#AugustBreak2013 Day 15

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

So tired. I’m taking less naps, which is good, and I put some writing advice I read today to heart and started a timesheet with my deadlines and word count. Someone on Twitter tonight was saying I should write 10,000K a day as the book I was reading suggests but, man, I just don’t know if I could do that any time soon. I mean, if I did, I’d have a book done in a week. I can’t even wrap my head around that concept.

Anyway, I did work today and I also got a call from my doctor’s office (which scared the crap out of me), but they just said my test results indicate that whenever there are any future children, I have to advice the midwife that I carry a strep virus that could pass to a baby. Very weird. But it makes me more confident in the NHS because we’re no where near readying for children but already they’re being taken care of. Nice feeling.

Tomorrow is chiropractor day which should also be swimming day though I really, really don’t want to. Last time it was too busy and exercise is just a hassle. Granted, when I feel like going to the gym and jumping on an elliptical machine I feel better, but swimming makes me tired. It’s a tough exercise to keep up for 30 minutes; especially when you’re dodging children out on summer break who love to splash their friends in the pool.

And so, with the night at a close, it’s time for bed-readying. Hope tomorrow is a good, even more productive day.

The August Break 2013

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#AugustBreak2013 Day 14

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

Super quick post because I played Sims before blogging and now I’m late for bed again.

Today I went to my Nurse to pick up a prescription, went home and did 1600 words in spurts on AlphaSmart 3000 while on the couch.

Signed up with Weight Watchers again, but that’s cool. It’s better than doing nothing. I haven’t been since this time last year, so it’s time to get back to the portion control and point counting. Yay. (Insert Sarcasm Sign.)

Tomorrow is another glorious day of staying at home and getting stuff done. Until then!

The August Break 2013

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#AugustBreak2013 Day 13

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

Today’s theme was home, which worked fine for me because I’ve been here for two days (minus the times I go out to pick up Steve.) While I got 2000 words done yesterday, I was only at 1800 today. I know I should stick to the one project and get it done. I know I should just write notes at the bare minimum for any other project, then file it away for later, but I haven’t. I wrote on two things today. Bad. I know. I have to stop.

So, after I did my bit of wordage, I played Sims 3 (as seen above with my little teacher’s apple.) I feel bad even wanting to play games or do anything non-productive too, so I have to stay away from that stupid thing tomorrow as well. Sadly I have errands to run tomorrow, so I won’t be able to lock myself in the house to get stuff done.

I did collect some more links for today’s post as well:

I loved the second article because it does stress how, well, stressful the whole publishing process is. It’s a lot of work, just as anyone goes to work, it’s not just a fun day at home eating bonbons or writing in the Moleskin at Starbucks, as she points out. Plus, I always remember Anne Lamott saying that once you’re published, it’s not over. You aren’t done. It’s just a step in your career.

And now it’s time for me to get the laundry dried, take a shower, and talk to my parents before settling down in bed with my book. Night, all!

The August Break 2013

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#AugustBreak2013 Day 12

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

I just tried to take this photo out of the front window and it’s the best I can do. The sad thing about photography is that it never captures exactly what you’re seeing.

Today I did very well. Mondays are usually good for me because I’m rested and refreshed from the weekend, and I’m ready to work. I made myself stay in and get 2,023 words written of a middle grade project. I’m happy that I didn’t get distracted and I got a decent amount of work done (for me.)

I was thinking about Capote’s preface in Music for Chameleons where he talks about potential:

There were too many areas where I was not writing as well as I could, where I was not delivering the total potential. Slowly, but with accelerating alarm, I read every word I’d ever published, and decided that never, not once in my writing life, had I completely exploded all the energy and aesthetic excitements that material contained. Even when it was good, I could see that I was never working with more than half, sometimes only a third, of the powers at my command. Why?

I don’t think I’ve ever worked to my greatest potential on anything because I’m such a procrastinator by nature. I’ve tried to chalk it up to ADD or a perfectionist nature, or anything that would explain why I don’t give it my all, all the time; especially when I want to. I don’t know if it’s lack of belief in the work, or myself, or what it is, but it’s freaking annoying.

If only they really had a drug like on Limitless without the adverse side effects. Oddly enough, Bradley Cooper’s character wrote a book, then moved on to other, important things. I think I’d stick to the books. I at least take my vitamins each day to help stimulate my brains. I’m really not sure how much they help, or if it’s just the combination of rest, reading, and coffee consumption.

And because people love animated GIFs, I’m adding one.

Limitless

I’ve also been looking for more middle grade books to read since I only have a few under my belt. Again, I’m not gung-ho on the fantasy genre, so I’m trying to find cute, girlie books for my Kindle. I’ll post my list to bookblogarama this Friday for Friday Finds.

The August Break 2013

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#AugustBreak2013 Day 11

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

Today we went for Afternoon Tea aboard an old train at Tanfield Railway. We now can take adventures with the car and discover all the little gems that we have locally. Today was Teddy Bear Picnic Day, and we not only had our tea, but saw a quarry, and visited the old train yard. Pretty neat for photographs which I put in a set HERE.

“With an unparalleled history dating back to 1725, spectacular scenery and a truly unique atmosphere, it is no wonder that the Tanfield Railway is the North East’s biggest and most popular steam railway.

An ideal day out for families and history fans alike, Europe’s oldest working engine shed and the world’s oldest railway bridge as well as riding on the world’s oldest railway make a visit a must for anyone with an interest in our proud railway heritage.” – from Tanfield website

I’ve still been thinking about that Lauren Oliver article and how it’s absolutely necessary to just sit and get to work. Of course this week there are things I could and should be doing outside of the house. I know most people would say, “But surely you can get back to work after going out for a little bit.” I would think I could do that, but I need to get into this little groove where I’m not distracted. Ridiculously mental, I’m sure, but necessary.

And now, in the last 6 minutes I have of Day 11, I’ll post my update. Have a great week!

The August Break 2013

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