Tag: #goals

• August – meh!

  Posted at 9:19 pm by Jodie, on August 11, 2020

  

  So it’s August… anyone else feeling completely deflated?

  This time of year I’ve normally just been to spend a few days with family, had a night or two away just my daughter and I, had several fun and interesting days out, and would be in the middle of packing for our annual camping trip to Wales.

  Instead, I find myself locked at home in another local tightening of rules that prevents me from seeing any family. While the campsite that we stay on is open, we don’t feel comfortable going there and using the shared facilities, and the same goes for attractions. Many shops and museums, etc, are open around us but, unless it’s an outdoor activity, we aren’t willing to risk it.

  It’s made me feel really horrible as a mom. My daughter’s summer holiday is passing by at the speed of light, and she’s not been able to enjoy any of it. I know I’m not alone in my thinking, and there are plenty of people in a much worse situation than us, but it doesn’t ease my sadness and, if I’m honest, anger that by the time this is over she can pretty much wipe a year from her life. Our life.

  We’ve been robbed and cheated. It’s not to say that this year would have been super amazing. For all we know things could have conspired against us and we would have had to cancel plans anyway, but that would have been on us.

  I don’t want to be one of those people going on about missed education. Yeah it’s important, and yes homeschooling was a nightmare, but it goes beyond not knowing their times tables and the difference between to, two and too. It’s all the other things that go along with it, like school trips, building relationships and, in our case, my daughters first overnight residential.

  I hope that if you are experiencing something similar, by speaking up I’ve somehow helped and, that you know you aren’t alone. If you do need someone to talk to, I’m always around (Mostly on Instagram.).

  With all of that being said, it will come as no surprise that I didn’t push myself too hard during Camp NaNoWriMo. I set myself a goal of 7,000 words towards my mafia series and somehow managed to smash that with a total of 14,108 words.

  As I concentrated on my writing, unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep up with reading. In fact, I didn’t even pick up a book during July! But, as I searched for activities to entertain the little one, I did dip my paintbrushes into some watercolours, something I haven’t done in a very long time. Perhaps I might bring them out again, when I have that golden egg called time.

  I had intended for this post to come out right at the start of the month but, just like everything else at the moment, it seemed to pass me by. It wouldn’t be a monthly catch-up without my goals, so here they are:

  In August I aim to write 1,000 words per day on Sorceress of Flame. I’m hoping that will bring me much closer to ‘the end’ and I’ll finally have that elusive first draft. To date I have managed around 10,000 words, so I’m not too far off achieving that.

  My second and final goal is to have fun. I want to try and enjoy what time we do have left as a family before school restarts, even if it is just going for a few walks and eating garden picnics.

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  Right! Time for me to do some housework and stop the living room from looking like a bomb has hit it.
  
  Stay healthy. Stay safe.

  Speak soon, Jodie xxx

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged #august2020, #blog, #campnanowrimo, #catchup, #coronavirus, #divineprophecy, #donofavery, #goals, #inspiration, #sorceress, #update, #writing

• July – what do you have in store for us?

  Posted at 9:02 pm by Jodie, on July 2, 2020

  

  How are we all feeling? What’s the situation where you are?

  I hope June was kind to you, for me it was much the same. In the UK everything is slowly starting to open back up but I still very rarely go anywhere. To me everything seems so strange and alien, and I doubt we will get back to ‘normal’ any time soon. There is even talk of my local area being at risk of returning to a lockdown situation, so I’m just going to continue as I have been and keep our family as protected as possible.

  I didn’t do any writing during July, not new material anyway. As promised, I have been working on organising my projects better. I still have a way to go but, by looking through my old story bibles and updating all of the information, I have come up with an idea for the future that I think some of you will love. All I can say for now is, watch this space.

  

  I did manage to do a few little jobs around the house, one of which was updating my desk with some self adhesive film. It was originally white but had turned a nasty yellow colour from the sun and was peeling badly in places. I really started to hate sitting there, but now I love it and I jump at any opportunity to work at my computer. What do you think?

  For those that are interested, it didn’t cost a lot of money, I think I bought it from B&M. It also wasn’t very difficult, it just required a lot of patience.

  Something else I did in June, which I really enjoyed, was taking part in a Heart-to-Heart with The Magic Book Corner as part of #themagicbookcornerswednesdayatwiw series of interviews. You can check out my interview here.

  Now we are into July, what plans do you have? Do you have any goals or a burning desire to learn something new?

  For me, July brings with it another round of Camp NaNoWriMo. I often call this the laid back relative of National Novel Writing Month, where I get to choose my own goals but still have the support and camaraderie of other writers and creatives cheering each other on.

  

  With the characters of Sorceress of Flame seeming to be hiding out in their own lockdown, I’ve decided to turn my attention to another project for now, the Don of Avery.

  This is a working cover and title but, as you can tell, it is a very different story and setting to the Divine Prophecy series.

  The thing is, I’ve already written the first draft but there are a few extra scenes and chapters that I want to add before it goes through any major edits.

  Unfortunately this won’t be released until after Sorceress of Flame, and Tory’s story has reached a conclusion, but I wanted to give you a heads up that there is still a lot more to come from me.

  So, July I aim to complete 7,000 words, as well as finish a book I just started, and write a review for another I’ve recently finished. Home wise, I’m not pressuring myself to do anything other than get through each day with my sanity intact. I have just started the Zombie Run equivalent of Couch to 5k, I managed my second run today, so I also want to try and complete that and cut down on the cakes. I was enjoying all the baking to pass the time, my waistline not so much.

  As a side note, I’m gradually trying to get my butt in order to start a regular newsletter. When I say regular I mean maybe once a month, I promise I’m not organised enough to do it any more often than that, so you won’t be inundated. I’m not sure when it will start yet but, please sign up below and you will receive all of my news straight to your inbox.

  Join my email list

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  Anyway, I think I’ve probably gone on too long now, so I’d better leave you to get on with the rest of your day.
  
  Stay healthy. Stay safe.

  Speak soon, Jodie xxx

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged #blog, #campnanowrimo, #catchup, #coronavirus, #divineprophecy, #donofavery, #goals, #inspiration, #July2020, #Q&A, #sorceress, #update, #writing

• June – a few days late

  Posted at 10:30 am by Jodie, on June 5, 2020

  

  It’s safe to say my creativity has taken a nose dive and I’m struggling to find the motivation, and time, to sit down and write. To be fair, I can’t just blame it on our current situation. I often struggle to write at this time of the year as I have so many other things pulling for my attention, like making the house and garden clean, tidy, and an enjoyable place to be. The hot weather doesn’t help either.

  Surely I can’t be the only writer to think that writing is more of an Autumn/Winter activity? Those moments when you lock yourself in your office, or bedroom, or anywhere remotely cosy, with a cup of your favourite hot drink and a blanket over your legs as you hide from the wind and rain. Or, when you are all wrapped up and find yourself in a dark corner of a coffee shop where you can be alone and let your mind wander. Those are the stolen hours and minutes when I am at my best as a writer.

  From my target of 15,000 words towards Sorceress of Flame, I managed just over 5,000. I had to stop. The words just weren’t coming, my characters had abandoned me. They too had gone into their own lock down, so I stepped away and didn’t attempt to write for a few weeks, and then something happened.

  Years ago, as a teen, I had written the beginnings of a story based around the Formula 1 community. I’d come across it recently when checking through some old memory sticks and, wow, what was I thinking? It was terrible! I can say, hand on heart, that my writing is a million times better, but the idea of an F1 based story kept gnawing at me. Then, like a phoenix from the ashes or, perhaps more accurately, a leviathan from the drain water of the shower I was taking, a whole new story line came to me.

  Within a few days I had worked out some back story, and had enough of a clue as to where these characters were going, that I had an itch that needed to be scratched. If you’ve never been a creative, and in particular a writer, it’s hard to put into words. You have this burning desire to sit down and get the words out, either by hand or on a computer. Your hands almost twitch to just get on with it, and all these scenes and conversations keep running through your mind, stretching the seams and bursting to get out.

  Anyway, I ended up writing the first 2,500 words. It’s not a lot, but it was enough just to calm the beast. I really don’t want another project. If you saw everything I was working on, I’m sure a lot of you would slam the door and run far, far away. I have a separate 3 book series in progress, along with an accompanying novella, a children’s book, a fantasy, a thriller, a murder mystery, and now this F1 based romance (to name but a few) all at different stages. For some reason this seems to suit my chaotic way of working, but I really need to have words with myself and finish something soon.

  So what does this mean for June? Well, firstly I’m going to try and organise myself and my research a bit better. I want to try and make sure that everything tied to each novel is together. Ideally I would love to finish the first draft of Sorceress of Flame, but I know that’s asking a lot in the current climate. For now, I think my best course of action is to just take it as it comes. If I feel like writing, I’ll write. If I feel like reading, or painting, or baking, or gardening, then I’ll do those.

  Now isn’t the time to get angry and frustrated with myself, and that goes for you too. We are dealing with so much already, let’s try not to pressure ourselves. Enjoy each day as it comes. Spend time with our family, and be thankful that they are safe. If you have the capacity to help and give to others, then do so, but remember that you are important too.
  
  Stay healthy. Stay home. Stay safe.

  Speak soon, Jodie xxx

  Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged #blog, #catchup, #coronavirus, #divineprophecy, #f1, #goals, #inspiration, #june2020, #sorceress, #update, #writing

• It’s been 3785 days…

  Posted at 4:54 pm by Jodie, on May 2, 2020

  

  Okay, slight exaggeration, more like 47, but who’s counting? I feel like every day I should wake up to the Big Brother voice over or, at the very least, be making daily updates into the star log.

  I hope April was kind to you. Despite good intentions, I think the reality of being home 24/7 is so alien to most that, particularly if you are with your whole family, it messes with your motivation. Too busy working, cooking food, trying to locate said food like the hunter gatherer you’ve now become, along with homeschooling, daily exercise (ha!) and making sure everyone else under your roof is happy, you don’t want to socialise on the local forum that Barbara invited you to. You don’t want to join yet another Facebook group, do that course to better your skills, or get outside and make your garden look pretty. Even getting settled into a book, despite how good it is, is just not happening, so it’s no wonder you end up sitting in front of the TV at 2am drinking another glass of wine, and then feeling slightly confused as to why it’s taking you until 10am to crawl out of bed every day.

  Just me? Oh well, I’d best get on with my monthly update then.

  The highlight of April, for me, was Camp NaNoWriMo, and I’m pleassed to say……(drum roll)…………..

  

  That’s right, I’m a winner! Somewhere within the chaos I was able to delve into my brain that is slowly turning to mush and pull out 21,317 of my 15,000 word target. I also did the 5 hours of research that I had planned for my ‘Otsana’ project. It’s likely to be what I work on during the main event in November.

  I had hoped that adding so many words to Sorceress of Flame would bring it close to the end of my first draft. Not a chance. It currently sits at 78,479 words and is nowhere near finished. I don’t want to drag the story into a third book, as I don’t think it warrants one, but it will mean that the second installment will be longer than the first.

  So, onto May, and what does that have in store?

  For me, it’s much the same as April. I’m aiming for 15,000 words towards Sorceress of Flame and, hopefully, the completion of the first draft. I’m also going to try and fit in a read through of the first half so I can get that over to my editor, to make sure I’m going in the right direction.

  As predicted, my husband, and possibly daughter, are feeling a little neglected after Camp NaNo, so I need to try and fit in more family time too.

  I’d love to know what you’ve been getting up to so, feel free to comment below or follow me on Instagram. Right, back to it! These housemates of mine won’t feed themselves, unfortunately.
  
  Stay healthy. Stay home. Stay safe.

  Speak soon, Jodie xxx

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged #blog, #campnanowrimo, #catchup, #coronavirus, #divineprophecy, #goals, #inspiration, #May2020, #Otsana, #sorceress, #update, #writing

• April – a Continuation of March?

  Posted at 11:33 pm by Jodie, on April 2, 2020

  

  So, ummm, that escalated quickly.

  It’s safe to say the world has imploded and any goals I set for myself last month went out of the window. I’m guessing you may have had similar issues.

  In summary, my Facebook live with Cassidy Reyne in the World Indie Warriors Group went ahead as planned. We are now starting Camp NaNoWriMo, and you can follow along on Instagram with our daily challenge.

  

  I did manage to go to the spa for my wedding anniversary. I went with my Mom, Auntie and one of my best friends. We had a lot of fun and laughs, good food, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the pools and steam rooms etc.

  I’ve been a few times now but, if you ever get an opportunity to go to Hoar Cross Hall, you really should jump at the chance. I didn’t get to do as much writing as I had hoped, although I did manage a bit of reading, but time seemed to pass so quickly while we were there. It’s a good job we were able to relax though as when we got home on that Monday, the situation changed rapidly.

  • 

  • 

  • 

  • 

  There was a press conference in England announcing that anyone who showed signs of Coronavirus —a cough or breathing difficulties— should stay home for 14 days along with everyone else in their household. Unfortunately, that night I developed a cough, which meant we were imprisoned in our own home.

  My hubby had already been given the go ahead to work from home, but I did feel really guilty about keeping my daughter off school. She’s only seven, so isn’t in the middle of a big year, but I knew she would miss her friends and being able to go out to places.

  Anyway the cough amounted to nothing, I think it was just the effect of the steam room clearing my sinuses and chest, but by the time our 14 days were over the country was pretty much in a lockdown situation anyway. So, since 17th March all I have done is go to the corner shop once, been for one run and went to the doctors for a blood test, and that is it. We are trying to make use of the garden, and I have done the first cut of the season and jet washed the decking, but now there is a whole load of painting to do. Let’s hope some nice weather heads our way over the next few weeks as this last one has been very cloudy and windy.

  The self isolation itself hasn’t been that big an adjustment for me. As a stay-at-home-mom and author, I tend to spend a lot of time at home alone anyway. Plus, I detest doing the food shopping and often keep putting it off until eventually I either do an online shop or decide that actually, we really do need food, and head to ASDA. Even having the hubby around hasn’t been too bad, generally he keeps himself to himself in his office upstairs. My main issue has been having Amberley at home and trying to attempt the dreaded “homeschooling”.

  Before she started in primary school I did consider homeschooling her, there is a reason I didn’t. There are a few actually, but the main ones being, I am not a teacher and I’m under no illusions that I could ever be. I just don’t have the patience. Another, Amberley is a very active child who needs a lot of stimulation, and certainly needs space to run around. Finally, she just does not listen to me.

  I don’t mean in a “no, you’re not having that chocolate” or “off Minecraft, it’s dinner time” kind of way, she’s actually not too bad at that, it’s in those instances where you are trying to explain a maths equation, or that she can’t write about a pony because the task is asking for dinosaurs.

  I’m not stopping her creativity, by all means she can write her pony story after she’s written the dinosaur story, but herein lies the problem. She won’t write the pony story when I say she can because she doesn’t want to anymore. Sigh.

  I’m sure I’m not alone and, unfortunately, we may have this situation for many months.

  To top off my never-ending-March, my Mother’s Day plans of travelling to the Netherlands were cancelled. I had hoped to meet up with Cassidy and another of our writing friends, Kara S. Weaver, but instead I was treated to a homemade card and a healthy dose of self-isolation because the hubby hadn’t planned ahead and thought to order anything. It wasn’t too bad though, I ended up blitzing the entire house and cooking Sunday lunch for my troubles.

  With all that happening, I achieved nowhere near my target of 60,000 words towards Sorceress of Flame. I did, however, manage to have a look at each chapter and condense them so it feels like I’m more in control and know exactly where I need to fill in the gaps.

  So, April is now upon us and I must set some kind of target, which is kind of easy as it is Camp NaNoWriMo and I already have a graphic ready and waiting.

  

  I’m aiming for approximately 15,000 words over the course of the month on Sorceress of Flame. I am absolutely making this my priority, and even finished the book I was reading right on time. This will take my total word count to around 75,000 and I should be finished, or close to finished, with my first draft. I still really want to aim for a November publishing date, but it’s going to be tight.

  Underneath that you may have spotted another little project. This has been niggling at me for the past year and I’ve finally given it a name. Otsana. Google it, and it may give you a clue what it’s about. I wrote a snippet from a prompt on Instagram this time last year and I’ve come to realise that it is an ideal prologue. I’m still not fully sure where it’s going to go, but that’s why I want to do a bit of research and see if something comes to me.

  Well, I’ve been rabbiting on for ages now, so I’d better leave you to get on with your day.
  
  Enjoy April. Stay home. Stay safe.

  Speak soon, Jodie xxx

  Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged #april2020, #blog, #campnanowrimo, #cassidyreyne, #catchup, #coronavirus, #divineprophecy, #goals, #inspiration, #karas.weaver, #march2020, #Otsana, #sorceress, #update, #worldindiewarriors, #writing

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