As I mentioned, I've picked up some new freelancing work, so I'm trying to keep up with the old stuff while getting some new topics going. I'm also finishing up the design and content for Miss Write, which will be launching by the end of the weekend (I hope!). It won't have much content to begin with because I was going to wait until September to launch it, but I'm running an ad in the digital edition of Shroud so I wanted to get the site up now. But just you wait! I've got many things planned for the site and I'm super-stoked and inspired about it. It will include some of my writing articles plus tons of new content, so stay tuned!

I decided to make the decision to drop WeSeWriMo. I hate to do it but things are just too nuts right now. We just came back from vacation, and we go camping in about 3 weeks. All of this, coupled with my juggling of work stuff, and I needed to let something go before I go b-a-n-a-n-a-s.

I hope to get at least some fiction writing in these next few weeks – because I will certainly become Miss Grumpy if I don't – but I'm not sure how much it will be. 

Summer is supposed to be for vacation, right?! I feel busier now more than ever.

• the I'm-so-brilliant stage where I can't believe the amazing idea I concocted
• the this-is-the-worst-thing-I've-ever-written stage, which comes when I am ~this~ close to being finished and am trying to avoid the inevitable ending and having to find something else to work on

The good news is I'm now at the it's-really-truly-finally-finished-and-I-kinda-like-it stage. Which means one more read, final polishing, and then I'll submit it.

I've been in a funk since Christmas and have started about a billion stories but haven't finished one so this is extra good news for me.

Thankfully I had a few good beta readers point out some places to improve, so I snipped the dead lines and now it's all shiny & pretty (or at least as pretty as a horror tale can be).

So, after I take my editing cap off, I'll be donning my brainiac cap for some new articles I'm working on. I picked up 3 new columns, and 2 of the articles I've claimed are new territory for me. I hope I don't blow it But it'll be nice to branch out from always writing about writing. And having actual deadlines will help, since with Examiner I can post whenever I feel like it.

Anyway, you can check out my first article in the Books column at Bright Hub (okay, so I'm not in completely foreign territory with that topic. But feel free to comment!). I'll be sure to let you know when my other articles are out.

So, there you have it. Busy, busy as usual but it's all writing so it's also all good.

Right now it forwards to my articles as Toronto Writing Examiner, but I hope to expand it and build a full website, highlighting all my writerly pursuits (including my fiction & copy writing).

You would think all of these endeavors would burn me out (and occasionally they do), but I love writing ever so much, and being able to explore it in all its facets makes me the happiest girl!

Today, I'm working on that totally-crazy-so-not-me-yet-devilishly-addictive story idea I mentioned. Chris (my fiancee) gets a little impatient because when I'm working on something new, I don't like to share many (read: ANY) of the details until I have at least gotten the first draft down.

By then, I am usually stuck, and like to bend his ear for tidbits to unstick myself, but right now, I am holding my cards close to my chest because I lovelovelove this idea and really want to find the words to make it work. Eep!

When you get a story idea, how do you keep yourself from falling too much in love with it (just in case it doesn't go the way you hoped or envisioned)? Or do you think you do have to have that level of intensity about every story to make each one a success?

I'm still freelancing, but everything else has suffered. I did manage to open up a few of my stories this past week. But I quickly felt lost, completely taken out of the flow of words and not inspired at all.

Whether the stories are just not holding my attention or I just feel like I'm staring at a big chunk of clay that needs some serious slicing and shaping (and punching), I seem to have hit a slump that I don't see any way out of yet.

So, what do I do? Use it. I've got a few articles on writer's block coming up this week (if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?).

I'm trying to get some of my week's work done today so I can sit my butt at my writing desk all week and make some progress. Because there is nothing worse than feeling like everything you've written sucks and you will never have a good idea again.

Which brings me to my favorite article this week. It actually comes from last week – Develop a story idea in five minutes.

Sometimes, after working all day, I end up feeling as though it's "too late" to dive into writing. I see this as sort of a self-defeating mindset, as you have all heard my talk of being an insomniac (and there really isn't any right or wrong hour of the day to write). Why I do this to myself, I don't know. Laziness, fear of suckage, what have you. But I figure I should take my own advice, and let this method of quick writing sprints get me back into the flow of writing.

So, how do you beat writer's block? How do you conquer that nagging voice in your head that tells you that you are no good? What's the longest you've gone without writing anything new?

I do know one thing that can only help – chocolate. Email me if you need my mailing address.

If you missed 'em, my other writing articles this week include a few on travel writing (both from home and abroad), a boot camp for writers who need a little discipline (like me) and one on how using your unique writer's voice can translate into sweet book sales.

[NWC]

Toronto Writing Examiner

Although I do have to try to do as many of my articles as possible with a Toronto-specific focus, my favorite article this week was more generic, but I really loved writing it. 

As writers, I think we can all use a little help from time to time, and for some of us, it's also fascinating to read about the processes of others. So, my piece this week on brainstorming techniques may have been my most popular one so far, but I also hope it will be beneficial to other writers who need some tips to refresh their writing process.

Toronto Fashion Arts Examiner

Although I've only just started writing the Fashion Arts column, I really like this piece. It was great to get some feedback from Adriana, who is running The Bazaar of the Bizarre, and it was also nice to put my print journalism background to good use!  I really enjoyed the interview process and I plan to do longer interviews of local indie designers in the near future.

Adriana also has a totally cool, modern-yet-futuristic line of industrial-inspired clothing that I lovelovelove, so I was glad to be able to get to know her a bit better.

The Challenge of Freelancing

Now that I'm working on two columns, I really need to be more organized than ever. I'm still juggling the columns with all my other work, and still haven't found the perfect mix of work and play (my fiction writing).

But I'm determined to get things sorted – whether I try to do a bit of everything everyday, or set certain tasks for specific days of the week. Because, as my fellow writers know. strange things sometimes happen when it's all work and no play…

[NWC]

Working from home takes a certain kind of person. One with the drive to get out of bed every morning; one who can both set and meet goals with no Boss Man or Woman looking over their shoulder; and one who, when starting out on that path to the desk, can muster up the gumption to sidestep the landmines of daytime television, irresponsible snacking and the draw of the daily nap.

I am not necessarily that person. I try. Even if I do sneak in a siesta now and then.

Last year, I made myself a schedule. Sure, the planning out of my day was, in part, an exercise in procrastination. As I color-coded each chunk of my day in Google Calendar, I quickly fell into routine and damn, if I didn't feel like I was accomplishing something when I was able to, for the most part, stick to it.

But now, I find myself faltering. I ignore those handy-dandy daily reminders in my inbox. I sneakily hit snooze on the ReminderFox pop-ups under the illusion that if I can't see 'em, they aren't there. And slowly but surely, my productivity has taken a nosedive.

Today, I said enough. New year, time for a new plan of attack. It's obvious I can't do everything I want to do in a day. Time to go with the flow and do what I can.

I've got my freelancing to attend to. My copywriting website to update. My shopping site to revamp, and its corresponding blog to update. Not to mention the 7 or 8 short stories I started as part of my NaNo collection (plus another 8 to 10 half-finished pieces whispering at me from the bottom of my WIP pile).

Seriously, I had pretty much plotted out a space for every one of those tasks on a daily basis. I'm talking "from 10 to 12 will be my Morning Writing Session, after which I'll take an hour for lunch while I conceptualize, write, edit and post a fashion blog, followed by an hour of seeking out new copywriting projects, then depending on the day I either source new markets or promote or market or network all 3 websites, then squeeze in another 2-hour writing session before quitting and starting dinner/laundry/chores/going insane".

Yeah. Do you see what I mean? No wonder I lost momentum. It's a dizzying schedule. And I don't even have any kids (though the cat could rival a room full of toddlers any day of the week).

So, although I'll still be my own personal carny, of sorts, where I must juggle my day-to-day life with my entrepreneurial and creative aspirations, I've come to realize that I can only do so much, and as long as I'm doing what I love, I've already accomplished my goals.

Even if there's always another load of laundry waiting to be done.

WIPS:

- after a month and a half of no fiction writing whatsoever, I finally got back to work on my NaNo 2009 WIP. Story 1: boring. Now i know why I've been putting it off for so long. So, I've taken a new approach, started working on a new intro and I think I'm getting excited about it again

- Looked at upcoming fiction deadlines to see what interests me, where I want to submit pieces to, and came to the realization that I need to clone myself if I want to do it all. Doing it all well is another story. Either way, I've got the remaining NaNo stories to pick through – hopefully at least one will match with an upcoming deadline to give me some sort of direction on which one to work on first

- As part of my personal challenge to do the 500 Words A Day Challenge, I actually managed to get just over 1K today. Woo! Can we say "icon upgrade"?

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments!

Fellow WIP Wednesday participants:

• Cate Gardner: WIP Wednesday: Dead Pearls Floating

• Mercedes Yardley: WIP Wednesday: Whoomp! (there it is)
• Barry Napier: Hurry up and wait
• Jennifer Tatroe: WIP Wednesday: The Voice
• Aaron Polson: WIP Wednesday: The Big Feelings About Genre
  

I knew this already. I learned this when I used to run an online shop selling beaded jewelry & knitted/crocheted items that I made. You wear different hats when you work for yourself. Designer, marketer, sales, technical support, website developer, etc. You have no choice.

It's the same with freelance writing. If I don't tell anyone about my pieces, no one will know. At the same time, no one wants to hear me only talking about myself. 

So, this week, I found myself trying to balance the workload with networking, as well as keeping in touch with my writing friends and doing a little personal writing on the side.

I did alright. I feel like my online life – blogging, Tweeting, interacting – has suffered a bit, which may seem like a good thing productivity-wise, but those relationships are about more than just screwing around online all day. I'm hoping that once I get into a good groove, I'll be able to balance everything better.

On that note, regardless of how busy I've been, I'm still having fun writing for Examiner! I've been getting positive feedback and it's great that people are enjoying my work.

Here's a quick recap of my articles for the week. Don't be scared – most aren't too long

I'd love it if you could take a peek, maybe post a comment or vote in a few of the Lunchtime Polls!

• The Great Varsity Cut & Paste at UofT this weekend
• Lunchtime poll: what aspect of your writing needs improvement?
• International Festival of Authors gets cash influx
• Submission Tracking from Writer's Database
• Lunchtime poll: what’s your genre?
• Lunchtime poll: How do you write?
• Submission Tracking from Duotrope’s Digest
• Lunchtime Poll: What form(s) of writing do you do?
• Submission Tracking from Writer’s Market
• Science Fiction writing workshops at the Toronto Public Library

Thanks again for reading! I should also have some exciting news to share soon – just waiting for it to be official!

[NWC]

My word count on fiction projects for 2010? Zilch.

So far, most of my time has been spent getting into the routine of writing articles for Examiner, promoting said articles, and working on my other websites (Indie Collective, styleFLASH & Outstanding Ink) as well as giving this one a bit of a facelift.

At the end of 2009, I toyed with the idea of re-opening my online boutique (I was a jewelry designer/knitter/crocheter for a long time). Who am I kidding?! I barely have time to sleep these days.

I'm starting to discover that I may very well be a workaholic. I can't seem to turn my brain off at night. The cogs keep turning, going over article ideas, stories I want to write, emails I need to send, etc.

So, the fact is, I haven't written anything new, other than articles. But at least I'm still writing. Unfortunately, the perfectionist in me isn't happy with that!

So, I've decided to take part in Inkygirl's 500 Words A Day Challenge!

The good news? I've been here before. Last year, I started my Writer's Accountability Chart and this week, I've been slowly getting back into the routine of not only using it, but using my blank board as motivation to work toward checking off some of the categories daily.

500 Words was one of my targets, and although I'd like to do more (told you…workaholic/perfectionist), I need to be realistic. With everything else that's going on, 500 words of fiction (on top of whatever daily articles I produce) seems like a good fit for now.

So, what are your writing goals for 2010? Or your life goals even? Besides reading and writing more, I'd like to write some letters, spend more time with family & friends, and continue to strive for my dreams.

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments!

Fellow WIP Wednesday participants:

• Jeremy Kelly – WIP Wednesday: The Driven Snow
• Katey Taylor: WIP Wednesday slides in under the line

[NWC]

It's amazing how may events and interesting tidbits I've come across already for local writers, and I look forward to spotlighting more signings, classes and, especially, more local authors.

In case you need to get caught up, here are my latest articles so far:

• A winning writing strategy to start off the New Year
• McNally Robinson author events ignite a passion for writing
• Indie Writers Deathmatch is a grudge match of literary proportions (deadline has been extended to Jan. 10!)
• Toronto loses a hub of inspiration for aspiring writers
• Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad unites Canadians with the world
• Writing workshops and retreats from Footprint Memoirs 

Watch for weekly recaps starting this Sunday (I was a day late – getting back into post-holiday routine and all) as well as a series this week featuring submission tracking software for writers.

Thanks again for all the clicks and comments on my articles so far. My success as Toronto Writing Examiner depends not only on my contributions but feedback from readers as well. So I appreciate you taking the time to read my work. Thank you for getting me excited to sit at my desk and write everyday!

[NWC]

In case you missed it on Facebook & Twitter, I picked up a new gig as the Toronto Writing Examiner at Examiner.com!

While I've only just begun, I'm having a blast! My task is to share local writing news, including workshops, events, book signings and anything that I feel fellow writers will find beneficial. It's a bit different than posting here in my own blog. Although I try to infuse my own voice into each piece, I do still have to maintain a certain objectivity and keep myself out of the story. Either way, I'm loving the job so far and I hope you are enjoying my articles!

For those who have asked, I do get paid for my articles, but not on a flat fee. My earnings depend upon visitors, clicks, subscribers and comments – so the more the merrier!

If you want to give this freelancer a little support, here are a few ways you can help:

1. READ my articles at http://www.examiner.com/x-33703-Toronto-Writing-Examiner and share the links with friends & colleagues interested in books & writing. And make sure to comment!
2. TWITTER: Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/torontowriting and RETWEET my posts! or click the TWEET THIS button within each article
3. SUBSCRIBE: sign up for email notifications of new articles http://tinyurl.com/yb9n6f9 and pass the links along to friends
4. STUMBLE UPON: Add the SumbleUpon toolbar to your web browser and click the "I Like this" button
More Info here: http://www.stumbleupon.com/productdemo/
5. DIGG: Submit and/or vote on my articles on DIGG – http://digg.com/users/torontowriting

I know – you've got a busy life. But even a quick sentence or two, or a one-click subscribe will help me out. I really do appreciate your interest so much, as it allows me to truly do what I love. How many of us can say that about our jobs? I feel so lucky to be able to do just that, and again, it means so much that I have people in my life who support and encourage me to strive for my dreams

Okay, enough sentimentality. I've got some articles to write! Watch for a recap of my articles coming soon…

P.S. A few of my writing buddies are also Examiners. Want the latest book news? Check out Jenny as the Harrisburg Book Examiner! Want the scoop on the latest scary flicks? Read James' column as the Harrisburg Horror Movie Examiner.

[NWC]