Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Life Without a WIP (Work in Progress)

Since finishing up the first draft of Ghostly Liaison (my fourth book) way back on January 2, I've been doing lots of stuff, but no writing. Well, I take that back. I've been writing (blogging) and doing writing-related things, but I haven't started a new book, yet. I think that might just wait until after I've edited #4, which I won't start on until I finish critiquing my crit partner's book.

And I'm working on that, Todd. Really, I am!

I have written something for Book #5 – written as if my character wrote it. I never thought this project would give me insight into his psyche – I just needed some background information on my story – and I'm enjoying getting to know him this way. I have to say, it makes me wonder if I should do this for all my main characters. Not like a diary entry, but maybe as a letter to the editor of a newspaper. Or something like that. How they react to certain situations should tell you a lot. At least it is for me.

Besides writing and writing-related things, I've gotten caught up on The Vampire Diaries (a guilty pleasure of mine). Of course, Being Human started last night (another guilty pleasure). My husband doesn't watch either show, so they get recorded and watched on his teaching nights (this quarter that would be Tuesday and Thursday). Hopefully, I keep up with them in a more timely manner, because I really like those shows.

Another thing I may do before I get back into full-blown writing, is read more. I'm in the middle of 11/22/63 and would like to finish it before the end of the month. It's a monster book (nearly 900 pages) and if I dawdle too long, I may not reach my goal of 55 books by year end!

And in non-writing related news, I sent my resume out for three job openings that are closer to home. In the past, I would have hemmed and hawed before hitting send on the e-mail. This time I just did it. I don't know if I've gotten braver from attending conventions or pitching, or if I just don't give a (%@& anymore.

So, we'll see if anything happens. I figure it couldn't hurt to submit. If I'm lucky enough to get an interview and lucky enough to get an offer and I find out the job just isn't right for me, I can always say no. Of course, working at a job I dislike 22 miles away vs. a job I dislike 6 miles away, I'll take the one 6 miles away every time. I've learned my lesson!




6 comments:

Matthew MacNish said...

I'm in the same place. I mean I'm doing a bit of thinking and brainstorming, but I have drafted a thing in some time.

Jennette Marie Powell said...

I always feel at odds between WIPs. Character work like you're doing is one of the most helpful exercises in beginning a new WIP, IMO! There are some excellent ones in Holly Lisle's Create a Character Clinic, that even can lead to plot points. Good luck with your WIP discovery, and the job hunt! Less drive time = more time to write. :)

DL Hammons said...

Good luck with the job search! I live 2 miles away from my work. :P

Stacy McKitrick said...

Matt - Thinking & brainstorming. Yeah, some of that is going on, too.

Jennette - I consider less drive time to mean I can go back to the gym. I blame my long drive on not going (although, I guess it is just an excuse!).

DL - The ONLY time I lived within two miles of my work was when I lived on base. That was a LONG time ago!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It's much appreciated.

LD Masterson said...

Editing and re-writes over here. My least favorite part.

Good luck on the job search.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Linda - I love editing. I love fixing up my 1st draft. Actually, I love all parts of writing!

Thanks for the luck. I'm sure I'll need it!