Sometimes, I like a challenge.
I have been struggling to make time to write an early chapter book for a long time. A long time. And I am really frustrated with myself that I always put it on the back burner.
Not today. Today I turn the flame on under the pot.
As a self-inflicted challenge, I am giving myself 48 hours to write said book.
Impossible! you might say. And you might be right.
But why not try? I mean, who's it going to hurt if I can't do it?
Nobody.
At this point, I have the concept and a few pages. I have no idea how long the book will be, but I'll count it a win if I get 5k words by my deadline. (Magic Tree House books are 5k-7k, as are Junie B Jones books, however, Geronimo Stilton are 8k-10k, as are Marty McGuire books. And Humprey the Hamster books weigh in at an impressive 30k.) I really have no idea how long this little book will want to be. I am pretty sure it will wind up between 5k and 10k, but that's because that is where I WANT it to fall. Sometimes stories have other ideas.
So, in addition to that little challenge, here are my January goals:
1. Finish revisions of new middle grade novel. Decide on a title. (I have a couple of working titles, but I still keep thinking I will find the one that makes me go--WOW!)
2. Start a picture book.
3. Look at Chicken Wizard again. It's sitting in my computer--no one has really seen it, and yet, I wait for this one piece of it so sing. I need to figure out what it's problem is!!
Okay, I think I am good with those goals for the next few weeks.
Gratitude:
Looking back on 2012, I am thankful for:
*Going to ALA in Anaheim and meeting the great folks at FSG, including my editor.
*Going to SCBWI for the first time.
*Getting starred reviews for the Seven Tales of Trinket from Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and Booklist, in addition to a really lovely one from School Library Journal.
*Having an amazing launch party (and getting to see my girls dance together one more time!!)
*Working with extraordinary third-graders.
*Having a talented artist like Dan Craig paint the cover for Trinket.
*A new desk.
*A husband that realized I needed a new desk and found the perfect one.
*Beautiful, talented, smart daughters.
*Jo
*Henry and Mikey
Okay, back to the craziness at hand!
ETA: 12:20, January 6th
Already 1,367 words into the story! Now off to run a few errands. I'd like to make Thai curry chicken lettuce wraps for dinner and need to get some things.
5:43, January 6th
I've got 2,163 words, and will probably write for a bit again later tonight. I like where it's going, but something REALLY wild needs to happen in the next part. Folks, this is way fun.
9:24, January 6th
2,416 words. And I just named a box turtle after a president. So there. But now I am second guessing myself. Is George Washington a better name for a box turtle, or is Teddy Roosevelt?
6:26, January 7th
2638 words, but I've barely had the time today! In a few hours, my time limit will be here! Oh no!
9:45, January 7th
2949 words. I wanted to do more tonight, but I am so incredibly tired--and the Nyquil is kicking in so I'd best pull up the covers and drift off.
5:48, January 8th
3,305 words. yeah, yeah, I know. I am way over my time limit--almost by a day! But I look at it this way, this is 3,305 more words that I would have had without my crazy goal. I still think I can finish soon, but I am pretty sure that this is going to be at least 6,000. (I really don't want it any more than that.)
8:55, January 8th
3,643 words. Really cracked myself up with a certain scene. And the turtle has been named Teddy Roosevelt, in case you were wondering. I really think I can finish this in a few days. So jazzed!
7:06 January 9th
4,145 words. Homestretch time...maybe. But yeah!
10:12 p.m. January 10th
Dudes--4,724!! It is not done yet, but I think it will be under the 6,000 mark. Okay,so it was not a chapterbook in a day--but it might be a chapterbook in a week, and I'll take it.
And I named the turtle Teddy Roosevelt.
hrh
8 comments:
Good luck with the chapter book!! I'm sure you'll reach your goal! Happy new year, Shelley!!
Hurray for crazy challenges! You go, girl!
Yay for the chapter book!
BTW- My daughter and I are almost done with Trinket and we both absolutely love it. We don't want it to end!
You had an awesome 2012! Congrats! I have lots to be thankful for as well.
Good luck with your deadline. You've already succeeded since you're having fun and making progress!
I love it when you write about your writing goals! It inspires me.
And if you're really looking for opinions on the turtle's name, I like Teddy Roosevelt better.
That is an ambitious goal, but I'm sure you can do it!
Impressive work, SHelley. A lofty goal, but you got a lot done!
I'm amazed by your writing work ethic!
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