Thursday, February 24, 2011

ROW80 Check-In: 2/23/11

Well, I guess I'm back from my 'hiatus'...really just a two week rut.  No motivation whatsoever and swimming in self-doubt, I just couldn't seem to spend even an hour a day.  I had come up with a new idea and had started researching it, but then I started second guessing that too.  Now I'm not so sure if it's a good one or not...or I guess what I'm saying is that when I get stalled on how to transition the idea from research to the actual story, I just freeze.  So that's something I'm working on, hoping I can work through it in journaling.  That's one positive note...journaling.  I was watching the brilliant mini-series "Any Human Heart" on Masterpiece Classic (PBS) the other night and the main character in the film is a dedicated journal writer.  I was inspired! I have returned to the daily journaling.  Now, I think I'm going to do some brainstorming, decide if I still want to go with this story idea or come up with something else.  I'm also going to spend some of my daily time referring to some of my writing books to see if I can get some tips on transitioning from the research to building the story.  Still aiming for one hour per day.  We'll see how it goes.

On a positive note, regarding ROW80:  without this challenge, I would not feel accountable and old me would have just stayed in the rut.  ROW80 is holding me accountable and that in itself is just brilliant!

Note:  If you share your ideas for what motivates you, I will give you a virtual cookie. =O)  (the image don't lie)

Monday, February 7, 2011

ROW80 Check-In: 2/6/2011 (late)

I've been bad and have not checked in for a week.  I sort of have a legitimate excuse.  I had a bad stomach virus that had me down for a week.  But I also have to be honest and say that I have been less than motivated on journaling and the other tasks I set for myself.  However, during my down time I was watching a documentary and was inspired with a new idea.  I have begun research on it and I have a couple of books to pick up at the library...which I will do tomorrow.  This subject is something that has fascinated me for a long time and I'm trying to determine how best to tell the story without making it a rehash.  A bit of a challenge, but I think I can work it out.  I'm kicking around some ideas and I think my research will help.  So, in the next couple of days, I'm going to pick up my research materials at the library, continue my research on the new idea, and re-evaluate my goals as far as time spent researching and a new, non-fail approach to journaling.  I will have my new 'system' for you on Wednesday. 

Until then, keep on keeping on!