Writer Recharge Update 4
Here it is, the last #WriterRecharge update. This has been a month-long challenge hosted by Sara Biren, Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, and Elodie Nowodazkij to help writers accomplish goals in the midst of a prolonged winter. The challenge officially finished yesterday, and while Sara did say we could have the weekend as a bonus, I’m going ahead and calling it on 2/28. So, how did I do?
My goals were:
- Get my novel ready for Beta Readers
- Finish at least one short story
If you read my update last week, you know I accomplished the first goal (YAY!!). I’ve heard from some of my Betas (AKA Team Awesome) who have told me they’ve started reading already. That’s not to put pressure on those who haven’t started yet–just to say the Beta review is underway!! Exciting… nail-biting… exclamation point inducing!!!!!! I want Team Awesome to be able to work without a spotlight, so I’ll introduce you to them when they’ve finished their work. Suffice to say, they represent a wide range of backgrounds and genre interests, and they deserve their name: Team Awesome.
As to the second goal… um… well… I made some great headway on the short story… but then I got sidetracked, particularly recently with writing flash fiction for April’s A-to-Z Blogging Challenge. *sigh*. And, of course, reading THE STAND took up a bunch of time, and then there’s life (work, family, church). I’m not disappointed, though. Getting the novel Beta-ready was my priority this month, and I’m very happy that happened. The short story would have been great, but, oh well. Hopefully I’ll finish it over the next week or so.
How has your month been? Have you finished the challenge, or are you using the bonus weekend? If I finish the short story over the weekend, I’ll post an updated update on Monday. Check out Sara’s blog to see who else has posted updates.
Hey, it’s not just me who didn’t hit all their goals! That’s encouraging. 🙂 I need to write up my update soon…
No, you’re not alone, Emma. But if you managed to achieve more than you would have otherwise–which I think was the case for me–I think you can consider it a win for the challenge. I look forward to reading your update. 🙂
Yay 🙂 Great on getting your novel ready for beta (and thank you for your trust!) You did amazing, Colin! Here´s to a wonderful March!
Thanks, Elodie! And you’re welcome–I know it’s well placed. 🙂
Colin, I’m so happy you were able to get the bulk of your goal completed. You did awesome, sir! Best of luck finishing up your short story, but for now, I’d say you deserve a break and some celebrating!
Thank you, Katy. I feel good about what I managed to get done, but I certainly don’t need to let myself relax too much. Okay, maybe a little celebrating… 😉
Getting a story beta ready is HUGE. So happy for you! Hope March is just as productive for you!
Thanks, Alison! I’m quite excited about the novel, and seeing what the Betas thought of it. Depending on Beta feedback, March might be agent-ready month… 🙂
Congrats on what you accomplished. It isn’t far-fetched to think you won’t get all of your goals met soon. I am enjoying your journey–keep going!
Thank you for your vote of confidence, Kim. I’m sure this short story is within reach. It’ll still need some polish when it’s done, but I like what I have so far. 🙂
There’s always time to write the short story. The main thing is the novel and you got that ready for Betas – it all sounds like it’s been great progress. Congrats on fulfilling that goal!
Thank, Robin. Getting the novel to Betas has been the big win for me with this challenge. The short story progress is nice, but, as you say, it’ll get done eventually–hopefully not too far into the future (I hate to leave projects unfinished). 🙂
Getting sidetracked happens to me all the time, but you still got so much accomplished this month! I’m excited for you and your beta readers, hope you get some amazing and helpful feedback!
Thank you, Prerna. I’m sure the Beta feedback will be very helpful. 😀
Hmm…it seems my comment has randomly disappeared somewhere between typing it and pushing “post comment.” Dumb ol’ Internet.
I just wanted to say that beta-ing is taking place and I’m enjoying the read 🙂
Hmmm… sorry about the comment. I’ll check the spam blocker to see if it’s there (you know how that sometimes happens).
Thanks for the update, Jennifer. And thanks again for your help. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. 😀
Sounds like you had a great month. I just read your pitch and your novel sounds very interesting. I’m excited to see what becomes of it. Happy March!
Thanks, Hesther. Yes, I think February went well; the challenge was definitely worthwhile. I’m glad you think the novel’s interesting–I hope literary agents agree with you!
You have a great March, too! 🙂
Congrats on reaching your goals!! Woot! 😀
Thanks, Valia! 😀
That’s huge to get your story ready for readers! I’d call that a win. And you ‘re still writing if you’re working on the A to Z stuff (which I also need to do–it’s March, yikes!)
Congrats on your goals 🙂
Thank you, Stephanie. I’m calling it a win. And yes, it’s March already–yikes!! 😯
Congrats on accomplishing that HUGE goal! Didn’t it feel great to hit send on that email?! And even if you didn’t get that short story written, think of the momentum and productivity you had all month long. I’d call that a win for sure. Thanks for joining us for the Recharge!
Yes, it felt really good to hit send on that email, Sara! The Recharge was definitely helpful. Thanks to you and your co-sponsors for putting that challenge together. 🙂