No matter genre we write or read, I think we can all relate to this. How times have you read a sex scene and suddenly felt like you were either missing out or doing it wrong?
I wish I could say today’s Row80 post was all about writing sex scenes, but it’s not. I just wanted to share the picture:)
Onto Row80!
This week turned out to be really productive. The first half of the week resulted in a major plotting breakthrough with The Prophet, and I was able to dig into writing on Wednesday, as well as Friday and Saturday. I wrote about 2700 words this week, just short of my goal of 3,000. I’m feeling pretty good about them, too.
I’ve been overcoming my whole “butt in the chair” issue by telling myself I’m just going to sit down and write 250 words. By the time I get those done, the scene is usually moving, and I can keep writing.
My query letter is getting closer to being ready, and I’ve made some major decisions on who I’m going to query my completed MS to and why.
And I’m REALLY excited to announce that I will be interviewing Allison Brennan this week in a special Thriller Thursday edition! She’s one of my favorite authors, and I’m honored to be able to speak with her.
On the home front, Grace had her first performance as a Jr. Rider Girl Friday night. She hasn’t had any dance or cheerleading, and they only had one practice together. I was so nervous I had to have a drink to calm down. I just didn’t want her to go out there and freeze up and feel bad. But she did GREAT! We were so proud of her! She’s in the middle of the front row, fourth from right:
Some great blog posts for you to check out:
The always hilarious Tawna Fenske talks about peckers and spam here.
Roni Loren had the post of the week with her rant about blogging, platforms, and the pressure on writers. It’s a must read.
Jami Gold had a really informative post about what it takes to actually sell your book. Another must read.
Julie Glover posted about the frustrating and sometimes delicate matter of
discussing politics with friends and family. This one really hit home for me.
How was your Row80 week? Do you have any great links to share?
Em
Sounds like you have had a brilliantly productive week and I am glad when you do sit down the words are flowing!
I love the cartoon, so true! Have a great week!
Stacy Green
Thanks so much, Em. I’m going to be heading out of town Wednesday, so I had to get some serious work in this week. Hope you have a good week as well.
Em
Sounds like you have had a productive week and I am glad that when you sit down the words are flowing!
Love the cartoon, I totally agree! Have a great week!
Stacy Green
Thanks so much! It’s been a while since I had two productive weeks in a row, so I’m happy:)
Nicole Basaraba
I like the idea of the 250 word goal. Maybe I should try that this week. Open the WIP try to write at least 250 words a day because now I write one day, take a day off. Maybe slow and steady is the way to win the race. 🙂
Stacy Green
It really helped me, Nicole. You know I have trouble “feeling” like I want to write. Slow and steady can definitely be better than fast and furious. Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!
Julie Jordan Scott
Wow. I am a very nervous Mom when my children are performing… and you would think that since I am a stage Mom and have been for years I would know better…(but I still don’t!)
Don’t productive weeks feel great? I have always found slow-and-steady to be much more conducive to quality work than fast-and-furious. Reminds me of my Granny’s “The Hurrier I Go the Behinder I Get.”
Have a grand writing week filled with word~love!
Stacy Green
I’m not a stage mom – this was more my husband’s idea than mine – but I was so nervous for her. I just wanted her to be happy with it.
And yes, it does. Definitely an improvement over September. Thanks for the encouragement – hope you have a great week as well!
Angela Wallace
Cool. Good luck with the queries! It’ll be fine. 🙂
Stacy Green
Thanks, Angela! Hopefully it won’t be too excruciating:)
Liz
Good job keeping your butt in chair! And surviving your daughter’s performance! Sounds like a great week. You asked for links. Here’s one of my favorite posts from this week’s reading: http://thewildpomegranate.com/2011/10/15/taking-a-load-off/
Stacy Green
Thanks so much! I was so worried about her performance. I thought for sure she’d freeze in front of the ground. And thanks for the link – will check it out!
ClaireMcA
Great cartoon – but you didn’t share whether you have tried to write a sex scene, now there’s an interesting topic.
Stacy Green
Oh yes, I’ve written sex scenes. I don’t have a problem with them. I try to make them more intense without being graphic. There’s definitely an art to it.
Thanks!
Kelly Hashway
That cartoon is too funny! And I’m totally with you. Books make everything seem so steamy. I’m a little jealous.
Congrats on your word count this week. Keep that positive energy going.
Stacy Green
Thanks, Kelly. Hopefully I can continue. And yes, they do. Steamy and without clumsiness or awkwardness.
Gina
love the cartoon – i think part of the reason i write middle grade is to avoid sex scenes all together. ha!
congrats on your query letter – do you have a favorite resource for tips?
-gina
Stacy Green
Gina
LOL. They are tough to write. And thanks for the encouragement. Favorite resource for tips on queries? Queryshark.com is a great one – has examples of queries and everyone weighs in. You can also check out Lit Agent blogs like Book Ends. They provide a lot of resources. Good luck!
Barbara McDowell
Great progress Stacy and like others said, I love the low word count approach that always leads to more. I use that idea with my exercise. The trick is to just get is started. 🙂
Stacy Green
Thanks, Barbara! I need to apply that to exercise, too. Hope you had a great week.
Hartford
Great progress!! Sooo proud of you. Love the cartoon and yeahhhh for Grace – fab!!! And like all the others said, I love the low word count approach and how it always leads to more. What a wonderful little trick. Great work on your goals – keep it up!! Woot woot!!
Stacy Green
Thanks so much! I’m so glad Grace’s performance is over, lol. Doesn’t have another until Jan or Feb. And hopefully the low word count trick keeps working.
Ghenet Myrthil
That cartoon is hilarious. Good job this week!
Stacy Green
Isn’t it? Thanks so much for stoping by!
Gene Lempp
Nice job on the word count, Stacy. I love your little butt in chair trick, I’ve used the same one at times, especially after a long day at the job. Works like a charm.
Have a great coming week 🙂
Stacy Green
Thanks, Gene. I hope it keeps working. And good for you, getting the butt in the chair after the day job. That would be tough for me. And you, too!
Jami Gold
Thank you so much for the link love! I’m glad people have been finding that post helpful. And congrats on finding such a great writing groove. 🙂
Stacy Green
You’re very welcome. I enjoyed your post quite a bit. And thank you. Hoping I can stick to it:)
Tia Bach
Sounds like a great week. Enjoy the author interview. I love writing, but I geek out at meeting other writers I admire. 😉
Looking forward to following your progress, and love the comic!
Stacy Green
It was, thank you. And Allison is great. She’s been very approachable and supportive. Thanks so much, hope you had a great week, too.
heatherishither
Great job this week! I definitely feel the same way on the steamy stuff. One of the things I love about reading YA — I feel more adequate.
Stacy Green
Thanks so much, Heather. I don’t mind the steamier stuff, but some of what I read cracks me up. Hope you have a great week!
Angela Orlowski-Peart
Awesome week, Stacy. I’m so impressed! Congratulations. You are a great inspiration 🙂
Stacy Green
Thanks, Angela! This week is a short week for me so I had to do as much as I could this last one.