Credit

In the words of my sister (who also manages my blog), what happened to February? The month is short enough as is, but add to it ten days of vacation and there’s suddenly very few days left for writing. That being said, some of my goals are still on track. Others are a teensy bit off. Then there are those events that I didn’t see coming.

First, like 95% of the population, I decided that this year is the year to get healthy. It’s not just about weight loss, though. I’ve tried tons of those programs. They work while I stick with it, but I never stick with it. I’m focusing my efforts on creating good, healthy habits. So far, it’s going well. I’ve broken the sugar-need (though the lack of sugar has amplified my savory-snack addiction). I’m also doing a good job with regular workouts (except, of course, during vacation, but it is, after all, vacation).

And what about the writing?

That’s going well in some areas, not so well in others. Let’s start with the not-so-well: novel #2. I’m beginning to doubt my ability to get this done. I want to blog about it as I write the novel, but I’m blogging about the work that I should be doing. I’m not sure how this will work. I’m not abandoning the plan yet, but I really do need to start writing at some point. I’m hoping it will get easier after I finally finish novel #1.

Speaking of #1, I’m half way through the editing process. When I finally finish, I’m done with it. After vaca, I’m back to doing at least two chapters a week. Then it’s off to the query line!

In between writing blog posts, working on #1, trying to work on #2, and writing some articles for the local paper, I’m also picking up some genuine freelance jobs, including giving editing/marketing tips to another local writer. The biggest project, though, is the opportunity to work on my town’s summer visitor’s guide. I bid out the project in which I’ll edit a dozen or so articles as well as whip together a few of my own. It’ll keep me very busy in March.

Also popping up in March – the Genesis contest. It’s a contest for unpublished members of the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Association. I’ve entered the same piece for the last three years and have improved every year (that would be #1). This year, however, I’ve decided to try the other side of contests – I’m going to judge. I don’t remember how many entries I volunteered to judge (I think I’ll get 5-7). I’m excited for this opportunity, though. I’ve recently discovered how much I love editing and critiquing. I hope to be able to encourage other writers as much as they helped me during my years of entering.

That means March will be a busy month for me – visitor’s guide, contest judging, editing at least 8 of my chapters … wow! I’m still plugging away and confident that I’ll accomplish it all.

Hope you are doing well – feel free to let me know how you’re month is going!