#IWSG: I Heart Writing and #FeedTheHungryEH 

Welcome to the December 2014 meeting of the Insecure Writers Support Group, brainchild of Alex J. Cavannaugh. I hear there's big news about the new guide a whole bunch of us contributed to, so head over to Alex's or the IWSG website for details.

Last month I told you about my own private NaNoWriMo, in which I vowed to spend 90 unplugged minutes a day writing. I'm happy to tell you that I succeeded in doing just that. I didn't set any word goals, just required myself to move forward each day, so I'm rather surprised to find that during the month of November I added 30K words to my WIP.

I actually found that it was good for me to set an upper limit on my writing time. On the few days when I had hours stretched in front of me to do nothing but write, my progress was sluggish. When I knew that I absolutely had to stop writing at the end of 90 or 120 minutes, I wrote with a greater sense of urgency and  therefore was more focused.

The best thing about this NaNo excercise was that it helped me give myself permission to make writing a priority. Instead of my writing getting lost at the bottom of the never-ending pile of to-do's, it was right up near the top.  And you know what? It's going to stay there through December. Because I'm knee-deep and totally in love with this story---and determined to finish draft one by the end of the year.

Whassup with you this month?

Before you go, please check out the cyber food drive sponsored by MJ Joachim at Effectively Human and consider joining in the effort. All you have to do is post about your local food bank on your social networks Dec. 4-6. I'll be promoting the Northern Illinois Food Bank. #FeedTheHungryEH at my Facebook page & on Twitter.



Comments

L. Diane Wolfe said…
That's what I need to do. Writing gets shoved to the bottom of my list and I always run out of time.
Kittie Howard said…
Yay! Way to go, girl!

A supermarket near us stacks bags of food near check-out, for either $6 or $8, that have the basics, from peanut butter to tuna fish, that the store then turns over to a local charity that distributes the bags. Haven't seen this done before but totally love the idea. Plop a bag in my basket whenever I go.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Jennifer Lane said…
You are rocking it out, Nicki! I want to try that too, because I've been slacking on the writing.
Good for you! I totally agree about having those time deadlines and the sense of urgency they create. I did something similar for this NaNo. :)
F. Stone said…
We've observed the 'clientele' of our local food bank and noted there are several who stand outside to smoke for a while before picking up food for the kids. There's a few beer empties in the new SUV also. Yes, I'm probably being a tad judgmental and I should look the other way. Some folks who use the food bank truly need the assistance. Some lazy dudes need to reassess their smoking and booze budget and see if those funds should be diverted for the kids food and books. Hey, Nicki, I had to chuckle when I read your 'eh'; picking a few Canadian words, eh? LOL
Loni Townsend said…
Woot! I'm happy to hear your dedicated time is working for you. Go go Nicki! Keep it up. :)
Chrys Fey said…
I really need to try that as I was unable to write a thing last month. Hopefully when the holidays end I'll be able to get back into the writing saddle. But I'm thrilled it worked for you! Woot!
Emily R. King said…
A cyber food drive is an awesome idea! So nice to meet you. :)
I write better and quicker when I have firm deadlines. Congrats on getting so much done.
Awesome! That's why I need deadlines like NaNo. It forces me to block off a section of time every single night and just get it done.
Anonymous said…
I discovered NaNo to be quite the great motivator. Good job!
M Pax said…
Making writing a priority is how I get things moving. Although, I was in a doldrums, so am finding it difficult to get back into the groove. I have to go read your Survivor post now.
Sarah Foster said…
Glad your plan worked out so well! I need to figure out how to make myself sit down and work on my book every day. It's easier said than done.
Sarah Ahiers said…
High five for 30K! That's awesome!
Carrie-Anne said…
Congratulations on your writing progress! I officially participated in NaNo for the very first time, and agree it helps to make you feel accountable for writing every day, either a set word count or amount of time.
Liz Blocker said…
I love that you did your own private NaNo this year. It's so much of a better idea, to come up with your own challenge that fits your schedule, style, and needs - and I'm going to steal the idea from you :) Thanks!!!
Stephanie Faris said…
How awesome that people are coming together to promote their local food banks. I used to participate every year when I worked in an office...now I don't have anywhere to take my cans! I'm sure someone locally is allowing drop-offs--maybe a grocery store? I'll check into it.
It's great to be in love with your story. And setting time limits is an awesome idea. I also joined MJ and I'd better get in gear for my post. Thanks for reminding me!
Unknown said…
Giving yourself a schedule and a time limit was really smart. Congrats on the 30k! That's awesome! :)
Kittie Howard said…
Thanks, Nicki! It's great to be back! Hey, have you got anything new on Amazon? You know I love your writing style!
dolorah said…
How nice you were able to keep to your goals. 30k is a lot of words ;)
LD Masterson said…
I always start with writing at the top of my do-list. Then all this other stuff gets dumped on top of it. Glad you were able to stay with it.
Cherie Colyer said…
Congrats on meeting your writing goals last month! I have one of those never ending to-do lists. I could really use a secretary. Oh, wouldn't that be nice! My goal last month was to finish the first draft of a new project and I'm very happy to say I did it. In the process I think I actually wrote 50k words. =)

Here's to sticking with it this month!
Suze said…
'Because I'm knee-deep and totally in love with this story'

Perfect! What a supah-sweet place to be. Babe, you and I were totally on the same vibe this past month. Feels great, no?

xxx
Great writing goal! Congrats on making it. That's got to be such a fabulous feeling.
Great writing goal! Congrats on making it. That's got to be such a fabulous feeling.
Tammy Theriault said…
that is amazing that you kept up with the 90 mins. I would have epic failed that one :) big hugs for ya nicki!!

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