Firstly, my apologies…..I am so behind with blog reading (about 3 days) but I will catch up over the weekend, I promise 🙂
On the 31st December I am due to finish using Judy Reeves book, A Writers Book Of Days which has been my companion throughout 2012. I’m a firm believer in a daily writing practice and I have no hesitation in saying that using Judy’s book has improved my writing ten fold. Yes, it’s been hard work at times. There have been days when I really haven’t felt like writing, there have been days when the prompt given didn’t really inspire me. But I still did it, and have written a piece for every single prompt in the book (well, ok, it’s not the 31st yet, but do you honestly think I’ll give up now? Lol). There are about 400 prompts in the book (the 365 plus bonus ones) and if you average it out as 500 words per prompt, plus my Nano work I reckon that in 2012 I wrote, approximately….220,000 words! 🙂
It was only after Nano that I realised that the book was actually coming to an end. When I turned that page and saw December. Now, I could just start all over again on January the 1st, but that’s not really a challenge is it? I want something new, something different. So, I’ve decided that during 2013 I will be working with this.
The Daily Writer by Fred White looks brilliant! I’m so excited to be starting another year round challenge (I don’t make life easy for myself do I?). I’m hoping there will be lots of inspiring ideas in this one that I can share 🙂
But to keep me on track with the WIP (The Last Word Cafe) I’ve joined Sally Quilfords 100K in 100 Days challenge. Which is to write 1000 words a day every day…piece of cake after Nano right? 😉 I did it last year but didn’t keep track of how many words I wrote every day, (and this year Sallys set up a FaceBook group!) so I’ll be more aware of my word count 🙂 It’s so hard when you hand write a lot though….so 2013 will see me using the MacBook Air for all my writing. I will kind of miss my notebooks, but I’m sure I’ll be able to fill them with lots of other stuff 🙂
Fancy joining me this year? committing to writing daily?
The View Outside 
I have signed up to do the challenge and looking forward to it. Sounds more manageable for my chaotic life than 50k in 30 days. 🙂
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Brilliant Sabrina! 🙂
Definitely! Good luck honey xx
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Good luck! 🙂
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Thanks Chris! 🙂
Should be able to do the novel by June now easy 😉 lol
Xx
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I am so behind. I thought I’d catch up during the holidays, but no. I’ve fallen more behind. I understand. I think it’s great you’ve set a goal for yourself to write 100 words a day. I bet you can do it without any problem!
I understand the challenge of inspiration or the feeling of not wanting to write certain prompts!
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I know the feeling Becca 😦
Thanks honey 🙂 I’m feeling very positive about it now….lets see if I still feel the same come February lol
Xx
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I’m not sure I want to commit to that, but I’m sure I’ll end up writing that many words anyway.
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I think I’m the type of writer who needs something to give me a push….or I’ll end up on Twitter, FB and blogs all day 😉
Xx
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Good luck! It will get the ball rolling for 2013 for sure. I love that you switch up the challenges.
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Thanks Catherine 🙂
I LOVE tackling and experiencing new things, I also love learning, so this book (from what I can see from the initial flick) will be ideal! 🙂
Xx
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maybe………..
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He he he 😉
Xx
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Well done sticking to your challenge – and good luck with the 2013 one.
I plan to write much more this year so I’m thinking of doing the 100k challenge.
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Thanks Patsy! 🙂
Good luck to you too honey xx
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Vikki, that’s insane! I’m so so impressed 🙂 I can’t believe that you’ve had anytime to do much else 🙂
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Neither can I honey!!!! And now I know why I’m constantly tired! Lol 😉
Xx
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haha after a year of hard work, i’m glad you figured it out 🙂 But seriously, that’s so so cool. 200k words 🙂
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Thanks honey 🙂
Now if only all that had been on 2 projects I’d have 2 novels! 😉
Xx
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My resolutions for 2013 are slightly different than yours. Firstly to get more ‘paid’ freelance work, revise my NaNo novel, plan out a couple of joint ventures & make it back ‘home’ (England) for a vacation in the summer. Isn’t that enough?
Good luck with your challenges.
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Those are good resolutions Mandy 😉
Ooooo, whereabouts in England will you be visiting in the summer?
Xx
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Most of my family are Hampshire & Berkshire but one brother in Northamptonshire. No set date yet but probably July.
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Ooooo, perhaps we could meet for a coffee, if you have time that is 🙂
Xx
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I would love that just need to squeeze in as much as possible during my stay. Probably 3 weeks maximum 😦
Will let you know nearer the time.
Happy & ‘wordy’ New Year to you
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Happy New Year honey, but no pressure ok 🙂
Xx
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A brilliant idea! I should do this too! I have a novel that I didn’t quite finish from NaNoWriMo!
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Ahhhhh, well this is a good incentive! 😉
Good luck if you decide to do it!
Xx
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Im attempting the 1000 words a day challenge as well, got quite a bit planned!
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He he he, good luck Jayne!
Xx
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See you on Sally’s group next week!
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You sure will Edith! 🙂
Xx
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I love the Daily Writer! I have it on my Kindle and I plan on digging into it more in 2013. 🙂
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Have you seen The Daily Reader CB?
Xx
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Yes!! It’s on my wish list! 🙂
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I’m so impressed with what you achieved this year. Sticking to it like that is not easy! Well done!
As for Sally’s challenge, if there’s a Facebook group to help me keep track of things and chat about it, I may well join. I’m ready to get started on the next thing. I need to go and find it now.
Love how you set yourself challenges. I have set myself a few for 2013 🙂
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Thanks Rebecca 🙂
There’s already quite a lot of chatting going on on the FaceBook group!
Hope you decide to join!
X
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Well, I must admit I’ve bought the Judy Reeves book after hearing so much about it from you. I’m going to start it in January.
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Oh excellent Rachel! 🙂
You won’t be disappointed!
Xx
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You have amazing stamina Vikki – good luck 🙂
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Lol, thanks Sandra, but I read on FB today that a writer I know by association wrote 350,000 words in 2012! Now, THAT’S stamina 😉
Xx
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I really need to do Judy’s book, which I do have, but haven’t used. I think I may sign up for one of those challenges you recommend. I really want to write my novel in 2013. No ifs, ands or buts about it!
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Judy’s book is brilliant Leah 🙂
Well, the 1000 words challenge will mean that you could have a completed novel in 100 days! How good would THAT feel? 😉
Good luck honey xx
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Yet the book is also ideal for more seasoned writers who are ready to get serious about the craft. That’s where I was with my own writing when I was first introduced to this book, and it made me realize that writing could be more than just a way to pass the time when I was feeling inspired.
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Thanks for stopping by Gail, and apologies for taking so long to reply….I’ve just found your comment in my spam folder! 😦
Oh, totally! I’ve been working with it a week now and it’s given me loads to think about 🙂
Xx
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