Sit Down and Write 9 - Extended! #SitDownWrite

Because I can...I've decided to extend Sit Down and Write through August 31. I've had a lot going on and then this happened...

Excerpt from a post at my True Book Addict blog:

You may not have heard about Photobucket screwing over a ton of people with their new third party image hosting plan. (Read more here: http://nypost.com/2017/07/05/how-photobucket-is-now-shaking-down-its-users/) Basically, it means if you have a free account, you can no longer host your images without paying $400/year! So, all those clever grab codes I make for images and buttons...they have to be fixed with a new link from wherever the images are now being hosted. Luckily, I own two domains on GoDaddy so I get free image storage up to a certain amount and then I can pay extra if I need more (only $1.99/month). But with 7+ blogs/sites, it's going to take me a bit. I hope you will bear with me.

That's right. I've had to work on fixing all the images on all my blogs. I'm still not done. Luckily, the sidebar on this blog didn't take much work, but I'm sure there are plenty of unconnected images in older blog posts. So, if you happen to visit any older posts, I apologize. It's going to take me a while to fix everything completely over all my blogs. I probably won't fix individual older posts at True Book Addict, as there are over 1700 posts. 🙀

The reality is...I haven't been able to focus on my writing plans, and then I'm hosting a two week readathon coming up on Monday. That's the reason I decided to extend this through August 31. My sons go back to school on August 7th so I'll have some alone time again during the day (in between working). I'm still planning a last ditch effort this month, as I did sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo. But it won't be surprise if I don't finish that. I usually don't. lol

Tell me how your writing is going. Did the photobucket issue affect your sites?




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Sit Down and Write 9 - June 15 through July 15 #SitDownWrite

I actually decided last week to host this, but I've been so busy, I'm just now posting the sign up. I'm hoping I can stay organized enough to do what I plan to do during this writeathon, which is work on my novel...actually mostly novel prep and research...so there will be a lot of note taking and perhaps some sort of outline prep. I'm hoping to do daily posts, or at least every other day, to hold myself accountable. 

Sit Down and Write is a writeathon for whatever you want/need to write. Catch up on book reviews (or other blog writings), you can work on your work in progress, you can journal, you can write short stories, you can prep your novel (research, take notes, etc.) or other writing project. I'm not fussy and I HATE rules. So, let's do this! Sign up below if you're in and write up a post if you want. Feel free to join in from social media if you would rather. Our hashtag is #sitdownwrite.

I'm still on the fence about Camp NaNoWriMo next month. Usually when I decide to do it, I set myself up for failure. If I get a lot accomplished by June 30, I just might do it though.

P.S. Don't forget to grab the button. There's a handy grab code in the sidebar.

Sign up! No linky...just leave a comment with your blog link or where on social media you'll be updating.

I hope you will join me!




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Sit Down and Write 8 - Finally, an update! #sitdownwrite

I had intended to post an update a lot sooner than this, and then I was hosting the High Summer Read-a-Thon this week, and time just flew by.

So, I've been sitting on my great news for over a week. I had a MAJOR breakthrough with my novel idea last week! I've been researching, which counts toward word count during Camp NaNo. I like that. I wish they would allow that during November's NaNoWriMo...but I digress. Anyway, I'm pretty excited about this new directions and I even have a (perhaps) "tentative" title. Drum roll please...Beautiful Pilgrim. There's a reason behind the title, but that is yet to be revealed.

I'm hoping to get some actual words on paper for the last week of SDaW and Camp NaNo. I'm working on a creating a writing schedule that I'm hoping will keep me more on track.

I hope things are going well for you. Let me know in the comments or leave a link to your update post.

Happy writing!



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Sit Down and Write 8 - Where did June go!?

I had intended to post this yesterday, but somehow June got away from me. The next thing I knew, July 1st was upon me and I had loads to do!

I'm kicking off with my declaration that I did sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo. How about you? Did you know? They have a handy knowledge base for Camp NaNo and this is one of the questions...

How do I determine my word count for my Camp NaNoWriMo non-novel project?

This part of the answer was of interest to me: For editing and research: One hour of active editing equals 1,000 words.

...because this is what I will be doing for at least part of July. I hope to begin writing the actual book towards the end of the month. We shall see. I'm thrilled that Camp NaNo is so flexible!

I've set up a private camp so if anyone is participating and would like an invite, leave me your NaNo name in the comments. 

So, what are your writing plans this month?



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Sit Down and Write 8 - Coming July 2016! #sitdownwrite

That's it...I've waffled on about this enough. It's official. July 2016. I don't care if I'm hosting a read-a-thon in July (High Summer, 18-24) or that I'll probably be doing some Christmas in July posts at my Christmas blog. I decided I was working on my book in July and that's what I'm going to do!

How about you? Remember, Sit Down and Write is a write-a-thon for whatever you want/need to write. Catch up on book reviews (or other blog writings), you can work on your work in progress, you can journal, you can write short stories, you can prep your novel (research, take notes, etc.) or other writing project. I'm not fussy and I HATE rules. So, let's do this! Sign up below if you're in and write up a post if you want. I will post updates periodically, time permitting. If you want to update on social media, our hashtag is #sitdownwrite.

I haven't decided if I'm doing Camp NaNoWriMo in July yet. If you have decided you're participating, let me know. 

P.S. Don't forget to grab the button. There's a handy grab code in the sidebar.

Sign up!

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Sit Down and Write 6 - How's it going and Guess What?

So, what have you all accomplished so far? I'm not going to go in to my unique situation, although this might give you an idea...

Anyhoo, I've decided to extend this lovely event until Sunday, April 19. That's right. I figure, why not?

Comment below on your progress and/or if you're in for the extended duration.



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Sit Down and Write 5 - a write-a-thon for whatever you need to write #sitdownwrite

Guess what? Sit Down and Write starts Monday! I know, I know. I'm so behind. Tell me about it. I sincerely apologize and I could postpone, but I'm not going to. Why? Because I've been planning this in my head for weeks and I am using this little write-a-thon (version 5...can you believe it?!) to prep for Camp NaNoWriMo in July. That's right...once more into the fray!

You might ask what you can do for Sit Down and Write. Well, you can catch up on book reviews (or other blog writings), you can work on your work in progress, you can journal, you can write short stories, you can prep your novel (research, take notes, etc.) or other writing project. I'm not fussy and I HATE rules. So, let's do this! Sign up below if you're in and write up a post if you want. I will be posting updates (you're like, "yeah, sure you will.") periodically so hopefully I can stop in and check on what you're doing...if I'm not hiding under a rock from my writerly misgivings.

Good luck! Now sit down...and write!

P.S. Don't forget to grab one of the gorgeous buttons I created for the occasion.

P.S.S. I forgot the to mention our Twitter hashtag! Tweet your progress at #sitdownwrite

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Sit Down and Write 4--Check-In

Hello, fellow writers and bloggers! I hope your writing is going well. In my case, I realized I made a critical error in planning this write-a-thon to start during the last week of the month. Why? Because I work at home as a virtual assistant and end of the month is always a scramble to make sure we have used all of our client's hours (most of them pay a retainer for so many hours per month). I had a lot of work and hours to do for my client so I was busy, busy, busy. So...no writing on the novel AT ALL. I did write some blog posts and a couple of reviews, but that wasn't really what I wanted to focus on. However, I'm not going to get too bummed out. I still have this week. Plus, research, etc. is part of the writing process too. So, I'm doing some reading on writing. I purchased the book that J. Kay (Amateur Novelist) recommended, The Definitive Guide to Writing on Your Terms, Using Your Own, Honest-to-God, Gut-Wrenching Voice by Rebecca T. Dickson. I also purchased an online speed reading course that Amazon Local (one day left on this one) had a deal on for $29. I'm SICK of reading slow! It's the Iris Speed Reading Foundation Course. I so hope it works for me!

So tell me...how's it going for you? Feel free to link up a progress post in the comments, or just tell me what you've been doing. I'll do my best to stop by if you post a link.

Good luck on the second week of SDW4!



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Sit Down and Write 4 starts now! #sitdownwrite

Well, to be honest, I'm not prepared for this at all, but I have a last minute plan...sort of. My good friend, J. Kaye, advised me to focus on 20 minutes of writing a day so I'm going to take her advice whether I'm writing actual novel pages, or just outlining, writing notes, or doing research. So, I will be doing some form of writing every day, but the first week I will probably also be focusing on deciding if I want to continue with current WIP, take it in another direction, or start fresh with another of my ideas. This will be in addition to the daily 20 minutes. I WILL MAKE SOME KIND OF PROGRESS. I want to have a WIP half finished by the end of the year. That's my long term goal.

What are your goals for this two weeks? Are you catching up on reviews or working on a WIP? Share the link to your goal post in the comments (or just leave me a comment with your goals). If you haven't signed up, you still can (and get all the details) HERE. Remember, our twitter hashtag is #sitdownwrite so feel free to check in with us on Twitter. I'll also be posting a few check ins so stop by and share your progress in the comments or leave your link.

And so...once more into the fray! Good luck!



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Sit Down and Write 4--Sign Up Here!

It's here! Sit Down and Write 4 is just around the corner! The Sit Down and Write write-a-thons are for any writing you need to get done. If you're working on a novel, a novella, or even short stories. If you have a ton of reviews to write coming off of any read-a-thons you might have just finished with, then this is for you too! Any writing you need to get done...this is the time to really buckle down.  I'm not going to be hosting any mini-challenges, but I will have a few check-ins posted during the write-a-thon, if you are so inclined to share your progress. You can leave links to your reviews or your progress posts in the comments, or just share your progress there.  You can also stop in and chat on Twitter and share your progress with us there. Our Twitter hashtag is #sitdownwrite  

Official dates and times: Monday, August 26 at 12:01am CST through Sunday, September 8 at 11:59pm CST (adjust times according to your time zone).

You might notice that we have a new button, or if you prefer the old version, here it is!

I hope you will join me! Let's get some writing done!

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Sit Down and Write 3--It's a wrap (+ ROW80)

I'm sorry that this wrap-up post is so late. As you know, the write-a-thon ended yesterday and I planned to post the wrap-up post this morning, but my day quickly turned to crap. I'm not sure if there are any other 44 years olds out there reading this, but I am currently smack dab in peri-menopause and if you're familiar, then you will know how it affects your brain. My memory was total crap today. I won't even list how many things I forgot. Urgh!

Anyhoo...how did you all do? I know a couple of you have already wrapped up. I'm not even going to discuss my fail. Of course, I did have to get sick during the two weeks. Is this karma or what? However, I think Tif, Amateur Novelist and myself are on the same wavelength. I have decided to finish planning this month and then on June 1st, I'll be ready. My boys are out of school from May 24 through July 31 so that means no three hours in the car every day doing the school run. Woot! That's three extra hours...A DAY! I will put it to good use, I promise. =O)  As far as ROW80 goes, I'm going to take a brief break and jump back in around June 1st.

As for another Sit Down and Write, any suggestions? I'm thinking perhaps August, but you can weigh in below. Also, leave a link to your wrap-up, if you like.

Thanks for joining me!



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Sit Down and Write Check-In #2/ROW80 Mid-Week Check-In #sitdownwrite

Oh yes, the fail is strong once again. It always seems that life wants to get in the way. Number one, I got my first client for my job (virtual assistant...yup, I work from home) which is a great thing, of course, because it means more hours and more money, but I'm even more busy than I was, if that's even possible. Secondly? Well, I went to the doctor yesterday because I suspected the cellulitis was back in my left leg and I was right. Thankfully, we caught it early enough and he put me on strong oral antibiotics. But with any major infection, you just feel run down so there's another hurdle for me. But I'm soldiering on and hoping to salvage the last week of Sit Down and Write.

So, reconfiguring my goals. I'm not going to set a daily word count because I'm not even sure if I'm going to continue with my current WIP. My goal then is to make that decision and go forward with what I decide. I did manage to write one book review, but I still have a few more to write. I have not revamped the 101 Fantasy Challenge. Still hoping to do that. And I have not started morning pages yet. I really hope to start that tomorrow. We'll see.

Yes, I am quite ambiguous with my goals....it's how I roll. =O/

I'm not going to put a linky this time. If you want to link up your progress or book reviews, you can leave the link in the comments.

Happy Writing!



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Sit Down and Write 3--Check In #1

How's it going, people? Me...well, I'm off to a slow start. Some of you may not know that I work from home as a Virtual Assistant. Well, this past week, I got my first very own client. Woot! So, it's great on the money end, but my time is squeezed even more. I'm determined though to get some writing in.

Post your progress or links to book reviews in the linky. Keep on truckin' toward your goals (aimed particularly at myself. LOL)!

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Sit Down and Write 3 Kick Off {and ROW80 Check-In} #sitdownwrite

Sit Down and Write 3 officially starts today!! Are you ready?  If you didn't link up your goal post in the sign-up linky, leave your link in the comments, if you do a goal post, that is.  I'm not going to have a starting line linky this time.  There will be three check-ins and I will post the first one on Saturday and I will be periodically manning Twitter with the hashtag #sitdownwrite so stop by if you need a break.  If you haven't already, you can still sign up any time during the write-a-thon HERE.

My goals for Sit Down and Write 2 are as follows:

• decide whether to go ahead with current WIP or start on other idea
• get words on paper for whichever WIP I choose at the tune of 100 words daily (I'm aiming low so as not to overwhelm myself)
• rereading (skimming) The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and implementing morning pages/journaling
• catch up on writing book reviews
• compose post for reconfigure of the 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge I host.

Good luck on the goals you have set for yourselves!

Happy Writing!

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ROW80--My Weekly Check-In

This is going to be short and sweet, as I am so late! Unfortunately, I didn't get any writing done this week. Someone needs to invent a cattle prod for writers, I swear. But I'm not going to let it get me down. I'll start this week afresh. And I was shelving my lovely collection of (blank) journals today and I decided I'm going to start doing morning pages every day. Maybe that will inspire me to get busy writing on my novel. I'm still determined to reach my 15,000 word goal by month's end. ;O)

Note: I'm not doing two check-ins a week because I just don't have time so Sundays will be my weekly check-in for ROW80.

Don't forget...Sit Down and Write 3, my two week write-a-thon/writing challenge, is coming May 1st. You can get all the details and sign up HERE. Hope you will join me!



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