This Is My Year!, On my way to the top...

[LtSonya]

I pledge to make 2009 the year I publish. I will do this by soaking up knowledge from other authors, instructors and books. I will dedicate time to my writing and set attainable goals and strive to meet them. I will take whatever steps necessary to make my dream of publication come true. I also commit to sending out at least one short story or article every three months.

As a novelist I will polish my query letter and synopsis until they sparkle. I will make my manuscript the best it can be and submit it for publication before the end of 2007.

I commit to submit! 2009 will be "my" year.

LtSonya (aka Chrissy)

This post has been edited by LtSonya on Jun 29 2009, 01:01 PM

[LtSonya]

My goals for this year:

Complete a first draft of "Guardian's Vengeance."

Revise "Guardian's Vengeance" until it's polished enough to send it to publishers.

Revise my short story, "Colors of Snow," with new changes to world and send out to magazines.

Other goals:

Look into author websites and creating one for me

Get an agent list together for when manuscript is completed

I don't do well with 'month' deadlines since my story determines what I'm working on. I'm still digging deeper into the world and characters before I can actually get to 'writing' the story. My goal is to write 2 or more chapters a month.

[LtSonya]

Here's what's currently on my plate (more to be added while writing, thinking, or driving):

~ History:
1. Continue researching the Inquisition, including reading 2 more books and taking notes on all 3 books. Then, figure out how these facts can relate to my story and the political structure.
2. Continue working on politics, the different kingdoms, how the Order, Alcar and Priests fit in. Savon Nation, Hur & Tipan.
3. The Order: Work on political structure and type notes for dueling, electing High Artisan & Adonis's father.

~ Backstory/Characters:
1. Eleanor: her relationship with the Current, the Grand Inquisitors, the 'day' before chapter 1
2. Adonis: his motivation, background, growing up
3. Vilhelm's character: How did Vilhelm change the Priesthood? What's his relationship with the Inquisition?
4. Gabriella's character: How and why did she become involved with Vilhelm? What is her power now and how did she develop and keep it?

~ Write:
1. Revise plot with new changes (Gabriella's part in it, the Inquisition, Adonis's plans, Vilhelm in the background)
2. Continue working on chapter 3
3. Type up scene ideas and previous dialogue

[ccmal]

Looks like you've got a great plan Sonya. Why do I keep calling you that when it's not even your name? I'm excited about this novel and what it means for you.

I'll be here to offer support when you need it.

Good luck!

Cheryl

[LtSonya]

Well Cheryl, feel free to call me Chrissy if you like. Sonya's been my nickname for years (from a video game ). Thanks for all the support, it means a bunch to me that you're there pushing me on!

The new year has gotten off to a terrific start! I'm hard at work getting into the details of my world and the cultures; it's amazing all the new shapes and shades the story is taking now. Don't worry, I'm keeping on top of everything (if barely!).

Here's what I completed last week (actually, I can never remember everything I did by the end of the week):

History:
- Finished notes on "Inquisition: Hammer of Heresy.". To do: start reading second book. Go through notes and change how they'll relate to my story.
- Priests: Revising their political structure, how they fit in with the Inquisition. To do: continue & type up notes.
- Demon War: Still revising. Will get to it soon.

Backstory/characters:
- Adonis: Worked more on his history and his parents. To do: continue & type up notes.
- Eleanor: Listed Eleanor's greatest fears and ways I might challenge her. To do: Look into specific scenes.

Plot:
- Revised Guardian Shah-Mar's master plan and how the trilogy plot is affected by this; revised Trilogy Plot file. To do: Revise Shah-Mar's file with the changes.

[ccmal]

Ooo, look at all you did last week. This is going to be your year, I can feel it. Anything with Adonis and a Demon War sounds cool to me.

Keep working this hard and the first draft will be done in no time.

Good luck!

Cheryl

[LtSonya]

This is absolutely my year! I've already made huge progress with my novel, even if it's not writing the 'chapters,' the world is really shaping into something real, filled with details. It's very exciting and I'm so glad I'm giving these novels the time and energy they deserve.

History:
- Inquisition: Finished the notes & reading for two Inquisition books; started brainstorming the early Inquisition & the details how it was formed. To do: Continue working on the early Inquisition to current times - the circumstances, how they shaped/changed the world, the role they currently play in society. Also, start reading third book on the Inquisition, "The Grand Inquisitor's Manual."

- Priests: Brainstormed some tough questions & figured out their 'place/objective' within the world, the corruption, rumors and High Priests. Finished revising file with all these changes. Made necessary changes to other files which shared same information.

- Alcar: Started creating the Kingdom of Astoria and relations with the Alcar. Brainstormed Alcar viewpoint of the Lost Day & the different reactions. To do: type up notes, further develop Alcar history, and what happened to them during the Demon War. Also, continue working on geography and Wayward Forest.

- Typed up old memories about the Borderlands & the patrols.

Backstory/characters:
- Adonis: Still need to do.
- Eleanor: Still need to look at specific scenes where her fears can challenge her; also need to think about scenes with the Grand Inquisitor (her relationship with him) and also her relationship with Artist Gerald.

Plot:
- Revised Shah-Mar's file about his new plans/goals. Also, reorganized file so it's easier to read and makes sense.

As always, there's a lot to do, but I have the time and drive to do it. I've found running to be an excellent time to let my mind float and work out difficult problems.

- LtSonya

[ccmal]

This is so great! I'm thrilled that you've been blessed with both time and motivation. I'll be hoping and praying that both continue.

Keep up the great work!

Cheryl

[LtSonya]

Another week finished and my daily planner is filled with all the great stuff I accomplished for GV! Plus, I had a nice relaxing weekend, including a surprise - when I came home Friday my boyfriend had finished all our weekend chores!

History:
Looked over 3rd research book, decided it wasn't needed. Rewrote & typed up scene with High Artisan Dale and the circumstances surrounding how the Inquisition was first formed. Brainstormed Astoria and how they gave the Inquisition strength. To do: Continue working on the early Inquisition to current times.

Alcar: Brainstormed relationship between Astoria and the Alcar; wrote out some quick thoughts. To do: Further develop relationship. Revise Alcar history.

Order: History

Cosmology: Drew diagram of Kargus and its relationship with Abyss, Cale, the Current & the Boundary. Brainstormed souls - went into more depth & the importance in the story. Revised 'Kargus' file with new changes & updates.

Backstory/characters:
Adonis: History.
Eleanor: Daydreamed the day before story start, wrote and then typed up scene. To do: Specific scenes how her fears challenge her; think about scenes with the Grand Inquisitor (her relationship with him) and her relationship with Artist Gerald.

Also, type up and further develop handwritten thoughts.

- LtSonya

[ccmal]

Look at you go! Great for you. And the boyfriend does chores too. Man, where did you find him? LOL!

Keep up the awesome work!

Cheryl

[JeanLauzier]

Nice work girl. You really are moving along. Keep up the good work!!!

[LtSonya]

Thanks for the encouragement! My weekend was fairly unproductive; I was so worn out from the overtime I put in at work that all I wanted to do was sit around on Sunday. Regardless though, I managed to make some progress with my world. Every little bit brings me closer to my goal and moving forward with the story.

History:
- The Order: The Order was the theme for this week, mainly the evolution of Artists - how they shaped the different economies & how the 'ruling' powers viewed them. Researched history of paintings for ideas.
To do: Continue with these ideas and further develop the world and ruling kingdoms.

- Work on geography layout, followed up with Kingdoms.

- Researched early civilizations and transitions from hunter-gatherers into cities. To do: Continue with this until I get a good grasp of how Kargus evolved and how the 'Colors workers' fit into it.

Eleanor: Typed up scene between Ciran and a young Eleanor as they begin their journey through Kargus. Scene isn't finished. I will use this as an 'explanation' for how the Artists became the Order (once I figure out the details how that happened!).

[Forest Elf]

Looks like 2009 is off to a good start for you!!! Yay!!!

I do very much appreciate you keeping up with your goals ... I hope some of is contagious. I've been such a slacker!

[LtSonya]

Of course goals are contagious, Elf! I can already see you getting more and more focused with your writing...

Another good week, although not quite as much since I decided to catch up on sleep after work.

Here's what I did:

History:
- World: Continued reading about ancient Greece and how their civilization could apply to mine. Also researched agriculture, crops, vineyards, and biomes. Drew a sketch of the world and its geography. Started file with basic climates & biome information. To do: continue where I left off; get more concrete with the agriculture and finish doc. on biomes.

- The Order: Brainstormed and wrote out ideas for early history and the Gift's evolution. Created new character, Delsin, as color worker revolutionist. To do: Continue on this early history and the transition to how it became the Order.

- The Northern People: Who they are & their mythic belief system. Research Native American myths and basic transition for my mythology.

- Type up notes.

[ccmal]

Sleep is good. We need that to be creative. There must be times when you feel you're researching forever, but it's going to be wonderful when your novel is so realistic.

Okay, what is a color worker revolutionist?

Keep up the great work! Watching you tackle this stuff has helped motivate me too.

Cheryl

[ccmal]

So, what's up with you lately, my friend? It's not like you to miss an update. I hope that means you've got all kinds of good stuff going on.

Cheryl

[LtSonya]

Thanks for checking up on me! By the time I got around to updating it was like mid-week, so I figured I'll just save everything for the week after.

Research is finally coming together (at least one section of it!). I suppose a 'color worker revolutionist' sounds rather intriguing Basically, a color worker are those people who could work and see the life cala in the Current. They eventually rise up against the rulers controlling them, creating their own organization, the Order. These color workers will become the Artists. See how hard I've been working?

History:

- World: Finished basic research on agriculture, civilization, fire & its use in the ancient world, stone masonry, aqueducts. Finished doc. on geography & biomes.

- The Order: Organized & typed up history all the way to Queen Astrid & her son Valens. Put together details on how color workers added to society.

- Northern Tribe: Researched Native Americans and first contact. Wrote history up to the wars and treaty with the Artists. Typed up role of Weavers int their society.

- Magic: Figured out more details of cala & typed up notes. Organized & updated all files related to the Current and cala. Also updated file on Artist's painting-spells.

To Do:
- Timeline
- Get through library books on paintings for research
- Brainstorm & type next section in Artist history

[ccmal]

Wow! You have been working hard. Good for you. This is coming along so well. I can't wait to see some of it.

Keep up the great work!

Cheryl

[JeanLauzier]

Good work! Sounds interesting.


Speck

[LtSonya]

Another week? Really? Well, it's a darn good thing I did a ton of writing last week, especially since I'm gearing up for the craziness of Fast Draft. That's right! I'm doing it! My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy (and I'm inclined to agree with him), but I tested out the waters for a few days - woke up at 4:45 in the morning, went to work (which is now 10 hour days with Friday-Sunday off), and still got my 5 days of running in. See? Told you I was crazy

Research: Finished reading one book on painting & started another on Chinese painting. Typed up notes. To do: Continue reading books (on hold until Fast Draft is over).

The Order: Completed history on creation of Rune, Queen Astrid & her son Valens. Wrote out the Artists true duty & how they protect Kargus. To do: type up all these notes (many many pages worth) and pick up on Valens uniting the color workers.

Taxes (including writing business): Done!

Guardian Arnea: Worked more on her character & her relationship with Valens. Also, figured out Memories she will show Eleanor throughout Book 1.

Painting-spells: Worked out more details and rules for the magic, along with how Valens figured out the first painting-spell and what's needed to ignite it. Came up with how these spells are useful and used throughout society.

Plot: Completely revised plot. Changed Adonis's focus and his plan, updated several character's roles, including the role & purpose of the Inquisition. I worked a lot on this Sunday and Monday. To do: Pencil changes into summary & update. If I have time, go through previous chapters and see what can be reused or simply tossed.

To do: Writing Goals for 2009 business plan

Fast Draft starts tomorrow so all my focus will be on getting 20 pages per day (or total 280 pages by the 14th day). Wish me luck!

- LtSonya

[LtSonya]

It's been a great week and I've stayed on top of all my Fast Draft goals (20 pages a day). So far I'm up to page 115! Go me! I'll get my new chinchilla in no time. I also have been steadily updating my plot summary, typing in the changes I've made. Although the weekend wasn't as productive as I'd have liked; I was busy fighting a cold.

I've also decided I'll keep up with the 20 pages until I've completed my first draft (I imagine the end word count will be around 100,000 or so - at least that's the plan).

This week:
20 pages per day

Finish/type plot summary revision

[LtSonya]

I've survived another week! Don't know how I did it. Work was crazy busy, had to drop boyfriend off at the airport, getting my 20 pages a day in (or try to anyway). The good news is I survived.

Fast Draft - Reached page 258. To do: Hit 280 by Tuesday evening.

The rest of the week...
Continue writing my GV draft, shooting for 20 pages a day if I can. Also, revise my plot summary with all the new changes.

We'll also have some good news this week! Around Thursday (crosses fingers), we'll know where we're moving to! I'm so excited. It's either Boston or Seattle and I can't wait to start packing.

- LtSonya

[ccmal]

Would it be selfish if I said I hope it is Boston? You would be under 2 hours away from here. Seriously though, no matter where you end up, I hope you're both happy.

Glad to see you're keeping up a great pace, even with all that's going on.

Keep up the great work!

Cheryl

[LtSonya]

Last week was rough as far as personal life was concerned, but still good and plenty to be grateful for. Boston didn't work out, which we were both sad about, but that's ok. We're still waiting on the final offer from Seattle and all the details to be worked out. In the meantime, he's pursuing two other interests (one which is also in Boston). So, we'll see what happens and I'll keep working on affirmations. Soon enough, we'll know where we're going. In the meantime, I'll work, save money, and write.

This week was a little slower after the craziness of Fast Draft: Completed draft to page 281 on Tuesday. Also, wrote another 20 pages and started tinkering with the plot towards the middle/end. To do: Continue working on plot, especially Adonis's movements off-screen. Also, focus on secondary characters & sub-plots.

[ccmal]

Sorry things have been rough going on the personal front. I hope that doesn't last long. I'm still crossing my fingers for Boston.

Good news that you got to participate in Fast Draft. Keep up the great work!

Cheryl