Sunday, September 04, 2005

Turned out that the Muddy Blues Festival was yesterday and today (not Friday). And I didn't get to go yesterday. :-( I'm hopeful that I can step out a bit today, but I gotta meet my quota. I actually revised two chapters over ten or eleven hours yesterday. Yeah, took a lot longer than I thought. I stopped for no more than 30 minutes each for lunch and dinner. Maybe a couple of 10 - 15 minute breaks to stretch out and that's it. I probably went over the chapters beginning to end, word for word, about five or six times each (before I split them up, because they were quite lengthy). I kept at it until I felt the characters were extremely visual, their dialogue was individually realistic, and the entire chapter flowed. I guess sometimes it goes easy like my first couple of chapters, and sometimes it takes time. I have to confess that sometimes, I can be a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to projects. Maybe that played out yesterday because I am treating this like this will be the last revision before I turn it in to my editor. So, I want to make sure it's shaped to my satisfaction and it's something I enjoy and that I think readers enjoy. That's the goal here.

So, I gotta get to through my two chapter quota today and I hope to do the festival at least a little bit tonight. But if not, I'll be free to do whatever after I finish this book, so, no biggie! :-)

If you're in the St. Louis/East St. Louis area and you'd like to donate to the Red Cross for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, I'll be one of a few St. Louis Cares Volunteers who will take donations on Labor Day at the St. Clair's Square Mall in Fairview Heights, IL. I'll be at the donations table Monday from 10 AM - 2 PM, so come on out!

6 comments:

LadyLee Sun Sep 04, 03:41:00 PM EDT  

Your dedication is making my head spin! You put in so many hours on your writing. Could you sell me a little of that dedication, enthusiasm, and consistency? I just need an ounce or two of it...I'm in desperate need of it. Name your price (LOL!).

By the way, I got "Counting Raindrops..." in the mail on Thursday. I am 3/4ths of the way through it. IT IS GOOD! I'm loving it! I love it! I love it! I love it!!! Can't wait to see how it ends. I got choked up on one part.
(Had to go get some Kleenex and a glass of water.) You are like, the Jedi Master of visualization, description, all that crazy stuff I stuggle with. Takes my breath away!!! It's so good I might have to read it twice.

Expect an off loop e-mail from me Once I finish!

Ladylee

Cherlyn Michaels Sun Sep 04, 04:06:00 PM EDT  

LadyLee,

Now you should know that you're words are making me feel like days like yesterday are worth the while! Thanks so much and I am SO GLAD to hear that you're enjoying the novel. 3/4 the way through? Wow! And what you mentioned is what I like doing and I'm trying so hard to do with this second novel.

As far as the dedication, I have to confess something. As much as I say on my blog how hard it is and how much I'd rather be outside (don't get me wrong, that's true), but I LOVE what I do. I think that's why I'm able to sit here for 10 hours straight and do this. It's grueling, it's tiring, it's frustrating, but I love it.

You can do it too. I didn't start off this way. My first goal was 300 words a day. Then I increased it to 1000, to 2000, then to a chapter a day. For a while, I had trouble being disciplined enough to write everyday. Now, I do think the deadline kinda forced me to become disciplined and dedicated. LOL But I'm going to keep it up after I finish this book. Already got books three and four ready for me to start writing (after outlining).

I want to know what got you so choked up (which part). I'm looking forward to your email!!!

quincee Sun Sep 04, 07:04:00 PM EDT  

Wow Cherlyn, I have to echo Ladylee on your dedication. I wish I had the discipline to write every day. There have been days when I can do it, but unfortunately I'm going through a stretch now where I just can't focus. You are an inspiration. Maybe I'll try to get through my Chapter Four again tonight. Procrastination will be the death of me. Thank you for sharing your success. ~Q

Cherlyn Michaels Sun Sep 04, 09:07:00 PM EDT  

Quincee,
Thanks!
After that, I almost feel bad about playing hookie! I finished one chapter today and I decided to take the rest of the day off to go to the festival. About to meet up with a couple of friends to go now. But I'll make up for it later. :-)

And you can write everyday too. Just start small.

Stacy-Deanne Mon Sep 05, 12:02:00 AM EDT  

I write everyday too. I just love writing period so I feel lost if I don't do it. Cherlyn I think you've visited my blog once or twice right? Sorry it took me a while to get to yours. So many writers' blogs so little time, LOL. I find that I meet more writers by blogging than I ever could at any event. I'm a workaholic so I feel you.
Visit my blog to see what I am doing in support of Katrina. Also, enjoy your stay and please comment on the posts while you're there.

Cherlyn Michaels Tue Sep 06, 12:30:00 AM EDT  

Stacy-Deanne,
Thanks for stopping by and posting. I'll will definitely stop by to check you out. I know what you mean about blogs. I have so many bookmarked and not enough time to visit. I'm hooked!

Hey Big Marc,

See, nobody understands me like you do!

You described the feeling to a tee. No matter how much you toil, in then end, you feel so good about it when you're done and you have what you want. Okay, we're going to have to discuss this perfectionist dysfunction in more detail. Let's do lunch. I'll have my therapist to call your therapist. :-)