Wednesday, February 3, 2016

#IWSG -- Anyone know what it costs to feed an elephant?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
 
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG will be Allison Gammons, Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend! 


Howdy IWSG peeps!

Can you believe we've hit February of the new year already? Me neither!

What have I accomplished so far? Well, I did finish my short story and turned it in...on time!

But, I haven't made much progress on book 3 since the last time we spoke. Which is disappointing.

I printed it out and made some hand-written notes, but I've only put about half of them into the computer.

It's like only 50 pages with a handful of changes and yet to me it's like the proverbial giant elephant in the room.

http://www.funscrape.com/Cheez-Tag/elephant-in-the-room
I don't know about you guys, but I don't think I can afford to feed the elephant. I'm lucky The Husband puts up with the gnomes. He's kind of stinking up the place, too.

The elephant, not The Husband.

I know if I start reading it, and making the changes, that chances are I'll get right back into the story.

Now, I just need to do it.

How about you guys? Are you getting anything done this year?

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Check out my post at the Warwick Valley Romance Author's blog on my favorite couple from my books...Jack & Maggie.


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Come by tomorrow for Christine Rain's Book Tour stop!

40 comments:

  1. Good for you for turning the short story in on time. You go girl! Don't worry. When you are ready, you will whip book 3 into shape. Have some chocolate while you wait:)

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  2. I get like that sometimes. I just get overwhelmed and a simple task warps from an elephant, to a mammoth, to a dinosaur. I always find breaking the task down helps. Put your manuscript into a drawer, take out, say, five pages. Just do them. Don't even think about the rest. In no time at all, you'll find yourself on the last five pages, with the whole job done. Good luck!

    angelinetrevena.co.uk/insecure-writers-support-group-looking-after-the-baby-steps

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  3. Good thing you clarified that, especially if your husband reads your blog.
    Slow and steady on book three. It will be all right.

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    Replies
    1. Ha! Just in case he ever reads it!
      Thanks, Alex.

      TY
      HMG

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  4. Never discount finishing a story and meeting a deadline. Not everybody can do that. :)

    I find doing some minor edits can really help me get back into a project I've been neglecting. I like Angelina's suggestions of doing five pages at a time.

    Best of luck to you!

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  5. I had a slow start to the year, but things are falling into the groove now. I can't wait to be here tomorrow! :)

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  6. You got the short story. That's great! Keep on plugging and you'll make progress.

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  7. Getting the short story in is a big accomplishment! I understand about the elephant as I'm having a terrible time feeding mine but finally feel ready to tackle it again. I have a feeling by next month you will be sharing about how productive February was for you. :)

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    Replies
    1. That would be great! I'll have to hold myself to that!

      TY
      HMG

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  8. I'm entering the editing cave tomorrow. Usually once I go in, I stay until it's done. I'm worried about this one. So many things need fixed or improved upon.

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  9. Congrats on turning in your short story! I know if I'm stuck on my WIP or haven't written in a while, if I go back and start reading it, I'm right back in it in no time. When you're ready, you just have to jump in. Good luck with it!

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  10. It's a good thing that your husband isn't the one stinking up the place, since you're kind of obligated to keep him. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You finished and submitted something, which is great! The work on book 3 will get done, even if it is slow and steady.

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    Replies
    1. Keeping him around is a good idea. Who else will change the batteries in the remotes?

      Thank you!

      TY
      HMG

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  11. Hi Heather - elephant .. I had one of those last summer - could not get out from underneath it ... then I fed it and life was easier!! Oh yes, those hiccups in life ... it needs to go though, especially as it's smell.

    Ready for the A-Z .. well signed, and know what I need to do .. cheers Hilary

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  12. just keep cleaning up the elephant poop. Sounds like you can make progress. As for cleaning up after the hubby, that's another story. Congrats on the short story and I look forward to your A to Z. It's all good.

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    Replies
    1. Wow! Can't even imagine the size of the poop piles!

      Thank you!

      TY
      HMG

      Delete
  13. Hurray on the short story!

    Sometimes you've got to force yourself to just do things. You'll do it, when you decide to do it. As for me, I've decided this is the year I'm *finally* going to tackle that scary ass shadow constantly looming in the corner - marketing.

    The decision has been made.

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  14. It looks like another huge AtoZ is on the way! And congrats on that story.

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  15. Well, if ever you'd like to do a #wordsprint or #wordwar to help motivate you to make those changes I'm in! I need to get book II of my MG series written in a month. Yes, I'm freaking out.

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    Replies
    1. I'm not familiar! I'll have to send you a note to find out more!

      TY
      HMG

      Delete
  16. Congrats on finishing the short story in time. Maybe you just need your hubby to crack a whip at you to get working. ;)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes! I need an angry man to stand over me and yell!

      TY
      HMG

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  17. LOL, love the elephant not husband comment--make me laugh so hard. Happy Writing,
    Juneta Writer's Gambit

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  18. Like eating an elephant, one bite at a time - just one page at a time.

    I'd think elephants might be a bit chewy though.

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  19. I've been trying hard to get back to my WIP, but I'm in constant editing with my other book which is being Re-released Feb. 20th. I feel that's all I've been doing forever, revising and editing. I look forward to getting some new writing done.

    However, congrats Heather on getting your short story done!!!!!!

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  20. Congrats on getting the short story completed and turned in on time :) Good luck with the edits!

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  21. Glad to be here and to read about your success with the short story. You're on book 3? That is amazing. If you did 1 and 2, 3 will get done too. Cheers

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  22. Best of luck with book three.
    Enjoyed your post.
    Yvonne.

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