I’ve finished my rowing for today. I have to tell you, this exercise is kicking my butt…BIG TIME! I can only row for about 10 to 12 minutes at time. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I’m setting a pretty fast pace. (Rowing to eighties rock music helps.;) My goal is to row five days a week, even if it’s only for 10 minutes a day. Eventually, I want to build up to thirty minutes to an hour. For now, I have to settle for my ten to twelve. Sigh.
The Japanese lessons are going slower than I’d like. I’m going to have to double them up to twice a day so that I can at least get through all thirty-eight levels of lesson one. Sadly, I think that by the time I’m done, I will actually know more Japanese than I do Spanish.
After spending the last couple of days typing in sections of various urban fantasies, I’ve decided to rip apart the first two chapters of my urban fantasy to see if changing the opening makes a difference. Keep in mind, I really do like the opening to my book, but I want to see if I can make it better. (ie read more like an urban fantasy)
I am hacking my way through a MASSIVE learning curve at the moment. Between the Japanese lessons and the urban fantasy lessons, I’m waiting for steam to come out of my ears. My dh keeps reminding me of what Stephen King says about writing well, “If you aren’t ready to work your ass off, then settle back into mediocrity and be grateful.” I’m not quite ready to settle back yet. How about you? What are you actively doing to make your writing better? (Beyond the obvious of writing more books.)
November 14th, 2006
Huh. I guess the main thing I’m doing is challenging myself with more difficult stories. My first 3 books I kept simple on purpose so I could get a handle on the basics. Now it seems like every story is a new level of complexity. Which leaves me always in the “can I really pull this off?” zone, heh.
by Charlene Teglia November 14th, 2006 at 2:49 pmI guess I’m in Charlene’s boat–trying to branch out of the subgenres and character arcs I’m most familiar and comfortable with, into unknown (to me) territory. I participated in a brainstorming session recently, and a friend suggested I take the story in this direction that sounded at once fabulous and totally scary. I said I wasn’t sure I could do it, and she reminded me that if the story doesn’t scare the crap out of you, it isn’t worth writing. Oh, yeah.
And good for you for your 10 - 12 minutes! You’ll build it up fast, I’m sure.
by Catherine Morris November 14th, 2006 at 4:05 pmI’m reading more books on mythology and myths. I’m also reading books on runes and vikings, and other divination tools. It’ll help me round up more my paranormal stories.
by Tempest Knight November 14th, 2006 at 7:15 pmThe plotting curve is very very steep. Why can’t it be A + B = C?
Also, you are only learning how to speak Japanese, right? Not learning how to read and write?
by May November 15th, 2006 at 7:20 amDamn, I’ll never settle Jordan. I can always get better, do better. I think with every book I’m improving. I learn alot from my various critique partners (yeah, I’m talking about you!
Just the way different people write, or see things, encourages me to learn.
by Vivi Anna November 15th, 2006 at 8:54 amI’m trying to imagine how many books I’d have to write if it were, in fact, true that one could work one’s ass off.
by Jo Leigh November 15th, 2006 at 10:59 amCharlene, I’m definitely living in the ‘can I pull this off’ zone. It’s a scary place exist. Here they be monsters…argh.
by Jordan November 15th, 2006 at 1:29 pmThanks for the reminder (and encouragement), Catherine. You’re friend is absolutely correct.
by Jordan November 15th, 2006 at 1:30 pmSmart, Tempest!
by Jordan November 15th, 2006 at 1:31 pmMay, I have no idea why that’s not the case. Fortunately, I’m not having plotting problems…thank goodness. I’m battling stylistic changes. As to your other question, no, I’m not trying to learn to read and write Japanese. :-O I’d only like to be able to speak a little by the time we get there.
by Jordan November 15th, 2006 at 1:33 pmVivi, Thanks! I agree that it’s a continuous learning process. Some lessons are just harder than others. *g*
by Jordan November 15th, 2006 at 1:34 pmJo, LMAO!!! I’m so glad I didn’t have a mouthful of coffee when I read your comment. You are too funny.
by Jordan November 15th, 2006 at 1:35 pmI’m in the “can I pull this off” boat too LOL
by Cece November 15th, 2006 at 6:36 pmYup rowing will kick your butt that’s for sure. I’m going to do my kickboxing tonight, need some serious stress relief and hubby’s not home to help take care of that. So exercise!!
I’m actively writing a policy report, I have to provide cost budgeting/alternatives/blah blah technical blah. That’s all the writing I’ve got time for these days.
by Shannon November 15th, 2006 at 10:07 pm