• What were your goals last week and did you accomplish them?
• Describe what you worked on.
• Set goals for next week.
• Did you learn something during this week?

Here is a list of things that you can do each week as we work on our novels (suggestions welcomed).

• Writing on a novel
• Characterization
• World Building
• Relevant research

=-=-=-=-=

Last Week's Goals

Currently I am using the Snowflake method to get a more solid plot / outline for my Project: Life novel. It is slow going but it is forward progress at least. I am happy with what I have come up with so far.

I also did some world building on my fantasy series (Project: Epic for now). I am very excited with the subplot I developed for that one. Project: Epic is something I will work on the side for a while because I have many ideas for it and it will certainly be more than a stand alone novel.

My goals for next week:

• 2010 list of goals
• Make some progress on something

Right now I still don't want to make any specific goals. I mainly want to feel that I can get back into the habit of writing. So, for now I will work on the Project: Life outline and go from there.

What did I learn this week?

I can't think of anything specific that I learned. I got the impression that a few in the group were less than pleased with their progress for last week. All I can say is please keep visiting here even should only be able to post "Wrote nothing." At least that will keep the writing in your subconscious and eventually you will get the urge to write again. That helped me anyway. I hope it helps you all as well.

--William
 

Last Week's Goals:

DREAMER'S ROSE: Continue to let this one rest.
Such an easy goal.

THE SHAMAN'S CURSE: Have a look at the synopsis. Continue sending this one out.
Still haven't looked at the synopsis. I did send out another query that didn't require it. Got rejected the same day. That's number 23.

THE IGNORED PROPHECY: I've got a chapter exchange going on this one. Make revisions as the chapter critiques come back.
Yes.

BLOOD WILL TELL: Make revisions as the chapter critiques come back.
I'm one chapter behind on the revisions, but the story has improved considerably.

SEVEN STARS: This is still my playground. No specific goals.
And, even though this is supposed to be the playground, I haven't spent any time here. Just one note for something that happens well down-story from where I am.

OTHER: I still need to work on revisions to Dragons are Forever and The Seeker.
Yes, I still do.

MISC. Try again to install the router so I won't have that kind of computer problem ever again.
Okay, I'm going to say it here so I can hold myself accountable. I am going to do this this weekend. Really. I am.

Next Week's Goals:

DREAMER'S ROSE:
This one is starting to nag at me. It may be close to time to take it out of the drawer and see what it needs.

THE SHAMAN'S CURSE:
Have a look at the synopsis. Really, I mean it this time. Continue sending this one out--more than one stinking query a week. Let's try for two. No sense getting crazy.

THE IGNORED PROPHECY:
I've got a chapter exchange going on this one. Make revisions as the chapter critiques come back.

BLOOD WILL TELL:
Make revisions as the chapter critiques come back.

SEVEN STARS:
This is still my playground, but it seems like I need to make at least a little goal to move it forward. Finish the current chapter. How's that?

OTHER:
I still need to work on revisions to Dragons are Forever and The Seeker. And, soon, I'll be adding my entry from the "Cinders of the Great War Challenge" to this list.

MISC.
Try again to install the router so I won't have that kind of computer problem ever again.

Goals For Next Week:
1) Write. Something. Anything.
2) Seriously buckle down on fellowship applications and my dissertation chapter, which is now overdue to my advisor.
 

Nothing this week in novel land.

Goals?

Nothing. Personal issues may prevent even a look. However I will 'try' to get back to Panix and on track next week.
 

This week: Clean up that last chapter. Begin my final sweepthrough, and write a query letter. I promised myself I'd start sending letters to agents before January is over.
 

The Good News: I wrote 1,200+ words last night, that began with a great sentence--which was a hook in itself. This opening I have no doubts in.

So, though I wrote twice as many pages as I currently have, I'm left with something better, cleaner, hookier, and feeling more confident.

[This message has been edited by InarticulateBabbler (edited January 18, 2010).]
 

This week, I am taking a break from reading to get my writing back on track.

This weeks goal. Write two chapters.
 

Have any of you just recently thought to yourselves, "Gee, I wish I could critique a query letter." Well, if so, today is your lucky day. My query letter (minus the personalization for each agent) is available for you to tear apart. Just let me know!

Melanie

[This message has been edited by Unwritten (edited January 20, 2010).]
 

E-mail it to me as well. I'll be happy to take a look at it.

-- William
 

Sure, me three
 

If you want another reader, I love query letters.
 

I sent you an e-mail.
 

I sent the 234,000 word kraken to a beta reader! I will publish that book one day!

Yep, yep.. that's about it this week.