Editing and more editing - ROW80 check-in

Well, it seems as if all my goals have fallen by the wayside as I continue to edit and rewrite my plant book. That and look after the household and kids. It seems like I'm working all day, every day and I'm still afraid that I won't meet the end of the month deadline for edits/rewrites. It doesn't help that this coming week is March break so I have one child home full-time. And my husband is out of town so I have to do all the meals, look after all the pets (and there are 12 of them!) and try to stay sane for 10 days. Okay, now that that's out of the way... I am enjoying reconnecting with the plant book in such an intimate way. I love looking through my photos for better illustrations of the plant in question. It takes me on a journey back to Nunavut, the land that I love and left in September. Good thing I am enjoying the process or it would be driving me crazy!

I don't know how people juggle more than one WIP. I miss writing new stuff but I just can't manage it while doing this editing. At least I am still reading before bed and writing in my journal. And I had a poetic moment the other day - but nothing concrete resulted. I am still processing.

I hope you are all continuing with your goals!!

What a wonderful world!

I just watched this video on youtube and it's just glorious! Makes me want to travel and see the natural wonders of the world. Oh I've got some of them covered by having been many places in the Arctic but there is so much more to see. It just gives me such a zest for life to see this. I had to share it. I hope you like it too!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=auSo1MyWf8g

welcome Sunday - ROW80 check-in

It's been such a busy time with revising and editing that I haven't been able to do anything else except keep up with the meals and housework. So I won't elaborate on my goals because I have not met them. I'm not too upset because with the revising work having a quick deadline, I have no choice but to do this work.

The thing I am more upset about is not making time to exercise, paint, or read much. I really need to make my schedule more Carolyn health-friendly. That will be my goal this week as well as keeping up with the editing. I don't know how the time goes by so quickly while editing and revising but it does.

So here's to a healthier, more relaxed editing self this coming week!!

Wednesday ROW80 check-in

Editing, editing, and more editing. That's what my week has amounted to so far. The plant book is taking up so much of my time. I'm so afraid that I won't get it done in time for the end of March deadline. So I've neglected every thing else so far this week.

Well, that's not quite true. I did prepare something to read at my writer's group. It was nice to be out with fellow writers. A few new-to-me writers were at the group. Nice to meet more! I also went to an author talk this week. Ami McKay, a great Canadian writer, was talking about how her research results in novels. It was good for me because I also do a lot of research. It's nice to live in a place where I can attend some interesting talks.

I still plan to write a poem this week. It's hard to imagine getting anything done on the WIP though. At least I'm on top of the editing goal. Over the top in terms of time in fact!

I hope you are all faring well on this leap day!!

Check-in Sunday ROW80

It's hard to imagine the devastation in Iqaluit at the moment. A fire in an apartment building. 53 children homeless, at least two people dead. 300 people with no place to go. In the Arctic. I know the community well after living there for the last twelve years. They will come together and work something out. But it will not be easy. My heart goes out to those in need. At times like this I wish I was back home to share in the grief. But here I sit, following it from afar.

I have been doing as much editing on the plant book as possible. No new poems since Wednesday although I feel one coming on at the moment. I need to work on my theme writing for the writer's group tonight, but I think I have it under control.

Feeling a little numb.

ROW80 Wednesday

I can't believe it's already Wednesday. Seems like it was just Sunday. Wrote another poem so that's good. One of these days though I must get around to editing the poems and putting them together in some sort of collection.

The rewriting of the plant book is going to be much more of a challenge than I thought. Just more work than I anticipated so getting it done in the short time span will take a lot of discipline. Not something I have a lot of these last few months. Here's my chance to get it back!

I have to complete my theme writing for the writer's group meeting on Monday night. Not sure how I will fit that in. It's reading week for the kids at University and there are 7 young adults in the house... it's hard to find a quiet place to write.

I haven't managed to get any work done on my WIP. Will try to fit that in too.
Hope your week is going well!!

Need to toughen up

I just got an email from someone that I do not know who is criticizing one of the aspects of my insect book. I guess that happens when you put something out there. Not everyone is going to like what you do, nor is everyone going to agree with how you've done it. I guess it's just irritating me because this person has no idea how much time and energy went into making every single decision that ended up producing this book. MY book.

I feel like I need to email this person back and give them all the reasons why I did what I did and how it in fact works very well. I suppose that would be a waste of my time so that's why I am venting here instead.

Take a deep breath. Okay, I'm ready to continue my work. Thanks for listening!!

Sunday ROW80 check in

Well, it's been a busy few days. I can't believe that I completely forgot about checking in on Wednesday! I can't even think of an excuse.

Since last Sunday I've written more than one poem. I think it's three in fact. So I surpassed the goal to write one a week.

I did manage to complete 500 words on my work in progress on 4 out of 7 days. So things are improving.

Tonight I am sending my edited story to the editor to see how I'm doing with the changes that were suggested. I feel like I've made some great changes while maintaining the integrity of the story. I am very pleased. There is still some tweaking to do but I will work on that once I hear back from the editor. I already can't wait to hear back and I haven't even sent it yet.

This week I have to do some theme writing for my writer's group. So I hope I can keep up with my other goals as well.

I have to edit the new edition of my first book. They want to make some changes. So that is high on my priority list for this week as well.

Mustn't forget the yoga this week because I will surely need it!
Hope you all have a good writing week.

Fiction and non

I've been working on a picture book now for the last couple of months. It's a story that I have been working on for years really, a childhood memory. I sent it to a publisher in September and they really liked it but this publisher focuses on Northern/Inuit stories. So although it was a northern story (I lived in the Arctic for the last twelve years) it was not northern enough to meet their criteria. So they asked me if I would agree to be paired with an Inuit author and we could work together to make the story more northern. That took a great deal of thought but in the end I agreed to it because it seemed like a great opportunity to get published with my first children's book. Months later, my co-author still has not signed her contract. I signed mine several months ago and have been working to edit the story to make the writing as perfect as I can. The publisher told me yesterday that the story is now on the back burner because the co-author is still having trouble with the contract. I am so disappointed. I don't think I can try to sell the story to anyone else for two years (I'll have to look at the contract again).  I guess it's time to work on something new. I have other works in progress, but none that have a contract...

That being said, I have been asked to do some re-writes for my first non-fiction book published in 2004. It's time for a second edition! One door closes, another one opens.

I was just really looking forward to being a published fiction writer. My dream.

Keep dreaming eh?

Sunday check-in ROW80

I feel like I should've written something last night when I heard about Whitney Houston. Just like when I heard about Michael Jackson. It really feels like the end of something. And for some reason, because I was not a Whitney Houston fan, I'm deeply saddened by her death. It harkens back to John Donne - therefore send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. It makes me think about how we all interact and how every single one of us contributes to the whole that we belong to. I so appreciate all the people in my world. I know you are all equally blessed. Don't forget it.

As far as my goals go, I did well at the beginning of the week, not so good at the end. But I'm not discouraged. I feel like things are just settling into place. And this week is bound to be stellar! That is my wish for all of you!!

late again

I had been doing really well with my goal of writing 500-1000 words every day on my WIP until yesterday (Wednesday). I managed to write every day and get a poem done. Editing is on hold for a few days as I'm waiting for answers from my editor. So it's been a great week so far. I do believe I can continue with the trend!

This morning I have a much needed massage and this afternoon I actually have an interview with a reporter about my latest book. That's kind of exciting! Not a lot of interest in Common Insects of Nunavut so I am pleased to be able to promote it!! I have not done many media interviews so I hope it will be interesting and fun.

I am finding these check-ins to be helping with my motivation. I have my goals written on a white board behind my computer where I can see them every time I sit here. Makes everything seem more real and concrete. I am starting to feel more comfortable in my new home.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

I just watched the animated short - http://vimeo.com/35404908, the Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Some artists have the ability to move me in unimaginable ways. What a brilliant little film! It made me laugh and want to cry all at once.

Books have made my life so much richer for having read them and I have to thank my parents repeatedly for that gift. They read to me, recommended books and set the example by reading themselves. Although I have tried to set that same example for my kids, the results are not nearly as positive in this age of so many distractions. I wish that my children's intellectual and imaginary lives were less full of crappy music videos, violent television shows, not to mention ridiculous reality television and vulgar humour. Too much sex, too much violence, nothing is left up to the imagination. They are not allowed to be innocent for long enough.

 I wish, I wish, I wish...

Check in - Sunday - CarolynMallory

It seems like every afternoon about this time, I find myself struggling to stay awake. Caffeine makes me anxious so I stay away from it. Rooibos tea is my favourite hot drink, so I usually steep some to see if that helps. I still struggle. I sit with my work in front of me and close my eyes for a second, which turns into a minute or so until my head snaps up. And so it continues. Maybe a walk would be in order at that time? Something to test out next week!

 I have had a little more success writing at the end of this week. Two days I have written about 500 words, the low end of my goal but writing nonetheless. Perhaps I'm getting somewhere!! I have been working diligently to edit my children's story so that goal is a good one. I may even be getting close to the finished product. I like what is happening with that project.

 One poem written at the beginning of the week. I should go back and read it to see what I think. Usually my poems need editing before they feel "done". A lot of editing. But getting something down on paper is the part that feels really good. Expressing myself with the written word. That's what makes me tick. I need to remember that more often. Treasure the feeling, the experience every time.

So this week has been getting better as far as goals go. I have a feeling I'd better make that tea or I will be asleep at my desk before I finish writing this...

ROW80 Wednesday check-in - late!

I don't know what I was thinking last night but by the time I thought about my check-in, I was in bed. So here I am now.
It's a bit of an eye opener seeing how much I really don't write. I have every intention of writing but it does not seem to materialize at the moment. I remember a time when I wrote religiously every day. I am striving to get back there somehow. This lack of motivation is driving me crazy.
I did manage to get editing done every day so at least that goal is going well.
I also wrote a new poem this week - I am pleased about that too!
So now if I could only get to writing any # of words per day I would be happy.
On a positive note, I did get this great review of my last book yesterday. It's a non-fiction book about insects and it was praised by someone who knows a lot more about insects than I do. I remain humbled and ecstatic by his words.
Now on with the new writing!!

Restorative Yoga

I had never heard of restorative yoga before I moved to Nova Scotia. And now I am taking two classes a week plus reading a book about how it can help to relieve anxiety and depression. And it just fell into my lap. My painting teacher suggested that I come to her yoga class and wouldn't you know it was just what I needed at the time. And then a few weeks later, I was browsing in the local bookstore and I found the book. It's like it had my name on it! I wasn't looking for a yoga book yet somehow it caught my eye. And to think it was about restorative yoga - exactly what I was taking. Sometimes I feel like something is indeed watching over me - making sure I find what I need at the appropriate time. If I put out a call to the universe, it usually responds with something positive. Maybe life is a series of coincidences. I'll just keep putting my calls out.

Snow!

As the first flake falls, my whole being starts to get excited. And as it gets heavier, my spirits lighten and my soul takes flight. I love snow!! The whole world is now covered in the fluffy whiteness and it looks so beautiful. I hope it lasts...

Movie night

Went to see The Grey with my husband tonight. I guess I should've chosen the movie more carefully. I thought since it starred Liam Neeson and looked like an adventure flick that it would be light entertainment. Not the case at all. A little too close to home for one who has flown in and out of the Arctic many, many times. It's about a plane crash and its survivors. I'm not saying the movie is not well done, it is, but it's so darn depressing all the way to the very end...

ROW80 - Sunday check-in - progress?

It's interesting how life gets in the way of writing. In my case, at the moment it's a definite lack of motivation. The move from Nunavut to Nova Scotia is still playing havoc with my psyche. I love the new house and my husband's job is shaping up well. But I feel unsettled. I don't know what my role is in this new place. My goal in life is to be a writer but the move was so expensive that I feel like I need to find a job. At the same time, I am reluctant to look for one because then my writing time would disappear. I suppose I'm at an odd stage in my life. The kids need me less, my husband is happily moving into his new role - I guess I feel left behind. So when I should be writing, I find myself thinking and dwelling. Life here is still so new, I need to give myself time to adjust. But just how long is it going to take?

My goals and how I managed this week.

1. I did manage to edit my children's book for an hour every day so that's positive. I just finished my hour today and I'm not sure about the ending. I think it's time to send it to some readers and see what they think.

2. I only managed to write 600 words on my WIP one day this week. Perhaps next week it will be every day or it will be time to reassess the goals!

3. I did not write a new poem this week. That being said, Sunday is not over yet!

4. Waiting on a new theme for my writer's group - so I am safe with this goal for another week!!

I did start work on my resume again which is not a goal I listed but it is a goal nonetheless. Hopefully this week I can get that finished and then take a look and see what is out there that I am qualified to do!

I am looking forward to challenging myself again this week - keep writing!!

On the move

It's a funny thing moving to another province. It's still Canada, but it's oh so different from one place to another. Living in Nunavut for the last twelve years was living in a snow-covered, tree-less winter wonderland. Not that it was always wonderful but the landscape was always beautiful. The many shades of white that you simply don't experience anywhere else that I've been. It's something you really have to see to understand. And I miss it. My first Nova Scotia winter is oddly green. A few days of snow here and there but mostly green. I hadn't actually anticipated this when I moved. I just assumed that winter would be winter (except in BC) and that means snow! For the first time in my life I am living a green winter. It's only January so there is still hope. At least I am hopeful.

ROW80 check in - Wednesday

It's only been a few days but I can tell that my goals may already be more than I can accomplish. I have been editing an hour a day on my children's book so that one worked out okay. It's managing to write 500-1000 words on my work in progress that is challenging. So far I have not managed a word. I refuse to be discouraged this early in the game though. Once I get going, I will be unstoppable (I hope). There are just so many frustrations at the moment with the picture book that it's taking up all my energy.

On a positive note, I did manage to do the them writing for my writer's group (Best Word) this week, so that's two goals met so far!

Tomorrow is another day and I will write!!