ROW80 Round 1: The End!

Posted by

I can’t believe Round 1 is at an end! Crazy how time flies.

For those of you who haven’t heard of Round of Words in 80 Days, it’s a writing challenge where writers set their own measurable goals four times a year, and cheer each other on while we reach for them.

Over the last few days, I’ve written the final scenes of my paranormal romance novella Flight. It’s always such a rollercoaster for me to finish a book, like my brain can’t process both the finishing touches of a story and my personal emotions simultaneously. Having this deadline was really good for me. I can shy away from final scenes, because I worry I won’t get them right, despite the fact I know I’ll be editing and revising later. Silly. But I’m often silly — I’ve just learned to work around my worst habits and inclinations. 🙂

I didn’t make all of my goals for the round — by far. And honestly, I learned something from that, as it’s the second time in a row I’ve set my goals way too high. Next round I’m learning moderation on the goal side — because I think I should let myself feel successful here, you know? I am making lots of progress. I just haven’t been able to clear as much of my time for “my stuff” as I’d like. There’s no point in wearing a big frowny face over the past. Stressing out does not produce word count, or proofed pages, or published books. So there, stress. I’m turning a blind eye in your direction.

I will definitely be back for Round 2. I already know my goals for next round, but I’m not sharing them for a few days. 🙂

Here’s how I did in Round 1:

1) Write Flight, the third Children of the Sidhe novella. Status: I’ve just finished this by the skin of my teeth. And I like it. 
2) Work on the paper edit of Queen Witch, the book I wrote last round, by editing 10 pages a week starting February 19. Until then, I’m getting some distance from that project. Status: This one I didn’t touch this round.
3) Exercise three days a week for at least 30 minutes, to improve my energy level. Status: Some positive changes and steps in the right direction, but I didn’t achieve this goal.

So that’s how I did. I’ll be trying to stop by a bunch of ROWer blogs over the next few days to check on others. And see you all in ten days!!

About J.R. Pearse Nelson

J.R. Pearse Nelson is a fantasy and romance writer from Oregon, USA. She lives with her husband and two daughters among the plentiful trees and clouds of the beautiful Willamette Valley. J.R. is always searching for the magic in our world. She weaves tales rooted in mythology, bringing legend to life in modern-day and fantasy settings. J.R. is the author of the Of the Blood fantasy romance series, the Foulweather Twins fantasy series, and the Water Rites fantasy series. You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.
View all posts by J.R. Pearse Nelson »

3 comments on “ROW80 Round 1: The End!”

  1. Sometimes I see some of the goals set by my fellow ROW80ers and say “Better them than me!” LOL. One thing I always do is make sure I don’t set my goals too high. Sometimes, even then, I don’t always meet my goals, but that’s my fault. I think it’s wise to make sure the goals you set are doable…and I mean doable without extra stress. If you set a goal of 1000 a day, but you feel more comfortable with 500, then 500 is better. The 1000 word goal might be too stressful. Then if you make 1000 words, you feel like doing the happy dance. We have to leave time for other things in our lives. 🙂

    • You are so wise! It’s true, must leave lots of time for other things in our lives…like two precious little girls who just want mommy to have fun. They’re so great for me! 🙂

  2. I agree with Lauralynn! I’d rather exceed my goals than to disappoint myself. (It’s all in perspective…I set myself up to ‘feel’ successful…lol. It’s a gift. Ha!)

    I’m excited to hear that you’re soon to publish the next in the Sidhe series. I cannot wait to read…

    Some people thrive under a word count goal. Not this chickie. 🙁 I’d rather set a time goal. Some days the words pour out of me…and others, I do better reading over what I wrote the day before and sharpening it. I need a lot of flexibility in my goals. I demand that I be productive in some facet of my project every day…but I allow for my ‘mood-driven’ moments. Heh heh…can I copyright that phrase?

    Have a great break!

Comments are closed.