It stands for A Round of Words in 80 Days and it's this really cool writing challenge/supportive network of authors encouraging one another to buckle down and write. Of course I had to join in, so here is my goal: To write a clean first draft of 25k words between now and June 23rd. Simple, huh? It may seem that way, but no.
It took me nearly a year to write Shimmerspell. It shouldn't take that long to write a novella. But see, when I first started on it, I was working on my MSCE in counseling psychology. So I trunked the story until graduation, finished it, rewrote it twice, and then changed the pov which resulted in a whole new story. So yeah, my process sucks and I never want to go through that again. I want to be a working writer and in the self-pub world, that means having an extensive backlist. I'll never be able to have that if I don't learn how to manage my time better. Even now, I'm more focused on promoting Shimmerspell than writing the next book. I have to get it together pronto and ROW80 might just be the best way to do it.
*Edited to add: I've decided to make my goal 22k instead of 25k. I think it makes way more sense to aim for the same word count as Shimmerspell.
ROW80 is fantastic, I hope you enjoy it. :) Accounting for your time really helps figuring out your process and how much you can accomplish. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea and I understand the feeling. Even though you love to write, life gets in the way and takes you away from what you really want to do. I know it took me a while to write my first book,In Between Lies. Take school, work, and kids.. and writing?? BUT it can be done.. others have done it.. A fine line to tread, and I for one Kim, will join the challenge with you! :) So, to hold myself accountable, Im putting this out there...I plan to have at least 25K too (or more) for my next book by July.
ReplyDeleteShawna, you are so so right about life getting in the way. It's difficult because I tend to become obsessed with certain things and won't make time to do anything else. I think coming up with a schedule for writing/marketing/etc. will help along with ROW80. I'm glad you're joining the challenge. Now we can keep each other motivated. :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds interesting, I didn't know about it. I'm going to check it out! If there's one thing I really need to internalize, is how to keep motivated and productive. Thanks!
ReplyDelete- EEV
Eev, I also think it would be a good way to get to know more established writers. I tend to be shy even online, so this would be one way to put myself out there while also becoming more productive.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame we can't just transfer the amazing ideas in ourr heads to the fully complete book. I find the pacing and wordcounts probably the most challenging parts.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this new Novella!
So nice to meet you through Goodreads, Kimberly. I also have a counseling psych background :)
ReplyDelete(sometimes I think it did more harm than good...:P)
Sophia, that made me laugh.
ReplyDelete