Have you ever read a book then looked at the cover and grimaced because the characters look nothing like they were described?
Yeah, me too.
For this very reason, I resisted finding pictures of real people to base my characters on. After all, my characters are conjured in my imagination. No one could possibly live up to the images in my head!
A few books ago, though, I had a change of heart. I'd find myself having to look up the heroine's eye color. I couldn't remember if the hero had brown or black hair. I knew I had to change.
Now, I fill out my character sheets for a new book, and when I form a mental picture of the hero and heroine, I spend a few hours on the internet, searching for models/actresses/musicians who come close to the ideal. I thought it would be much harder than it is. I've been fortunate to find the perfect picture for each character. Once I find them, I print out one or two pictures and stab the pics into my corkboard. The hero and heroine will be right there in front of me the entire first draft.
By the way, my current book features the gorgeous Teresa Palmer and the not-too-shabby Eric Martsolf. It's really not difficult to gaze at these two all day long! (Curious? Check them out: Teresa Palmer and Eric Martsolf.)
What about you? Do you find pictures of your characters? Or does the idea turn you off? I'd love to hear from you.
Join me on Friday. We'll be talking about a fun Point of View trick I like to employ.
And...
Write Already! It's Wednesday!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
What Kind of Reviser Are You?
Do you love revising? Or do you hate it? How in depth do you revise? At what stage of the manuscript?
I revised minimally with my first few books mainly because I didn't know what to look for. Then, when I began to learn more and realized there were about a million things to examine, revising became a time-consuming and tedious process. I hated it!
Since I'm an analytical, systematic type of gal, I thought, "I'll form my own revising system and I'll get better!" For the most part, it worked. I write my first draft as polished and as quickly as possible. I don't look back, nor do I revise as I go. When I'm finished, I set the manuscript aside and I revise my previous manuscript--the one I wrote a few months ago. This gives me much needed space to give a critical eye to my work. I won't revise the current book until I finish revising the previous one and I finish writing the first draft of the next one.
I know many of you are weeping in horror. It does seem grievous to "shove Baby in a corner" so soon after writing it. I do it because I get too close to my story, and a slew of little things get overlooked. I need to have a few months distance from a final draft; many other writers don't.
I do lose precious submitting time with this method. If I were to revise my manuscript immediately upon completion, I would be able to query it right away. But I write category romance novels, and I only submit one project at a time. Months can pass before I get a response on a project already submitted. I'd rather have a few terrific manuscripts waiting at home than a few so-so projects waiting on an editor's desk.
Many writers write a chapter and revise it until it's perfect. Then they move on to the next chapter. Other writers write the first draft and then revise it. Some writers write such a wonderful first draft, their revisions are minimal. (Wouldn't that be nice?)
We're all different. What works for one won't work for another. Play around with different methods until you find the one that suits you best.
I actually enjoy revising now. Once I learned that I could drastically improve my book by looking for key things, I found revising pleasurable.
I want to share one widely toted revision tip that works wonders. I'm sure you've heard of it. Maybe you use it yourself?
Read your manuscript out loud.
The spoken word will alert you to words in the wrong sequence. It will point out formal writing. Do you use the same phrase, the same words, over and over? Reading out loud will point them out. Stilted dialogue will scream to get fixed. Reading out loud takes time, but it pays off.
What's your revision process? Do you read your work out loud? I'd love to hear from you.
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss the pros and cons of finding pictures to represent main characters.
And...
Get Motivated! It's Monday!
I revised minimally with my first few books mainly because I didn't know what to look for. Then, when I began to learn more and realized there were about a million things to examine, revising became a time-consuming and tedious process. I hated it!
Since I'm an analytical, systematic type of gal, I thought, "I'll form my own revising system and I'll get better!" For the most part, it worked. I write my first draft as polished and as quickly as possible. I don't look back, nor do I revise as I go. When I'm finished, I set the manuscript aside and I revise my previous manuscript--the one I wrote a few months ago. This gives me much needed space to give a critical eye to my work. I won't revise the current book until I finish revising the previous one and I finish writing the first draft of the next one.
I know many of you are weeping in horror. It does seem grievous to "shove Baby in a corner" so soon after writing it. I do it because I get too close to my story, and a slew of little things get overlooked. I need to have a few months distance from a final draft; many other writers don't.
I do lose precious submitting time with this method. If I were to revise my manuscript immediately upon completion, I would be able to query it right away. But I write category romance novels, and I only submit one project at a time. Months can pass before I get a response on a project already submitted. I'd rather have a few terrific manuscripts waiting at home than a few so-so projects waiting on an editor's desk.
Many writers write a chapter and revise it until it's perfect. Then they move on to the next chapter. Other writers write the first draft and then revise it. Some writers write such a wonderful first draft, their revisions are minimal. (Wouldn't that be nice?)
We're all different. What works for one won't work for another. Play around with different methods until you find the one that suits you best.
I actually enjoy revising now. Once I learned that I could drastically improve my book by looking for key things, I found revising pleasurable.
I want to share one widely toted revision tip that works wonders. I'm sure you've heard of it. Maybe you use it yourself?
Read your manuscript out loud.
The spoken word will alert you to words in the wrong sequence. It will point out formal writing. Do you use the same phrase, the same words, over and over? Reading out loud will point them out. Stilted dialogue will scream to get fixed. Reading out loud takes time, but it pays off.
What's your revision process? Do you read your work out loud? I'd love to hear from you.
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss the pros and cons of finding pictures to represent main characters.
And...
Get Motivated! It's Monday!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Distractions
Nothing distracts me. Nope. I don't get up fifteen times an hour for more coffee. Bowl full of Kissables downstairs? Don't think twice about it. Giant cat meowing up at me from the floor? Don't hear her, nor do I stop to pick her up, set her on my lap, and pet her incessantly until she settles down.
Distractions are simply not an issue in my life.
Are you rolling on the floor laughing right now? Yeah, me too! I get distracted every ten minutes. It's not easy keeping my rear glued to the seat. I'm sure you find a way to get writing in, one way or another, so I'm not going to focus on the daily distractions of writing. What about the broader aspects of writing, though?
Earlier in the year we set writing-related goals. How are you doing with them?
Did you intend to read five books on writing craft this year and realize you've read zero?
Did you tell yourself you'll take an online course once every three months, but you haven't signed up for any?
Or was this the year you were going to either design your website or hire it out, but it keeps getting shuffled to next week's to-do list?
What distracted you? Did the task seem impossible when you thought about it? Did you fail to write your goals down? Or did you think that you'd have plenty of time to do them--later?
Don't beat yourself up. If something is important to you, you'll do it. The key is to write it down and to plan for it. There's nothing worse than letting time slip past you and realizing you have not done the things you wanted to do.
Go ahead and review your goals for the year. What has distracted you? Do you still want to accomplish them? Maybe the idea of reading five books on the writing craft doesn't really appeal to you. Consider other ways of learning. Do you enjoy the internet? Print off great articles on writing and collect them in a binder. Maybe you would prefer interaction? Join a writing group or take a college course.
If your goal was to start your own website, talk to people you know who have experience with websites. Look into design programs. Take a seminar on website design, or take an online course about HTML code or WYSIWYG programs.
If your life is beyond busy, consider dropping most of your goals off your list. Life feels better when you don't have bottled up expectations in the back of your head. Go ahead; make a new list with only one goal: writing.
What distracts you? A giant cat? Loud toddlers? The bag of Doritos in the cupboard? Telephone? Internet? All of the above? I'd love to hear from you!
Enjoy your weekend!
Distractions are simply not an issue in my life.
Are you rolling on the floor laughing right now? Yeah, me too! I get distracted every ten minutes. It's not easy keeping my rear glued to the seat. I'm sure you find a way to get writing in, one way or another, so I'm not going to focus on the daily distractions of writing. What about the broader aspects of writing, though?
Earlier in the year we set writing-related goals. How are you doing with them?
Did you intend to read five books on writing craft this year and realize you've read zero?
Did you tell yourself you'll take an online course once every three months, but you haven't signed up for any?
Or was this the year you were going to either design your website or hire it out, but it keeps getting shuffled to next week's to-do list?
What distracted you? Did the task seem impossible when you thought about it? Did you fail to write your goals down? Or did you think that you'd have plenty of time to do them--later?
Don't beat yourself up. If something is important to you, you'll do it. The key is to write it down and to plan for it. There's nothing worse than letting time slip past you and realizing you have not done the things you wanted to do.
Go ahead and review your goals for the year. What has distracted you? Do you still want to accomplish them? Maybe the idea of reading five books on the writing craft doesn't really appeal to you. Consider other ways of learning. Do you enjoy the internet? Print off great articles on writing and collect them in a binder. Maybe you would prefer interaction? Join a writing group or take a college course.
If your goal was to start your own website, talk to people you know who have experience with websites. Look into design programs. Take a seminar on website design, or take an online course about HTML code or WYSIWYG programs.
If your life is beyond busy, consider dropping most of your goals off your list. Life feels better when you don't have bottled up expectations in the back of your head. Go ahead; make a new list with only one goal: writing.
What distracts you? A giant cat? Loud toddlers? The bag of Doritos in the cupboard? Telephone? Internet? All of the above? I'd love to hear from you!
Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Yoga Plotting
Yoga Plotting? Okay, it's not the greatest title. No, you're not going to break into the Lotus position while thinking up character names, nor will you do Downward Facing Dog to come up with the black moment (although these positions might help!). Yoga Plotting refers to maintaining a flexible attitude as you prepare to write the first draft of your next manuscript.
Stop pansters! Don't run away! The word "plot" doesn't have to terrify. I'm urging both plotters and pansters to consider trying on different pre-writing methods.
I'm a plotter. Can't help it--I was born that way. I'm analytical. I adore charts. Maps excite me. That's kind of creepy isn't it?
Do you know how many ways there are to plot a novel? Countless! Every writer I know has a slightly different method. Some don't plot; they sit down and start writing, and they have no desire to ruin the story by doing any preliminary work. Some do a small amount of plotting; they may know who the main characters are, the setting, and a brief idea of where the story is headed. Others do major plotting; they know every character, every plot twist, and every scene.
I plotted my first three books minimally and filled in the blanks as I wrote, but I struggled through the middles of each of these books. Last summer, I decided to play around with different plotting methods to find the one that would enable me to write the best book possible. After four more books, I found the hybrid plotting method that fits me perfectly.
My only complaint about trying on different plotting methods is that not every one works. Oh, the method works for someone--just not me. I tried the writing every scene on an index card method and let's just say I won't be using it again. Ever. However, I know other writers who adore writing every scene on an index card and poking each card on a giant corkboard.
A few things to ask yourself:
1. Are there sections of a novel that I slow down and struggle with?
2. Do I have a bad habit of not tying up loose ends because I've forgotten what they are?
3. Am I aware of my use of POV? (If it's written in more than one POV, what's the ratio of the scenes written in the various POV's? Is one hogging the spotlight?)
4. Do I forget names of secondary characters, physical attributes of main characters, or other minor details and waste time searching for the data midway through the project?
5. Do I know the main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts? Are they the focus of the book?
If you have trouble with any of the above, consider trying on different plotting methods. It can be as minor as keeping a log of information as you write your first draft. This sheet could be your master reference so you can easily find the name of the schoolteacher you introduced in chapter two.
If you struggle through portions of your first draft, consider coming up with a more detailed outline. Better yet, determine the major scenes beforehand and spend a little time thinking up intermediate scenes. You can also assign whose point of view the scene should be written in.
Write down subplots as you introduce them. When you're ready to revise, check off the loose ends that have been tied up.
Whether you're a panster or a plotter, I highly recommend keeping a written record of your main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts. This information will keep your book heading in the right direction.
My current method of plotting is highly detailed. I keep a spreadsheet as a one-stop information station. The spreadsheet contains several pages to keep me on track. I do detailed character charts, GMC's, a brief outline, a one-page synopsis, a four-page synopsis, and a scene chart. The scene chart has been the biggest time saver for me. I'm able to write faster because I've listed each scene, whose POV it will be in, what chapter it will take place in, along with the scene question, scene goal, the characters, time and setting. That's a ton of info to squeeze into one line but it works.
If you're interested in trying different plotting techniques, get a few books out of the library, read author blogs, and check out writing websites--they all give advice on different methods. Try the one that appeals to you most and, while you're doing it, ask yourself if it's working for you. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Is there something you can keep from one method but merge with a different technique? Don't be afraid to come up with your own unique plotting method. The goal is to make your writing life easier!
How do you approach a new manuscript? Do you need oodles of details or do you prefer to wing it? Are you willing to tweak your current method? Or do you feel your method is perfect? I'd love to hear from you!
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss what we can do right now to avoid distractions. Let's close in on our goals!
And...
Write Already! It's Wednesday!
Stop pansters! Don't run away! The word "plot" doesn't have to terrify. I'm urging both plotters and pansters to consider trying on different pre-writing methods.
I'm a plotter. Can't help it--I was born that way. I'm analytical. I adore charts. Maps excite me. That's kind of creepy isn't it?
Do you know how many ways there are to plot a novel? Countless! Every writer I know has a slightly different method. Some don't plot; they sit down and start writing, and they have no desire to ruin the story by doing any preliminary work. Some do a small amount of plotting; they may know who the main characters are, the setting, and a brief idea of where the story is headed. Others do major plotting; they know every character, every plot twist, and every scene.
I plotted my first three books minimally and filled in the blanks as I wrote, but I struggled through the middles of each of these books. Last summer, I decided to play around with different plotting methods to find the one that would enable me to write the best book possible. After four more books, I found the hybrid plotting method that fits me perfectly.
My only complaint about trying on different plotting methods is that not every one works. Oh, the method works for someone--just not me. I tried the writing every scene on an index card method and let's just say I won't be using it again. Ever. However, I know other writers who adore writing every scene on an index card and poking each card on a giant corkboard.
A few things to ask yourself:
1. Are there sections of a novel that I slow down and struggle with?
2. Do I have a bad habit of not tying up loose ends because I've forgotten what they are?
3. Am I aware of my use of POV? (If it's written in more than one POV, what's the ratio of the scenes written in the various POV's? Is one hogging the spotlight?)
4. Do I forget names of secondary characters, physical attributes of main characters, or other minor details and waste time searching for the data midway through the project?
5. Do I know the main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts? Are they the focus of the book?
If you have trouble with any of the above, consider trying on different plotting methods. It can be as minor as keeping a log of information as you write your first draft. This sheet could be your master reference so you can easily find the name of the schoolteacher you introduced in chapter two.
If you struggle through portions of your first draft, consider coming up with a more detailed outline. Better yet, determine the major scenes beforehand and spend a little time thinking up intermediate scenes. You can also assign whose point of view the scene should be written in.
Write down subplots as you introduce them. When you're ready to revise, check off the loose ends that have been tied up.
Whether you're a panster or a plotter, I highly recommend keeping a written record of your main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts. This information will keep your book heading in the right direction.
My current method of plotting is highly detailed. I keep a spreadsheet as a one-stop information station. The spreadsheet contains several pages to keep me on track. I do detailed character charts, GMC's, a brief outline, a one-page synopsis, a four-page synopsis, and a scene chart. The scene chart has been the biggest time saver for me. I'm able to write faster because I've listed each scene, whose POV it will be in, what chapter it will take place in, along with the scene question, scene goal, the characters, time and setting. That's a ton of info to squeeze into one line but it works.
If you're interested in trying different plotting techniques, get a few books out of the library, read author blogs, and check out writing websites--they all give advice on different methods. Try the one that appeals to you most and, while you're doing it, ask yourself if it's working for you. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Is there something you can keep from one method but merge with a different technique? Don't be afraid to come up with your own unique plotting method. The goal is to make your writing life easier!
How do you approach a new manuscript? Do you need oodles of details or do you prefer to wing it? Are you willing to tweak your current method? Or do you feel your method is perfect? I'd love to hear from you!
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss what we can do right now to avoid distractions. Let's close in on our goals!
And...
Write Already! It's Wednesday!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Gripes About Grammar
Grammar. Punctuation. Spelling.
Do these three words mean anything to you? On a scale of 1 to 10, how important are they?
Have you ever thought, or heard, the following? I can fix the grammar; it's the content that matters. (I've heard this refrain from many unpublished authors.)
Okay, okay, I'll admit grammar can be fixed, but I'd love to know if it actually does get fixed. Or, to put it another way, do writers even know when they're using poor grammar, incorrect spelling, or punctuation that defeats the meaning of the sentence? If you can fix the grammar, why write it wrong in the first place? Wouldn't you have written it correctly the first time?
I get the impression that many writers feel grammar is the least important part of the book. Writing, at the most basic level, is the act of stringing words together; grammar rules enable the words to mean what the writer intends.
Least important part of writing? I don't think so.
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling do matter. Spelling is the easiest to fix; spell-check and the dictionary rarely lie. Punctuation and grammar pose a trickier problem. It can be confusing to know where to put a comma, and not everyone agrees on the correct placement. A few good reference books will steer you in the right direction.
When someone reads your work, they form a first impression of you by your writing skills. They may get so distracted by the lack of commas, the incorrectly spelled words, and the dangling modifiers that they can't comprehend the content. They'll begin to think you're uneducated. You may be a genius, but they won't recognize it, and no, they won't be impressed.
Here's a simple mathematical formula: grammatical errors=unprofessional; polished writing=professional.
Grammar rules help your writing. Ignoring them will not help you get published. Even if you think you're the master of grammar, consider asking a writer friend (preferably one with strong grammar skills) to check a few pages of your work for errors. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over. An outside eye will pick up any problems, and you can apply the knowledge to the rest of your work. Another good idea is to review a grammar book every six months.
One more note on the topic: make a conscious effort to always write with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling--even in your rough drafts. You'll save time, improve your skills, and gain confidence. Grammar matters.
Where do you fit in? Do you write with little or no punctuation in your first draft? Do you fix the problems later? Or do you write as polished as possible at all times?
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss flexibility (or what I like to call Yoga Plotting).
And...
Get Motivated! It's Monday!
Do these three words mean anything to you? On a scale of 1 to 10, how important are they?
Have you ever thought, or heard, the following? I can fix the grammar; it's the content that matters. (I've heard this refrain from many unpublished authors.)
Okay, okay, I'll admit grammar can be fixed, but I'd love to know if it actually does get fixed. Or, to put it another way, do writers even know when they're using poor grammar, incorrect spelling, or punctuation that defeats the meaning of the sentence? If you can fix the grammar, why write it wrong in the first place? Wouldn't you have written it correctly the first time?
I get the impression that many writers feel grammar is the least important part of the book. Writing, at the most basic level, is the act of stringing words together; grammar rules enable the words to mean what the writer intends.
Least important part of writing? I don't think so.
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling do matter. Spelling is the easiest to fix; spell-check and the dictionary rarely lie. Punctuation and grammar pose a trickier problem. It can be confusing to know where to put a comma, and not everyone agrees on the correct placement. A few good reference books will steer you in the right direction.
When someone reads your work, they form a first impression of you by your writing skills. They may get so distracted by the lack of commas, the incorrectly spelled words, and the dangling modifiers that they can't comprehend the content. They'll begin to think you're uneducated. You may be a genius, but they won't recognize it, and no, they won't be impressed.
Here's a simple mathematical formula: grammatical errors=unprofessional; polished writing=professional.
Grammar rules help your writing. Ignoring them will not help you get published. Even if you think you're the master of grammar, consider asking a writer friend (preferably one with strong grammar skills) to check a few pages of your work for errors. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over. An outside eye will pick up any problems, and you can apply the knowledge to the rest of your work. Another good idea is to review a grammar book every six months.
One more note on the topic: make a conscious effort to always write with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling--even in your rough drafts. You'll save time, improve your skills, and gain confidence. Grammar matters.
Where do you fit in? Do you write with little or no punctuation in your first draft? Do you fix the problems later? Or do you write as polished as possible at all times?
Join me on Wednesday when we'll discuss flexibility (or what I like to call Yoga Plotting).
And...
Get Motivated! It's Monday!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Fun Friday
It's Friday! Time to have some fun!
I hope you love baby animals as much as I do. Since spring officially arrived (please, no more snow!) I thought I'd post a few adorable videos courtesy of YouTube.
I love tiny animals. It's amazing to see this panda bear's transformation. Adorable!
Okay, this baby otter and mama otter make me melt!
All together now...aaawwwww!
Enjoy your weekend!
I hope you love baby animals as much as I do. Since spring officially arrived (please, no more snow!) I thought I'd post a few adorable videos courtesy of YouTube.
I love tiny animals. It's amazing to see this panda bear's transformation. Adorable!
Okay, this baby otter and mama otter make me melt!
All together now...aaawwwww!
Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Setting Boundaries
The world's bursting with a rainbow-colored array of things to do. Everywhere I look, I find another fascinating topic I could pursue. Millions of hobbies, countless volunteer opportunities, and vast possibilities call to me on an ongoing basis. And I want to do them all!!
My library bag can attest to it. I can think of seven hobbies I'd love to pursue but don't have time to at this point in my life. Make that ten. Twenty...
It's a challenge I face every single day, sometimes several times a day. How do I mesh my desire to LIVE with my life? Does that make sense?
I'm the type of person who is never good in a bubble. My writing takes up a large portion of my day, but I'd get burned out if I let it overtake my entire life. I need variety, structure, and a constant stream of magazines to flip through.
I talk to many women who are writers--I'm sure it's the same for men, too--we're all juggling enormous responsibilities. It doesn't matter if we're single, married, with kids, without kids--we're juggling many duties at once. And the juggling doesn't always go smoothly.
Every two to three months I spend a little time in thought and analyze my current balance. How am I doing with my writing? Would I feel better if I were writing more or less? Have I let the promotional side of writing overtake my day? What about the non-writing stuff: am I doing the job I want to with my family, my household, my free time? Are my relationships suffering? Have I taken on too many volunteer positions? Not enough?
The answers are always different because my life is always changing. I realized recently that my schedule was not working for me any longer. I'd let little things slip in here and there until they'd overtaken my main purpose.
So, I put up fences to protect my personal time. Since the computer--specifically, the internet--can suck up my day if I let it, I've made a few rules: I have 45 minutes to check e-mails, etc... before I write. Once I've met my daily writing goal, I can pursue what I want until 5:00 pm. However, after 5:00pm the office and computer are off-limits.
This is hard people!!
I've done it for one week, and already, it's made a positive impact on my life. My mind isn't racing at 7:00pm. The stack of magazines on the coffee table? I'm savoring each and every one.
And best of all, I'm enjoying my family, not working feverishly to do "one more thing."
What about you? Is your schedule working for you? Do you feel satisfied or overwhelmed each day? What can you change about it? Sometimes we have to make tough decisions in order to get our life back on track.
I'd love to hear from you!
Join me on Friday for a few fun links.
And...
Write Already! It's Wednesday!
My library bag can attest to it. I can think of seven hobbies I'd love to pursue but don't have time to at this point in my life. Make that ten. Twenty...
It's a challenge I face every single day, sometimes several times a day. How do I mesh my desire to LIVE with my life? Does that make sense?
I'm the type of person who is never good in a bubble. My writing takes up a large portion of my day, but I'd get burned out if I let it overtake my entire life. I need variety, structure, and a constant stream of magazines to flip through.
I talk to many women who are writers--I'm sure it's the same for men, too--we're all juggling enormous responsibilities. It doesn't matter if we're single, married, with kids, without kids--we're juggling many duties at once. And the juggling doesn't always go smoothly.
Every two to three months I spend a little time in thought and analyze my current balance. How am I doing with my writing? Would I feel better if I were writing more or less? Have I let the promotional side of writing overtake my day? What about the non-writing stuff: am I doing the job I want to with my family, my household, my free time? Are my relationships suffering? Have I taken on too many volunteer positions? Not enough?
The answers are always different because my life is always changing. I realized recently that my schedule was not working for me any longer. I'd let little things slip in here and there until they'd overtaken my main purpose.
So, I put up fences to protect my personal time. Since the computer--specifically, the internet--can suck up my day if I let it, I've made a few rules: I have 45 minutes to check e-mails, etc... before I write. Once I've met my daily writing goal, I can pursue what I want until 5:00 pm. However, after 5:00pm the office and computer are off-limits.
This is hard people!!
I've done it for one week, and already, it's made a positive impact on my life. My mind isn't racing at 7:00pm. The stack of magazines on the coffee table? I'm savoring each and every one.
And best of all, I'm enjoying my family, not working feverishly to do "one more thing."
What about you? Is your schedule working for you? Do you feel satisfied or overwhelmed each day? What can you change about it? Sometimes we have to make tough decisions in order to get our life back on track.
I'd love to hear from you!
Join me on Friday for a few fun links.
And...
Write Already! It's Wednesday!
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