Wednesday, August 25, 2010

RUNNING AND WRITING!

By Jerrica Knight-Catania



As soon as I got home from Nationals this year, I knew there were a ton of things I had to do now that vacation was over.

#1 - I had to lose weight. I've gained and lost 10lbs since having my daughter, but I still have 15 to go until I'm back to my pre-baby weight! And being on vacation for two weeks didn't help at all!

#2 - I had to write the manuscript that the agent I pitched to requested. I had about 8 chapters written before I left for vacation, but I got a critique back from Barbara Poelle in the middle of it with some brilliant suggestions. So I pitched a fairly different story in Florida, which meant I pretty much had to toss what I had of the manuscript. And with the partial on request, I knew I needed to get my butt in gear and get writing!

#3 - Hire a nanny and a maid because #2 was going to make it difficult to look after my 7 month old, let alone do any kind of house clean up.

So, how has it all panned out?

#1 - As my husband and baby and I enjoyed beers and appetizers with our other mom/dad/baby friends for happy hour a couple weeks ago, one of them mentioned she was going to run a 5k in October. Hm. What a great goal, I thought, even though I'm not a big fan of running. And before I could stop myself, I volunteered Eric and myself to do the run as well. So now diet and exercise are a given - a non-negotiable part of our schedules 4-5 days a week. We're on a regimented training schedule, and if we miss any of them, it will throw the whole plan out of whack. With only 8 weeks to train, we don't miss a day! Have I lost any weight? I'll let you know once the batteries on my WiiFit balance board are charged. But I will say that my backside is starting to look mighty fine, if I do say so myself ;)

#2 - The day after we arrived home from Orlando, I put my butt in that chair every moment I got and wrote like the wind. By the end of the first week, I had my first three chapters done (about 14,000 words!!!) I'm now up to 5 chapters (things slowed down a bit in the second week) and wrote a 2,000-word synopsis that I'm quite proud of, along with my query letter. I sent it out yesterday and took the rest of the day off. But today, it's back to work! God help me if she asks for the full anytime soon! LOL!

#3 - Nanny? Check! And she's wonderful! Maid? She's coming to give me a quote today, and just in the nick of time. The in-laws will descend upon us this weekend and I just don't have time to devote to whipping this place into shape. It's bad enough that my baby's nap time this morning was used to clean up cat puke from the carpet in the bedroom!

So what about you? Did you make any Nationals Resolutions? Are there things in your life that are non-negotiable that you must do every day? Are you a goal-setter or a go-with-the-flow type?♥




Jerrica has been writing for three years. She just sold a four-book series of Regency romances – The Wetherby Brides – to Second Wind Publishing. Book 1, A GENTLEMAN NEVER TELLS, debuted last November. Book 2 will be released in 2010. Jerrica has also sold three short stories. Visit her at www.jerricasplace.com and romancingthebook.wordpress.com.

4 comments:

  1. Jerrica, I'm a total fiend when it comes to goal-setting and list making. Sadly, the follow through leaves something to be desired! Even without a child, with a demanding full-time job, a 3 hour round-trip daily commute, care of my elderly Mother, 2 dogs, the house, yard, and various and sundry wild critters, my writing often is what suffers. In 2009 I made a concerted effort - successfully, I might add - to change that. It was tough giving up the rigorous dusting schedule (!) but it paid off. And while I did not attend National this year (see all of above as reasons why I can attend only when they bring it to NYC), I have always remembered the excitement, enthusiasm and sense of community a National Conference engenders. And in that spirit, and in keeping with the successful milestones I've achieved in the last 9 months, I'm still sticking to my plan. Get more organized so I can continue to carve out quality writing time. And my biggest goal for the fall is a total re-organization of my writing space and materials. So I can keep to my plans: Continue my queries for my urban fantasy novel, query agents, delve into my next writing project, and organize all those financial records so I can file as a "writer" for 2010! Good luck with the race, the writing, and keep up all the positive steps you've taken!

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  2. Oh, my goodness, Lise! You have quite a full plate. I'm amazed at all you're able to accomplish!!! I wish you TONS of success in your queries! And thanks for stopping by :)

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  3. Delightful post, Jerrica. You sound like you're halfway there and then some. In the midst of it, enjoy the beauty of the journey and the interim milestones met, including a cute little backside. ;)

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  4. Jerrica, you have inspired me! I'm setting myself a goal of 1,000 words a day. I am not going to cook, clean or do laundry until it is done. Even if the baby has to nap in my lap while I type, I'm going to write:)

    Good luck with the submissions! I can't wait to hear more about your new project!

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