Monday, November 24, 2008

Pick Myself Up, Dust Myself Off, and Start All Over Again

...Well, not all over. But a new shot at a different 5,000 word day. That's a good thing.

Some days are not meant to be. Yesterday was one of those days. Responsibilities of mommy-dom came first and unexpected twist and turns to a day will just do that to you (or me)--sink 5,000 words that is.

I had a decent start. All my stickies lined up. A pretty latte next to the computer. I even removed that first sticky before the day disinigrated.

I knew I was officially done when, at the end of the day, I really wanted to try and knock the words out, but I was getting nowhere. I was at a point where it all felt too hard and not fun. Once you get into a not-fun space, it's time to be okay with not meeting the challenge. Although, I have to admit, that wasn't what made me say, "It's okay, Jolie. You don't have to do it today. Give yourself a break." What made me realize I needed to hang it up was when my husband walked in the room and told me it didn't have to happen today and that I was starting to LOOK LIKE HANK. See below:


Nuff said!

When one starts to look like Hank, one needs to stop worry about 5,000 words and start to think about putting one's self to bed.

9 comments:

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

Just found your blog. I am a mommy too and some days are just like this. I find on these days, its better to take a break and come back fresh as opposed to beating myself up Its frsutrating though when you want to write but your brain is not cooperating.
Shelli
http://faeriality.blogspot.com/

holly cupala said...

Some days just are not meant to be, esp when being mommy comes first. Even a thousand is amazing - really. I remember sighing with relief when Shannon Hale, who I admire so much, said a typical writing day might be only 200, and that's ok.

So today is a new day - and here I am, procrastinating. But I still need that tiny amount of puttering behind the starting block, kwim?

Your latte looks so yummy - I want one. Did you make that fancy flower?

Kim Baise said...

I didn't finish my art yesterday either. I crashed early while putting the baby to sleep.
But so far, today things are better and it looks like I'll finish what I started yesterday by tonight. I hope.
That beautiful flower latte is for me, right?

holly cupala said...

Jolie, I need you to come crack your whip at me! I'm pitiful today! Though it's fun to savor the almost-kiss scene...but ack! Give me a lash to get back on track!

How's your day going?

MotherReader said...

I'm impressed that you even try to write with the ambition you do. Hope that you enjoyed the pretty latte and know that tomorrow is waiting with words aplenty.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jolie- you have been such a help to me through my NaNoProcess. I've used stickies, and even given my novel a goofy name- Inspiring YA Novel.
Thanks for putting all your great ideas out there so we can learn from them!

Cuppa Jolie said...

Shelli, I'm glad you found me. Moms just understand these things. Not that I didn't still beat myself up, but I'm over it now.

Holly - I wish I could claim making that purdy flower.

Kim - there must be an identical latte for you. You in with me tomorrow?

MotherReader - ah, I'm so glad you stopped by and with such nice words for me. Of course I enjoyed that latte.

Annie - you're welcome! I'm so glad I was helpful. That makes me feel good.

Kim Baise said...

Hi Jolie, I'm awake and I'm in with you for today. I can't stop now! I was up late. Everyone went to bed after Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving so I had some time to work but I'm still not finished. D doesn't have school today but I think he'll be thrilled to watch a few cartoons with his sister this morning :)

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