I’m late for my Wednesday check in, but at least I made it – I missed the last few. There are reasons for that; the internet for one, and an increased work load. There’s also the fact I failed at NaNo, or perhaps I should say, I failed to achieve the required word count. I knew going in there was a chance I couldn’t dedicate the required time – I was juggling too many things. Because of that I also failed to connect with people as I did last year, which is a big reason I felt no motivation to reach the finish line. I was impulsive (nothing new in that respect) and decided to register at the last minute. It had something to do with a certain fireman talking incessantly in my head and reminding me that I’d promised him his day to shine almost two years ago. So, despite everything I’m really glad I set some of my time aside. Tyler is an absolute joy and once I start something I always try to finish. He’ll get more of my attention and in that respect I’m a winner!
When I began ROW80 I set myself baby steps and for the most part have managed to achieve them. That said, as there are only a few weeks left, this will probably be my last check-in. I will still be making the rounds and cheering people on – fulfilling my sponsor duties. It has been the best part for me.
I’m struggling a little at the moment. I’m feeling pretty low and finding the motivation to do anything is quite a challenge. I’m used to these moods and I’m doing all the right things to snap me out of the funk. The lovely Taylor Grace introduced me to the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the escapism has helped. I love the series, so thanks, Taylor! I’ve neglected Tyler a little, and haven’t been writing much of anything, but that’s something I’m familiar with too, so when the compulsion strikes I’ll delve into the fire – literally. I left him fighting a warehouse fire. Thankfully he has it under control 🙂
So, right now I need my internet friends. I’m going to visit some blogs, check in with people and hopefully get to read one of Callum’s poems 🙂
Thanks for listening.
Mel
Melissa Barker-Simpson 
Mel, I totally know what you mean about feeling low and needing time away. I probably should do that now, but I need the distractions. I hope that your spirits lift. HUGS!
Thanks, Gloria. That’s lovely and I so needed those hugs right now 🙂
Mel! I’m in the same boat! I didn’t meet the NANOWriMo word count, but moving to get there with my first novel length draft by end of year for a lil gift to me. I started reading & derailed as well. FYI, love BDB – JR. Ward is fantastic! I love Kresley Cole & Sherrilyn Kenyon too – I’m such a book nerd! Happy to cheer you on too – so keep us bloggers in the know where you are in process. All the best to you!
Thanks, Cassie. I really appreciate that 🙂 It’s not the end of the world that we didn’t make the word count, as long as the job gets done!
I haven’t read any of Sherrilyn Kenyon – will have to check that out!
She has several series. I met her during a launch of the YA series. You would have thought I met Tom Cruise or something. Love her writing & great person.
lol – it can be intimidating meeting someone we admire and don’t know. I’ll check out her books – I’m even more intrigued 🙂
Today we’ll share a hug
Revel in that love
Tomorrow will be brighter
Like we lit a candle
And gave the shadows a shove.
That is so beautiful. Thank you, Gina – for your friendship and your light 🙂
Anytime, dear friend.
I hope you don’t feel low for too long, but take comfort in knowing all us writers hit those funks, I’m sure 🙂
I’m sorry the latest poem I posted wasn’t a more positive one to lift your spirits but one day perhaps there will be a convenient collection you can dip into whenever you want 😉
I cannot wait for that day to come 🙂 Thanks, Callum. I appreciate your support. The mood will pass, I’m sure.
And I appreciate yours! 🙂
I hope you blast your low funk quickly – those nasties always sneak in before you can stop them. Last year I signed on for NaNo and at the end of everything didn’t end up loading a single word. Looking forward to hearing more about your Tyler. 🙂
Thanks, Jo 🙂 I truly value your support.
I’d be willing to bet we’ve all been there. I know I have. For long stretches, I’ve just had to keep writing, even though I wasn’t writing anything that mattered–even to me. And then, for no reason I can ever pinpoint, something shifts.
You’re right, thanks, Ellen. I need to write through the depression because it’s one of the things that makes me feel better even when I hit avoidance! I appreciate your words of encouragement 🙂
You know, sometimes we just need a mental break. I think even attempting NaNoWriMo is impressive. I’ve never even committed to that, even on impulse! I’m notorious for getting side-tracked on other projects, or getting busy with life. Of course, keep nudging yourself out of the funk, but don’t be too hard on yourself 🙂
Thanks, Janna 🙂 I’m with you on the whole sidetracked thing! I appreciate the support.
Oooh that F word! Education (me being a teacher) has finally accepted that ‘failure’ is not a bad thing (nor is stress, but they’re not that open-minded yet). If we allow children to fail, they understand how to counter it, what it feels like, and lots of other good things.
So–no worries about not making the word count. I just know you benefited greatly from the experience.
You’re absolutely right 🙂 I have benefited. I think that’s a wonderful approach to teaching…I wish my teachers had shared the philosophy.
There’s a lot of wisdom in that.
I’m a little late. I have been listening to some music online, to defrag my mind. It looks like you hit a bit of a snag. My internet is irritating on occasion. Sometimes the muse takes off leaving you staring at the blank screen for a long time. Or cue the old style sound FX cuckoo clock
stay sweet and catch ya later
Thanks 🙂 I think my mind definitely needs a little defragging! I haven’t written anything for over a week and I’m not sure when that will change. I hear tumbleweed whenever I try! I hope you’re faring better. I’ll pop over for a visit soon. Thanks for your encouragement 🙂
Your welcome. I’m late as well. sometimes that writing tend to fall into hibernation mode or vacationing in Bahamas, wearing the damn bikini.
I did some researching into some spooky stuff. I am thinking a lot of good material for a WIP. I think I have one such WIP.
Music can sometimes help in defragging one’s noggin.
After posting a quick check-in, I thought of a writing prompt might help, think of an inane scene or crazy scene and write, see where it leads.
Vacationing in the Bahamas – now I could get behind that idea…as long as the writer in me takes me along for the ride, I wouldn’t mind being ignored for the remainder of the trip!
It’s great you have some ideas for you WIP. I hope you have great fun with that. Writing prompts are great, so go completely crazy and see where it takes you 🙂
I hope the writing prompt would get your typing moving. Sometimes a writer needs a little boost.
I think my current check-in is a little freaky. Either that I drank too much coffee 😛