“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)
WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating this week!
This is the place to post your check-ins for Wednesday, December 15 and/or Saturday, December 18.
To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!
You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.
Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.
WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?
Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.
Keep check-ins fairly brief:
1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.
2. You can also describe what you’re working on.
3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.
4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.
5. Check-ins only. Please do not post your writing!
DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.
Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli
I’m here! 😀
Continuing with my NaNo story – I hope to get to 15,000 words by the end of today (currently on 10,500).
Hurry up and wake up all you over there across the pond! 😉
Twitter: fearofwriting
Toyah, you’re so funny!
*We’re awake, we’re awake!*
(At least, two of us Eastern Standard Time gals are.)
Good Morning everyone! I’m excited to dig in and get some work done today. It’s strange, but since taking this editing job, I feel awkward about working on my own book–like that should be done “after hours” or something.
Except, doh! My book is the next to be released, so really, I need to work on it first. Of course a Mom’s job is never really sacred. I’ve got to run kids around this morning because of the severe cold here. But, I’ll be on most of the day otherwise. Thank goodness book club, knitting club, and girl scouts aren’t until tomorrow or I’d be really running crazy!
Okay, off ot try to get some work done now! See y’all around 8:30 CST 🙂
Hugs,
Jen-bug 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Jen-Bug, I hear ya. Except for a sabbatical I took in ’09 to finish my first screenplay, for years I’ve put FoW work ahead of my own writing. But now I’m giving them equal billing – and the 10K Days make that a lot easier.
No more After Hours girls!!
(Hmm, sounds like the title for a screenplay. LOL! I see them everywhere.)
Twitter: pattistafford
Love the title. I’m supposed to take off by noon on work days, but since I’ve gotten a late start today, I guess it’ll be later when I take off. At least that’s how I SHOULD do it, right? LMAO!
I’m here, trying to get started. Will make coffee and see if having my faithful mug at my side will get me started. I’m freewriting today, no plan and no net.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Laura, great to see you here!! And, yes, the lucky coffee mug should help! (I’m planning to wear my lucky Hollywood shirt cuz I’ll be working on a screenplay idea.) But if all else fails, declutter something from your work space. LOL! (I just read your latest blog post – I’m a Believer.)
Twitter: fearofwriting
Good Morning Amazing People,
My plans for today: 3 blog posts, an article for the FoW online course, a Dreams ‘n’ Goals visualization type of short essay and another screenplay treatment.
But, first, some old-fashioned journaling, then a protein brekkie (eggs & toast), a hot shower and then Start Your Engines, Gentlemen…………….
Twitter: pattistafford
Oops! I completely forgot about the 10K day until I saw Toyah’s twiiter post. I think it was her.
Anyway, just stopping by to wish everyone luck and have lots of fun.
I’m supposed to work on a report and some keywords today, but I’m getting a late start. I think the decaf gal needs a bit of caffiene this morning–it’s brewing as I type.
Have a fantabulous day everyone!
Hugs!
Twitter: pattistafford
Dance of Death by Iron Maiden rattlin’ the head. Ah, now the day can start. 🙂
Hey y’all,
Sorry for the delay in reporting. I have nothing yet to report except about two chapters of edited pages, just to get back into the swing of the story. I’m redoing the ending and needed to know where to begin the new pages. So, hopefully I’ll have some words to report this afternnon 😉
Congrats to everyone who’s made it in so far and I think it’s wonderful we’re all able to be here!! 🙂
Milli–that sounds like a GREAT title for a screenplay! 🙂
Hugs,
Jen-bug 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
My first report: Knocked over three of the items from my list of seven and wrote 1,551 words in about an hour. I will probably never get near Helene for speed of word count 😀 but I’m feeling really happy with what I’ve written so far—and with the act of writing full-bore.
I even enjoyed the written venting I did when an outside matter intruded and pissed me off. After venting I felt cleansed, and the next thing I wrote (an article for the online course) benefited from all the passion I released by acknowledging how gnarly I felt!
And my reward will be my second cup of coffee. Catch you all during the next break!
So far I have done nothing but get a headache. But, I started reading a new Julia Cameron book, The Writing Diet. I need to review it at some point anyway. Maybe I can get on track and it’s not noon yet so there is still hope.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Laura, hope your headache eases soon.
What are you working on? Perhaps describing your project here on the blog (without giving away your story) to all the people here who would love to cheer you on would help unleash something.
It’s now 5pm here and I’ve made it to 1581, some of which is ‘something happens which means this and then that can happen’ type of filler in between actual segments of plot. I just can’t get my head into it today… 🙁
Twitter: fearofwriting
Toyah, here’s a trick that might work. 10K Day regular Lois Eighmy is a firm believer in journaling about her characters. She falls more in love with them as she does so.
I’ve tried character journaling myself and it’s also great for getting to know your characters on a deeper level.
If you feel you’re not really into your story today, try breaking off to write some background. You could even ask your main character a question. Such as “Why are you not in the mood for your own story today?” Maybe your character has an issue that needs to be resolved before the story can go forward. 🙂
That is a good idea, thanks – I might break for dinner and then try it afterwards… 🙂
Late again, but only because wonderful people keep sending wonderful wishes my way. But I am buckling down now.
Tossing Patti some bread crumbs. 😉
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yay! You’re here. Now the world is right. 🙂
Twitter: pattistafford
Woot! These are pretty tasty too. You rock! 🙂
I love the idea about journaling about your characters. I do that in my head all the time, never thought about putting it on paper.
Right now I am working on two blog posts for a blog network run by my friend, Deanna. If I get a few posts done for each then I can work on other stuff.
Twitter: fearofwriting
That’s what I’m doing, too, Laura. Writing articles and blog posts first so I can save my main project for the grand finale.
Two written. Taking a break before I start the illustrations for them. What word count do illustrations get? 🙂 I won’t make 10K but I’m making progress.
Twitter: fearofwriting
I got to 2,161 before lunch. About to dive in again. I’m having a blast so far!
Twitter: fearofwriting
I’m on 3,338 and feeling pleased. I’ve finished my lesser projects for the day and it’s only 2:30 EST. I now have all afternoon and evening to work on my main thing: another screenplay treatment.
Hope to finish in time to spend some romantic moments with Brian before bed. He is always supportive of my 10K Days and even cooks the dinner for us. 🙂
Twitter: danapittman
What a morning! I’m here. My word count is 3,807. I’m about to take a break until later. I will pull up the rear. 🙂 I plan to write this evening through the night.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yay! You made it. Your progress sounds great. I’ll be here till late, as well, so buddies!
G’night all – I’m done for the day. I didn’t get back to work after dinner so my count stands at 1581 (unless you count my blog post which I did, in which case it’s more!). Good luck with the rest of your day 😉
Twitter: fearofwriting
Good night, Toyah! See you next time. 🙂
P.S. Absolutely – the blog post counts!
Well, it’s 5ish here and I’m just now getting back to the computer. But, I can’t stay on long because the kidlets are already biting at my ankles. *Sigh*
So sorry to poop out on a 10K Day. I hope everyone has a fabulous time!! I’m gonna take care of the children, get some rest, and get all set up for a great Saturday 10K day when hubby is home to play wife! Lol 🙂
Hugs to y’all! 🙂
Jen-bug 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yeah, you’d definitely need a wife for your 10K Days when you’ve got kiddos. See you on Saturday, my favorite Jenny-Bug!!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Well, I’m done. My treatment is 6,107 words—but I can’t count all of that because various passages were pasted in from elsewhere (it’s adapted from one of my short stories).
So, that’s 3,338 freshly-written words + 6,107 of some fresh/some adapted……for a total of 9,445. I’m going to quit there because I want my Hubby Time. 🙂
I’ll be back on Saturday to write another screenplay treatment. Good luck, everyone! Happy writing!
Twitter: pattistafford
Awesome!
I’ve gotten three emails loaded into my autoresponder. That’s about the jist of my day. It finally got started about quitting time. Is that luck or what? LMAO!
Tomorrow will be busy though.
Sweet dreams! 🙂
Twitter: danapittman
I guess I’m pulling up the rear again. LOL! I ended at a little over 5k. Not the full 10k but I was very productive. Thanks again Milli!
Despite living on a borrowed and slow computer, I’m greeting the dawn on Saturday December 18 – tomorrow to y’all. I’ve done 3.5k since 0650 – er, then there was Milo-The-Cat to serve breakast to. This little effort is named: For The Love Of Ellie. Set in Australia.
As you7 sleep, I’ll be hosting the ankle-biters as my only acting gig for the year: Mr. S. Claus.
Good luck to y’all as you pound the keyboard. Go for it.
0730 Tomorrow! 4.5k. Coffee break!!!!! 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Go, Alza!! Way to rock those 4,500 words! Thanks for kicking us off for our Saturday 10K. You’ve got the juices flowing for us already. AUSSIES RULE! 😀
I’m done
I’m done
…and it’s been lots of fun.
and it’s still yesterday.
Hugs to y’all
Al 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Al ~ Glad you had fun! Congrats on doing 10K and being Santa, all on the same day.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Good Morning, fine people.
I’m here, kinda. Stayed up late last night drinking wine and watching movies with Brian so it’s going to take some warm-up. First order of business is the cappuccino B’s making me.
Meanwhile, W*E*L*C*O*M*E to our Saturday 10K crew. Aussie Al has kicked things off for us from Bathurst, NSW, Australia (see above).
I’m excited for the 10K day today. Last summer, I managed to do it all in one lump sum of time, but today’s effort will be in chunks. That’s ok–I know I’ll get there!
I’m just starting a new book for writers on how to break through blocks by getting more attuned to yourself and your creative process. I have the first chapter outlined, so I’ll get to writing that now!
Good luck to the rest of you!
Beth
Twitter: fearofwriting
BETH! Welcome back. I can feel your excitement ~ it’s infectious. Your project sounds wonderful. I love to read stuff about being more attuned. Have fun with chapter one. 😀
Thanks Miss Milli 🙂
I’m about 1800 words into it and taking my first break. Hoped to get to 2K but the thoughts are slowing me down–which is OK too. DH & I have to do a bit of xmas shopping but he will be watching basketball all afternoon which will free me to write. I’ll be back soon…
Hi all!
I’m not doing the 10K today, but I just stopped in to wish you all ~
~~~~~~~~~~~ H a p p y 10K D a Y ~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m cheering for all of you out here on the US West Coast.
Go for it! And Congratulations Al!
catherine 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Thanks, Catherine!!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Good morning, fine people.
Stayed up too late last night drinking wine and watching movies with Brian so feeling a bit seedy. But I spent my coffee time brainstorming my story with Brian’s help, so that was fun. It’s for a screenplay where some typical guy stuff takes place, so he’s helping me by being the role model. 😉
Meanwhile, W*E*L*C*O*M*E to our Saturday crew. Aussie Al in Bathurst, NSW kicked things off for us on Saturday his time, so one writer has already done 10K. (see above) Thanks for blazing the trail, Al!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Good morning, fine people.
Stayed up too late drinking wine and watching movies with Brian, so feeling a bit seedy. Spent my coffee time brainstorming my story with Brian, so that was fun. It’s for a screenplay where some typical guy stuff takes places, so he’s being my role model. ;D
W*E*L*C*O*M*E to our Saturday crew. Aussie Al already did his 10K yesterday, which was Saturday in his part of the world (see above), so we have some great trail-blazing to kick us off. Thanks, Al!
Good Morning everyone! I’m excited to be here and so many of you have started all ready! Very cool! 😉 🙂
I’ll be working, but not sure if I’ll have a word count goal. I’m going to edit until I’m ready to keep writing, so here’s hoping I get through at least 100 of nearly 300 pages of my book 🙂
I have to run a quick errand this afternoon, so I figure I’ll meld that into my lunch break, then it’ll be off to work for me again 🙂
I hope everyone has a fantastic day!
Warmly,
Jen-bug 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
‘Morning, Lil Bug 😀
I think Beth is the only one working so far. I’m still trying to wake up. Need a shower and more coffee. LOL! Like you, I don’t have a word count goal. Screenplay treatments are too long at 10K, so I’m going to be more relaxed today than I normally would. I’ve barely started inventing my story, so part of my time will be spent on daydreaming.
Good luck with your editing!
Twitter: pattistafford
Hi Everyone!
I’m not writing today and I didn’t forget to come say “Good Luck” earlier. My computer was glitchy. It only acts this way if I want to work or play on it. If I’m not sitting here, it acts just fine. And yes, I have hidden behind my chair and watched it. LOL
Hope everyone has a fabulous day. 🙂
Not too shabby 🙂 I’m back at my desk again after a lunch break. I got nearly two chapters ready to go, so that’s a great thing! I want to keep the momentum up though so I’m gonna get back to work!
Hope everyone is enjoying this great day! 🙂 Best of luck and warmest wishes to everyone!!
Hugs,
Jen-bug 🙂
Twitter: pattistafford
I think everyone has left the Internet. The days I have my nose to the grindstone and finally get to login somewhere, I can’t keep up with the activity.
The day I get a chance to go around irritating everyone, you’re all gone. That’s just wrong! LOL
But it appears Jenny is also a glutten for punishment. Congrats on the progress!
Maybe I’ll take a nap now.
Twitter: fearofwriting
LOL! That happens to me sometimes, too, Patti. I’ll be having a Twitter frenzy and posting all my most sparkling Tweets but all my friends will be off living their lives.
A nap sounds good. Enjoy.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Eee. Today has been one of those days where I just couldn’t settle down to the task, even though I’m excited about my story. I finally realized I’ve reached my saturation point and need to not be working today (even if it is fun work).
Still, I’m happy with my progress. I went to bed last night with a great title but very little in the way of story (I didn’t have time to prep for this one). But now, between helpful conversations with Brian (where he’s my willing role model for the typical guy stuff that needs to happen) and some online research (I know, that’s cheating ;)), I now have seven characters, their names and occupations, the setting and the plot. This won’t be hard to write when I do get down to brass tacks.
And now I need to rest and get my mind off writing screenplay treatments. I’ll be back later to check what ya’ll are up to. Happy writing!
Tag team, Milli. I’m just now getting on. 😉
Twitter: fearofwriting
Hi j ~ Glad you made it. Hope you enjoy your writing time in the coffee shop. 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
j ~ Even though I’ve dropped out the game for today, I’m thinking of you and sending happy writing vibes your way.
xoxo
Some interruptions got in the way, but they were fun ones (a friend gave me an x-mas gift and the kids have been over-excited because of all the holiday stuff going on) and I didn’t mind so much. I’m staying focused and working for the rest of the night now. Even if I only get a few more chapters edited, it’s farther than I would have gotten without the 10K day!
Thanks bunches, Millikins, for bringing these back! Sometimes, you’re mind is letting you know when you need to recharge and since you’ve always been such an intuitive person, I’m glad you’re listening to your instincts!
Hugs,
Jen-bug! 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Hey, Jenny-Bug. So glad the 10K Day has been a productive editing day for you. That’s the great thing about dedicating a whole day to writing – we can make huge progress on whatever project most needs it.
Enjoy your night with your manuscript! My honey made me yummy tacos for dinner and now we’re going to veg out and watch a movie.
Twitter: pattistafford
Woot! Glad everyone enjoyed their day at least.
Catch you good people next time. 🙂