Today I started writing Finding Faith, the sequel to Saving Grace. Trying to merge a writing career with a full-time college schedule, plus family and household responsibilities has proven to be more of a challenge than I'd thought.
Still, I'm determined that it CAN be done. And, for today anyway, I'm elated to have defeated the "blank page" and finally have clocked out the day with a little over 1200 words. Not bad when you consider that I would stare at the blank opened page in Word for a while, then browse some of my favorite blogs, then go back to pondering the blank page, then surf a few scrapbooking sites. I know, I know...I was bitten in a large way by a very mean, very determined procrastination "bug."
I don't know why the beginning of a story frightens me so. The intimidation fills me with fear and this overwhelming feeling of "I'll never be able to do this again!" I admire writers who love the beginning processes. Me, I'm more of a middle-story gal. I like the smooth-flowing continuity of characters and plot-lines. I feel safe there, and in control. But the beginnings and the endings...wow, they can really knock me for a loop.
Anyway, I'm going to try to hold myself accountable to you, my readers and my friends, by logging my word count once a week. That way, you can see the progress I'm making and also the mood I'm currently in concerning the story. Let me tell you though - the moods can vary from "Gee, I love this writing life!" all the way to "I wanna drop-kick this computer right out the back door!" So...if you're brave (and don't live right outside my back door) then you're cordially invited to help hold me accountable to this story. This tracking meter is set to 50,000 words but the book will actually have closer to 90K. So my initial excitement at seeing that I'm 2% there (!) was a bit premature.
For now, I'm going to put on my shoes and go out for a celebratory Sonic Diet Coke. I conquered the blank page and if that doesn't call for my all-time favorite crushed ice and beverage of choice, then I surely don't know what does!
Saving Grace
For Such a Time as This
Waking Emma
These Things We Hold
I am so pumped about reading Finding Faith when it is done. I will be buying copies this time not just winning one for doing the bloggy book tour! :)
Posted by: Liz | January 15, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Ummm, just how good of a kick have ya got? 'Cause I do kinda live out your back door ya know! ;-)
Can't wait to read all about Faith! It'll be great I'm sure.
Posted by: Denise | January 16, 2007 at 12:09 AM
Way to go Staci! Im so proud of you! Keep up the good work! I look forward to reading your next book. I was just wondering..how long does it take to complete a book...until the time its released?
Posted by: Carey | January 16, 2007 at 09:38 AM