The forecast has been calling for snow, and lots of it: up to twelve inches! But you know how the news can be ‘over-reaching’ for a good story. So do I. However, it is snowing heavily outside my window, and this is just the beginning of the 24-hour snow period. It’s already covering the ground in a thin blanket of white. Hmmm, there might be some truth to this ‘heavy snowfall’ idea after all. Looks like I’ll be walking to the store soon (yes, I’m lucky enough to be able to walk to a nearby grocery store). And then I’ll have plenty of time for writing … .
In writing news, I’m preparing for the 2013 Write 1/Sub 1 year. I’ve made a chart to track my progress for each week. I’m preparing a story this week, editing it in preparation for submitting it next week. And I’m lining up story ideas and editable bits for later weeks.
I’ll admit it’s more than a little daunting looking at that blank chart, seeing all those lines awaiting my markings denoting a story written or submitted. But no one is forcing me to write. I’m doing this because, in the end, I love it. I want to write, and to improve, one must write more, one must exercise those muscles until it becomes second nature (“wax on, wax off,” in Karate Kid-speak) and the words and ideas can flow instead of stutter.
I’ll post again soon with an accounting of my year in writing, giving a synopsis of my successes and failures according to my stated goals for the year. But I’m going to share a tidbit now: I’m closing in on 100 posts! Yay! This from a person who just over a year ago wondered if “this blog thing” would work out at all. 😛
I’d like to end with a question to all the writers and writers-to-be out there: Are you continuing with Duotrope, on either an annual or a monthly basis? If not, where are you headed, and why? I’m still on the fence. I love the service, but — ouch! — $50 is a lot of cash. $25-$35 and I’d jump right on board, but at fifty, I’m hesitating. What’s your feeling on the matter?
Everyday Magic | M. E. Garber 