This is a catch-up post as I didn’t manage to write one last week due to a funeral, but the reality is, it is still only a week-long writing post because over the past week I have been struck down by the terrible cold virus that is doing the rounds and I have got nothing done for a week.
The week started well, (we’re talking two weeks ago – from my last post) I posted Wednesday morning then went on to have a really productive day on the editing project – remember I had two projects on the go, the editing project and the first draft. As I was close to finishing the editing project I decided to focus solely on that for a couple of days to get it finalised. I thought of another strand I wanted to layer into the book – also remember this is only half a book at this point so I’m not juggling a huge manuscript. I feel the project is getting more depth to it.
On Thursday I finished the work on the project I was editing and send it back to my agent for her thoughts. I don’t expect to hear back from her until after Christmas. So now I only have the first draft of Hannah 5 on my desk. This had been my NaNo project and I could focus on this on its own now. I’m not sure how I’d done it, working on two projects, but it had been possible, but it was good to get back to one project at a time.
My motivation and energy were returning as I was also getting things done on my to-do list. Oh how I laugh now typing this up knowing as I do that it all went out the window only a few days later for a funeral and then a cold virus. This writing life really is an up and down beast.
In my notes for this blog post the last thing I wrote was that my daughter had a cold virus and I hoped I didn’t get it as it would seriously knock me out. And boy it has because I haven’t done a thing, I managed to finish the very last chapter of the the NaNo novel so the first draft is complete and then that has been it. I haven’t made a step towards knocking it into shape before I send it to my editor. I was supposed to have sent it by now but have had to email to apologise for not being able to. Luckily my editor has been very understanding and will accept receipt of it when I’m ready. Once I’m back to full working order it shouldn’t take me too long if that’s all I’m working on.
I do hope to start gradually getting back to my desk before Christmas, taking it slow as all my energy has been zapped by this cold virus. It is going to take some time to build up my strength again. Just writing this blog post has exhausted me!
My plan was to get both of these of my desk at the beginning of December and have a look at the non-fiction book I am thinking of writing and to also write an outline for the first book in a new series so I could get started on it in January – I don’t like to sit still! But illness and loss have thrown my timetable out a little. I have to adapt to that. It’s something I have to accept with having Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and even though this timetable alteration isn’t because of that, I am still a writer who adjusts well to spanners that get thrown in my works.
How are you weeks going?
A month ago I developed the hacking cough that’s doing the rounds our way. Wretched cough lasted 3 weeks and so you have my total sympathy !
Just got back from 5 days at my niece’s animal park in southern France. Early Christmas dinner but nice to return home. It’ll not be great as it’s the first since my husband died at the end of August, but hey, I have a son and a 10 year old grandson so Christmas will be ok.
Have a good Christmas and hopefully the mojo is well and truly back for you !
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jen. Hoping Christmas is an okay one for you this year. Take care. x
I seem to be up to my neck in spanners this week. The nasty cold virus has visited many of my family and it feels a bit like the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. Probably waiting for the worst time to hit me…
I am resigned to leave the editing alone until after Christmas, my head is all over the place with all the arranging. I’ve looked, but there doesn’t seem to be a creative spark in there…
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas, Rebecca…
Hoping you have seen the last of the cold virus, Jaye. Merry Christmas x
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been sick, Rebecca! Nothing quite gums it all up like illness, does it? I hope you’re feeling better soon. In the meantime, be kind to yourself and pace yourself.
Thanks, Margot. It does seem to drag everything down, but luckily it seems to be on its way out.x
So sorry you’ve had such a tough time over the last week, Rebecca. Your work rate is phenomenal and I’m in awe of everything you managed to achieve before that! I’ve just managed to get some copy edits out of the way, but several members of the family have what sounds similar to your virus, so I might be next! I do hope you feel much better soon and have a good Christmas. x
Thanks, Clare. I seem to be coming out the other end of it now. I hope you don’t get it. It’s not very pleasant. Merry Christmas x