Author Journal 30th September – 6th October 2021

It’s the last day of September, so that can only mean it’s time for me scrambling around realising that I haven’t got my Kanban board or anything set up for October. Kind of similar to how I ended August and one of the reasons I’ve stumbled through September.

Give me a sec…

Okay, it took me more than a sec, but I’ve thrown together October’s plan and board. It’s nothing special, but it’ll help me get the story down–and a few other work-related things.

My October Kanban Board

Review 16th – 22nd September 2021

My Writing Goals for Last Week

  • Write 3000 words for Running The Asset. (Hit 45,555 total words)
  • Block out the next six scenes

How Did I Do?

Last week, I said I wasn’t sure I’d hit my goals because I wasn’t feeling great. Well, I was correct on that, but for the wrong reason. I added another 2069 words to the manuscript, taking it to a total of 44,624–which is just over half of my original 88k goal!* And, I only managed to block out another two scenes.

*(The word count goal has changed, but it’s looking closer to the romantic suspense average length of 97,500, but I can’t be sure just yet.)

What Was The Reason I Didn’t Conquer My Goals?

Okay, the original reason I gave about not feeling great, well, that had a significant part to play on the lack of scene blocking–that, and the fact I would rather see what happens when I stick metal chopsticks into the power socket with wet hands than block out scenes.

The other, more relevant reason that my word count has slowed significantly is all down to the fact that I’ve lost around an hour of writing time each day. A point I’d failed to factor into my planning. ????

For the last two weeks, I’ve been giving myself shit for not being up to the word count I was before I went on holiday. Totally failing to notice that I have an hour less every day. All my future goal setting will reflect this startling time revelation…

This Week’s Goal

  • Write 3000 words (taking me to 47,624)
  • Block out the next four scenes

This week’s goals seem totally doable. I even have hope that I’ll blast past them and get to celebrate with a big spoon of Nutella–who am I kidding? I’ve got a scoop in the jar already.

That’s it for today. Thanks for stopping by, and take care.

Susan

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Hi! I’m Scottish author Susan Tippett Braithwaite. I craft romantic suspense stories featuring Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies where danger and desire meet with explosive results.

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5 responses to “Author Journal 30th September – 6th October 2021

  1. Chris Hall Avatar

    I’m sure writing is always a series of ups and downs. Middles are tricky, you just have to keep pushing uphill through the second act. You have a plan… and on you go. No need to beat yourself up, Susan!

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite Avatar

      Thanks for the support, as always, Chris. I’ve got a more realistic timetable now, so I’ll be much nicer to myself (Nutella!!!)

  2. bushboy Avatar

    Just go for it Susan……I’ll be pushing from the rear to get you up that hill 🙂

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite Avatar

      Thank you, Brian! Your support means so much to me. You’re awesome!

      1. bushboy Avatar

        ??

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