First Wednesday Check-In

It’s Wednesday. You’ve had a few days to get started, work on a routine and find a rhythm. How are you doing? Good news, bad news - tell Sven all about it.

89 Responses to “First Wednesday Check-In”

  1. Shiloh Walker Says:

    7500, Sven! I want this particular project done by the end of the month.

  2. Angelle Trieste Says:

    Three chapters revised. :)

  3. HelenKay Dimon Says:

    I did final edits for my July ‘08 release and 12 pages on a book that’s due on March 15th. All good so far!

  4. Beth Wodzinski Says:

    so much good news.

    I did well the first day, but haven’t managed it since–so I’m here representing those who get behind but recover. I think I’m just not the write-faithfully-every-day type. So I should have a big burst of productivity any second now. . .

  5. Portia Da Costa Says:

    Well, I’ve done quite a lot of editing on my main WIP, and am up to chapter eight or nine now. Which is good…

    The first three days of the challenge I was also working on a short in addition to the editing and racked up around 3K… but nothing on that yesterday. I was a bit stalled on what should happen next ie. not a clue! And I was also very deeply ‘involved’ in my main WIP, and I couldn’t seem manage the two different sets of story people in my head at once!

    But when I’ve finished the editing I hope to start pushing ahead on the story and other new stuff.

  6. Kim Knox Says:

    Monday was a wash out due to crappy stuff, but I got about 1500 words written yesterday, which means about 2k written on the contemp wip since Sunday. Yay

    But now I think I’m like Portia, I have no clue where my two characters are going from this point in the story. Hopefully, I’ll sort that today. Probably after I take the nose-bleeding 3 year old for blood tests this afternoon.

  7. Amanda Carrell Says:

    After a slow start, I’m at 4157 words at the start of Wednesday! Whoo!

  8. Thomma Lyn Says:

    Woot, you’ll be proud of me, Sven! I’m rockin’ and rollin’, and I’m loving my story. I’m sitting proudly at 9,664 words at o’dark thirty, Wednesday morning! :D

  9. Rachel C Says:

    Everyone’s doing so great!
    Me? Not so great. But then I’ve been a little occupied with parent teacher interviews (3 kids, 2 in high school so I think I’ve seen 21 teachers in the last 2 days) and dentists appointments. I did manage just under 1,000 on Saturday but I have done a book review so that kind of counts as writing. Well, I’m gonna count it.
    Happy writing everyone.

  10. Amanda Says:

    2161 words so far this week. New idea spawned and took up 600 words. So I’m not doing too bad. I’m hoping to crack the whip and get down to business the rest of the week.

  11. Trace Says:

    6450 words so far - I’ve found it really hard to keep going as I’ve been writing quite late at night, but it’s great seeing the word count creeping up. I don’t think I quite made it out of the starting gate last time! :)

  12. Elle Blum Says:

    Well I started two days late, got one decent day of writing in (1200 words on my WIP) and then my health decided it wouldn’t cooperate. Slept all day Tuesday, was up all night (though no work got done) and I doubt I’ll be in much condition to write tonight. But no matter, I have an entire week off in front of me and I’ll have plenty of time to get caught up…theoretically. I’m so glad that most everybody is doing well. Good luck everyone!

  13. Sue Says:

    Great job! It seems like everyone so far has at least written something.

    I’m pretty proud of where I stand to date.

    At the start of Sven I was at a road block. My characters deviated from my plotted outline and I didn’t have a clue where the story was going. Sven kicked my but in gear. Replotted and I’m now making pretty good progress (~9300 words on Wednesday morning).

    I’m also editing a short story (4 chapters). That’s not going as well. I’m only about ~1/4 the way done. I hope to be completely done with the editing by the time I check in on Sunday.

  14. Dawn Montgomery Says:

    1810 for me as a total. Sooooo, not so good. I’ll be able to pick up speed after the middle of the month. Congrats to those who are kicking butt!!! For those who are, like me, struggling, don’t give up hope! Keep plugging away at it and the word count will follow. You’re doin GREAT!!!

  15. Heather Harper Says:

    Slow starting, but confident that handwritten pages will pile up from here on out.

  16. Patty L. Says:

    I signed up on Monday and have completed 2586. This is a great start for me and since I told my husband my goal he is going above and beyond the call of duty and taking care of the house and kids so that I can write in peace every evening. I am commited to finishing my wip by the end of the month and starting the next one on the first of April.

  17. Jaci Burton Says:

    Over 8000 words since Sunday, so I’m ahead of my goal so far.

    I think y’all are doing great! And don’t get down on yourselves or give up if you don’t do as well as you think from the start. There are going to be days you do great, and days you don’t do so well. Just keep plugging away!

  18. Sandie Says:

    Hi all,
    My total since Sunday is another 3,885, which is a little over my goal. That buts me just over 6K since the start of Sven, I’m happy with my progress.
    Just as well because I’ll be having Friday off to visit my Mum. My son called over today, which is always a nice surprise but I started writing later then I had planned. Not to worry there is always tomorrow, err.. later today.
    Good luck everyone for the rest of the week.
    Hugs
    Sandie

  19. Christine d'Abo Says:

    I started with Sven late (Monday) and got distracted last night by my husband. I’ve managed to get 2500 done and plan to sit down and not move off my couch tonight until I get another 2k. Let’s hope I can catch up to everyone!

  20. Rachel C Says:

    As the saying goes, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. It’s 9:30pm here in Singapore and after spending the afternoon at the dentist with son number one, I sat down in the hot seat planning to just go over what I’d written on Saturday, the best of plans and all that. I ended up doing that and putting out over 800 words. My total for the week so far now stands at 1,803.
    And we’ve just walked smack into the black moment so it’s almost done. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
    May the Word God smile upon you all.

  21. deniz Says:

    Doing okay! Consolidated all my edits for the first two chapters. Now I just need to type up all the changes…

  22. Jerri Says:

    I’m in a routine for the first time in a long time. Since I started sweating, I’ve written 5,265 words in my new book.

    Thank you, Sven!

  23. Zoe Says:

    I’m doing great so far; this story is going much better than I expected. I’m up to 14k; I’m planning to make it to at least 15k today.

  24. Koko Brown Says:

    Since March 1:

    Started a new story, 2,500 words so far. Had to chuck 1,000 of it due to story plot. But after ONE full day of research on silver mines I’m back to work:)

    I’ve also edited two chapters of a current manuscript. Hoping to finish that this week, so I can devote the entire time to the new manuscript.

  25. Amy Ruttan Says:

    20,000 words since Sunday. Not much more to go and this one is done and two more to finish. I want to write 80,000 words in total over three in this challenge

  26. Sarai Says:

    Well I just figured out the voice of my main character so last night was able to crank out 3,500 and that’s it. but hey I didn’t start until yesterday (I guess that’s a good excuse for today’s use only!)

  27. Cynthia Says:

    Moving slowly (only a page or two) but I’ve got the project started, now I just need a name for my heroine. I’ve got the first ten pages or so solid in my head so I just have to find more than five minute to sit down and write.

  28. Karen Erickson Says:

    A total of 5400 (well just a little bit over). So…so far, so good! :)

  29. Nayad Monroe Says:

    As of last night, I was up to 4,300 words. I haven’t had my writing time yet today, but I will!

  30. Alexa Silver Says:

    almost 14,000 words but that is split between myself and my co-author. My portion is probably 7500 or so. She’s in meetings this evening, but we usually get a great deal done on the weekends, so it will all even out I hope.

  31. Jess Says:

    I started my outline. :D I hadn’t decided what project I was working on until… uh, yesterday. >.>

  32. Lousa Says:

    I did well the first days, but yesterday was completely nothing. It was my anniversary, but I spent nearly the whole day voting and going through that Chinese (apologies to the Chinese) fire drill known as caucus. Did see some people and interactions that were interesting from a writer’s point of view. About 6K words for this week.

  33. Bianca D'Arc Says:

    9,250 words so far. I’m expecting edits any minute, so likely that pace will slow to a crawl while I slog through the edits. Still, off to a good start!

  34. Sierra Dafoe Says:

    Whoa! It’s Sven time again??? Okay, off to sign up!

  35. Nicole Reising Says:

    I’m doing great. Though my word count technically isn’t where its supposed to be, I’m not worried. I made some big alterations on how this last scene went down and thus actually deleted stuff… but its tons better. =)

    Cole

  36. Michelle Hasker Says:

    I have only done 2000 so far. But I hope to catch up to my desired goal tonight. We’ll see. Mondays are my worst days to write because of my volunteer work. And last night I have no excuse other than the sudden overwhelming need to clean my house. And tonight I have company. LOL
    Anyone else looking forward to summer vacation?

  37. Nina Says:

    Bad news for me. But I’m not worried. I’m starting a new project from scratch and since I’m a pantzer it takes time to flesh out the story and sometimes I don’t get anything more than a paragraph on the page. But I’m far enough into this that I’ve stopped worrying about this. It’ll all start to come together in the next week or two.

  38. Diana Pharaoh Francis Says:

    I planned to write 2K a day during the week and use the weekends for revising and planning. So this last weekend I planned and plotted some fine points (and was pleased to make a couple of important breakthroughs for the thin bits I hadn’t figure out yet) and then on Monday I began writing. So far (not including today) I have 4,500K done. Not bad. The first day was very smooth, second less so (had sick kid at home) and I’m hoping the flow returns today. And speaking of which, off to go write . . .

  39. Xidu Says:

    9156 words since Sven started, which is more than good for me as I edit as I go (yes, I know we’re not supposed to do that but I can’t help it!). I really pushed myself on Wednesday as I’ll be away for 3 days over the weekend, taking OH away for her birthday :)

    Everyone’s doing so well!

  40. D.N. Says:

    I only have 57,590w left. Pretty good for someone like me. Unfortunately, it’s under quota, but what can I say? I attend college full time.

    Back to writing!

  41. Karen Mahoney Says:

    I didn’t start until Monday, but so far 2,500 words. I’ll pick up speed over the weekend! :)

  42. Kate Scott Says:

    Well, I did really well on Saturday, over 1300 words to begin. Not bad for me. The rest of the days have been unproductive, I fear. I’m getting tired earlier again (darn bebe), so I can’t seem to get my brain working after I’ve worked for 8 hours.

    However, I have high hopes for Saturday that I’ll get back on track.

  43. Wylie Kinson Says:

    Just got back from holiday, so I’m only 700 words in… but the motivation level is high so I plan on making up for it over the next few days!

  44. Sandy l Says:

    5,490 words so far. Much better than the last two times. I hope to keep the momentum going for as long as I can.

  45. B.L. Foxxe Says:

    Yowzas! Nearly forgot what day it is *grins*

    Since Sunday, I think I’ve totaled around 10-20k in revising alone on 3 projects. Actually found some others to work on *cheers*

    Since I was already beginning with projects in the 30-60ks, I figured I’d just go with how much word k in revision and total that up instead. *grins* I’m hoping it evens out anyway.

    Titles: Almighty Interference Bites: Finished with 16k+ *grin* Silkweaver’s Burns(+), Frozen Fate (0), and the rest haven’t yet touched. Sort of jumping around because a couple of the original titles I’m playing with will likely merge into a single huge novel.

    New titles: Feral Royalty of the Sea (Will change later), a short being revised I’m not mentioning the title just yet. :)

    So there’s my report. If anything alters, I’ll post here again *grin*

  46. Laura Armstrong (LA) Says:

    Started sweating late - didn’t realize we had another round going until yesterday.

    9:00am found me already tired, frustrated, and cranky, so I sat at my desk at work and wrote a very hot scene. Not politically correct, but I felt much better having accomplished it. Not to mention it was more fun than the lovely things that awaited me, like firing a receptionist, programming VOIP phones, and figuring out Exchange server problems. I think I’ve earned four pages of attitude adjustment, and everyone benefited!

    Put me in for @ 1700 the last 2 days.

  47. Lisa Hendrix Says:

    Really lousy, so far. First sick and overyly-busy kids, then yesterday was spent in the ER with my husband (second time this month). He’s home still very sick today, but I WILL catch up.

    Got to. On contract.

  48. Jen P Says:

    To console myself after getting a 78 on an exam (which was a good score compared to most of the class, but still distressing), I came home and edited at least five chapters. I’m not counting the words right now because it’s mostly taking away unneeded words.

    Aah… Scribbling out words is good stress relief…

  49. Laya D. White Says:

    I’ve got 2109 words total. That’s words on the actual WIP in associated documents - outlines, freewrites, notes, etc. This challenge has been a great motivator for me, and I feel I sleep better when I have my 1000 words writen for that day.

  50. Nayad Monroe Says:

    All right, now I’m up to 5,200 words total for the challenge. :)

  51. Marianne LaCroix Says:

    I had to replot my book as the hero was all wrong. So I had to start again. :( I do have 1500 words on the new story. I still plan on getting this book done by May 16th, which is 86000 words.

  52. Barbara Burnham Says:

    2500 words so far. Man, am I tired. Too much going on.

    Barbara

  53. Gina Marina Says:

    quick note: sending my ms to a CP :) Only words are short rearrangements that I didn’t count

  54. Lillian Feisty Says:

    I am definitely behind. But I’m starting to catch up. My goals is 2K today.

  55. Erin Kendall Says:

    Congrats to everyone on their progress!

    I’m up to 3,076. Wrist has been acting up badly, and dictation is going slow, but I’m making steady progress.

    Cheers,
    E.

  56. mary beth Says:

    5000 words. Woo Hoo!!!

  57. Cynthia Justlin Says:

    I’ve written over 6600 words since the challenge began! I love how this challenge is already teaching me discipline and showing me that if I put my mind to it, I can write consistently.

  58. Gwen Mitchell Says:

    Wow! Way to go sweaters! And those of you who are starting off slow - don’t worry - you’ll find your pace, just keep clunkin’ away at it! *passes out gatorade*

    I’m at 12.5K for the challenge so far. The weekdays are always slow for me, but I’ve tried to actually sit down and write *something* every day. So far, so good.

    Good luck everyone!
    ~Gwen

  59. Lynn Says:

    1178 total so far. Not where I’d like to be, but I’ll get there.

  60. Brandi Bradley Says:

    I just started yesterday, so my start is behind everyone else’s. I’m well on my way and anticipate a better report on Sunday.

  61. Leslie Kelly Says:

    So far so good. I definitely like shooting for words per day, rather than pages!

  62. Steve Nagy Says:

    4500 words. Rough rough outline. A turle’s pace, but the turtle wins the race.

  63. Shayla Kersten Says:

    Well, after reporting in Sunday morning, I managed 2100 words on my 20k novella. I started it before March 1st so I’m up to 4100 words.

    Monday was a waste! Didn’t leave the day job until 6:30 and my hour commute turned into two due to a power pole across the highway. *pouts*

    Last night, my Ellora’s Cave editor sent me edits on a short novella so I’ve been working on that ms instead of the new one. I think I’m done but I’ll give it another read through tomorrow night.

    Also last night, my critique partner sent me a ms she’d finished critting so I need to look at that and get it shipped to my editor.

    So…I’ll probably not get back to writing on the new one until Friday or Saturday. But it’s all writing progress!

  64. Yvonne Y Says:

    You guys are great. I’m still in editing mode so no new words to report yet, but soon! And I’ve been working on it every day so far, which is really the habit I’m trying to form, so I’m really really pleased with THAT. And I’m off to do my bit tonight. Love the energy around this challenge! I need every bit I can get!

  65. Audrey Says:

    Did another 2800 words on my WIP. Need to get the handwritten pages onto my computer… convinced that will get my creative juices flowing! Back to my pages. Love reading about everyone’s successes!

  66. Lori Says:

    Progress is steady. I’m up to chapter 5 on revisions. Today, I got some valuable critique on the revised chapter 1, so I’ll be going back to that before pushing ahead.

    To all you first timers out there, keep sweating! It’s so worth it. I made it to the end of the last round and it was a great feeling. That and a nearly finished first draft made the experience so worthwhile.

  67. Kerry Allen Says:

    Only 2000 so far. The words aren’t coming easily yet–still getting to know these characters and being a wuss about how morally ambiguous the heroine can be at the beginning without turning off a reader.

    Resolved today to write the story the way it needs to be written and not let hypothetical haters stifle it before it even makes it onto the page.

  68. Ella Drake Says:

    Not quite 4,000. Sweet! I should do better with this challenge than the last, because I got caught in revisions toward the end. On the other hand, April will be a BUSY month for me. We’ll see. Have a goal to get one project done and a bit of a rewrite started by the end of March. Crossing my fingers that my muse keeps on giving.

  69. Trisha P Says:

    Not so good the past few. Have been working late. But I have been writing some paragraphs here and there. I’m off the next 2 days and plan to catch up!! Keep up the good work everybody.

  70. Renee Sweet Says:

    I’m pretty well on track. I expect to pick up some more momentum through the rest of the week/weekend. So far, so good!

  71. Joely Says:

    I’m not firing on all cylinders yet for this phase, for whatever reason. I do have 3560 words but I really need at least double that! My schedule has been D&E around 5:00 a.m. all week, but I did oversleep a little this morning. I’m also taking time in the morning to get my Morning Pages ala Julia Cameron, which I’m hoping will eventually speed my writing up.

  72. Kathleen Says:

    3862 since Monday! Woo! 35336 for the manuscript so far.

  73. Darillian (J. Carter) Says:

    I just started on Monday, so I was down a bit and am counting from Monday. 952 on Monday, 1161 on Tuesday. Also edited and revised chapter that was finished on Monday. Total word count as of today is 2259, due to low word count today because two littles ones were home all day with me - were supposed to go to doctor, but no appointment available till romorrow a.m. Maybe I can get more in tonight after all are in bed.

    But feeling good. Now on Chapter 7 by my splitting. BTW, how do you count chapters? I just kind of stop where the stopping makes sense. Is it usually abotu 2000 words or so?

    I hope to have this long WIP either finished or close to it by the time this is over.

  74. Debbie Mumford Says:

    Slow and steady does it. I’m at 5,607 and darn proud of it! These NaNo-style writes really work for me. Thanks for the prod!

  75. Leah Says:

    I started late, too, and I am kinda slow (one reason why I started this challenge). I did 3 pages bet yesterday and today, and got over my rough spot–which is great for me! I also was able to list all of my major plot points, with some minor details for the rest of the WIP…and got some ideas for some devotional-type articles which I might do one day. Guess Sven primed the pump! It’s so encouraging to see how well everyone is doing, esp. when we all have real-life challenges (me, 3 kids 6 and under and DH on call all week). Have a great rest of the week!

    Total chapters so far: 5
    Total words so far: 24,805 (most before the challenge!)

  76. catie Says:

    Argh! Am ashamed to say I haven’t even cracked the 500 word mark.

  77. Kristine Says:

    The scene I was working on derailed on Monday–only 321 words. A grand total of 14 yesterday. Wrote a scene out of order, which I usually don’t like to do, but I’m hoping to keep this one–826 words.

  78. Maria Says:

    Poo! I almost forgot to report my progress! As of Wednesday evening, I’ve logged 7660 which puts me just above where I should have been. I’m slowly trucking along and consistently getting those 1500 words a day. This has seriously been the best decision I’ve made in some time regarding my writing!!!

  79. Lauren Says:

    Hi! Almost didn’t check in…I’ve got 2,000 words today. I got a late start, just starting today actually because I forgot about the challenge’s start date in the midst of midterms, and projects. I know it’s going to be rough continuing to write everyday and meeting that challenge of 850-1500 words a day, but it’s just a matter of just starting, right? And letting your fears go. :) I can’t decide if I want to work on anything new as well as revising an old story, or not, but I guess I’ll let this sort of thing develop on it’s own.

  80. Merry Says:

    No new words on Wednesday - I was typing up some of the longhand I’d already written on a novelette I’m doing.

    Overall, not very good so far. I’m hoping to rack things up in the evenings and during my lunchbreaks, even if it’s just on a notepad.
    2852 new words - including starting a new short story.

    Hopefully, I’ll pick up speed as I go along. :)

  81. Saskia Walker Says:

    Just under 4K since Sunday. I need to step it up to meet my deadline comfortably, but I had a breakthrough and it’s going well. Thanks Sven :)

    Good luck to all!

  82. Ally Kendall Says:

    Only 2344 so far, because I scrapped my original plan to finish an old story and instead began a new one. I’m sure I’ll be able to catch up this weekend.
    :)

  83. Nicole Gestalt Says:

    I’m on around 3000 words since Saturday although that’s an estimate since it’s all been hand written.

    I’ve also done some planning and am going to be setting aside this piece I’m working on briefly to work on a short fairy tale esq piece.

  84. Bonnie Rose Leigh Says:

    I completely rewrote the beginning of Sheltering Abby and so by end of the day, I added 1142 words to that project. I’m hoping to hit 3K a day at least until it’s finished.

  85. Michelle (MG) Says:

    I think I added almost 2k. Not much, but every bit helps!

  86. Kristi Says:

    so far so good..I’m coming up on 7k! :)

  87. Farrah Rochon Says:

    I’ve added another 14 pages to the WIP since Sunday, wrote a 5 page synopsis and mailed a proposal to my agent. That is considered seriously kicking butt in my little world. I’m ready to get fitted for my tights and cape (okay, so not the tights–but the Wonder Woman cape would be cool.)

  88. Jennette Says:

    Well, I forgot to check in on Wednesday, but I DID get the writing done. I’m at 6k right now, so on target.

  89. Jean T. Says:

    I jumped in a day late and had a slow start, I’m still somewhat behind with only 2k to show so far. Still, better then the nothing I had before I started.

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