Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Springing into Writing? #IWSG

The Insecure Writer's Support Group was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. May's co-hosts are JQ Rose, C. Lee McKenzie, Raimey Gallant, and E.M.A. Timar. Please visit the other participants.
OPTIONAL IWSG Day Question: It's spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others or not? In the past, I have found a spurt of energy once the weather starts getting warmer. Usually in April and/or May, I'll write and/or edit more than usual. This April found myself with low energy still, but I'm hoping to make progress in my May goal. *crosses fingers*

What are your insecurities this month?

Tick Tock: A Stich in Crime is now available! Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard. Congrats!

Available at
Amazon | Barnes and Noble Kobo Smashwords
Add it to read on Goodreads.
Check out the Tick Tock Mysteries blog!
And their Facebook page.


As mentioned above, I had a low energy month in April. I did a tiny bit of formatting for Elements of Untethered Realms (Forthcoming October 2018), but I did not work on my story for Untethered Worlds, except for thinking about the story and potential scenes. What words I did add (a little over 2500) involved a document I plan to print out and take when I find a doctor to help with some mental health issues I've been having.

My goal this month is to continue working on Elements of Untethered Realms. I am in the print formatting stage. After that, we'll need to create the book description and settle on cover art. Once everything looks good digitally, I'll order a print proof for one last proofread. I figure this goal will take the next few months.

What are your goals for May?


2018 Stats
20,257 words written
17,708 words edited
80,236 friends' words edited

33 comments:

M.J. Fifield said...

Best of luck with your May goals. It's amazing how long that print formatting stage can take, isn't it?

The Cynical Sailor said...

Sorry you had a tough month. I hope things improve for you on the energy and health fronts. I had no idea print formatting was so complex until I tried it myself last month. So much to learn in this area. Cheers - Ellen

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Best of luck finding that energy to keep editing. The onset of spring does fill me with renewed energy, but then once the days grow warmer I want nothing more than to be outside. Living way up in the northeast, we spend approximately eight months of the entire year inside. By April, I'm a literally clawing at the walls, so tired of being inside. Basically, I end up being torn - do I stay inside and write, or do I go outside to enjoy the sunshine that we rarely see up here? I guess I just need to strike a balance.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry about low energy but at least one book is coming together.
Thanks for shouting out about the anthology!

Chrys Fey said...

We all have our hit or miss months. Last month, I didn't do any writing, but I did manage other tasks. Mostly related to tasks around the house or prepping for my June release. Hopefully May will bring you more energy.

Christine Rains said...

Hopefully your energy starts coming back. Summer is where I am low on fuel. It's fun to think of the stories in the UR Worlds. I haven't come up with characters yet, but the world building is good. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I think after June 5, I will have no energy left. (Still 2 book releases to go before that.) You're smart to take your time at this stage in your book. So many authors rush it.

Nick Wilford said...

I think there is something about the warmer weather coming in, it puts me in a better mood anyway. Sorry to hear about your health issues. From where I'm standing, your stats already look great for the year. Looking forward to the next anthology.

Crystal Collier said...

Slow and steady for me. I'm happy to hit 53,000 words on my WIP, but it's taken all year to get that far. I suppose multitasking has a cost, eh? I'm wishing you calm, success, and a great deal of cheese in the coming weeks. You've got this.

Tyrean Martinson said...

2,500 words is 2,500 more than zero. You did good for a low month!
I hope May is an awesome month for you and everything starts to look up!

Anonymous said...

Oof. I hope the low energy doesn't bother you in May and you get what you want done.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I hope you get a sustainable energy infusion. I have those lazy times and it's so frustrating. I will have lists and lists of things to do, but no get up and go to get them done.

Juneta key said...

Low energy day for me today, so slow getting started. Only set in goal is just write something.

Olga Godim said...

I never had much energy in spring. My best time is autumn, and always have been, so I sympathize with your low energy in April. Ditto here. Good luck with your May goals.

emaginette said...

To escape my comfort zone. Wish me luck. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

H. R. Sinclair said...

Good luck! :) I need to set some goals for this month. My energy is zapped already for the day. :/

Mark said...

I get into gardening this time of year...fitting in writing is more of a challenge:)

E.M.A.Timar said...

Sorry April wasn't the best month, but I am sure you will have an awesome May! I love that you track how many words you edited for others. I never even considered that even though I do spend a fair amount of time with other people's work. I will definitely try to track that as well. I hope your energy improves and you achieve all your May goals!

CV Grehan said...

Thinking is working, I say. You'll crush your May goals.

Gwen Gardner said...

You wrote more than I did! I keep trying but I get distracted. Must be the day job. Thanks for all your work on the anthology! And thanks or the Tick Tock shut-out too!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Good luck with your goals and your health. You just have to figure out what you can do with your energy level as it is with your health.

dolorah said...

I'm hoping spring freshness increases my energy levels. Which in turn make me more interested in writing. Being outdoors and walking in good weather is a big help.

My May goals include posting some book reviews. That's writing, right?

Angela Brown said...

Energy is such a fickle thing for me sometimes, but I'm sure you'll have some rejuvenation soon enough.

M Pax said...

I hope your energy comes back. It can be hard to wrangle where you want it. I found I did better when I quit putting pressure on myself and just let things happen. Find the joy and fun again.

JEN Garrett said...

My goal for May is to get a picture book dummy put together. I'm not an illustrator, but this is one unique picture book. That's why I'm having such trouble with it!
But I think I finally onto something; we'll see what my critique group thinks.

DMS said...

I think the nice weather and longer amount of light helps me to feel more motivated to write in the spring and summer.

Wishing you the best with your writing goals. Also hoping you find a good doctor to help you with the problems you have been having. Hugs!
~Jess

Loni Townsend said...

I hope you find more energy, and may things go well with the formatting. :)

Cathy Keaton said...

Good luck on your May goals, Cherie!

Heather R. Holden said...

Best of luck with your goals! Hopefully you've been able to find a little more energy this month. And I know how overwhelming mental health struggles can be, so good luck with your search for a doctor, as well!

Dawn Simon said...

I love spring, but I don't think my productivity is tied to any season--except I get more written in the summers because I get time off work. :)

Good luck with your writing goals! I wish you luck in finding a good doctor. Be kind to yourself. I think we should all do that!

Cher Green said...

Hope you're finding May to be productive. But, remember 'REST' is good too. :)

Meradeth Houston said...

You are seriously amazing for all you're doing for the Elements of Untethered Realms!! Hugs and thank you!

Kelly Steel said...

Best of luck with your May goals. Such awesome news too!