Yay productivity!

[deborahjross]

I seem to be emerging from a couple of months of semi-doldrums. It became clear to me while chatting with other writers at Baycon about craft and career that if I want to achieve what I dream of, I need to get more done. So I've been putting a higher priority on not one but two solid writing sessions a day (I can't sit still for more than an hour or two, so that's not as impossible as it sounds). One of the delights of this plan is the kind of "ignition" when unexpected ideas and connections just leap into my mind.

daily goals:
write 5 pages of SHIELD per day/6 days a week
do some small step on the next Darkover project
keep a food and exercise diary
aim for 60 minutes of exercise a day on most days -- usually divided between weights/Pilates and walking
practice piano 6 days a week

Comments

[kateelliott.livejournal.com]

I don't know where you are in the current project, and I was pretty much swamped for several months with a combination of writing and family stress (nothing major), but I read volume one months ago and have some burbling praise to offer as well as a few comments.

I have to tell you, the horse race is simply brilliant. I think I read it without breathing, came up for air, and said "what just happened?" not in terms of what happened in the text but what just happened to me as a reader. I don't get that experience often these days.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. I'll be turbo-charged for days on that feedback alone! Any more to say, email me? And blurbs-suitable-for-impressing-publishers are always welcome.

I started Book 2, got bogged down after 6 or 7 chapters, then realized it wasn't working because there was a whole lot of necessary stuff that happens after Tsorreh arrives in Gelon. So I've taken Shannivar's whole section out and it will now be the opening of Book 2. Book 1 will end with Zevaron and Danar fleeing Aidon, thinking Tsorreh is dead. I think I'm about halfway through the additional material -- can send it to you once it's done if you like. (Although, given your time constraints, I am incredibly appreciative of your efforts so far.)

Now I know how come CROWN OF STARS kept growing... I sold this as 3 books, but am now convinced 4 is the minimum, and am reserving the right to adjust that number upwards as I go along. I can see vast cloudy areas that I skimmed over in proposal, now crying out to be peopled and historied...