Expertise Hours Two: The Evaluation

Some of you might remember when I decided last year to commit to 12 hours of writing time a week, or 624 hours for the year. My hope was to collect expertise hours to the tune of around 6K more before I retire in 2020 to write full time. More details? You betcha!

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So, how did it go? Well, the good news is this: I will get my hours in. I was disciplined enough and carved out enough time in my life to meet my obligation to myself. I will be a little short at the end of this super full time week, but I will have a little more time to write on vacation next week, so it will all pan out. Nicely done.

Positive Observations:

1. My output has increased. You wouldn't know it to look at what's circulating. This year I wrote two novel rough drafts, planned a series of books, and wrote one new short story. Good.

2. I am improving in patience.

3. There is less pressure to produce a product, and more time to experiment and research.

Other observations:

1. I have exercised LESS this year than I usually do. I will credit most of that to rib damage, although I know there have definitely been nights I have chosen to sit and right over work out. Gonna have to figure that one out.

2. If I have time, but no goals or guidance, I can easily fritter my writer time away on research. I need some research, but I need to make sure I only research what I need to research.

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I'd call the experiment a success. As I gear up to do the same thing next year, I will try to move toward setting and reaching goals. I think figuring out how long it takes me to actually do things is the next key step. Like with time dedicated to writing, I can reach goals only if I plan the goals as something that can be done in a reasonable time frame.

I really recommend this approach. It keeps you from feeling that you'll get to write...some day. In spite of the day job, I'm definitely writing now.

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.

Planning for the Future at Writer Tamago

Well, I've been thinking about what to put on the old bloggeroo in the New Year.

You might have noticed that I have finished my VP XIII interviews (Yes, I know I didn't do a spotlight on me, so the interviews aren't complete. That's for all you literalists out there. No, I don't intend to do one. That's for all you narcissists out there. ;P)

I would like to do another set of interviews, and I have a few ideas. What would you like to see?

--more VP interviews from members of different numbered workshops
--interviews of writers from Codex
--How I Broke In (interviewing published pros about their path to publication, with more of an emphasis on process, rather than "the moment."
--Something else entirely. Suggestions welcome, but not necessarily taken.

I also plan to continue with research posts, updates on writing and process, and the occasional topical media issue. I got nothing at the moment lined up, although that can change. I think, for example, there may be some links on Victorian Interiors soon.

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Tonight I'm off for an allergy shot (I forgot one, so now I'm a frequent flier for a bit again), a book group meeting (Arthurian legend, specifically through Mists of Avalon), and some working out. Only three more working days until break.

Cath

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.