March Madness Check-In (day 3)
March 3, 2011 at 4:00 am 62 comments
Welcome, March Madness participants! I’m finding it so inspiring to be working with you all in this challenge!
Thanks to the stormy weather here, yesterday was a day of power outages, kids home from school, and the inability to heat water for tea. Fortunately, I had my laptop all charged up, just in case, so I still got some writing done. Mostly, though, I was working with pen and paper, planning my new YA project. I’m not much of an outliner, so this planning thing is a stretch for me.
Not that kind of stretch, Kermit. Silly frog.
However, I’m convinced a day or two spent on serious planning will make the rest of my March Madness less madness, and more marching forward. (Ugh, sorry about that.)
That looks like a very smart cookie, Cookie Monster. Sharesies?
Thinking about the power outages and the stretching/outlining thing made me realize that I’m a smart cookie. I took steps to remove obstacles that could keep me from reaching my goals — things like a run-down laptop battery or a run-away plot. I admit this smart stuff was by accident, rather than by design, but let’s all learn from my flukey good planning, shall we? 
Look at the days ahead. What potential obstacles do you see? What could rob you of your reading/writing/blogging/illustrating time? Now, be a smart cookie and figure out what you can do to eliminate at least some of those obstacles, so nothing stands in the way of you achieving your goal.
It was so awesome reading about everyone’s goals, and the great progress made on the first days of March Madness. I’m excited about seeing us all reach our goals! Together, we can do it!
Thanks for checking in. Remember to stop by Craig Pirrall’s blog tomorrow. 
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1.
Craig | March 3, 2011 at 4:43 am
Hi Shari! Way to plan! Hmmm, since you asked, I have two obstacles. The first is a sick two year old little girl which is requiring my constant attention and diaper changing skills. She has a nasty little stomach bug. Not much I can do there but write while she’s sleeping, and maybe rely on Grandma to free up some time. The second is the end of the semester at school, and all of my grades that need to be submitted next week! But I’ll overcome that by separating my office work from my writing work. Luckily, when that’s finished, I have a few weeks of free time to devote to just writing!
Okay, enough out of me about obstacles! Thanks for helping me get that out of my system. Just positive thinking here on out. Can’t wait to see how well everyone does! I’m so excited about this month.
2.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Having a sick munchkin can definitely be hard on writing time! But even if you don’t get big chunks of time, you can still get lots done in bits and pieces. Good luck!
3.
Jennifer Pickrell | March 3, 2011 at 5:33 am
Awesome, the post is already up, so I’ll check in now, while I’m thinking about it.
I actually got up BEFORE my alarm this morning, so I’m psyched about that.
Did more editing yesterday evening, only two more sections to go. And am still working on reading my first of eight books of the month.
Cookie Monster makes me want some cookies (for breakfast).
4.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Yum, cookies… breakfast of champions, lol.
Way to go getting an early start!
5.
JRo | March 3, 2011 at 5:56 am
I’ve added 1.5k out of my 20k goal between yesterday and the day before. My obstacle today is a slight ugh feeling – leaving school at 11 to battle the grimey beasts and perhaps after a nap I can add another 1k or so. Had my writing class last night and learned a cool plot graphing trick that I look forward to trying and blogging about. Good luck today one and all!
6.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Yay for new plotting trick! It’s always great to find something new for our toolbox.
Way to go on the wordcount!
7.
Carol J. Garvin | March 3, 2011 at 9:56 am
I’m off to my usual slow start this morning… pry eyes open, get orange juice, watch the news, do morning devotions, a little blogging… but I’m finally about ready to settle in to work! It takes me a while to get rolling.
I did mostly reading yesterday but some of it was reviewing early chapters to get back into the story. I’m not sure I like where it is starting and may have to re-write the first chapter (drat!). Is that considered an obstacle? You made good use of your power outage time, Shari. Planning is a good thing.
Craig, I hope your little one feels better soon. And accolades to Jennifer for getting up so early (don’t know how you do it!) and getting so much editing done. JRo’s made a good start already, too. I’m sensing tough competition in this challenge!
8.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:07 pm
I’m not an early morning writer, either. I guess what’s important is finding the time that works for us and taking advantage of it!
Good luck with the revisions (and btw, I’ve heard it’s not a bad thing to re-write that first chapter LAST, lol, so no worries!).
9.
Denise Jaden | March 3, 2011 at 10:05 am
You’d think with all the Sesame Street pix, you had toddlers in the house, Shari! So cute though.
I had a rough morning, many unexpected obstacles already this morning, but I’m going to sneak in a quick half hour on my WIP while nobody in the house is paying attention. Shhhhhhh.
10.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I had Piglet in my post the other day. What’s happening to me?! Ah well, never too old for muppets and Winnie-the-Pooh, right? *hopes*
Sorry for your rough morning. I hope you managed to fit in that 1/2 hour!
11.
Judy Palermo | March 3, 2011 at 10:38 am
After writing maybe 100 words yesterday, I just got in a good, long session and finished a chapter that is a major turning point! Yay! I’m hoping March continues to be a month lighter on other commitments so I can finish this manuscript!
12.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Yay Judy! So cool to reach those turning points, isn’t it. Congrats!
13.
Cari | March 3, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Congratulations! It’s great when you have such marked improvements, right?
14.
Akoss | March 3, 2011 at 10:51 am
yesterday wasn’t bright, but today got better.
I was back in my plotting swing and discovered a bunch of questions that need answering to.
Good luck to all of you
15.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:11 pm
I’m glad today’s looking better.
Happy plotting! (That’s what I’m doing, too.)
16.
Joy | March 3, 2011 at 11:28 am
Yesterday I got about 25 pages edited, which wasn’t as much as I wanted but not horrible either.
My obstacles-to-come include freelance clients who I know are going to need more from me in the second half of March. That’s unavoidable, but I’m trying to get a lot more done in the next couple weeks to balance it out.
17.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Great idea to really work at it now, knowing your time will be limited later. And hey, 25 pages is awesome — way to go!
18.
Jeni Bell | March 3, 2011 at 12:06 pm
I wrote for an hour this morning, from 4:30-5:30 a.m., and will be writing again this evening. The word count wasn’t quite as high yesterday as the day before. Hoping to push the word count higher this evening.
Good luck to each of you!
19.
J.Ro | March 3, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Jeni – that’s my writing time as well, a little later 5-6′ish, are you a teacher? Somedays I can get in a groove, especially if I’ve had a writing dream the night before, other times I truly have no clue what I’ve written till I get home.
20.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:25 pm
So early! I’m a night owl — best writing time is after midnight for me. Good luck with the word count!
21.
Joy | March 3, 2011 at 5:10 pm
wow, you early writers amaze me! good for you!!!
22.
Laurel | March 3, 2011 at 12:28 pm
I am in awe of you early morning writers. Even if I drag my body out of bed early, my brain refuses to function until about 7 am.
Today I did another 1100 words. My goal is 20K for the month and right now I am at 3300 and change.
23.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Excellent! You’re well on your way!
24.
Erin | March 3, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Yesterday everyone had buggy stomachs, fickle computers, and sick children. Hope they’re mending.
Today so far I’ve done two scenes, one 300 words and one 770. But I hope to do a bit more yet. Thanks, March Madness organizers, for the kick in the tuckus. I’m on track for my 20,000 words this month.
25.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:27 pm
There are a few of us aiming for 20,000, so we’ll have to keep pushing each other along, lol. (I’m at zero so far… still outlining.) Hooray for two new scenes written!
26.
M.A. Scott | March 3, 2011 at 1:27 pm
I added about 500 words. Meh! People actually wanted me to do my job at work today, so that kind of slammed my creative flow. Oh well…we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Rock the WIPs, people!
27.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Don’t you hate that when ppl expect you to work instead of write?! lol. But 500 is great. Keep at it!
28.
Deb | March 3, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Here is to some smooooth sailing (and some cookies, too, lol!) for the rest of your week! I like your idea of planning for work around just in case something comes up. One thing that is becoming clear to me, is–if I don’t get my blog reading, commenting and writing done in the morns, I don’t do it. SO need to rise earlier or get used to doing it later in the day.
Yesterday I did get in some time towards my end of the month goal. I switched two more chapters of my MG to third person (oh my gosh, for this MS third is working SO MUCH better), plus did a read and revise of a picture book.
Happy March!
29.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Sounds like you were super productive yesterday! Way to go! (Isn’t it amazing what a difference it can make switching up 1st or 3rd person?!)
30.
Serenissima | March 3, 2011 at 1:51 pm
My biggest obstacle are days when my kids are both home. My husband’s good about giving me some time in the evenings/weekends, but mostly I just plan to do my writing M-Th when the younger one’s at preschool. That’s four afternoons a week so I can’t complain.
Yesterday, I revised the last 13 pages of this draft. Gonna take a few days to do research on another story before going back and doing the “polishing” revision.
Good luck, everybody!
Jeanne
31.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Always a challenge when the kids are around…. but yay for fitting it in whenever you can. Have fun with the new research!
32.
Joy | March 3, 2011 at 5:11 pm
yup, i have a five year old (homeschooled) and a 10 month old. i can only work when hubby’s home to take over with the kids (or better yet, take them out!)
33.
Debbie Maxwell Allen | March 3, 2011 at 2:29 pm
My obstacle has been my college daughter diagnosed with mono 1200 miles away. It’s hard for a mom to stop worrying and write!
On the happy side, I’ve done a big dose of deep editing on one chapter that has generated ideas for making it stronger. Lots more to do today!
~Debbie
34.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Moms never stop being moms, do we Debbie?
Sorry to hear about the mono….
Congrats on the edits and new ideas! Go Debbie!
35.
LauraW | March 3, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Sorry to hear about the mono. I had it back in my 20s and my mom worried about me too! You’re probably already doing this, but encourage her to go easy on herself and rest whenever her body is telling her to. She’ll be fine.
36.
Kip | March 3, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Wow, so great to read about everyone’s progress! And virtual chicken soup to all who are sick. *throws soup your way*
I had a crazy day. Only 400 words and I’m booked on other goodies tonight. I’ve got just over 2600 for March (and in new WIP total).
My obstacles:
1) The two cutest three-year-old twins EVER (yep, mine!).
2) Other projects – lots to do, and so little time. Focus, Kip!
Good luck to all the night writers!
37.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm
*ducks to avoid flying soup*
Three-yr-olds + lots of projects makes for a very tight schedule, for sure. But you fit in 400 words, which is awesome! Do enough “400″ bits and you’ll end up with a book, lol!
38.
Angelina Hansen | March 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm
I opened up the WIP this morning and realized I had no idea where the story was going! Yes, I am a pantser and am used to this sort of thing, but this was different. I REALLY HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO WRITE. So I spent the rest of the morning looking over my notes (it’s a historical YA which I’ve been researching for the past three years) I sat back down this afternoon still without a clue. Thankfully, a delightful scene flashed in front of my eyes and I was able to lay down close to 500 words. PHEW! Made me realize how much time I normally spend with my story inside my head before I actually sit down to write. Six weeks away from home and away from my WIP is proving to be my greatest obstacle. Must get my head back in this story ASAP! Hope you all had a less stressful time with your writing today.
39.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 6:01 pm
I’m so glad that scene appeared for you! And yay for 500 words! I hope you find you’re back “in the zone” quickly.
40.
natalee | March 3, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Phew, I made it. It’s been a long, busy day. But I got my writing in! My main goal is to write a slice of life story every day and post it. I’m also having my students write slice of life stories every day. Today, one of my 7th graders asked me if I was writing the stories too. I felt really good to tell him, yes, I was! It’s been hard to find time to write, but I’ve been doing it, and it feels really good.
41.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Sorry for your hectic day, but that’s so great that you still squeezed in some writing time. Way to go!
42.
LauraW | March 3, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Sigh. Didn’t get as much done as I’d like. In truth, I’m stumbling around in the dark at this point. BUT I did write and I’m going to keep plugging away.
I’m glad to hear so many of you are plugging away too. Keep it up!
43.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 7:49 pm
I stumble around in the dark a lot, lol. It can be discouraging, but the great thing is that you KEPT WRITING! That’s the key, I think. (Like Finding Nemo’s Dorry: just keep writing, just keep writing… that’s kinda my mantra, lol.) Good luck tomorrow!
44.
JennB. | March 3, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Just checking in, before I forget completely. yes, it’s been one of those days. I hope you all have had a great day. I’m looking forward to tomorrow!
45.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Aw, sorry it was one of *those* days. Meh. Here’s hoping tomorrow will be better! Thanks for checking in.
46.
Cari | March 3, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Well, today I didn’t write due to other obligations. (An event, a training, shopping for a sink – which took entirely too long, and general cleaning, etc.) BUT! I did come up with good ideas for two scenes that need to be written.
I call win.
Ideas for tomorrow is a kind of progress.
47.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Your sub-conscious was clearly working away, even though you didn’t get to actually write, lol. And having those ideas waiting for tomorrow is awesome — I always love it when I’ve stopped mid-scene or something, so the words will start flowing right away the next day. So yeah, definite win!
48.
Mindy Alyse Weiss | March 3, 2011 at 9:09 pm
What a great post! I’m sorry about the power outages, etc. but yay for planning ahead! I back everything up like crazy and usually print out a bunch of hard copies if it looks like we might lose power, so I know I’ll have manuscripts to work on.
It felt like I didn’t get much done today, but I finished the first draft of my synopsis and polished it up the best I could before bringing it for a critique in my monthly group tonight. Looks like it’s in fairly decent shape for an early draft–but I’m sure I’ll be polishing it up until the day I have to send it for the WIP grant.
I still need a lot more work on my MG query/cover letter blurb, but at least I have an okay start.
And I polished up about thirty pages of the MG I’m trying to send to a few beta readers soon.
Good luck with your new YA!
49.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Thanks, Mindy! Between the synopsis and the polishing pages, it sounds like a pretty productive day — way to go! (Good luck with the WIP grant!!)
Thanks for checking in….
50.
esteewood | March 3, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Yesterday’s errand running ate up the day, so I started today determined to get back on track. I spent the morning teaching art in my first grader’s class, but I got a thousand words this afternoon before the kids got home from school. I’m still mired in chapter 9.
51.
Shari Green | March 3, 2011 at 9:50 pm
1000 words – sweet! Way to go! You’ll be un-mired before you know it.
52.
Andrea S. Michaels | March 3, 2011 at 10:48 pm
First of all, I’m just so happy you’re on wordpress
I’m forced to use my blackberry for internet as my laptop’s packed and commenting on blogger is a … Well, it’s not easy, let’s just settle on this! 
so there you go, my first obstacle is technology. Not that I mind much, I’m writing much better on paper and I’m not in the process of editing just yet. So it’s no biggies.
I really enjoyed your post, it’s amazing what circumstances can force you to do. And it really is just a state of mind: if you’re looking for solutions, you’ll find them. Thanks for this Shari!
53.
Shari Green | March 4, 2011 at 7:29 am
Thanks for checking in, Andrea.
It’s pretty neat how circumstances we might’ve thought weren’t great can turn out for the best — like how some of our best writing can happen when we’re forced to write longhand instead of on the computer, lol.
54.
Jess @ Blog Schmog | March 3, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Wow, I’m here. I’m still prego, still late, still waiting. Today I did make a mini bit of progress on my goals. I printed out a good copy of my one sheet and found the page protectors. Then I got outta dodge and tried to forget about the fact that my head feels like molasses and my feet like lead. Not to mention the 20 extra pounds I’m packing in the form of a pregnant belly when I should be holding my little boy! Mad editing tomorrow if I’m still around… I’ve got a contest deadline coming.
55.
Shari Green | March 4, 2011 at 7:32 am
Aw, still waiting? Hang in there!
You’ll be holding your new sweetie before you know it…. In the meantime, happy editing, lol!
56.
Jean | March 3, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Well, I thumbnailed about 1 page today, and veered off in another direction entirely (new project, lots of excitement!).
So, I think I’m my biggest obstacle – chasing rabbits as they appear. Tomorrow, I have time free to go to the studio, where there is no internet and a great deal of silence. Can’t wait. Will round that off with some cafe writing in the afternoon.
Glad to hear that progress takes so many forms, and that everyone has obstacles. Thanks for the post about how you avoided obstacles, Shari. Planning can make a big difference.
57.
Shari Green | March 4, 2011 at 7:34 am
I know what you mean about chasing rabbits — I can be a little ADD with ideas.
The quiet, internet-free studio sounds like a wonderful place to get things done. Enjoy!
Thanks for checking in, Jean.
58.
L.S. Taylor | March 3, 2011 at 11:25 pm
My day started at 3 a.m., when after tossing and turning one too many times, I sat up and said, “Screw this, I’m getting some writing done.” Best. sleeping drug. ever. And I made progress before passing out again.
This afternoon, I read two short stories.
In the back of my mind, I have had some ideas going through my head about the writing contest I want to enter, idly trying to find a short story idea. I’m starting to get inklings of ideas.
Then this evening, after going to the movies, I came back to get some more work done on my WIP rewrites. An important revelation is about to happen, and it’s made harder by the fact that there are other parties listening in, and at least two of the people in the room Really Need To Talk Alone.
As for my plans? Well, I’m glad I have a laptop, is all I can say. I have the coffee shop meeting room booked for four hours tomorrow night, so there’ll be some group writing (yay). Then on Sunday, we leave on the bus for Whistler, where we’re going to have a lovely little vacation. But there’s going to be time when we have downtime, usually in the evening, so I’m looking forward to using those snatches to keep up my momentum.
59.
Shari Green | March 4, 2011 at 7:36 am
Way to take advantage of little snatches of time! Awesome! And the group writing time for tonight sounds wonderful – enjoy!
I hope you have a great time at Whistler.
60. March Madness Day 4, It’s Like a Fantasy! » Craig Pirrall | March 3, 2011 at 11:56 pm
[...] enough with the Fantasy Island theme. Shari did that great Sesame Street post yesterday. Maybe I was subconsciously influenced, so I’m just gonna quit while I’m ahead so things [...]
61.
Edna | March 4, 2011 at 9:45 am
Hi All! (HI, Shari, thanks for hosting Thursdays!)
I’m in catch up mode on writing in my check-ins but I’ll soon be right there w/ the rest of you…
For Thursday, I reviewed my plot points for my first PB project, gathered up my receipts for taxes and did a rough sketch for the illustration I’m subbing w/ my poem. I also cleaned up the poem a little bit, as well. Indeed, these are baby steps but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction (albeit a little late).
Keep it up, everyone, I’ll “see” ya’all on Friday’s blog check-in…
62.
Shari Green | March 4, 2011 at 10:30 am
Yay Edna! I’m glad you made it. Thanks for checking in! (But why did you have to remind me about taxes… ugh.)