Motivational May

It's Monday and the first May Write Motivation check-in day!

I've kept my May Write Motivation goals short but sweet this month because so much of my time now is spent at the community college where I'm taking classes. I'm actually considering going beyond getting the certificate and possibly going for an Associate Degree, but I'm stil debating. Anyhow, going back to school has definitely reduced my writing time, so I have to work harder at the time management, and making smart, doable goals.

My May Goals:
1. Finish WIP#1 which is more than half done.
2. Finish WIP#2 which is exactly half done.
3. Blog 3 to 4 times a week.
4. Sub a short story.

There are all sorts of stories that I want to write - but I'm trying to keep a good, solid focus on finishing what I've started. That means getting the two WIPs completed, critiqued, edited, and submitted. My reward when that happens will be to work on one thing I want to work on - regardless of what it is.

If you're looking for an extra boost by a group of fantastic and super motivating people, then I highly recommend joining Write Motivation. You can also follow along on Twitter at #writemotivation. There are also plenty of cookies, homemade nibbles, teas and coffee - and you know, something stronger on those days you really it, and confetti!

Whether you join or not, I hope your May is full of inspiration, creativity, and productivity.

~Ann Cory

Behind the Motivation

It's a Monday so it's time for a Write Motivation progress report!

What started as a great week, ended with a fizzle. I submitted my novella on Monday and ended up with another 2k on current WIP. I finished Dead Iron and started Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn. However, late Wednesday I came down with the flu. Ugh. There my productivity ended.

Though I will say, Thursday I had a heck of a fever and some twisted story ideas came to me. Kind of scared me, in all honesty. Glad the fever is gone, lol. But enough about that. Onto the goals!

Here are the goals I made for March:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

What I accomplished:
1)I sent off the novella. Whew, what a feeling :) Now I pretend that I'm a super patient person and don't mind how long it takes to hear back. Cause, you know, I have plenty of things to work on and keep me busy. No need to check my email countless times. That would be silly ;) (yeah right)

2)I've written 2k on the new story and worked a little on the revisions until ravaged by the nasty flu bug.

3)I missed two blog days. Not bad. This is where writing posts for blogs early on would've come in handy. Ah well, lesson learned.

4)I didn't get to visit near enough people this week.

5)I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to do anything. Before the flu, I'd finished Dead Iron and started on Voices of Dragons. So many books to read...hope I get to them soon.

6)I need to catch up on my synopsis workshop. We're coming to the end soon, so I'm going to have to get the homework completed and turned in.

7)The whole eat right, exercise, sleep thing pretty much went out the window. I hope to be back on track this week. I miss my routine. After two days of snow (on the first two days of spring) I'm more ready than anything for sunshine, and lots of it.

So, not much can be done. No sense getting upset with myself or dwelling on how much I'm behind. All I can do is pick up and push on. And okay, maybe I check the email a few times more than I should...not about that novella...huh uh. I'm so patient!

I truly missed my #writemotivation! Both the giving and receiving end.

So what is Write Motivation?

Write Motivation is a wonderful group of lads and ladies who are super supportive, inspiring, creative, talented, and highly motivating. They are keeping me on my toes. And if I'm having a low point or what-not, they help boost my spirits :) You can hang with us at #writemotivation on Twitter or stop by the above link to learn more. We'd love for you to join us!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Ann Cory

A Healthy Dose of Write Motivation

It's a Monday so it's time for a Write Motivation check in!

Good productive week. I finished my novella that I'd been polishing until my eyeballs bled. Okay, a bit over the top, but they were definitely bloodshot. And strained. But hey, you've gotta suffer for your art, right? Sure.

I've started a sexy steampunk story, and as of this morning hit 7k. I'm shooting for about 12k. I'm also reworking a previous WIP on the side, because really, I can't ever just work on one thing at a time. No, not me. It does feel good to be writing, creating, finding new characters to torture.

My March goals are as follows:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

What I accomplished:
1)I completed the novella, sent it off to my amazing CP's. Wrote the synopsis (if you read my post earlier this week you'll know that was a feat and a half), and will be submitting it off this afternoon. Woot! Feels good :)

2)I've written 7k on the new story and added 3k on the other one that now needs to be revised.

3)I've continued to blog every day. Go figure.

4)I visited many friends last week, which always feels good. I'm not always great at responding on my own blog, but I do try. I will continue to make rounds and visit friends.

5)Lots of reading :) I finished Wicked Lovely, and am halfway done with Dead Ironby Devon Monk. I also got the great honor to beta read a fabulous book that I can't wait to buy when it's published!! Great characters, intense plot, tons of action and emotion, and fun as well. I will be plugging this fantastic book when it gets closer to debut time - along with the fab author :)

6)My synopsis workshop is still going on and I've been incorporating the lessons into my synopsis. I want to learn to write these babies well! Practice, practice, grumble, practice.

7)I've eaten well, had plenty of water, and worked out 4 days this week. The weather has been nasty and the morning brrrr cold. So excited for spring!

So, novella polished, synopsis written, ready to submit. Cranked out half of a new story. Reworking older story. Feels good to be writing :)

I've done all this with the most exceptional cheering squad to help me get through some rough patches. Not sure I would've made it without the Write Motivation!

So what is Write Motivation?

Write Motivation is a wonderful group of lads and ladies who are super supportive, inspiring, creative, talented, and highly motivating. They are keeping me on my toes. And if I'm having a low point or what-not, they help boost my spirits :) You can hang with us at #writemotivation on Twitter or stop by the above link to learn more. We'd love for you to join us!

Thanks for hanging out with me here on my blog! Go forth and show this week that you aren't about to take it lying down!

~Ann Cory

Oh So Motivated

It's a Monday so it's time for a Write Motivation check in!

I had a great week but found I had to pull a lot more hours trying to get the current WIP all polished and ready to submit. As a result I got up very early and wrote late into the night more times than I care to. It worked okay, but I don't think I can sustain that. Being almost finished (I'm thinking Tuesday at the latest) I will be glad to move onto the other WIPs that have had to wait on the sidelines.

My March goals are as follows:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

I accomplished:
1)I spent each day doing deep edits to get the novella polished. I definitely went beyond what I'd set for myself, which was supposed to be the healthier route to go. It's sort of a double-edged sword. This coming week I'd like to spend more time writing.

2)Between two WIP's I've written 10k, which is fine, but really I spent the most time on edits so I didn't expect the number to be high.

3)I've blogged everyday this week. Guess I have things to say for a change? We'll see how it goes.

4)I spent some time schmoozing. I visited more friend's blogs this past week which made me feel good. I always feel terribly rude when someone stops by and I don't return the favor. It's just good manners, you know? My momma did teach me better. I will continue to make rounds and visit friends.

5)Lots of reading :) I finished Changes, A Blue so Dark, Hostage, and am halfway done with Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais. I read A Blue so Dark in a day - terribly hard to put down! Great YA!

6)I'm doing a workshop this week on synopsis writing, because I don't do well with those at all. I need to change that. Always learning :)

7)I've eaten well, had plenty of water, and this week I made the extra effort to workout. I did yoga one day, and interval training 3x's this week. I promise to keep this up. Especially with warmer weather on its way.

I am not a fan of turning the clocks forward. Just saying. Nothing good comes from losing an hour.

So this week I should have the WIP polished and sent out to Beta readers and CP's. I hope to spend more time writing, and yes...working out. Like it or not I need to make my health a priority. *sigh*

So what is Write Motivation?

Write Motivation is a wonderful group of lads and ladies who are super supportive, inspiring, creative, talented, and highly motivating. They are keeping me on my toes. And if I'm having a low point or what-not, they help boost my spirits :) You can hang with us at #writemotivation on Twitter or stop by the above link to learn more. We'd love for you to join us!

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a goal-busting week ahead!

~Ann Cory

Motivated Monday

It's Monday and Write Motivation check-in day! I've stayed busy and productive and am very proud of all that I've accomplished.

My March goals are as follows:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

I accomplished:
1)15 pages deep edited and 15 pages edited. I'll need to go back through the more recent 15 pages and do a deep edit on them. But that's for next week :)
2)Between two WIP's I've written 15k
Hmmm, what's with all the 15's? Weird trend
3)I generally blog 5x's a week, but give myself some room if I'm unable to do that. I've blogged everyday except Sunday this week. I try and stay unplugged more on Sundays.
4)I pop up somewhere each day, generally I keep it to small intervals of time. Too easy to lose myself in it, so I use a timer.
5)Lots of reading :) I finished Shameless, Tithe, Poison Study, and am halfway finished with Changes by Jim Butcher. Can't read enough - wish I had more time!
6)I've been in a workshop all week - so that gets counted toward my craft study. A new one starts today! Very excited :)
7)I've eaten well, had plenty of water, the exercise thing is not quite going well, but I'm working on this.

So - goals were met. Add to this that the Sapphic Planet Anthology released in print - so I've been busy promoting it. Stay tuned for a blog hop with the contributing authors :)

Write Motivation is a wonderful group of lads and ladies who are super supportive, inspiring, creative, talented, and highly motivating. They are keeping me on my toes. And if I'm having a low point or what-not, they help boost my spirits :) You can hang with us at #writemotivation on Twitter or stop by the above link to learn more. We'd love for you to join us!

Marching Into March

It's March 1st and I'm brimming with excitement. So many fantastic things to look forward to: spring's around the corner, new releases, a brand new month of goals and challenges to tackle, and a month that tends to fuel with me all sorts of creativity.


Speaking of new releases,the Sapphic Planet Anthology is now available in print! Yes that super-charged squee you just heard was me :) You can find it at Amazon as well as at Create Space

A little about the book if you didn't catch my earlier post, which you can find here(it lists the TOC and a brief blurb about my story Her Forever.)

Welcome to Sapphic Planet, a literary realm where women are free to love one another without fear of prejudice or reprisal.

Inside these pages you'll find nineteen stories written specifically to tease and titillate your senses.

From a frolic in the rain with a Bathing Beauty, to a concerned sibling showing his sister some Brotherly Love, and everything in between. Whether you're in the mood for steamy romance or unrequited lust we've got a story guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

This erotic anthology showcases just a fraction of the talent from the writers of Sapphic Planet, a group specifically created for authors and aspiring authors of quality lesbian literature.

Now sit back, relax and enter our world.

Today starts off the official first day of Write Motivation. My goals for the month of March are as follows:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

Phew! I'm pumped and ready to work. I want to make March a productive month. I felt like I slacked throughout January (how many months DO you need to recover from the holidays?) and February I had just gotten back into the groove of things, but still felt behind.

You can follow along with us on Twitter under #writemotivation

Well, as you can see by my above goals, I have to get moving here.
I hope your March is starting off on the right foot - heh heh heh - get it? Well, it's early.

Ann Cory

Support Matters

Ladies, make sure you’ve got a proper fitting bra, and gentlemen, make sure you’ve got the right fitting belt. What the heck am I on about? I’m talking about support.

We all need it. Even if it’s just a little bit. None of us do well for long when we’re out there flailing around or riding low. Hence those bras and belts! It doesn’t matter what size you are, this is a one-size fits all kind of deal.

Everyone benefits from support. It’s a wonderful gift to give someone. Who doesn’t benefit from a pat on the back or a spirited “well done” every once in awhile? Who doesn’t benefit from the knowledge that they aren’t alone and don’t have to feel like they’re alone when they try a new job, story, or project? Everyone benefits!

And even more rewarding, not only does it feel good to have someone support you, it’s a boost to be supportive.

When you work hard and put all of yourself into your task, it’s nice to know someone is there to cheer you on and help pick you up on the days you question what you’re doing.

I’m lucky to have a wonderful support system at home. I can write anything and I know that my hubby is proud of me. But it isn’t just about supporting my actual work, he supports my business ethics. He finds ways to help make my office more functional by building shelves, installing the right kind of lighting, and creating ways to help me stay organized. He's my tech support and personal handyman. He’s also fun to storyboard with when my characters are running amok, and provides me with emotional support when a deadline looms or I second-guess myself. Yeah, it happens.

Not everyone has support from their family. And you may have close friends who can't provide you with the support you're looking for, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to be a loner forever. Take the initiative and email someone in your line of work/genre/project and see where it goes? You may have to do the initial work to find someone, but after you do, it becomes a team thing. *pom pom swish*

Write a list of traits you're looking for and seek out like-minded people. Strike up conversations and see where they go. You won't know until you try. I mean, unless you know exactly what you're looking for, you tend to try on a few of those bras and belts, don't you? *wink*

If you're looking for some extra motivation to hit your goals and stay accountable, then sign up for Write Motivation. After only a week, I feel jazzed about what I'm doing. Faulty thinking is banished. Negativity - poof, it's gone. Knowing people are rooting you on is inspiring. Course I always did like those gold stars back in grade school. In a single click, there's someone in your corner :) Talk about motivation!

There’s no need to feel alone. Get active in finding your support system. And then get active by being supportive!

~Ann Cory