The Naked Writer
No, not that kind of naked.
There are no naked images in this post :)
And not much of the bare-my-soul type of naked either.
More like the nitty-gritty of what's going on with me type of naked.
Since I'm blogging only twice a month now, I'm really feeling the need to stay connected with all of you. I'm also feeling the need to visit more on Facebook and Twitter, so those of you who friend or follow me there probably wonder why I'm there more when I've said I need more writing time.
It's because I can check in there in 1-2 minute bursts and see what's happening - something I can't do with a blog. Not only is it quicker, it's more immediate. But it's not as connecting as a blog visit.
You bloggers already know that!
Those of you who follow me on Twitter may see that I tweet all kinds of things, not just writing or book related. I tweet things that catch my eye as I read the news or do research. I tweet Texas and coastal and San Antonio things. Food things. Fun things. There's no rhyme or reason.
I receive more strange Facebook messages than I do strange tweets. But the other day I received a really odd tweet (I think I disabled the live links):
What makes it so weird - besides the fact that I'm not a man? I don't follow EU Headlines News or Rashmi Tailors. Plus the date is one that has significance for me.
One of those strange things that keep life interesting. I think there could be a story in there someplace!
So since I've reduced my blogging schedule by half, I want to share with you the difference it's made in my written output.
In January and February, my daily output ranged between 300-800 words. 800 was a really good day and somewhat infrequent. I didn't manage to write every day because I would get behind in other things and have to play catch up. In those two months, I managed to write a little over 20,000 words.
I'm aiming for the three books in this trilogy to be between 65-70K each - a little shorter than my other books. Since I always add many more details on succeeding drafts and during the editing process, my first draft goal is 60K,
My word count at the end of my writing day on March 31 was 43K. That means I wrote a little more in one month with bi-weekly blogging than I wrote in two months with weekly blogging. I've more than doubled my output. I've gone from 33% to 77% complete. But I think the first draft will end up running a little longer than I planned.
I'm sharing all of this so you can see what a difference having this extra time has meant for me. The cost has been not getting to visit with all of you as much as I would like, but the return has been awesome.
I realize that I'm not quite up to NaNo speed or the output many of you produce on a regular basis, but I have to say it feels wonderful to have a real writing schedule. It's something I haven't enjoyed for a while, and I'm grateful to have it again.
In return, I really appreciate your visits when I'm here. Luv you guys!
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In my website contest news, the Author of the Month for April is Texas author Helen Ginger. Helen is giving away a signed copy of ANGEL SOMETIMES, a USA Best Book Award winner. You can learn more about Helen and her books here on her blog and on her website: http://www.helenginger.com
To enter, click the big WIN button at the top of my right sidebar. It takes you directly to the contest page on my website: www.carolkilgore.net/contest/
Read the rules, choose your answer to the question about the photo, fill out the entry form, and click Submit.
For those of you participating in A to Z, I know you're having fun. Keep going, don't give up!
There are no naked images in this post :)
And not much of the bare-my-soul type of naked either.
More like the nitty-gritty of what's going on with me type of naked.
Since I'm blogging only twice a month now, I'm really feeling the need to stay connected with all of you. I'm also feeling the need to visit more on Facebook and Twitter, so those of you who friend or follow me there probably wonder why I'm there more when I've said I need more writing time.
It's because I can check in there in 1-2 minute bursts and see what's happening - something I can't do with a blog. Not only is it quicker, it's more immediate. But it's not as connecting as a blog visit.
You bloggers already know that!
Those of you who follow me on Twitter may see that I tweet all kinds of things, not just writing or book related. I tweet things that catch my eye as I read the news or do research. I tweet Texas and coastal and San Antonio things. Food things. Fun things. There's no rhyme or reason.
I receive more strange Facebook messages than I do strange tweets. But the other day I received a really odd tweet (I think I disabled the live links):
EU Headlines News @EUHeadlinesNews 7 hours ago
@carol_kilgore Rashmi Tailors visiting #SanAntonio @ 11-12-March- Set Appointment for Custom-Made Suits in your City http://bit.ly/RashmiTailor What makes it so weird - besides the fact that I'm not a man? I don't follow EU Headlines News or Rashmi Tailors. Plus the date is one that has significance for me.
One of those strange things that keep life interesting. I think there could be a story in there someplace!
So since I've reduced my blogging schedule by half, I want to share with you the difference it's made in my written output.
In January and February, my daily output ranged between 300-800 words. 800 was a really good day and somewhat infrequent. I didn't manage to write every day because I would get behind in other things and have to play catch up. In those two months, I managed to write a little over 20,000 words.
I'm aiming for the three books in this trilogy to be between 65-70K each - a little shorter than my other books. Since I always add many more details on succeeding drafts and during the editing process, my first draft goal is 60K,
My word count at the end of my writing day on March 31 was 43K. That means I wrote a little more in one month with bi-weekly blogging than I wrote in two months with weekly blogging. I've more than doubled my output. I've gone from 33% to 77% complete. But I think the first draft will end up running a little longer than I planned.
I'm sharing all of this so you can see what a difference having this extra time has meant for me. The cost has been not getting to visit with all of you as much as I would like, but the return has been awesome.
I realize that I'm not quite up to NaNo speed or the output many of you produce on a regular basis, but I have to say it feels wonderful to have a real writing schedule. It's something I haven't enjoyed for a while, and I'm grateful to have it again.
In return, I really appreciate your visits when I'm here. Luv you guys!
In my website contest news, the Author of the Month for April is Texas author Helen Ginger. Helen is giving away a signed copy of ANGEL SOMETIMES, a USA Best Book Award winner. You can learn more about Helen and her books here on her blog and on her website: http://www.helenginger.com To enter, click the big WIN button at the top of my right sidebar. It takes you directly to the contest page on my website: www.carolkilgore.net/contest/
Read the rules, choose your answer to the question about the photo, fill out the entry form, and click Submit.
Winner will be drawn after 6 pm on April 30.
This month’s contest is open to U.S. residents only.
For those of you participating in A to Z, I know you're having fun. Keep going, don't give up!
I'll see you back here on Monday, April 20.
That will be A to Z letter Q:
The quirky queen was in a quandary over her quickie quota :)
Comments
Blogging does take time, but it's the best way to connect.
But, I've lost all interest in FB and I was addicted to it in the beginning. LOL
Keep cranking out those words!
Beer - Better a crappy indie band than Mister Creepy.
Delores - Me, too, or I'd have to figure out something else. Still miss people, though.
Manzanita - I may feel the same way after I finish this trilogy, LOL!
Hart - I'm the same about the honest part. Trying to improve on the baring-the-soul part :)
L.G. - I do miss being here every week, but I want to write my trilogy enough that it's worth it for me.
Teresa - Some days it's like one of those old wringer washers, and I'm cranking that handle while the words squeeze through the wringers at a snail's pace. Other days, it's more like they're on a high-speed spin. I like those spin days!
Glad you've increased your word output on your books. That makes the compromise worthwhile. :)
I love that your output has doubled - and really look forward to seeing the fruits of your work.
Linda G - I think so, too. Writing has to come first right now.
EC - Thanks. I hope you'll enjoy it.
Beth Ellyn - It certainly is. And the decisions hard.
Jo-Anne - LOL! It would've been MEGA disturbing if such things were of me! Everyone would run and hide.
Helena - I was blogging only once a week, too. But the time it took...well, you can see the difference.
Melissa - Thanks. I truly admire those who can blog every week and write at a decent pace as well.
Medeia - Exactly so. I think I'm on a blog diet!
I'm plugging the new giveaway on my blog next Fri!
I just joined Twitter under the name LX Cain. I'll send you a friend request and make sure I don't tweet you about any custom suits. (Weird.)
And I think there is a story in that bizarre tweet. Interesting!
Every once in a while my name appears in some weird tweet. Maybe the poster just wants their tweet in a feed with lots of followers and doesn't bother to check who those followers might be? I don't get it either.
VR Barkowski
Happy writing!
Following you on Twitter! Thanks for the Freebies plug ♥
Nas - I'm glad I'm not the only one. I wouldn't click on one of those links either.
TBM - Thanks!
Julie - I've been trying for a while. I hope it continues.
Mary - I understand. So far this has been a great decision for me.
VR - I try not to figure out too many strange social media happenings. But it's a bizarre place :)
Susan - LOL! I have a really hard time envisioning myself cranking out three books a year. Or even two. One would be good :)
Julie
I miss having you blog as often but I'm glad it's working out for you in word production.
Diane - I've been blogging for six years. I enjoy it. But I had to find time some way. I wouldn't want to give it up totally.
LD - Maybe next time, LOL! It's hard skipping a week. But I don't feel guilty when the words pile up.
That tweet does seem like it could be the start of a story!
Happy writing!
~Jess
I was happy to read how much more productive you're being, however! Congratulations on setting those goals and sticking with them.
Lee - LOL! Thanks.
Mark - Cool :)
Milo - It's our right to write!