Sunday, January 23, 2011

Kicking Off 2011

This year I already have several writing projects in tow. I submitted five recipes, two rhyming recipes (yes, they rhyme) and two essays to High Hill Press for a new cookbook the publisher is working on.

I also submitted two essays to SMITH Magazine for possible inclusion in their new book entitled THE MOMENT. SMITH strayed from its six-word memoir format and asked writers to tell about a moment that impacted their lives using 750 words or less. I actually wrote four essays (about 3,000 words) but only submitted two.

While at the pharmacy counter, the pharmacy clerk mentioned two words that made my eyes fall onto the counter. I picked them back up, washed them off with antibacterial gel--well, I was at the pharmacy, after all--and said, "That would make a great children's picture book." She agreed and I drove straight home (forgetting all about my planned errands) to type a 1,000-word kids' manuscript. Hopefully, it will be my third picture book.

Finally, I've written about 17,000 words for JANO, our January challenge to write 50,000 words. I'm behind on this goal but I'm chipping away and really enjoying one of the characters. Maybe a little too much. She may have to become the protagonist which would be a big rework. Egads. And I'm the one who hates editing. Sigh.

To recap, I've written over 25,000 words this month. No wonder I'm taking Tylenol arthritis medicine. What are you working on?

6 comments:

  1. Wow, you've really got a lot of projects going on. I see good news in your future.

    In addition to Jano, I sent off a mini-mystery to Woman's World and a story to True Confession. Of course, January isn't over yet, so I'm hoping to add at least two more short stories by the end of the month. We'll see.

    Can't let you have all the fun.

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  2. So, are you taking arthritis medicine, too?

    You've done a lot this month as well. Maybe we should kick back and read a good book now!

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  3. I forgot to mention I wrote a poem, too. The key word for this month is "water" and I wrote a poetic riddle (if there is such a thing).

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  4. Beth
    Your Poetic Riddle is fun.
    May you sell all you have written this month.
    You too Shirley.
    I have been sick for a long time. Nothing being done. I was at Church yesterday-seen by many people so they consider me "Officially Back" to
    start picking up the regulars for Wednesdays Breakfast Group. Took one to the Doctor today.
    It is a good thing I am feeling real good today.
    Plan to start typing my Jano project into the computer this evening. Still seven days maybe I can get to a better word count by then.
    Life is Good.

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  5. So sorry you've been sick, Jan. I hope you're well on the road to recovery. Yes, you can write a LOT in the week's that left. Good luck with JANO!

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  6. Still chipping away at JANO. Behind, but there are 6 days left :-D Been dealing with arthritis in my right wrist. I still want to finish these first 2 books so I can get back to the Western Dusty has offered to critic for me. I'm also applying for a staff position for an on-line scrapbook magazine. They want someone who not only knows the market but can write reviews, tutorials.

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