March Accountability Post

My goalThis post will be surprisingly brief. Not because I haven’t been working, because I’ve actually been working quite diligently, but because what I’ve done can be summed up in very few words. I think. 😉

Even what I’m planning to do in April can likely be summed up quite concisely, so let’s get to it, shall we?

12×12: For the first time since 12×12 began in January 2012, I didn’t get a picture book draft written in March. I did pull out the beginnings of a draft that I’d scribbled (if that’s the word) on my iPhone notepad in late February, but couldn’t see where to go with it, so set it aside.

Chapter Book Challenge: When I signed up for this challenge, I was filled with hopeful thoughts about writing a chapter book draft during the month of March, but other projects took over, as you will soon see. Perhaps ChaBooCha 2014 will see success from me!

Plot Structure Class: We’re well into the third week of the class, and it is proving beneficial. It is also proving to take quite a bit of time to do the assignments thoroughly. This is not a surprise, but it does explain why some things had to be set aside.

Writing: I spent a great deal of time and effort doing revisions (and more revisions) of my middle grade novel. It is now off east to have a manuscript evaluation. I took a few days to breathe, and started another middle grade novel! I find I like writing for this age group very much. The new project grew out of an idea I had back in July 2012 in Sag Harbor, NY. A few days ago I suddenly knew the name of the main character, and the start of the story. The next day, I fleshed out a basic outline, and I’ve now written seven chapters of the first draft. This one’s a mystery, something I’ve never written before, and I’m enjoying the writing of it very much. Stay tuned!

Just a few notes about April plans: You’ll likely be glad to know I won’t be doing the post-a-day A-to-Z blogging challenge this year. That was an interesting exercise, and I made some valued friendships through it, but it was very demanding in terms of writing posts and I know it was a lot to ask of you, my readers, to read a post every day.

This April, instead, I’ll be cutting back on my blogging even more than I did last month. Besides opting out of Perfect Picture Book Fridays again this month (I will be back, Susanna and gang, I promise!) my This Day in the Arts posts will also go on hiatus for the month of April. There will be regular posts on Mondays and there will also be brief posts on Thursdays, but that is all the blogging that you’ll see here in April.

The blogging cutback is to allow myself as much time as possible for the plot structure class and for my writing, as well as for exploring a few possibilities that as yet are just tiny stars in my eyes.

So — on to April and whatever it may hold.

What do you have planned this month?

11 thoughts on “March Accountability Post”

  1. mmm… I think we all need to take stock from time to time and check that we are achieving what we can, comfortably. So I agree with you. I myself turned off all my notifications before I went on leave and have decided to leave them off. I don’t feel so daunted by so many emails now. For April, more revision, editing, of course. 🙂

  2. Sounds like your MG writing is going really well! That’s terrific, Beth! Some day I’m going to figure out how to write a novel. Good luck with all your projects in April 🙂

  3. I’m with you, Beth! Instead of blogging today, I am catching up on my email, the Picture Book Academy class and some of my own work. I hope my friends/readers agree, we should have a “no blog” day now and then for everyone’s sake.

  4. So glad that your MG work is going so well, Beth! I didn’t manage a March PB draft, either. I have been glad to only blog twice a week this year and have more time for my writing, which has to be my priority!

  5. Hi Beth,
    I always like to read your accountability posts. They are inspiring to me because you always have many irons in the fire and seem to juggle them well! Good luck with your April writing endeavors.

  6. As always, you are gettin’ it done, Beth! Nice update. My plans are to plop down in my chair for an hour a day and write something. Yup. That’s about it.

  7. I think you have made a great decision, Beth! You have a ton of writing things on your plate and you’ll need to concentrate on those first. You have a lot of loyal blog followers who will be here when you get back. Have a super productive April!

  8. Beth! You’re a whirlwind of activity! I don’t know how you do it all.
    BRAVA!!!!!!

    Good to know about the blogging. I thought you’d cut back a bit, wasn’t sure if it was just because I’m not around much and was missing things.

    Plot School sounds VERY cool and useful.
    ((((((happyhugs)))))))

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