Sunday, 30 August 2009

Onwards and upwards

With BTL finally edited and ready to go it's time to move on to other projects. I have submitted the story from the W I P folder that I was working on and I'm now turning my attention to book number 2, NRIMH.
I want to get the first draft finished in 6 months. There are currently less than 10,000 words down on paper so here goes.

10 comments:

Karen said...

Ah there you are! I couldn't find you for a few days, but all working well now :o)

That's quite a deadline you've set yourself, but I'm sure you can do it.

Colette McCormick said...

Yes here I am - large as life and out of the closet.
On reflection 8 months might be more realistic.

Sheila Norton said...

Don't beat yourself up - take the time you need. Otherwise you will rush it and it will just take longer in the revision stage!

Colette McCormick said...

Thanks Olivia. How long does it take you to write a book?

Sheila Norton said...

I suppose the actual writing has usually taken about 6 months - bearing in mind most of them were written while I still had a day job. Then the editing, and any re-writing, and reading the copy-editing and proofs, takes it up to a year. x

Colette McCormick said...

Did you find it difficult to write the books while still holding dow a job or were you able to be really organised? I usually intend on having a regular writing time but life keeps on getting in the way.

Sheila Norton said...

No, I've never been a very organised person Colette! But I was always desperate to get back to my writing after a day at work - some people found that strange because I spent a lot of time on a computer at work but that was SO different - writing was my relaxation! I agree - life does get in the way and you do have to accept that, I think - that's why I said don't beat yourself up, take as long as you need. Don't impose deadlines on yourself unless an editor has given you one! Just write whenever you can fit it in, and want to. Then it should never become a chore. That's my advice anyway, but of course everyone is different! xx

Colette McCormick said...

No I think you are right about not beating myself up about what I can achieve in a given time. I suspect that it like all my deadlines in all aspects of my life will be flexible. You're right about not lletting it be a chore too because I hate chores (epecially housework.)

Paula RC said...

Hello C, sorry I haven't been around much, what with holiday and one thing and another.
I think it's important to have something to aim for, and giving yourself goals or deadline can only help you as long as it is something you can enjoy doing. I wish you lots of luck with your book.

Colette McCormick said...

Thanks Jarmara. The deadline is useful inas much as it gives me something to aim for. A former boss who I admire very much (I can say that because the chances of the Hogs reading this are nil) used to say that you had to have a deadline otherwise you'd never get round to it and he had a point. haiving said that like I said to Olivia it's a moveable thing. Life has taught me what's important so I always make sure I find time for that first. It starts with an F.