Very productive writers’ retreat: in 5 days I outlined 2 novels, to varying levels of detail, and got 2/3 of the way through editing a third. Also, during our writerly discussions, I waylaid the others for a critique of my magic system, and they found lots of holes in it—but provided suggestions for improvement as well. This helps tremendously!
Another Productive Motorcycle Trip
This was the second of two longer motorcycle trips planned for this summer, and again, by planning ahead with scenes I wanted to dictate laid out in some detail, I managed 2000+ words per day. They are all transcribed now, as well!
Invited to Writers’ Retreat!
Yay!! Mike invited me to Whitefish along with 3 other writers for the long weekend in September. Looks like 6 days of intensive writing, and very inexpensive: gas, groceries, meals. I have SOOO many projects that can use a good chunk of time. Excited to dive in!
When Words Collide!
Yes, another awesome year at WWC. Got to be liaison to Guest of Honor, Sam Morgan, and went with him, and GoHs Tasha Alexander and Andrew Grant to Banff after the event. And, I sold a painting at the Hidden Art Show! Connected with tons of old friends and new, attended excellent panels and sat on a few, too!
Stages of Change
Came across a cool resource this week: stages of change. I think it is often used to understand people in counseling who want to change behaviors, particularly addictions, but I think it can be applicable to any character in a story who is going to change. The stages are: Pre-contemplation (they don’t know they need to change), Contemplation (realize they need to change but aren’t ready), Preparation (intending to take action soon, and maybe trying some small changes), Action (actively practicing new behaviors), and Maintenance (working to prevent relapse). And then, of course, there is Relapse, a feature of both of the last two stages. Very instructive.