Story Number 5 Finished

One of my writing goals this year is to write 44 short stories before December 31, 2016. I completed story number 5 yesterday. I'm not going to worry about how many stories I have to go because that would simply cause me more stress. Two thing happen if I stress (1) my blood pressure goes up and (2) my muse stops talking to me. Therefore, I have to avoid stress which has been difficult lately because I also stress over bills that I have difficulty paying.

To get back to the stories. I have to start story number 6 today. I think I will start it by finding a prompt to push me into writing. Once I find the prompt then I have to review my other goals for 2016. I have two more goals (1) edit one novel and (2) finish another. I think I will print off the first chapter of the novel I need to edit, so that I can read it and see what I have to do to edit it.

Seven Days Left in 2015

There are seven days left in 2015, so I have a few days to make my 2016 writing and reading goals. I have five fantasy novels to read in 2016. I have two of my own novels to finish and three to edit. This means I have to set my own deadlines, which should be fun and a new experience.

Thanksgiving Week Writing

Writing goals for the Week of November 23 to November 27.

1. Write a Terza Rima Sonnet
2. Write a 300+ word short story
3. Review 4 to 6 items on writing.com
4. Enter a short story in a contest on writing.com
5. Enter a poem in a contest on writing.com
6. Mail holiday cards
7. Post to blogs

That's all I know I have planned to write this week. I am sure there are non-writing things I have to do, such as picking up my senior commodities and going to my doctor, but I can write between those errands.

Success Saturday: Successes for the Week of February 15 to February 21, 2015

I did a good job of accomplishing some of my goals for this week. I go t the floor mopped in front of the sink before the exterminator came to set the mousetraps. The mouse has not been seen in my apartment since the traps were set so I think they scared it away.

I successfully accomplished my word count goals three days out of seven. I did much better on the review goals I set because I accomplished or exceeded that goal every day and I read some very interesting stories and poems on writing.com.

All in all I did a good job of achieving my goals this week and I managed to get all my socks washed. This is good because when I did the laundry on February 7, I forgot to put the socks in the dirty cloths.

The weather is warming here in Las Vegas. Therefore this coming week, I will wash my hair. When I went to pick up some free bread on Friday I was given several small packets of shampoo. This will let me wash my hair either on Thursday or Friday. I will have to do it on a day I stay home because I got rid of my blow dryer. I never use it when I wash my hair so there is not use having it taking up space in my apartment.

Thursday Thoughts: Time Management Issues

have always had problems with managing my time and the older I get the worse the issues become. That is why I was happy to read this week's issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter on writing.com. The title of the January 21, 2015 issue is Do you need more hours in the day? My answer is a resounding "Yes!" This week's issue list five ways a writer (or anyone else) can improve their time management.

1. Create a prioritized to-do list or prioritize your to-do list.

2. Setpersonal goals.

3. Manage distractions

4. Do not take on too much, in other words cut down on the multitasking.

5. Take time to relax

I have difficult with each of these items. I have to learn or begin (again) using them to manage my time and accomplish my goal. At this point, the first two are my main issues because I have attempted them in the past without much success. I did have a little bit of success using them, but then distractions reared their ugly heads (sorry about the cliché) and I begin attempting to multitask in order to handle the distractions. After that everything feel apart, so instead of starting at the beginning I gave up for a little while and let the distractions or worry interfere with my writing and my goal setting.

Since I am not one to give up completely and I am know to begin projects over several times before finishing them. I am going to begin the process of prioritized lists and goal setting again. This time I will use a different approach by writing blog entries about the list, the goals, and the success I am having keeping up with my lists. Twenty-fifteen is a new year and a new chance to accomplish my goals, which have been rearing their heads in my nightly dreams.

Writing in 2015

It is four days into the New Year and I still have not established my 2015 goal-resolutions. I have thought about my goals for the last week, but I cannot seem to finalize a plan to accomplish them. I know that I want to attempt publication. I know that I want to edit one novel and finish another. I know that I want to write at least 2,000 words a day because I had difficulty last year accomplishing this on a daily basis.

I know that I have to sit down and finish writing the goals before the end of January. I keep getting distracted by other things that I need (or think I need) to do. I also get distracted by the cold, which cause my arthritis to flare up. It is aggravating when my finger joints start to ache or my knee goes out of joint when I attempt to get up out of a chair. These are test of my persistence.

I encounter other distraction as well. I worry too much or perhaps I should say I obsess too much because the way I do it, it cannot be described as worrying. When I write (most of the time) I can put these things in the background while I focus on a blog entry or writing a poem to a contest. When I finis writing then the worries come back. The things that help me focus are prayer, something interesting to write about, and wearing at least four layers of clothes to keep me warm.

I will post this and then I will make a list of the things I want to accomplish in 2015. A list of things to do this year may be as close as I get to making resolutions.

Three Day Into 2015

It's three days into 2015,
I'm wondering
if I should raise my word count goal
another 1,000 words.

It's three days into 2015,
I'm planning
on rewriting one novel
and finishing
another.

It's three days into 2015,
I'm wondering
if I should cut down
on the coffee;
maybe
make one carafe a day
instead of two.

It's three days into 2015,
I'm making
my writing and spiritual
goals for the year.

To Make or Not To Make New Year's Writing Resolutions

There are two theories about New Year's resolutions. One is that they help an individual improve their health, skills, or make their lives more fulfilling in some way. The other is that making New Year's resolutions is just sitting one's self up for failure. The idea when making resolutions is to make them broad enough or high enough to push yourself beyond your limitations while creating a step-by-step plan to accomplish them by the end of the year.

I have ask myself the question: "Should I make New Year's resolutions for 2015?" If I do, then what resolutions should I make. I know one thing I need to do in 2015 is to follow my low phosphorus, low potassium, low protein diet a bit closer. I also need to improve my writing skills because I have grammar issues, which I do not  catch when I make a mistake.

I have two New Year's resolutions right there. A third resolution is to finish editing one novel and finish writing another so that I can edit it. I now have four resolutions and I am not sure I can accomplish those three things in 2015. As a member of writing.com, I can request reviews and ask that the reviewer's focus on the grammar issues. I may find out that I do not have as big a problem with grammar as I think I do.

I have other things that I want to do in 2015. I could make those resolutions as well, but I do not want to work on too many things at once because I will scatter my energy without accomplishing anything. Perhaps the best solution is to make two or three concrete resolution goals and then put the other things on a list and work on those when I accomplish one or more of my 2015 goals.

NaNoWriMo Day 10: Word Count Update and My week in Review

NaNoWriMo Day 9 word count = 1,718
Total Word count to date = 16,130

My Week in Review

 1. Deleted the online game website from my favorites so I am not tempted to log on.

 2. Put Las Vegas Review-Journal website on my favorites list because I see no need in having a daily paper delivered to the house or anywhere that I live if I don't read it everyday. The website contains almost everything I want to read.

 3. Put a website on my favorites that gives mes access to comic strips, which is one of the reasons I was taking a newspaper. If I can access the comic strips on line then I don't need to subscribe to a newspaper.

 4. Set my writing and housework goals for this week, which I may or may not post in tomorrow's entry. This depends on whether I remember to post them here after I post them on writing.com.

 5. Found a video on YouTube that gives instructions on dealing with the blue screen of death, now all I have to do is watch it a couple more times and take notes.

 6. Made arrangements to look at an apartment on Tuesday because Monday is a holiday and the office is closed on weekends and holidays.

 7. Check my Facebook page and friended someone I haven't seen or heard from in several years.

 8. Posted an update to my Facebook page by posting the links to a couple of blog entries.

 9. Found out that, even when I don't close the lid on the washer, it still thinks that it went through the was cycle when it didn't.

10. Submitted two prescriptions that I have to pick up today.

NaNoWriMo Day 4: Midnight in Suburbia is progessing at a good pace

Word Count Update

NaNoWriMo Word Count Day 1 = 1,753
NaNoWriMo Word Count Day 2 = 1,853
NaNoWriMo Word Count Day 3 = 1,783
Total NaNoWriMo Word Count to Date = 5,389

Midnight in Suburbia

Chapter 1: Daniella Coffey - A Change in Holiday Plans
Chapter 2: Daniella Phones about Change in Holiday Plans
Chapter 3: Daniella's Sense of Humor

Today's NaNoWriMo Goals

NaNoWriMo Day 4 Word Count at least 1,667 Words
Midnight in Suburbia complete Chapter 4 with tentative title Ethan Shupe (Daniella's brother) Rearranging Holiday Plans
Complete at least one 30 minute sprint exercise
Complete at least one 15 minute sprint exercise

Midweek Reflections: Acheiving my word count goal

I have not achieved my word count goal in a week. The last time I achieved or exceeded my word count goal was last Tuesday. I received my new computer last Wednesday and my routine was disrupted. I have know for sometime that I needed to make changes to my daily routine, so this disruption does not surprise me; however, it upsets me. A change in routine always introduces stress into my life.

In the last seven days, I have made entries into my blogs and two or three writing.com journals. I have not made any entries into my Gratitude Journal or my Spiritual Journal. Normally, I make an entry in my Gratitude Journal once a week and my spiritual journal at least every other day. I have to get back to making these entries because those entries help me handle stress and depression.

Last week, when I sit up my new computer I had to move Mom's computer off the desk it sat on. I then moved the desk closer to my modem and put the new computer on the desk. Mom's computer I placed on the love seat, which was where I slept. I am now sleeping on the couch and in pain again, not as much pain as sleeping in my bed cause; however, any type of pain disrupts sleep. This could be the reason I am having difficulty getting up in the morning. This could also be one of the reasons my routine is disrupted and this may affect my ability to think and achieve my goals.

The Circle of the Week Begins

It is Sunday, the first day of a new week. The beginning of the circle of the week, which may explain why sometimes I feel like I am running in circles. As I look back over last week's circle I contemplate what I can do differently to make this week better and more productive.

Last week I did not consistently make my writing word count goal. I did not write much on Thursday, in fact, I am not sure I wrote anything except a few reviews on writing.com. Therefore, this week I have to attempt to do better; I have to look for every writing opportunity and take it. I also have to made an entry in my Gratitude Journal this week, I missed this entry last week as well.

The wonderful thing about the beginning of a new week is a new chance to achieve my goals. I have a new opportunity to achieve my writing goals and the other goals I have set. It is a new chance to organize my life. It is a chance to begin something new and try foods or activities I have not experienced. I am not sure what new activities or foods I will experience this week, but I do know I will enjoy them.

Technical difficulties and writing goals

A stressful morning went into the afternoon. This was “Technical Difficulties Friday” so it is a good thing today is not Friday the Thirteenth. Next Friday it July 13 and hopefully I will have fewer technical problems then today.

The main issue today was nonresponsive plug-ins, specifically Shockwave Flash, which gave me the most difficulty this morning. There were other issues as well, mostly nonresponsive websites and programs. I know that part of the issue is “Virtual Memory”, but that, like the Shockwave Flash plug-in, is not the only issue.

I have to reboot several times this morning and this afternoon. The programs just seemed to freeze up for no particular reason. I do not think it is a virus or spyware issue because I do a scan everyday and most of the time nothing shows up. The problem is that the technical difficulties interfered with writing and that interfered with accomplishing my writing goals.

Fortunately, I can stay up a bit later to night then normal. Tomorrow is Saturday and Mom will be at home all day. Since Mom is here all day, I will not leave the house, which means I can stay up and write tonight. As long as I am up by 5:30 AM everything should work out. I have to make sure I get the trash to the curb by 6:00 AM.

New Resolutions (Goals) for a New Year – Part 2

Only a couple of more days left in 2011. I have to finalize my goals (resolutions) for the coming year. In my last post, I mentioned one of my goals. I did not discuss my writing goals then. I have decided to continue the 2,000 words a day goal.

New Resolutions (Goals) for a New Year – Part 1

As anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis knows, I prefer the term “goals” rather then “resolutions”. Other people prefer the term “resolutions” for goals set at the beginning of a New Year. While there is a slight difference, at least, when it comes to the definitions those terms appear interchangeable. Therefore, I am using the word “resolutions” to refer to my new goals for the coming year.

On December 24, 2011, I turned 65 and I am now eligible for Medicare. I joined a Medicare advantage plan with a nationally know health care provider. One of the advantages, to the plan I joined (besides cost) is a free gym membership. The first goal on my resolutions list is to join a gym.

I spoke to a customer care representative from my health care plan and she gave me the names of four local gyms to consider. The gym I chose must be close to my house, while I do have a working car; I do not want to drive very far for a weekly or bi-monthly workout. I have only two requirements for the gym. First, it must be close to my house. Second, it must have a pool.

To state the resolution concretely, in 2012 I will join a gym within 10 miles of my home that has a pool and will exercise a maximum of once a week and a minimum of twice a month.

Time to consider New Year’s Resolutions or Goals

2011 is almost over and it is time for me to make New Year’s Resolutions or Goals. The first step to making new goals for the New Year is to review the goals set for this year. This means I have to look at the goals I set in January 2011 and at my accomplishments during the year.

One thing I need to do in 2012 is to review my goals every three or four months. I think I prefer reviewing them every three months. Once I have reviewed them, then I need to decide if any changes are necessary. In 2012, I will review my goals at the end of March, June, September, and December. Now that I have decided when I will review my 2012 goals, I need to decide on the goals and write them down.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will decide on the goals and write them down. Making goals for the New Year is a serious decision, therefore I will pray about the goals before I make and write them down. I will put them in my prayers because I believe serious decisions require prayer. I will write my goals down. The deadline for finalizing my 2012 goals is December 30, 2011.

Rethinking my goals

There are approximately 39 days left in 2011, so it is time to rethink my writing goals. I changed from a nineteen-day goal achievement focus to a 30-day focus. I am going back to the nineteen-day focus because it is easier (for me) to determine where I am falling short and what I have to do to accomplish the goal.

A 30-day focus is too stressful and gives me too much time to procrastinate. By setting my goals for nineteen days at a time, I have less time to put off and I cut frustration to a minimum. I have found that the more I putt off the more frustrated I become when I do not achieve a specific step in the goal achievement process. The less time I have to procrastinate the better off, I am because I decrease the stress.

New Year’s Eve Thoughts

It is New Year’s Eve, 2010 will soon pass, and 2011 will begin. It is time to appraise 2010 resolutions and make new resolution for 2011. It is time to look at the accomplishments, if one can remember them.

Looking back over 2010, I remember completing the NaNoWriMo Prep Challenge and writing a 50,000 word novel during NaNoWriMo. In 2010, I accomplished both in the same year, which was one of my writing goals. There were things I did not accomplish and some of those I need to focus on in 2011.

I sit down yesterday and wrote down nine goals for 2011. The first thing on that list is move 27 things in my house. I decided to make that the first goal because of this quote (from an unknown source): "If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home." Looking around, I can see a lot I want to move, but I only have to focus on moving 27 things during 2011. I believe I can accomplish that task.

I am not going to list everything on my 2011 goal list today. I will wait to post my goal list until the New Year because I want to review the list again before I post it.

Four Days remaining in 2010

In four days another Gregorian year begins. Friday, December 31, is the last day of 2010. Saturday, January 1, is the first day of 2011. There are four days left to accomplish any 2010 resolutions that remain unaccomplished and to set new goals for a New Year.

I prefer to set goals rather then make resolutions. Resolutions seem to be things that people drop between January 1 and January 31, every year. Goals are a little more concrete and we can accomplish them in steps. Think of the year as a staircase with 12 landings and 365 steps divided into sections leading to each landing. Each stair step contains an action necessary to the accomplishment of the final goal.

I have my 2011 planning calendar set up with the important dates and writing deadlines, I know about inserted. The only I have to do now is decided on the daily steps to accomplish each writing project by the deadline. I know accomplishing my goals will not be easy, but I also know that if I “keep on keeping on” I can accomplish my goals.

Setting and achieving goals

The New Year of 2011 is less then three months away, so it is time to reflect on the goals set in 2010. The best was to achieve goals is to plan, act, and reflect. Reflection on your goals should occur about every three months. This way you can see which actions assist in accomplishing the goals and which actions you have to change. Reflecting on the goals every three months lets you decide if you set the goal too low or too high.

Think about these questions when you reflect on your writing goal or goals. Did you achieve the the goal too easily? Have you achieved part of the goal or the entire goal? Did you put a deadline on achieving the goal? Did you place that deadline on your planning calendar? Even though 2010 is almost over, there is still time to achieve part of your writing goal.