake, is quite happy with this goal too. He loves to go for walks and it wears his little, energetic butt out so I can get some peace and quiet during the day – bonus!
I’ve completed my daily word count goal each day and I’ve been working on the outline as well. I’m excited about this because I’m a pantser at heart so doing one has been a nightmare for me. But I’m reading Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell and I will swear by this book. I have had so many “AH HA” moments and I’m no where close to the end. It has been a tremendous help. I highly recommend it, especially to those new to the writing scene.
I’ve read several blogs each day and commented on them all. I’ve also been trying to promote other writers as much as possible. I’ve found I really enjoy helping others like that. Its fun and I like spreading the word about good writing. So don’t be shocked if you see your name pop up in an FB post or tweet, it’s just me doing my thing.
I’ve cut back my lurking time on the social media sites and I’m trying to interact more with peeps on Twitter. This is so hard. I love lurking and reading tweets and FB posts. (Wow, that really made me sound like a social media stalker, didn’t it? I’m not one, I promise!) But I have seen a difference even in the last couple of days as I’m gaining new followers and meeting fun new friends to boot.
This week I’ve found two things I am grateful for so far. The first is that I have electricity and therefore able to keep warm. It doesn’t get cold often in Florida but the last couple of nights have felt like the North Pole. I am very thankful for the ability to keep the frostbite away.
The second thing I am grateful for is SKYPE. Using this I am able to keep up with my daughter who lives in Japan. I get to talk to her daily and watch my beautiful granddaughter grow up. It may not be as good as seeing them in person but its pretty darn great in my book, especially since my granddaughter took her first steps today.
Overall, the last couple of days has been good. I’m progressing in the right direction on all my goals, my puppy is zonked, and my granddaughter will be terrorizing my daughter’s home very soon. I’d say its been well worth joining ROW80 thus far.
How awesome is that Jennifer? What a milestone it has been for you today with your granddaughter’s first steps. I think that preempts anything else in my book!
You’re doing great Jennifer! I, not so much. I’m not gong to be able to check in today. Had to go to the attorney with my husband and that pretty much ate up the day. So I’m not going to sweat it. There’s check in on Sunday. I’ll have more to report anyway.
Keep it up girl. I can only try to follow your example. 🙂
I too love Skype. my son and his family are in Saskatchewan, so Skype is my way of keeping in touch with them. congrats on keeping up with your goals. two days is good.
Louise,
Just think it wasn’t that long ago when the only way to keep up with loved ones who live far away was by writing a letter and sending it snail mail. Now its just a click of a button. Amazing the technology advances we have made.
Thanks for your support!
Jennifer
Way to go, Jenn! 1/2 mile of walking per day is a great goal. I didn’t do a physical exercise row80 or 2012 goal, but that’s in the back of my mind, too.
Isn’t Skype wonderful? Have you been to Japan yet? A laptop and a kindle make the long flight go quickly, as I found on my trips to Australia.
I look forward to reading more of your postings… :: smile::
Julia,
The exercising is keeping my mind fresh which really helps when I need to dig into my WIP.
I love Skype but no, I haven’t been to Japan yet. I really want to go though. The pictures my daughter has posted look so beautiful and such a unique culture. She really likes it, but misses her family. Her husband is in the Navy so they will be there a couple more years yet. I still have time to get there!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer
Good going, Jennifer! Congrats on achieving those ah ha moments, tiring out the puppy, and keeping up with your grandbaby via Skype.
Thanks Pat! I appreciate the support.
Congrats on meeting you goals! I’m glad to see that you are able to balance writing goals and exercise goals. That makes me feel that I can do it, too.
Emma,
You can do it! I have faith in you. Its all about starting out with small steps and working towards bigger ones. I figured if I do a little writing everyday, I could make time for a little exercise too.
Good luck!
Jennifer
How wonderful to get to see your granddaughter from the other side of the globe! Great job with ROW80 so far. I read Plot & Structure last year too and want to re-read it in 2012. I’m a mostly pantser who is plotting more these days. I’m hoping that it cuts down editing time and gives me better direction. Best wishes for a great round!
Julie,
I look forward to my Skype sessions. I’m grateful because she can see me and talk to me. So when they move back to the states, I won’t be a stranger to her.
I am totally a pantser. But I know I need more structure to my writing but doing it alone was horrible. Plot & Structure has given me great guidelines to follow and a much better understanding.
thanks for stopping in!
Jennifer
I loved Plot and Structure. There were so many aha moments in that book.
I’m a social media lurker and stalker as well. When I sit down to check I get sucked in for hours, so I try to stay off as much as possible because I don’t have hours to spend,so you aren’t alone.
Good luck with the rest of ROW. The accountability definitely helps.
Asrai,
I don’t think any other book I’ve read had me saying “Oh! Ah, yes that makes total sense. Why didn’t I see that before?” Its been a wonderful resource.
I’m trying not to let the social sites suck me in any more than they already have. But at least they do offer some benefit as well with all the great people I’ve met.
Thanks for the support!
Jennifer
Way to go, Jennifer. Keep up the wonderful progress!
Thanks Sheila!
Read your update and you’re doing great too.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer
You’re doing great! I found that with goals, each day that you succeed makes the next day easier.
James Scott Bell’s Plot and Structure is on of my go-to books as well. Even though I’ve read it before, it’s on my list to be read again this year 🙂
Great job on your goals! I love ROW80, especially since we’re encouraged to adjust our goals if they’re too much of a stretch, or we need more challenge. I never have much to report early in the week, so skipping the mid-week check-in is something I’ve done to make ROW80’s flexibility work cor me. Good luck the rest of this week, and I’ll be checkin’ in with you in Sunday!
Hi Jennette!
I love ROW80s flexibility. It was what really caught my eye about the challenge. That and the awesome community of writers!
I’ll be looking forward to seeing your progress on Sunday.
Have a great weekend!
Jennifer
Hello Jennifer! I would like for you to join us over at the WANA1011 Blogfest Party! You have received an Award my dear! Congratulations! Have a happy day!
Karen,
How awesome! My first award and I’m totally humbled.
Thank you so much!
Jennifer