Oh look! Another month went by. Compared to the bumpy February, March had proven more understanding, allowing me to add the words at a steady pace, and to appreciate the effects of the long-term commitment. It reminded me of hiking in the mountains where the peaks always seemed to be as distant as in the beginning of the journey, but once you’ve looked back, you saw the whole stretch of valleys and narrow paths you’ve scaled already. And writing felt similar: a thousand word on its own doesn’t seem that much, but when you look at a month, then two and three months of such thousands, they grow into stories, blog posts and novels.
How do I know it? Because at the end of March I’ve reached 100,000 words written since the beginning of 2015. That’s more than I’ve written throughout 2014 (I think a lot more, but have no detailed numbers). But without keeping track of my numbers it would be hard to know, as even my main WIP novel, which had grown during the last quarter, is still unfinished. I think keeping track of the numbers helps to see the bigger picture and has a positive impact on motivation, giving the sense of accomplishment.
Three months into the challenge, and I still can’t say I’ve found balance, and a perfect day routine, but at least I managed my time well enough to read some books, including some chapters of Scrivener’s manual (though my Goodreads challenge states that I’m still behind), and have a bit of creative fun with polymer clay.
The 365k Club participation had also proven that writing really is the most important thing in my life. I’d find myself switching off an engaging video game or ignoring Twitter chats because the time for writing came, not to mention making sure Friday drinks with coworkers don’t interfere with the writing time. I think there’s some writerly discipline building with another month of 1000 words a day – and they are not an average buffed by the weekend’s crazy word-scribbling, but honest day-by-day thousands.
And after rather calm March, April will bring a new challenge, as I’m going away, and plan on visiting Pyrkon, science-fiction and fantasy festival in Poland which means I might finally break my perfect streak of writing. Or maybe not? Maybe I’ll find myself scribbling down stories while watching cosplayers and waiting for another seminar?
I’ll tell you all about next month.
This post is a part of “A Month of Writing” series, feel free to browse through other related posts.
Congratulations on hitting your wordcounts:)). I STILL haven’t given myself a regular writing routine – although being something of an addict it’s never been an issue… What I’m currently concentrating on is working smarter, not harder – probably something you’ve already nailed!
I’m really looking forward to hearing all about Pyrcon – any relation with the publisher Pyr? I LOVE conferences and wish I could afford to attend more. Which has been your favourite conference to date?
I can totally agree with “working smarter, not harder”. I try not to push things too much and often as soon as I hit my 1k words, I stop (unless I don’t notice 😉 ).
Pyrkon is a convetion in Poland and has nothing to do with Pyr. It’s name comes from “pyra”, which is the regional dialect for “potato”. No other region in Poland uses that word, so it’s kind of distinct (and the region used to be know for farming potatoes). The other part, “kon” comes from “konwent” – as you probably guessed, Polish word for “convention”.
If you’re curious about it, here are some details: http://www.pyrkon.com/2015/index.php (and I probably write a bit about it too once I’m back).
Well done Melf, that is one HELL of achievement! I’m thinking that I may try 365k club next year although I may live to regret putting that in writing.
Thanks Myk! 🙂
I thought I’m going to regret signing up for it too (or hiding in shame having failed in the first month 😉 ), but it seems it works quite well for me. Except of the backlog of editing and non-writerly stuff I’m still trying to worj through… 😉
Congratulations on your commitment. Best of luck in the months to come. May the force be with you as you endeavor to reach that mountain.
Thank you! These wishes will most definitely will be of use. 😉
Congratulations! That’s one helluva landmark.
Thank you! It feels really good looking back at the numbers, but I’m still less than in 1/3 of the way to the real goal :).
You are ignoring Twitter chats? You are ignoring ME? Oh, you are writing, right? That’s fine. I’ll talk to you vicariously – through your book. Expect a lot of notes and doodles.
I meant I’m ignoring everyone EXCEPT of you, of course. I thought that goes without saying ;).
Oh you tell the sweetest lies…
Wait a minute, did you just call me a writer?
Wait, you were ignoring me? Now I feel hurted.
Oooooooooooops… Dug my own grave, didn’t I? 😉
Yes you did. Next time I’ll let Myk use you as a human shield *pout*
Awwww. Now I’m hurt. Such an inadequate punishment!
Can I offer some brussel sprouts as a humble apology?
It’s ok, you can keep your sprouts for the next war.
However, in the name of friendship I’m willing to let bygones be bygones if you are.
What do you say, we still fellow peacocks?
*nods*
Of course we are!
🙂