Image Copyright © Tracy Mangold aka @InkyTwig. Thanks, Tracy!
WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating this week!
This is the place to post your check-ins for Wed, April 25 and/or Saturday, April 28.
To learn more about this event, mouse over 10K Days in the blog menu above.
If you’re participating from overseas, feel free to start according to your own time zone. This check-in page is posted the evening before the event so you can. 🙂
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?
TIP: If you don’t see your comment right away after posting, try refreshing your screen.
1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please 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.
DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.
Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli
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RELATED TOPICS
Event Info & Suggested Prep (mouse over 10K Days in the menu above)
Twitter: dream_mancer
Just woke up right before noon, which is typical for me on a Saturday, but didn’t get a lot written last night because of a family emergency, which meant me sleeping in was less sleeping in and more of an attempt to get more than 5 hours of sleep.
My wonderful friend Andrea who is also attempting a 10K day on a writing project she has is also having trouble concentrating, but there are still 12 hours left in the day!
300 words down, 19700 to go. Wow.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Wow, Laura, your check-in has caused us to start a brand new comments page. That’s only the second time in the history of the 10K event (since 2009).
I know what you mean about the sleeping-in being an attempt to actually get less-than-optimal amounts of sleep.
Will Andrea be joining us? She is more than welcome. 🙂
Have fun with those 19700 yet-to-emerge words. 😀
~ Milli
Twitter: dream_mancer
Ha! Second page FTW.
I’ve linked Andrea and prodded her into joining us. I can be truly annoying so hopefully she will, even if it’s to stop my instant messages from popping upe very two seconds.
At this point, the words are more frustrating than fun, so I am following a page in your book and getting some coffee, and possibly food.
-Laura
Twitter: fearofwriting
I’m on 3,279. An unexpected piece of writing grabbed hold and made me write it, so I never did get my coffee break. Off to do that now. . . .
Twitter: dream_mancer
Whoo! I love when the words take over.
And coffee sounds…good. I need to wake up.
Hi, I am the aforementioned Andrea, and was ordered to come here and comment *waves to Laura* 😛
I woke up this morning all ready to go, but my concentration has been doing a fantastic impression of a bouncing, rubber ball. I’ve written maybe 500 words since I woke up at 8:30 this morn – it’s 1:00 here now :-/
Twitter: dream_mancer
*snort* Ordered. Whatever.
You can do it! I’m glad you’re here!
-Laura
Twitter: fearofwriting
Welcome, Andrea!!! Glad you came to join us.
~ Milli
Twitter: fearofwriting
Laura, Andrea –
I went on a long coffee break just as Andrea arrived. How are you both faring? Anything I can do to help with the rubber-bouncing-ball focus deal?
(I’m a writing coach and I love to help writers break through their blocks, so throw it at me. I can take your most gruesome writer’s block story. ;))
~ Milli
Twitter: dream_mancer
Well, the coffee and being outside was a huge stress-relief for me, so that helped. I’m just passed 1,000 words, but I know where a scene is going, which is more than I can say for earlier.
Right now, I’m going to a local greenhouse and I’m hoping that the trip to nature will help. Planning the gardens is something my mother and I do ever year and even though we’re both incredibly stressed, this always helps. As you can tell, I’m all about the de-stressing at this point.
When I get back, I plan to really tackle it. Today is going to be the day I get this book done. It just is!
-Laura
Twitter: fearofwriting
Go, Laura! I think the connection with nature sounds like a great strategy, especially since planning the garden is a de-stresser for you.
I feel a little more motivated myself, knowing that you’ll be back later to tackle [and finish!] your book. I’ll be here, eager to hear your updates.
Okay, so by now I reached 6528 words and am done for the day. I could probably reach 10K by midnight if I wrote some more flash fiction, but am simply too tired to focus anymore…
Even as is, I’m still very happy about crossing off so many things off my list, as they’re all useful to have in the upcoming weeks. I would’ve liked to have more flashes and poems written, but even as many as I have right now I’m considering a success – if it wasn’t for this 10K Day, I know I wouldn’t have written half as many.
Happy writing to everyone else!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Estrella, awesome on the 6528! And crossing so many things off your list.
I can empathize on the tiredness. But you are sounding happy re: considering your day a success so that counts as much (or more) than word count.
Will be eager to hear more details tomorrow, as well as your take on whether you achieved the During and After feelings that you stated as your goals.
9 p.m. your time in Romania as I’m writing this. Hope your evening is restful (fueled by happy feelings of writing fulfillment). And I truly wish you a good night’s sleep!
xoxo
Confession time. The lady who runs the 10K Day has major Procrastinitis going on here.
I’m on 3,520, which is way sluggish compared to my pace on Wednesday. I’ve knocked two things off my list and wrote two other things that weren’t listed.
It’s now time to stare my list in the red-eye and force myself to choose one of those items I’ve been procrastinating about: blog posts. It’s not that they’re hard topics. I’m just not in the mood to write blog posts right now. Probably because I’m so way behind on it, it feels like a mountain to climb.
Ready? 1 – 2 – 3 – DIVE ON THAT LIST!
Just do it, Milli.
😀
Twitter: danapittman
You can do it. Don’t expect perfection just write something. You can go back and clean up later. 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Thanks, Dana! It’s starting to flow, now that I’ve picked one off the list and just made myself start.
Twitter: danapittman
I am slowly plugging away. I am making progress with a pen and paper. I will have a low word count but high level of productivity. I’ve needed to transcribe this info for a while.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Sounds magnificent! Both the joys of pen and paper and the finally getting to write it down.
xoxo
I’m now at 5799. I’m loosing some energy and inspiration. Need a break and a bit of chocolate and maybe a coffee. Back in a few.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Marilyn! You were gone so long I was starting to worry. But you’ve been over there racking up the word count. Impressive. You have definitely earned your break and your bit o’ chocolate!
I’m going to make a cup of tea and dip a chocolate-covered biscotti into it, just to keep you company. 😀
I’m back with some new inspiration. I’m going to finish the story on dad and his golfing and then call the powers of Mikey Dog. I just got an idea as I was walking back from the barn. What did his life mean to me and how did he make my life happier.
Devoured my choco, and got a cup a jave, ready to hit 10K!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Awesome update, Peache! You just gave me the sparklies, as Dee would say. 😀
Twitter: fearofwriting
I’m on 4,811. Diving on my list, choosing one thing and forcing myself to get on with it worked like a charm. I enjoyed writing the article and now I feel less tired and sluggish.
Off to get tea and biscotti. Yum.
I’m now at 7776. whew! I need a little break and I’m going to try to finish to 10K. I have finished the story about dad now I will try to tackle my Mikey Dog idea after a short.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yee-haw! 7776!
I think you can do it. If you get really brain-drained maybe dinner will give you a second wind. Dinner always helps my brain cells rally and gives me the energy to go for 10,000.
Twitter: fearofwriting
I’m on 5,908. Never though I’d get this far – because of being sleep deprived last night, and also because I had to deal with tech issues in one of my online courses – so I’m pretty happy to get this far. But it ain’t over yet. What’s next on my writing list? Hmmm…..
I’m here, albeit very late. And I never RSVP’d for today because I didn’t think I’d make it. But I’ve got an hour or two, so I plan to make the best of them. I’m still working on my AAU/Roleplay story, but I’m nearing the end. 🙂
I’ve already eaten (curried beef and veggies over whole wheat couscous), and now I’m just drinking sweet Ozarka water.
Current Music: God, by Rebecca St. James (classic Aussie Christian rock and roll)
~L
Twitter: fearofwriting
Heeeeyyy, Lois. Fun to see you here and this is a complete (but pleasant) surprise! How cool that you can join us for an hour or two. Let’s boogey!
Thanks, Milli. 🙂
Boogie? Haha! Maybe I should put on my dance music!
And here I go, about to boogie my way to a thousand words or more! 😀
~L
Hi yall, I have been buzzing all day. I have to take a break and not sure if I can come back to it. I’ve had a huge emotional break through. I was writing about Mikey Dog and got on to something I have thought for a while about a dog I had as a child and I have often wandered, ok I may sound out of it here but was that dog reincarnated as Mikey dog. Anyway I got very emotional and I need to stop now for a break. I may or may not come back tonight. I’d like to because I have more to say but whew! Heavy stuff came out. I am now at 8770.
Good luck all if I don’t but I’ll try.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Wow, Marilyn. That’s profound. I’m so happy for you. And it does sound intense, so maybe you need to integrate that first before you write more. Meanwhile, 8770 is awesome!
P.S. We believe our beloved orange tabby, Caster, is trying to come back to us. He appeared to both of us in dreams only several days apart.
Thanks Mills, so you don’t think I’m a total nut job.
Twitter: fearofwriting
LOL! If you’re a nut job then so am I. I believe in reincarnation, both for humans and pets.
When I got my Siamese, Camille, I was the only one she would come to in the pound. I knew by her personality she and I had been together before.
Twitter: fearofwriting
I’m on 7,164. Going to have a shower and then come back to it.
Lois, it might just be you and me left standing (or dancing). 😀
Could be, Milli. And I just finished. 😉
Twitter: fearofwriting
Hey, Lois. Where’d you end up? 🙂
Haha! I posted my final progress further down the page–2,712 words. 🙂
I’m back and I’m going to make you all jealous. I did not make a dinner before hand but I had a meal plan in mind. A summer fest. A Caprese salad. Think that’s how it’s spelled. Fresh vine ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese sliced thin a half avocado sliced very thin with salt and pepper and spritz of lime juice and balsamic vinegar. Killer! Then, I sauteed some shrimp in butter with some home grown rosemary chopped fine, again salt and pepper and that’s it. Yummy. So I’m back and I’m init to winit! Any body watch Idle?
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yowsers, I AM jealous! We had chicken pot pies for dinner. Yummy comfort food but not a patch on what you had! Very cool 10K day food, Peache. You might just be too fancy for us. 😀
Glad to see you’re back and init to winit. Me too! I had a shower, not tired anymore, and I reckon I can write another 3,000 words.
Not too fancy girl just trying to be healthy. And not be a fat fat fatty! ha.
I’m still a dirty bird, no shower yet. whew! stinky girl but happy now and ready to tackle the next phase. Not much to go and inspired. SPARKLES BABY!
OK, I had my Saturday night martini. Can you say hello Hemingway? Just kidding.
Twitter: fearofwriting
That does it! I’m going to get my vino. Can’t have you tippling away without me. 😀
Twitter: danapittman
I’m estimating around 3k. I hand wrote a great deal and typed a little under 2k. I’m off for the night. I’m sooo glad I did this both Wednesday and today. I made a HUGE dent in my workload. Hey Milli…when’s the next 10k days? 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Dana, that’s marrrrrvelous! Very happy for you on all of it. The HUGE dent and all dem words! So great to have you back.
May dates will probably be Wed May 23 & Saturday May 26. (Haven’t checked the calendar yet to see if that clashes with any holidays.)
Twitter: dream_mancer
I am here! I am here!
Had a great afternoon playing in the dirt. Doubled the size of my herb garden, added a bit onto my vegetable garden, and helped mom plan out expansions on her sun garden and shade garden. We like plants.
Showered, fed, got my tea and Diet Dr. Pepper on standby, and ready to DO THIS!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yay, Laura, you did come back. I love a writer who keeps her promises. 🙂 Congrats on all the fun gardening.
OK, ladies, we’re on. As Marilyn said: init to winit. Laura, there’s you, me and Marilyn . . . and maybe Lois is still here (not sure).
Like you said, let’s DO THIS!
I just finished with 2,712 words–although, to be honest, about 972 of those words were copied and pasted from the beginning, then edited a bit (I started with that scene at the beginning, then went back to what started it all). So I wrote roughly 1,740 words for the day, which is 1,740 words more than I usually write on Saturdays, so I’m ecstatic! 😀
And I’ve finished the story!
While listening to the groovy dance beat of Family Force 5! 🙂
Good luck to everyone still writing! I’m pooped and ready to relax with the Hubbs.
Good night!
~L
Twitter: fearofwriting
Wonderful, Lois! I was going to say earlier that I rarely ever have seen you come to a Saturday 10K (maybe this was even your first) so 1,740 is rich! 🙂
Have a lovely evening with hubby. And C U next time!
I used to all the time, but lately, it’s just been Wednesdays because Jeff’s only day off is Saturday. Now that it’s warmer weather, he’ll have to mow the lawn, so sometimes I’ll be able to join in. 🙂
It was a good night. Thanks. 😀
Creeped over the edge. I’m done. 10,040 words for the day. I have had an awesome day. Some amazing emotional break throughs, and success at breaking 10K! yehawwww! I’m exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. Like running a marathon. beat but bestowed! Inspired and satiated.
Mill, not going to post on the Ace course tonight but will check in the morn. Hang tight! Night all.
Twitter: fearofwriting
WOW!!! I can’t believe how fast you blazed out those last coupla thou. You really did have the sparkles! (That wasn’t me implying the martini made you sliiiiiide home. Heehee.)
I’m thrilled beyond words, Peache. What an amazing day you’ve had! And thank those precious horseys for me for giving you some extra love when you needed it.
I’ll watch for your Ace post(s) tomorrow. Sleep tight, lovely one.
xoxo
Twitter: dream_mancer
I am beating my head against the wall because I keep staring at my screen and trying to get my fingers to work. My concentration is out the window. I added another scene but I’m almost done with it, so I only have four scenes left. I know exactly what I want to happen in them, but I can’t get the words onto paper.
So far, my word count is just shy of 2,500. I still have a few more hours and will probably write well past midnight, if I can get the words to come, that is.
Twitter: fearofwriting
Ah, gosh, Laura, I really feel for you. Wish I could help.
I started out today really tired (insomnia last night) and most of the day was a struggle. But eventually I passed through an invisible wall and started to find my flow again. I stopped feeling like a zombie doing it mechanically and reconnected with the enjoyment. I truly hope this happens for you!
I admire your courage in staying there with your book, wanting to finish it today. But don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t. Maybe you just need some extra sleep and then it will all fall into place. I know you only got about 5 hrs last night, so no wonder you’re starey-eyed.
((((hugs Laura))))
Twitter: dream_mancer
Thanks Milli!
I’m going through my music library trying to find some different music, because if I can get the right song on, I can usually plug on through.
I may take a small break, try to refresh my brain, and come back. That usually works for me. That and not trying so hard!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Yay! That’s the spirit. The right music, a good restorative break – and a writing companion who believes in you. I’ll still be here for a while tonight trying to reach 10K.
I’m on 8,305 and it might be a bit of a slow mosey to the finish line. But I’m not in a hurry. 🙂
Twitter: fearofwriting
Hey, Laura, I just had an idea.
Pretend your characters are watching you trying to finish the book. They want to help you and give you advice. Open a different screen and start channeling what they’d say to you if you could hear them telling you how to find your groove to finish the book.
Twitter: dream_mancer
Watched HGTV, snuggled with my cat, and did some yoga. Tried the writing exercise you suggested and the result was 250 words of encouragement from characters in my head (well, a few were insults, because my antagonist is a bit of a you-know-what). That was really, really helpful and I’ll have to remember that from now on.
Now getting back to it, hopefully adding some words before the day’s close!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Laura, I’m smiling big reading your comment. The Tv and snugglies with your cat sounded perfect. And LOL about the insults from your antagonist! But I guess even negative attention can be better than none. Heehee! Glad the rest of them encouraged you, and best of luck!
Twitter: fearofwriting
How’s it going for you? Did you find your flow for the novel tonight?
Twitter: dream_mancer
I really did. I’ve added about another 2,000 words and still going super strong. Skipped the music, opened my window and let nature be my soundtrack, which has also helped. Added two more scenes and I swear, I will finish this book as soon as I stop coming up with new scenes for my characters. Instead of being four scenes away, I’m now back up to seven.
I’m not going back and editing out all the redundant segments that this has created, but saving that for the editing I’ll do later. I’m thankful, though, because one of these ideas helps me out of a corner I wrote myself into earlier.
I won’t hit 10K today, but I did get a lot accomplished as far as working on the ending. I’m even more excited now! Thanks for your help and encouragement!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Awesome news, Laura!!
Ironic about being back to seven scenes. Maybe this is all happening for a good reason, and you’ll be able to see it later.
On the other hand, sometimes we need to write some extra back story that is for the writer’s benefit and helps the writer in her job of getting the final story together. Even if those parts don’t end up in the book.
I love the “nature as your soundtrack” writing vibe. 🙂
Happy to hear you’re going super strong. I didn’t want to leave you alone while you were struggling earlier, but now when I go to bed I’ll imagine you writing away happily.
P.S. Don’t forget to post your final result. I’ll wake up curious tomorrow to see what happened.
Twitter: fearofwriting
I finished on 10,399. I’m not nearly as tired as I was this morning. The writing energized me. 🙂
Combining Wednesday + Saturday I’ve written 20,503 words. My biggest 10K week so far. I’m happy.
Twitter: dream_mancer
Whoo hoo! That’s a lot of words in a week! I’m glad the writing energized you and you’re not feeling as tired. Of course, this late in the evening, you probably wish you were.
I’m happy for you!
Twitter: fearofwriting
Thanks, Laura!
You nailed it. 😀 I’m over it now (the excitement about my word count) and now I wish I was sleeeeeeepy.
Twitter: dream_mancer
Passed the half-way point at just past 5,000 words. Even though I’m ready to keep plowing on, I’m making myself stop so I can get some decent sleep and hopefully I won’t have such a problem getting started tomorrow…er…later today.
Thanks for all the help and encouragement! I really enjoyed my first 10K days and can’t wait until next month, although hopefully I’ll have finished my book before then.
Until next time!
-Laura
Twitter: fearofwriting
Good Morning, Laura,
I hope you got a good night’s sleep this time around.
5,000 words sounds pretty amazing for yesterday, with the issues you were dealing with. I’m really happy to know that you got going again after the initial loss of focus.
I do hope you’ve finished your book by then, too. But, selfishly, I hope you’ll still come to the 10K days. 🙂
Thanks for adding so much Laura-juice to the April events.
~ Milli
Twitter: dream_mancer
Thanks again, Milli!
I’ll definitely come back to the 10K days, that was not the only story in my head that needs to be told and it’s certainly not my only WIP. I’ll be back next month!
With more Laura-juice! I love to talk and cheerlead for other writers. Now I know why Maria and Lois always talk about how fun the 10K days are! Thanks for hosting!
-Laura
I’m really glad you were able to participate, Laura. Hope to see you here next month, too! 😀
~L