tifchaney

[tifchaney]

I’ve joined the 85K writing challenge and will have a complete novel by the end of the year. The challenge takes you through the draft stage to editing process to being publishing-ready. Here is a look at their FAQs: 85K Writing ChallengeYear At A GlanceBeginning in January and ending in December, the yearlong 85K Writing Challenge moves through a series of productivity “cycles.” A 90-Day Write cycle, a 60-Day Edit cycle, a 60-Day Prep cycle, a 60-Day Publish cycle, and three strategically scheduled 30-Day Finish cycles. 90-Day Write (Jan-Mar) 60-Day Edit (May-Jun) 60-Day Prep (Aug- Sep) 60-Day Publish (Oct-Nov) 30-Day Finish (Apr, Jul, Dec) Our flagship challenge is the challenge to write 85,000 words in 90 days.How the 90-Day Write cycle works:

Q: Why 85,000 words? A: Eighty-five thousand words is the average length of an adult novel.

Q: What if I don’t want to write a novel? What if I want to write a novella and two short stories? A: What you write is up to you. The goal is to write 85,000 new words in 90 days. At the 85K Writing Challenge, we embrace the writing life by advancing the practice of productive writing. Commit to writing 85,000 new words in 90 days, and you will form a powerful habit that just might change your life.

Q: How many words do I need to write to stay on track? 

A: If you’re joining us on January 1st, then your writing pace is about 1,000 words per day. That’s about four typed pages. Technically, you only have to write 944 words per day. And guess what? Many days you’ll write more because the more you write, the easier it will be to slip into “flow state.” When you’re in a flow state, the words come more easily and reaching your word count goals will become less of a concern. Amazing things will happen.

Q: How do I track my progress?

A: Using the WriterStat BookStats™ Project Tracker software installed on this site and generously supported by our Founding Sponsor, WriterStat.

Q: How do I stay accountable during the 90-Day Write? 

A: During the 90-Day Write cycle, writers report their word counts twice per week, every Monday and Friday, in the Forum dedicated to word count reporting. Report using the “Monday Word Count Reports” and the “Friday Word Count Reports” entries in the Forum. Under each of these entries, you will find a calendar date under which to report.

Q: What if I don’t write anything that week?

  A: Even if your word count is zero words written, you still need to check-in on Mondays and Fridays, so you stay connected, and stay accountable. Being accountable in this way functions like having a personal trainer or a workout buddy at the gym – but for writing. If you reach a Monday or a Friday and you have not written since the last word count report, simply report “zero words written” and then focus on increasing your productivity before the next twice-weekly check-in.

Q: What if I need daily word count check-ins to stay disciplined? 

A: You will find an optional daily check-in in the Forum titled “Daily Word Count Reports.” Daily word count reports are optional. Monday and Friday Word Count Reports are required.

Q: Why is the 90-Day Write scheduled January through March? Why not some other time of year? 

A: The spirit of the New Year strengthens the resolve to write. It’s also winter in the Northern Hemisphere, a good time to “hunker down” and focus on large projects. Also, there are no major holidays in the first quarter of the calendar year to compete with writing time.

Q: What happens after the 90-Day Write cycle?

A: The 30-Day Finish cycle, which happens in April. If you didn’t complete the first draft of your novel during the 85,000-word, 90-day challenge, use April to finish this task. Or, use the 30-Day Finish cycle to take a break, to recharge, or to focus on other things. Or, use the 30-Day Finish cycle in April to begin work on the next cycle in the 12-month pipeline, the 60-Day Edit cycle, which begins in May and ends in June.

Q: So, isn’t April’s 30-Day Finish cycle just an extension of the 90-day challenge? 

A: No. Do not think of April’s 30-Day Finish cycle as an extension of the 90-Day Write cycle. The 85K Writing Challenge is not a 120-day writing challenge. We write for 90 days every January, February, and March. As a last resort, the April 30-Day Finish cycle allows for last minute pushes across the finish line, but you should not slow your word counts or productivity during the 90 days dedicated to writing. Ideally, your novel will be complete by the end of March, so you can set it aside and let it (and you) “rest” during April to ensure fruitful, objective edits during the 60-Day Edit. Source: https://85k90.com/faqs/

[tifchaney]

Choosing a word of intention has become a powerful, positive and effective way to approach making and keeping your New Year resolutions. You’re more likely to follow through on your dreams and goals when you pick an intention-setting word--there’s less pressure and more focus on mindful direction. When choosing one word to rule the next year, many pick holistic and ultra-spiritual words, such as “hope” or “dream.” While lovely, these words are vague. If any of those words resonate with you in a deep and active way, your word is a powerful choice no matter what.

BUT!

Don’t be afraid to choose active, dynamic, scary or big archaic words. If you’re feeling stuck, passivity isn’t going to help you take 2018 by storm. For inspiration, notice your bodily reactions to particular words in conversations, movies, songs and poems. Know that, as you are the sole author of your life story, you posess the power to change the meaning of words and rely on the synesthesia-like reactions your one word causes inside and outside of you, as versus how that word is defined in the dictionary. Don’t box yourelf in.

As a poet, I know that words are powerful, and the language we use on a daily basis, both externally and internally, affect reality. Take creative and liberal license with your word choices. Pick a word that is evocative to your senses, like “zing,” “forge,” “ba-da-bing,” “osscilate” or my personal choice: “FUCK.” FUCK is a Versatile Word

My word for my 2018 resolutions popped into my head and felt like a joke at first: FUCK. This word is a noun, adjective, transitive and intransitive verb and more! Why shy away from its usage! While those southern manners I was raised with have value, fuck being a “proper” and “well-behaved” woman. Instead of using it haphazaradly, I can choose to use it with powerful and positive intention for accurate expression. Here are a few fucking examples: 1. Fuck Yes! 2. Fuck This Shit

3. I Give Zero Fucks 4. Fuck No 5. That was Fucking Close 6. Fucktastic

7. What the Fuck? It’s time to eradicate the negative self-deprecating “WTF?!” self-talk uttered in a moment of failure. It’s perfectly acceptable to check in with yourself and say “WTF?” in a serious and joking tone. It’s more than okay to empahtically express yourself when your boundaries are crossed, you’re scared or excited. FUCKing right, it is! Have you picked your word, yet? Feel free to share!

[tifchaney]

From a year ago, after I started back doing salsa and bachata lessons. I used to go dancing whenever I could. Social dancing, particularly Latin dancing, has helped me feel more grounded, centered and confident.  When I start, I keep going. I love this end of night, super sweaty selfie. I look more alive than I had in a while. Whenever I see this photo, it reawakens that feeling. I’m still dancing. What wakes you up? What enlivens you? #motivation #dance #salsa #bachata #selfie