Screw that Plan

February 4, 2012August 15, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

To my readers, I apologize for the delay between posts. The truth is, I think there is a conspiracy about. As you know, my grand scheme beginning 2012 included 500 words a day, minimum, short stories bi-weekly, daily writing prompts and a number of pipe dreams.

Well, screw that plan!

For every step forward, I ended up taking three back. I opened my mouth for all the world to read and thought it would help keep me on track. You know, accountability. I’m so naive. When I stuck a stake in ground, apparently, I invited the devil himself to challenge me. Every time I sat down to write, something or someone interrupted. Pulling out my computer was like the kiss of death.

Instead of writing this past week, I spent my time entertaining, against my will, a most dreadful guest. Norovirus came to visit, unexpected and unwelcome. So, my husband and I, spent the weekend, twelve plus hours, in the emergency room receiving IV fluids and medication. It has taken us a week to recover, and I can assure you while Norovirus was in town, writing didn’t enter my mind.

So this week, I’m not going to verbalize my plans. Maybe I’ll be able to accomplish something. In the mean time keep in touch, and for the love of God, wash your hands with plenty of soap and water. I hear Norovirus enjoys meeting new people! Norovirus

What The Hell Was I Thinking?

January 4, 2012April 16, 2018 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

Okay. I admit I bit off more than I can chew with my 2012 writing resolutions and let’s see…oh, it’s only day four of 2012! I’m so frazzled I had to check a calendar! Four days into the new year and I don’t know what day it is. Perfect. What do you expect? I’m new at this, AND I had this insanely jacked up muse who reappeared after sneaking off with Santa’s helper, for an exotic vacation from who knows where, ready to go.

My God, Mr. Elf has her smiling and oozing energy into the atmosphere. Hell, even I’m tingling. Does he have a brother?

Anyway, I’m not sure now if it was her or the glass ball dropping in Time Square, but the ideas for getting the writing ball rolling (no pun intended) were just bouncing around the room. She squealed with delight as our plan began to take shape, and I ran around going “Yeah, I can do that, sure, sounds great! “After all, I’m retired, piece of cake. 500 words a day, a blog, a short story, one word writing exercises daily, writing prompts, join another writer’s group, hell, seemed easy. Especially with the wine we were consuming.

Well, it was New Year’s Eve. Only problem… life gets in the way of grand schemes.

Little things like husbands – who call right when you sit down to write those 500 words – “Honey, I need you to come pick me up, I’ve left my car at the mechanic’s,” or the dogs that need walking- you can’t very well let them do their business in the house. The laundry- can only pile so high before you have to give in and do it. I tried running loads while writing, but somehow I kept losing focus, I can’t imagine why? And there’s always the unexpected visitor, the dreaded grocery day- I hate grocery day and our children – OMG our children – need I say more?

So, yeah looks as though I might want to reevaluate my resolutions. I might have been a little over zealous in listening to a giggling over satisfied muse back from a romp with her Elf, but for now, I’ll keep pushing myself. I may not reach every goal, but at least I won’t be idle.

Here’s, to achieving our writing goals in 2012!

2012 Resolutions

January 1, 2012August 14, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

The New Year is about to dawn and with it, a promise to myself to do better. I had a pretty good start last year and then faltered for many reasons and too many lousy excuses. Funny how that happens even when pursuing our dreams. Life just gets in the way, and excuses become easy.

Learning a new craft is exhausting and trying on the family. Oftentimes, explaining the time commitment required to learn and grow becomes the thing most exhausting leading to writers block or down time. For me, I had a bout with the flu, and then the audacity of my muse taking off with Santa’s helper for a long vacation, didn’t help either. But, it looks like we’ll be back on schedule first of the year. I’ve put a plan together to help keep me focused and hopefully move forward in pursuit of my dream. Wish me luck, The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!

My 2012 Resolutions are:

1. Write at least 500 words a day on my novel in progress – Hello Hell

2. Do oneword. com every morning, as a writing exercise.

3. Improve my blog and blog weekly.

4. Utilize writing prompts for short stories; seek publication.

5. Write a new short story at least bi-weekly.

6. Submit to contest and literary magazines.

7. Expand my writer’s groups.

8. Organize my writing files.